AT&T Advanced TV vs. Verizon FiOS

AT&T; Advanced TV incorporates two different options in television service. The first option, AT&T; U-verse TV, is a fiber optic television service that provides customers with great picture quality and high-resolution HD programming. Because U-verse is a relatively new product, it is not available everywhere -- it is currently only available in 22 states. Potential AT&T; customers for whom U-verse is not yet available can opt for AT&T; DirecTV as an alternative. DirecTV is a satellite television service that provides customers with access to more than 130 HD channels, television and video On Demand, and DVR service.

Verizon FiOS TV is a fiber optic television service that offers high picture quality with fewer interruptions and less weather interference than satellite television. Video content is delivered via standard broadcast video signal to a Video Hub Office, where it is then distributed directly to FiOS TV customers. Verizon provides customers with access to more than 130 HD channels, thousands of On Demand titles and an interactive media guide with FiOS TV service. Like AT&T;'s U-verse service, however, Verizon FiOS' market is still expanding and this service is not available in all areas.

AT&T; Advanced TV through the U-verse service costs between $54 and $117 a month at the date of this publication, though promotions and bundling discounts are available. U-verse packages range from 80 channels to over 410 channels and, except for the U100 package, DVR service is included. For an additional $10 per month, HD programming can be added. AT&T; DirecTV packages are available for non-promotional prices ranging between $55 and $75 and they include over 200 digital channels. DVR service can be added to DirecTV packages for $7 per month and HD programming for $10.

Verizon FiOS TV offers three packages with no term contract required. The Prime HD package offers over 195 channels, including more than 50 HD channels and access to the On Demand library featuring over 24,000 titles. The HD Extreme plan includes access to more than 285 channels, including more than 70 HD channels and almost 50 commercial-free music channels. Verizon's FiOS TV Ultimate HD plan offers more than 350 channels with almost 100 in HD and includes 23 sports channels, Showtime and The Movie Channel. The cost for Verizon FiOS TV packages range in price from $65 to $90 and vary according to available promotions.

Both AT&T; Advanced TV and Verizon FiOS TV offer offer multi-room DVR and remote access to the DVR and, depending on the package, HD programming. The U-verse DVR, however, has the ability to record up to four shows at once. Verizon FiOS TV offers more than 24,000 free On Demand programs, 2,000 of which can be viewed on PCs and mobile devices. AT&T;'s DirecTV service offers the DirecTV Cinema library of more than 6,000 free titles and early access to new release movies. The Verizon FiOS TV interactive media guide makes it easy for customers to find shows, check the weather and even access popular websites like YouTube and Facebook directly from the TV. Interactive U-verse TV services include Media Share, access to photos online from Flickr, and Yahoo! games.