AT&T, Verizon announce mobile DVR programming

The two largest U.S. wireless operators separately announced their subscribers will be able to program their home television DVRs via mobile phones. AT&T/Cingular said its AT&T Homezone customers may already view listings and manage and schedule recordings; according to rival Verizon Wireless, its own remote control service will launch next week.

The Homezone platform integrates AT&T/Yahoo! Internet, AT&T/DISH Network satellite television and AT&T Home Networking services through a single set-top device. According to AT&T, handset-enabled remote access will soon expand to include music, photos and related Homezone system content. The new TV feature is included in the $9.99 monthly Homezone subscription fee.

Verizon Wireless will roll out its remote programming service in conjunction with DVR manufacturer TiVo. The carrier will charge $1.99 per month. More details are expected when Verizon officially introduces the service next week.

Given that most consumers set up their DVRs to automatically record their favorite programs on a daily or weekly basis, it's tough to envision the remote programming concept gaining much traction. If you're already forking over ten bucks a month for Homezone service, it's no doubt a welcome addition to the subscriber menu, but it seems unlikely that many Verizon customers are going to want to shell out an additional $1.99 per month for something they can quickly and easily do from the comfort of their La-Z-Boys. 

For more on the mobile programming services:
- read this Firefox News article [1]

Related articles:
- Slingbox offers free mobile TV [2] software
- YouTube teams with Nokia for mobile [3] VOD
- Motorola enables shifting DVR content [4] to RAZR