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{{Short description|Television service provider owned by DirecTV}} |
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{{About|the current IPTV service|the former AT&T triple-play telecommunications service|AT&T Internet#U-verse}} |
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{{Infobox broadcasting network |
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| name = U-verse TV |
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| logo = |
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| logo_size = |
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| owner = [[TPG Inc.]] |
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| parent = [[DirecTV]] |
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| network_type = [[IPTV]] |
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| founded = {{Start date and age|2006|06|26}} |
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| website = {{URL|https://watch.att.com/uverse-tv/}} |
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}} |
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'''U-verse TV''' is an [[Internet Protocol television|internet protocol television (IPTV)]] service operated by [[DirecTV]]. Launched on June 26, 2006, U-verse was originally a [[Triple play (telecommunications)|triple play]] package that included [[broadband Internet]] (now AT&T Internet or AT&T Fiber), [[VoIP|IP telephone]] (now AT&T Phone), and [[IPTV]] (U-verse TV) services in 22 states.<ref name=att>{{cite web|title=AT&T U-verse Timeline|url=http://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/U-verse%20Timeline41907.pdf|publisher=AT&T|access-date=January 2, 2015|date=2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071015151925/http://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/U-verse%20Timeline41907.pdf|archive-format=pdf|archive-date=October 15, 2007|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=bbp>[http://broadbandpropertiesmagazine.epubxpress.com/wps/portal/bbp/c0/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3iLkCAPEzcPIwP3MF9TAyMnT0_PYDdvY3dLc_1I_ShznPIBxvohIBMz9SPNTCwtQMxi_UgDEF2gH2lsoF-QnZhUlRqpCADUQLI_/ Post Alexander, Atlanta, Ga.], p. 24. {{webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130122071408/http://broadbandpropertiesmagazine.epubxpress.com/wps/portal/bbp/c0/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3iLkCAPEzcPIwP3MF9TAyMnT0_PYDdvY3dLc_1I_ShznPIBxvohIBMz9SPNTCwtQMxi_UgDEF2gH2lsoF-QnZhUlRqpCADUQLI_/ |date=2013-01-22 }}</ref> |
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{{refimprove|date=August 2012}} |
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[[File:AT&T Uverse logo.jpg|223px|right]] |
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On February 25, 2021, AT&T announced that it would [[Corporate spin-off|spin off]] DirecTV into a separate entity, containing the U-verse TV and AT&T TV services, selling a 30% stake to [[TPG Capital]] while retaining a 70% stake in the new standalone company. The deal was closed on August 2, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=February 25, 2021 |title=WarnerMedia Parent AT&T Sells DirecTV Stake To Private Equity Firm TPG |url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/att-deal-directv-with-private-equity-firm-tpg-1234701305/ |website=Deadline}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=AT&T Completes DirecTV Spinoff; Satellite Operator Unites Its Internet-Delivered Bundles Under New Brand DirecTV Stream |url=https://deadline.com/2021/08/att-directv-spinoff-tpg-streaming-bundles-warnermedia-1234807615/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|first=Dade|last=Hayes|date=August 2, 2021}}</ref> |
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'''AT&T U-verse''' (or simply '''U-verse''') is an [[AT&T]] [[brand]] of [[triple play (telecommunications)|triple-play]] [[telecommunications]] services in 22 states of the [[United States]]. Launched on June 26, 2006, U-verse includes [[broadband Internet]], [[VoIP|IP telephone]], and [[IPTV]] services.<ref name=att>[http://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/U-verse%20Timeline41907.pdf AT&T U-verse<sup>SM</sup> Timeline]</ref><ref name=bbp>[http://broadbandpropertiesmagazine.epubxpress.com/wps/portal/bbp/c0/04_SB8K8xLLM9MSSzPy8xBz9CP0os3iLkCAPEzcPIwP3MF9TAyMnT0_PYDdvY3dLc_1I_ShznPIBxvohIBMz9SPNTCwtQMxi_UgDEF2gH2lsoF-QnZhUlRqpCADUQLI_/ Post Alexander, Atlanta, Ga.], p. 24.</ref> |
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==History== |
==History== |
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The current U-verse TV ultimately derives from the IPTV part of the former [[AT&T Internet#U-verse|AT&T U-verse]] [[Triple play (telecommunications)|triple-play]] [[telecommunications]] service. |
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[[SBC Communications]] (now [[AT&T Inc.]]) announced its plans for a [[fiber-optic]] network and [[IPTV|Internet Protocol television (IPTV)]] deployment in 2004 and unveiled the name "U-verse" for the suite of network services on January 6, 2008. [[Beta testing]] began in [[San Antonio]], in 2005, and AT&T U-verse was commercially launched June 26, 2006 in San Antonio. Later in 2009 the product launched in [[Chicago]], [[San Francisco]], [[Hartford, Connecticut|Hartford]], [[Indianapolis]], and other cities in their vicinity. On January 25, 2010, AT&T announced that U-verse was available to over 2.8 million households. Later that year, U-verse was launched in [[Milwaukee]], [[Dallas]], [[Kansas City metropolitan area|Kansas City]], [[Detroit]], [[Los Angeles]], [[Cleveland]], [[San Diego]], [[Oklahoma City]], and [[Orlando]].<ref name=att/> |
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[[SBC Communications]] announced its plans for a [[Optical fiber|fiber-optic]] network and [[IPTV|Internet Protocol television (IPTV)]] deployment in 2004 and unveiled the name "U-verse" (formerly "Project Lightspeed"<ref>[http://www.att.com/Common/files/pdf/att_u-verse_time_v10.pdf U-verse TV Timeline] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923175957/http://www.att.com/Common/files/pdf/att_u-verse_time_v10.pdf |date=September 23, 2015 }}</ref>) for the suite of network services in 2005. SBC eventually became AT&T in late 2005, and the AT&T name was applied for the service. AT&T U-verse was commercially launched June 26, 2006, in San Antonio.<ref name="att" /> |
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U-verse [[VoIP|Voice]] was added on January 22, 2008, and was first available in [[Detroit]].<ref name=nwc>{{AT&T Urverse Timeline http://www.att.com/Common/merger/files/pdf/U-verse%20Timeline41907.pdf}}</ref> In 2008, U-verse availability approached 8 million households, and over 225,000 customers had been enrolled, with new installations reaching 12,000 per week.<ref name=att/> By 2009, 1 million U-verse Voice customers and 2.1 million U-verse TV customers had been enrolled.<ref>[http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800 AT&T U-verse Voice Digital Home Phone Service Reaches 1 Million Lines]</ref> |
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By the third quarter of 2012, AT&T U-verse had 4.3 million TV subscribers.<ref>[http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/pdf/uverse_update.pdf U-verse Update: 3Q12] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120810120634/http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/pdf/uverse_update.pdf |date=August 10, 2012 }}</ref> |
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At an analyst meeting in August 2015, following AT&T's acquisition of satellite provider [[DirecTV]], AT&T announced plans for a new "home entertainment gateway" platform that will converge DirecTV and U-verse around a common platform based upon DirecTV hardware with "very thin hardware profiles". AT&T Entertainment and Internet Services CEO John Stankey explained that the new platform would offer "single truck roll installation for multiple products, live local streaming, improved content portability, over-the-top integration for mobile broadband, and user interface re-engineering."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-Outlines-the-Changes-DirecTV-and-UVerse-Users-Will-See-134789|title=AT&T Outlines the Changes DirecTV (and U-Verse) Users Will See|last=Bode|first=Karl|work=DSL Reports|date=August 14, 2015|access-date=August 15, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/att-put-genie-u-verse-s-bottle-393005|title=AT&T to Put 'Genie' Into U-Verse's Bottle|last=Baumgartner|first=Jeff|work=MultiChannel News|date=August 17, 2015|access-date=April 24, 2022}}</ref> |
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By the third quarter of 2012, U-verse had 4.3 million TV subscribers, 2.7 million Voice subscribers and 7.1 million High Speed Internet. This represents 7% growth quarter on quarter. The actual number of customers is lower, as most customers subscribe to a bundle (such as TV and voice) and so are counted in both categories.<ref>[http://www.att.com/Common/about_us/pdf/uverse_update.pdf U-verse Update: 3Q12]</ref> |
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In February 2016, ''Bloomberg'' reported that AT&T was in the process of phasing out the U-verse IPTV service by encouraging new customers to purchase DirecTV satellite service instead, and by ending the production of new set-top boxes for the service. An AT&T spokesperson denied that U-verse was being shut down and explained that the company was "leading its video marketing approach with DirecTV" to "realize the many benefits" of the purchase, but would still recommend U-verse TV if it better-suited a customer's needs. AT&T CFO John Stephens had also previously stated that DirecTV's larger subscriber base as a national service gave the service a higher degree of leverage in negotiating carriage deals, thus resulting in lower content costs.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-02-16/at-t-takes-u-turn-on-u-verse-as-it-pushes-users-toward-directv|title=AT&T Takes U-Turn on U-Verse as It Pushes Users Toward DirecTV|last=Moritz|first=Scott|work=Bloomberg|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=February 16, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/att-stops-making-u-verse-tv-boxes-report-402596|title=AT&T Stops Making U-verse TV Boxes: Report|last=Baumgarnter|first=Jeff|work=MultiChannel News|date=February 16, 2016|access-date=April 24, 2022}}</ref> |
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On November 7, 2012, AT&T announced plans to do the following: |
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On May 16, 2016, AT&T acquired Quickplay Media, a cloud-based platform that powers over-the-top video services.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://venturebeat.com/2016/05/16/att-acquires-quickplay/|title=AT&T acquires OTT video platform Quickplay ahead of DirecTV streaming service launch this year|last=Sawers|first=Paul|work=Venture Beat|date=May 16, 2016|access-date=May 16, 2016}}</ref> |
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* Upgrade U-verse to up to 45 megabits per second and U-verse IPDSLAM to up to 24 megabits per second. |
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* Offer U-verse IPDSLAM service to 24 million customer locations in its wireline service area by the end of 2013. |
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* Expand and enhance its wireline IP network to 75% of all customer locations in its wireline service area by the end of 2015. |
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* Expand U-verse by more than one-third or about 8.5 million additional customer locations by the end of 2015. |
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On September 19, 2016, AT&T announced that the "U-verse" brand would no longer apply to its broadband and phone services, renaming them "AT&T Internet" and "AT&T Phone", respectively.<ref name="Bode">{{cite web |last=Bode |first=Karl |date=September 19, 2016 |title=AT&T is Getting Rid of the U-Verse Brand |url=http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ATT-is-Getting-Rid-of-the-UVerse-Brand-137917 |access-date=September 19, 2016 |work=DSL Reports}}</ref><ref name="Arnason">{{cite web |last=Arnason |first=Bernie |date=September 19, 2016 |title=AT&T Says Goodbye to U-verse |url=http://www.telecompetitor.com/att-says-goodbye-to-u-verse/ |access-date=September 19, 2016 |work=Telecompetitor.com}}</ref><ref name="Farrell">{{cite web |last=Farrell |first=Mike |date=September 20, 2016 |title=AT&T Readies U-verse Brand for Ether |url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/telco-tv/att-readies-u-verse-brand-ether/407876/ |access-date=September 20, 2016 |work=MultiChannel News}}</ref> |
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On October 1, 2013, AT&T announced that it had begun deployment of a 100 percent fiber Internet broadband network in Austin that will deliver speeds up to 1 Gigabit per second. AT&T plans to begin delivering AT&T U-verse® with GigaPowerSM, the city’s fastest Internet available to consumers, along with more advanced TV services and features, in December 2013.<ref>[http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=24841&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=37036&mapcode=consumer|financial AT&T to Deliver the First All Fiber 1 Gigabit Broadband Network to Austin]</ref> |
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In selected markets, AT&T began to replace AT&T U-verse TV with a new service based on its DirecTV Now platform, [[DirecTV Stream|AT&T TV]], in August 2019.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2019-08-19/at-t-s-new-online-tv-service-looks-a-lot-like-current-offerings|title=AT&T's New Online TV Service Looks a Lot Like Current Offerings |website=Bloomberg.com|date=19 August 2019 |access-date=2019-08-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fastcompany.com/90392042/is-att-tv-a-good-deal-for-cord-cutters-read-the-fine-print|title=AT&T TV is here, but cord cutters should read the fine print before signing up|last=Newman|first=Jared|date=2019-08-19|website=Fast Company|access-date=2019-08-30}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/what-is-at-t-tv-here-is-what-we-know-now/|title=What is AT&T TV? Here's what we know now|last=Blumenthal|first=Eli|website=CNET|access-date=2019-07-31}}</ref> |
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==Services== |
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AT&T delivers U-verse service over a [[Fiber to the x#Fiber to the node|fiber-to-the-node]] (FTTN) or [[Fiber to the x#Fiber to the premises|fiber-to-the-premises]] (FTTP) communications network. In the more common FTTN deployment, [[Fiber-optic communication|fiber-optic connections]] carry all data (internet, IPTV, and voice over IP) between the service provider and a distribution node. The remaining run from the node to the [[network interface device]] in the customer's home uses a copper-wire [[current loop]] that is traditionally part of the PSTN (public switched telephone network). In more recently constructed housing developments, AT&T uses an FTTP deployment—they run fiber-optic cable from their DSLAM all the way to an [[optical network terminal]] in the customer's home. |
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On April 3, 2020, AT&T began announcing that U-verse would no longer be available to new customers. New customers ended up receiving AT&T TV for TV service.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tvanswerman.com/2020/04/03/att-stops-selling-u-verse-tv/|title=AT&T Stops Selling U-verse TV|website=TV Answer Man|date=3 April 2020 |access-date=2021-07-20}}</ref> However, by September 2020 AT&T spokesman Ryan Oliver, when asked if AT&T was still selling U-verse, said that “U-verse is available in select locations,” and "AT&T never stopped selling U-verse", even though an AT&T customer attempted to order U-verse, but ended up receiving 2 boxes of AT&T TV instead.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://tvanswerman.com/2020/09/25/__trashed/|title=Updated: AT&T Says You Can Now Order U-verse (Sort Of)|last=Swann|first=Phillip|date=2020-09-25|website=TV Answer Man|access-date=2021-07-20}}</ref> |
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In areas where AT&T deploys U-verse through FTTN, they use High-speed [[digital subscriber line]]s with [[ADSL2+]] or [[Very-high-bitrate digital subscriber line|VDSL]] technology. Service offerings depend on the customer's distance to an available port in the distribution node, or the central office. To qualify for U-verse TV service (only available through VDSL2), the customer must be less than 1000 meters (3500 feet) from a [[Video-ready access device|VRAD]], the VRAD must contain an available port, and the copper wire-loop must pass qualification. Where pair bonding is available, the maximum service distance can extend to 1600 meters (5500 feet). Pair bonding is also necessary for U–verse's fastest internet tier (Power Tier 45 Mbit/s down). More typically, AT&T serves fringe areas with IP-DSLAM ADSL2+, which does not require pair bonding or a VRAD and operates at slower bitrates than pair-bonded VDSL2. |
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On August 2, 2021, the spin off of [[DirecTV]], [[DirecTV Stream|AT&T TV]] and U-verse was completed. It is now a wholly owned subsidiary of DirecTV, with AT&T TV becoming DirecTV Stream. |
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===Television=== |
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==Services== |
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[[File:Uverseprogram guide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4 |right|AT&T U-verse's [[electronic program guide]]]] |
[[File:Uverseprogram guide.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4 |right|AT&T U-verse's [[electronic program guide]]]] |
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AT&T |
AT&T used the [[Ericsson Mediaroom]] platform to deliver U-verse TV via [[IPTV]] from the [[cable television headend|headend]] to the consumer's [[set-top box|receiver]],<ref name=attdvr>[http://www.att.com/Common/totalhomedvr/ AT&T U-verse Total Home DVR]</ref> required for each TV. Transmissions use [[Digital data|digital]] [[H.264/MPEG-4 AVC|H.264]] (MPEG-4 AVC) encoding, compared to the existing deployments of [[MPEG-2]] [[codec]] and the discontinued [[ATSC|analog cable TV system]]. The receiver box does not have a [[ATSC tuner|RF tuner]], but is an [[IP multicast]] [[client (computing)|client]] that requests the [[Television channel|channel or "stream"]] desired. U-Verse TV supports up to four/six active streams at once, depending on service tier. The system uses individual [[unicast]]s for [[video on demand]], central [[time shifting]], start-over services and other programs. |
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=== Carriage negotiations === |
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====U-verse packages==== |
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* AT&T removed [[Hallmark Channel]] and [[Hallmark Movies & Mysteries|Hallmark Movie Channel]] from AT&T U-verse TV effective September 1, 2010, due to a [[carriage dispute]]. An AT&T spokesperson stated, "Hallmark has refused to provide AT&T and its customers with a fair deal—one that is no worse than similarly-sized and smaller providers—and refused to adhere to key obligations under our current deal", while Hallmark Channel's president and CEO Bill Abbott said he was "...stunned by the apparent disregard for the facts ... If they are really serious, my team and I are ready for truly fair negotiations." After the removal, the channels temporarily provided free previews of [[Starz Kids & Family]] and [[Turner Classic Movies]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/456590-Hallmark_Channels_Go_Dark_On_AT_T_U_verse.php|title=Hallmark Channels Go Dark On AT&T U-verse|work=Multichannel News|date=September 1, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/hallmark-channel-att-uverse-1201545854/|title=Hallmark Channel Returns to U-verse After Nearly Five Years|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|work=Variety|date=July 22, 2015|access-date=January 3, 2016}}</ref> [[Crown Media Holdings]] operates the two Hallmark channels in the United States. |
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AT&T groups its general channels into progressive packages (U-family, U200, U300, and U450); each adds channels to the package before it, with rare exceptions. All subscribers receive at least the equivalent of the U-family package, which also includes 41 of the 46 [[Music Choice]] channels. Many U-family channels were also available on the historical U-basic package.<ref name=r2>[http://www.att.com/Common/files/pdf/SF_SJ_channel_lineup.pdf Channel Directory: AT&T U-verse] [January 2014]</ref> The historical U400 package is identical to the U450 package, except that U450 automatically includes the HD Services package.<ref name=r11>[http://www.buyatt.com/u-verse-tv/channel-lineup/ U-verse Channels List] [June 2014]</ref> |
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* [[Univision tlnovelas]] and [[Univision Deportes Network]] began on U-verse on May 11, 2012, after a carriage agreement was signed with [[Univision Communications]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mediamoves.com/2012/05/univision-signs-deal-to-launch-cable-networks-on-att-u-verse.html|title=Univision signs deal to launch cable networks on AT&T U-verse|work=Media Moves|date=May 11, 2012|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref> |
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* Just prior to the 2010 series premiere of the [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] program ''[[Mad Men]]'', AT&T and [[Rainbow Media]] resolved a carriage dispute without interruption to any channels. AT&T stated that Rainbow, "...had been trying to force the renegotiation of a contract for one of their other channels that is not yet expired." It was speculated that this additional contract renegotiation was for [[Sundance Channel (United States)|Sundance Channel]] and was successfully concluded, due to Rainbow Media's summation, "We're pleased to have reached an agreement with AT&T for AMC, [[WE tv]], [[IFC (U.S. TV channel)|IFC]] and Sundance Channel that truly recognizes the value of our networks."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2010/07/update-rainbow-media-and-att-are-still-talking-no-channels-have-been-dropped-54170/|title=UPDATE: Rainbow And AT&T Ink New Deal, 'Mad Men' Season Saved On AT&T U-Verse|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=July 2010|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref> |
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Specialty channels are grouped into A la Carte packages, which can be combined with the general packages: The Sports Package; ESPN FULL COURT and ESPN GamePlan; Fox Soccer ''Plus'' HD; NBA League Pass; HD Services; HD Premium Tier; Paquete [[Spanish language|Español]]; and Adult. Paquete Español can be combined with a higher-tier package and, is then called U200 Latino, U300 Latino, or U450 Latino. Additionally, channels grouped as Internationals are available A la Carte in language groups or singly, and a number of premium movie packages are available to premium package or higher-tier subscribers. [[High-definition TV]] technology is required to access HD channels.<ref name=r12/> |
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* [[HGTV]], the [[Food Network]], the [[DIY Network]], the [[Cooking Channel]], and [[Great American Country]] were temporarily inaccessible between November 5 and November 7, 2010, due to a carriage dispute with [[Scripps Networks Interactive|Scripps Networks]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2010/11/atts-u-verse-drops-food-network-hgtv-and-other-scripps-networks.html|title=AT&T's U-verse Drops Food Network, HGTV and Other Scrippy-s Networks|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=November 5, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2010/11/07/food-network-hgtv-back-on-u-verse/|title=Food Network, HGTV, Back on U-verse|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/459564-AT_T_U_Verse_Scripps_Reconnect_On_Carriage_Contract.php|title=AT&T U-verse, Scripps Reconnect on Carriage Contract|work=[[Multichannel News]]|date=November 7, 2010|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref> U-verse vice president Brian Shay stated afterward that AT&T had received a "fair deal".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deadline.com/2010/11/att-scripps-networks-reach-agreement/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101113152757/http://www.deadline.com/2010/11/att-scripps-networks-reach-agreement/|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 13, 2010|title=AT&T & Scripps Networks Reach Agreement|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 2010|access-date=October 3, 2015}}</ref> |
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* U-verse picked up the [[Longhorn Network]] on August 31, 2012, increasing its availability to 12.9% of the Austin, Texas television market.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/uverse-flips-switch-on-longhorn-network|title=Longhorn Network hooks U-verse|work=KXAN.com|date=September 4, 2012|access-date=October 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130308072434/http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/uverse-flips-switch-on-longhorn-network|archive-date=2013-03-08|url-status=dead}}</ref> |
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====Channel groupings==== |
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* On January 15, 2013, U-verse came to terms with [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] on a new wide-ranging multiple-year carriage agreement for all Disney, ESPN and ABC Networks, which included the addition of Disney Junior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/491363-Disney_Strikes_U_Verse_Carriage_Deal.php|title=Disney Strikes U-Verse Carriage Deal|last=Farrell|first=Mike|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=January 15, 2013|access-date=January 15, 2013}}</ref> |
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*Time-delayed: Some channels have both East Coast and West Coast feeds, airing the same programming without a delay on the latter feed; the three-hour delay also represents the time-zone difference between [[Eastern time zone|Eastern]] ([[Universal Time Coordinated|UTC]] -5/-4) and [[Pacific time zone|Pacific]] (UTC -8/-7). The west feed is specified by adding "- West" to the name of the east feed. For certain time-delayed channels, both the east and west feeds are available to all subscribers; otherwise only the east feed (for the [[Central Time Zone|Central]] and Eastern time zones) or only the west feed (for the Pacific and [[Mountain Time Zone|Mountain]] time zones) is available, even though two channel numbers are assigned to the feeds. With the exception of California, Nevada, and westernmost parts of Texas and Kansas, the U-verse 22-state availability region is available within the Central and Eastern time zones. |
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* On February 28, 2015, 46 [[Music Choice]] channels and [[Music Choice Play|MC Play]] were removed and were replaced by 75 Stingray Music channels. |
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*High-definition: With few exceptions, the numbers of [[high-definition TV]] channels are found by adding 1000 to the [[standard-definition television]] channel number, and HD callsigns are found by appending "HD" to the callsign of the SD channel (with or without a space). West feed callsigns typically append "-W" (or "HDW"). Most HD channels appear in the HD Services package, while the HD Premium Tier package contains approximately 25 additional premium channels. |
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* On October 26, 2015, U-verse came to terms with [[Tribune Media]] on a new wide-ranging multiple-year carriage agreement for all Tribune stations, which includes the addition of [[WGN America]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2015/tv/news/att-tribune-directv-u-verse-wgn-america-1201626882/|title=AT&T Sets U-verse, DirecTV Carriage Deal with Tribune Stations, WGN America|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|work=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]]|date=October 26, 2015|access-date=October 27, 2015}}</ref> |
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*Local: All local broadcast channels are identified by the station's callsign and over-the-air [[virtual channel|virtual digital channel number]] (e.g., "WDAF-4" for [[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] affiliate [[WDAF-TV]] in [[Kansas City, Missouri]]). Local stations appear in the ranges 2-69 and 1002-1069. A national channel may also appear as a local channel or affiliate in the minimum package in available markets; in some such cases, the national channel is not available in the market where the local channel or affiliate appears. |
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* AT&T removed [[Univision]], [[UniMás]], [[Galavisión]], [[Univision Deportes Network]] and [[Univision tlnovelas]] from AT&T U-verse effective March 4, 2016, due to a carriage dispute.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/univision-accuses-att-redlining-retransmission-dispute-1201714354/|title=Univision Charges AT&T With "Redlining" As Programming Goes Dark On U-verse|last=Lieberman|first=David|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 4, 2016|access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/univision-u-verse-discriminatory-dark-retrans-1201722669/|title=Univision Blasts 'Discriminatory Behavior' as Stations Go Dark on AT&T's U-verse|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|work=Variety|date=March 4, 2016|access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/univision-goes-dark-at-t-872715|title=Univision Goes Dark on AT&T U-verse, Accuses Telecom of "Discriminatory Behavior"|last=Szalai|first=Georg|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 4, 2016|access-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://hintsnewsnetwork.com/att-univision-communications-fail-to-reach-u-verse-distribution-deal/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018045744/http://hintsnewsnetwork.com/att-univision-communications-fail-to-reach-u-verse-distribution-deal/ |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 18, 2017 |title=AT&T, Univision Communications fail to reach U-Verse distribution deal |last=Ramos |first=John |work=Hints News Network |date=March 5, 2016 |access-date=March 6, 2016 }}</ref> Although U-verse was in an integration process with DirecTV, which became a subsidiary of AT&T, it did not affect DirecTV customers during the process. All of Univision's channels were later returned to the U-verse lineup on March 24, 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/distribution/all-univision-content-restored-u-verse-now/403589|title=All Univision Content Restored to U-Verse, For Now|last=Eggerton|first=John|work=MultiChannel News|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/washington/all-univision-content-restored-u-verse-now/154942|title=All Univision Content Restored to U-Verse, For Now|last=Eggerton|first=John|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-univision-restores-unimas-galavision-att-uverse-carriage-negotiations-20160324-story.html|title=Univision restores UniMas and Galavision to AT&T's U-verse as negotiations continue|last=Villarreal|first=Yvonne|work=Los Angeles Times|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2016/03/univision-networks-att-uverse-carriage-deal-1201725920/|title=Univision Networks Return To AT&T's U-verse While They "Finalize" Carriage Deal|last=Lieberman|first=David|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=March 24, 2016|access-date=March 24, 2016}}</ref> |
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*Sports: Channels in the 600s are national sports channels, available to varying tiers. The Sports Package is included with the U450 package or can be added onto a lower-tier package. |
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*Regional: Channels in the 700s are regional (excluding non-premium movie channels in the 790s). Subscribers each automatically receive channels that are regional to them, based on geography, in standard- and high-definition. Subscribers who wish to receive out-of-market regional channels (typically for sporting) must subscribe to the HD Premium Tier package, which includes most of the other regional channels. According to league rules, [[sports blackout]]s do apply, but rebroadcasts of games may be available out-of-market. [[Chicago Cubs]] home games televised by [[WGN-TV|WGN]] are provided to all subscribers, who are not blacked out even if their local teams are playing at [[Wrigley Field]].<ref name=r12/> |
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====Carriage negotiations==== |
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* AT&T removed [[Hallmark Channel]] and sister [[Hallmark Movie Channel]] from AT&T U-verse effective September 1, 2010, due to a [[carriage dispute]]. An AT&T spokesperson stated, "Hallmark has refused to provide AT&T and its customers with a fair deal—one that is no worse than similarly-sized and smaller providers—and refused to adhere to key obligations under our current deal," while Hallmark Channels president and CEO Bill Abbott said he was, "...stunned by the apparent disregard for the facts .... If they are really serious, my team and I are ready for truly fair negotiations." After the removal, the channels temporarily provided free previews of [[Starz Kids & Family]] and [[Turner Classic Movies]].<ref>[http://www.multichannel.com/article/456590-Hallmark_Channels_Go_Dark_On_AT_T_U_verse.php Hallmark Channels Go Dark On AT&T U-verse], ''Multichannel News'', September 1, 2010.</ref> [[Crown Media Holdings]] operates the two Hallmark channels in the United States. |
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* [[TL Novelas|tlNovelas]] and [[Univision Deportes Network]] began on U-verse on May 11, 2012, after a carriage agreement was signed with [[Univision Communications]].<ref>[http://www.mediamoves.com/2012/05/univision-signs-deal-to-launch-cable-networks-on-att-u-verse.html Univision signs deal to launch cable networks on AT&T U-verse], ''Media Moves'', May 11, 2012</ref> |
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* Just prior to the 2010 series premiere of [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] program ''[[Mad Men]]'', AT&T and [[Rainbow Media]] resolved a carriage dispute without interruption to any channels. AT&T stated that Rainbow, "...had been trying to force the renegotiation of a contract for one of their other channels that is not yet expired." It was speculated that this additional contract renegotiation was for [[Sundance Channel (United States)|Sundance Channel]] and was successfully concluded, due to Rainbow Media's summation, "We're pleased to have reached an agreement with AT&T for AMC, [[WE tv]], [[IFC (U.S. TV channel)|IFC]] and Sundance Channel that truly recognizes the value of our networks."<ref>[http://www.deadline.com/2010/07/update-rainbow-media-and-att-are-still-talking-no-channels-have-been-dropped/ UPDATE: Rainbow And AT&T Ink New Deal, ‘Mad Men’ Season Saved On AT&T U-Verse]</ref> |
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* [[HGTV]], the [[Food Network]], the [[DIY Network]], the [[Cooking Channel]], and [[Great American Country]] were temporarily inaccessible between November 5 and November 7, 2010, due to a carriage dispute with [[Scripps Networks]].<ref>[http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/thestew/2010/11/atts-u-verse-drops-food-network-hgtv-and-other-scripps-networks.html "AT&T's U-verse Drops Food Network, HGTV and Other Scrippy-s Networks"], ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. November 5, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://articles.chicagotribune.com/2010-11-07/business/ct-biz-att-uverse-1108-20101107_1_u-verse-customers-at-t-u-verse-scripps-networks Food Network, HGTV, Back on U-verse]. ''[[Chicago Tribune]]''. November 7, 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.multichannel.com/article/459564-AT_T_U_Verse_Scripps_Reconnect_On_Carriage_Contract.php "AT&T U-verse, Scripps Reconnect on Carriage Contract"]. ''[[Multichannel News]]''. November 7, 2010.</ref> U-verse vice president Brian Shay stated afterward that AT&T had received a "fair deal".<ref>[http://www.deadline.com/2010/11/att-scripps-networks-reach-agreement/ AT&T & Scripps Networks Reach Agreement]</ref> |
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* U-verse picked up the [[Longhorn Network]] on August 31, 2012, increasing its availability to 12.9% of the [[Austin]] television market.<ref>[http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/austin/uverse-flips-switch-on-longhorn-network "Longhorn Network hooks U-verse"], from kxan.com (September 4, 2012)</ref> |
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* On {{Start date|2013|1|15}}, U-verse came to terms with [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]] on a new wide-ranging multiple year carriage agreement for all Disney, ESPN and ABC Networks, which includes the addition of Disney Junior.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/491363-Disney_Strikes_U_Verse_Carriage_Deal.php|title=Disney Strikes U-Verse Carriage Deal|last=Farrell|first=Mike|work=Broadcasting & Cable|date=January 15, 2013|accessdate=January 15, 2013}}</ref> |
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===Internet=== |
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U-verse provides [[Internet access]] to computers connected on-premises via [[Ethernet]] cabling or [[Wi-Fi]] from the included [[residential gateway]] or [[DSL modem]]. |
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AT&T announced Max Plus service (then called "Max 18") in November 2008,<ref>{{cite news |title= AT&T Customers Connect Faster with New 18 Mbps U-verse High Speed Internet Service |date=November 6, 2008 |work= News release |publisher= AT&T |url= http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=4800&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=26286 |accessdate= July 28, 2011 }}</ref> and Max Turbo was announced in December 2009. Basic, Express, Pro, Elite and Max (VDSL) are usually available for self-installation. Max (ADSL2+), Max Plus, and Max Turbo can be self-installed if only one jack is connected for DSL (through a splitter installed by a technician), or splitter-free if no landline shares the pair. Conditions where higher speeds are still attainable through filters or quality wiring to more than one jack occur less often. |
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AT&T announced the Power service on August 26, 2013.<ref>{{cite news |title= 45 Mbps U-verse Internet Service Arrives in 40 Additional Markets |date=August 26, 2013 |work= News release |publisher= AT&T |url= http://www.att.com/gen/press-room?pid=24734&cdvn=news&newsarticleid=36934 |accessdate= September 4, 2013 }}</ref> The power service required two conditioned line pairs (pair bond) and a Motorola NVG589 VDSL2+ Gateway.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.dslreports.com/forum/r28592205- |title= 45 meg tier...After Install Notes & Pictures, etc |date=August 25, 2013 |publisher= Bill Hamel |work= DSL Reports forum posting |accessdate= December 17, 2013}}</ref> AT&T charges a service fee to condition and pair bond the lines and install a new gateway, plus additional monthly charges.<ref>http://www.att.com/esupport/internet/usage.jsp#fbid=tE3urpN_hCP</ref> |
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{| class="wikitable sortable" |
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|- |
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! Name !! Download Speed !! Upload Speed !! Notes |
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|- |
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| Pro || 3 Mbit/s || 1 Mbit/s || |
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|- |
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| Elite || 6 Mbit/s || 1 Mbit/s || |
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|- |
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|Max || 12 Mbit/s || 1-1.5 Mbit/s || |
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|- |
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|Max Plus || 18 Mbit/s || 1.5 Mbit/s || |
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|- |
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|Max Turbo || 24 Mbit/s || 3 Mbit/s || |
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|- |
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|Power || 45 Mbit/s || 6 Mbit/s || Select markets (requires VDSL2 pair-bonding) |
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|- |
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|GigaPower 300 || 300 Mbit/s || 300 Mbit/s || [[Austin, Texas]] only. |
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|} |
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===Voice=== |
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[[File:UverseCall-history.jpg|thumb |right |upright=1.4 |Call history on U-verse TV]] |
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AT&T U-verse Voice is a voice communication service delivered over AT&T's IP network ([[VoIP]]). This phone service is digital and provides a [[voicemail]] service accessed by [[vertical service code|*98]] from the home number. Customers who subscribe to both U-verse TV and U-verse Voice get features such as call history on channel 9900, which displays the last 100 missed and answered calls on the customer's TV, and "Click to Call" from the TV history. U-verse Voice includes [[Caller ID]], [[Call Blocking]], [[anonymous call rejection|Anonymous Call Blocker]], and many other calling features. U-Verse Voice was first available in [[Detroit]], on January 22, 2008.<ref name=att/> |
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==Equipment== |
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===Line equipment=== |
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U-verse uses the [[Alcatel-Lucent]] 7330 or 7340 Intelligent Services Access Manager (ISAM) shelf, also called a [[video-ready access device]] (VRAD), deployed either in a [[Telephone exchange|central office]] (CO) or to a neighborhood [[serving area interface]] (SAI). These models are both composed of circuit boards providing service, which are fed by fiber. FTTN (fiber to the node) systems use model 7330, which uses existing copper wiring to customers' homes,<ref name=bbp/> leading to distance limitations from the VRAD cabinet to the customer's home. The 7330 ISAM is an [[IP-DSLAM|internet protocol DSL access multiplexer]] that supports [[VDSL]] and [[ADSL]] protocols.<ref name=alcatel>[http://www.alcatel-lucent.com/wps/portal/!ut/p/kcxml/04_Sj9SPykssy0xPLMnMz0vM0Y_QjzKLd4w3dnTRL8h2VAQADYR9IA!!?LMSG_CABINET=Solution_Product_Catalog&LMSG_CONTENT_FILE=Products/Product_Detail_000413.xml&LMSG_PARENT=Product_Families/Product_Family_000130.xml Alcatel-Lucent 7330 ISAM FTTN ANSI]</ref> FTTP (fiber to the premises) systems use model 7340, mostly in areas such as new neighborhoods or large housing developments, where AT&T chooses to run fiber to the household, removing the distance limitations of copper. The 7340 then connects to a serving area interface, which distributes service to homes in the neighborhood, via a dual strand fiber, which then splits into 32 customer fiber pairs. The fiber pairs typically lead to a customer's residence at the [[network interface device]]. |
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The VRAD typically connects upstream to an Alcatel-Lucent 7450 Ethernet service switch in the central office hub, then to the [[cable television headend|headend]] [[video hub office]].<ref name=bbp/> |
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===Customer equipment=== |
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AT&T provides the customer premise equipment (leased for a monthly fee, or purchased with a 1-year warranty), and includes a wireless router and modem, which they call a ''residential gateway'' (RG) or ''internet gateway''. They also provide [[set-top box|TV receivers]] made by [[Cisco]] and [[Motorola Mobility|Motorola]] (including standard receivers, wireless receivers, and [[digital video recorder|DVR]] receivers). |
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Those eligible for triple play (TV, Voice, and Internet) will use a VDSL2 transport link which uses one of the following modems: |
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* [[2Wire]] 3600 |
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* 2Wire 3800 |
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* 2Wire 3801 |
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* [[Pace plc|Pace]] 5031NV |
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* 2Wire [[Intelligent Network Interface Device|iNID]] (which comes with the 2Wire i3812V for the outside unit, the iPSU (Intelligent Power Supply Unit) which powers the i3812V, and one or more i38HG for internet access via wireless or ethernet connectivity inside the customer premise) |
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* [[Motorola]] 2310 |
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* Motorola NVG589 (currently available to customers on a bonded pair) |
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Those who are eligible for double play (Voice and Internet) only, will use an ADSL2+ transport type which uses one of the following modems: |
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* [[2Wire]] 2701HGV-B (the model number must contain a "V", otherwise it will not function with the U-Verse platform) |
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* [[Motorola]] 2210-02-1ATT (the U-verse version of the 2210 and is black; the silver version is for PPPoE and not 802.1x) |
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* Motorola NVG510 |
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* Motorola NVG589 (currently available to customers on a bonded pair, those who are eligible for GigaPower (Single, Double or Triple Play) |
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* Motorola NVG589 |
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Currently only two devices support bonded pair: the 2Wire iNID and Motorola NVG589. The Motorola NVG589 replaces the 2Wire iNID for all bonded pair installs (and possibly all future single pair installs due to its support for both ADSL2+ and VDSL2). |
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All AT&T U-verse transport types use [[IEEE 802.1X|802.1x]] authentication. This means only equipment on AT&T's approved list works with the U-verse service, as other (non-AT&T) equipment cannot authenticate with AT&T DSLAMs and GPONs. Another side-effect of U-verse's authentication protocol is the lack of bridge mode support (unlike standard DSL that uses [[Pppoe|PPPoE]] authentication, which is easily bridgeable). At best, the 2Wire/Pace routers support [[DMZ (computing)|DMZ]]+ mode, while the Motorola devices support IP Passthrough. AT&T allows residential and business customers to pay for static IP addresses, which they support on all AT&T approved equipment (including the 2Wire/Pace and Motorola routers.) |
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When AT&T launched IP-DSL (ADSL2+, double play only), they installed connections with either the 2Wire 2701HGV-B or Motorola 2210 (pairing the latter with a Cisco Linksys E1000 for residential customers, or an EdgeMarc 250AEW for business customers). The 2Wire 2701HGV-B was limited to a top speed of 6Mbit/s, while the Motorola 2210 was capable of higher speeds. In later installations, AT&T standardized on the Motorola NVG510, phasing out the other routers for new service installation. |
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When AT&T introduced the "power" tier in 2013, installations were initially done with the iNID. AT&T later standardized on the Motorola NVG589, which supports pair-bonding for both ADSL2+ and VDSL2. AT&T also uses the NVG589 in some installations where the customer otherwise is too far from a node for service. Additionally, it is the only gateway that supports an internal battery for those who subscribe to the U-verse Voice service for battery backup during power failures. AT&T does not supply the battery to customers who subscribe only to internet service and TV service. |
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{| class="wikitable" |
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|- |
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! Device !! Transport Type !! Static IP !! Wireless Support !! Bridge Mode Type |
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|- |
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| 2Wire 3600/3800/3801 || VDSL2 || Yes || 802.11b/g || DMZ+ |
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|- |
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| 2Wire 5031NV || VDSL2<br>Also known to work on ADSL2+ || Yes || 802.11b/g<br>802.11n || DMZ+ |
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|- |
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| 2Wire 270HGV-B || ADSL2+ || Yes || 802.11b/g || DMZ+ |
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|- |
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| 2Wire iNID || VDSL2 Bonded Pair || Yes || 802.11b/g || DMZ+ |
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|- |
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| Motorola NVG510 || ADSL2+ || Yes || 802.11b/g<br>802.11n || IP Passthrough |
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|- |
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| Motorola NVG589 || ADSL2+<br>VDSL2<br>ADSL2+ Bonded Pair<br>VDSL2 Bonded Pair<br>ONT|| Yes || 802.11b/g<br>802.11n || IP Passthrough |
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|- |
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| Motorola 2210 || ADSL2+ || No || None || IP Passthrough |
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|- |
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| Motorola 2310 || VDSL2 || No || None || IP Passthrough |
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|- |
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|} |
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<!-- In 2013, the Motorola NVG589<ref>http://www.att.com/media/att/2013/support/pdf/att123520853_internet_voice_nvg589.pdf</ref> was brought into service to support the Power Internet level of 45Mbit/s, voice (VOIP) on models with phone jack(s), wireless B, G, and N (130Mbit/s maximum, 2.4 GHz<ref>https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1795161</ref>), and cable TV (HPNA).<ref>page 173, https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1795165</ref> There is an optional battery.<ref>http://www.motorola.com/us/NVG589-Replacement-Battery/m-NVG589-Replacement-Battery.html</ref> It has VPN passthrough and NAT Forwarding.<ref>https://apps.fcc.gov/eas/GetApplicationAttachment.html?id=1795165</ref> The NVG589 also offers Bridge mode thus providing internet public IP address(es) to other routers or other devices, which should make it attractive to business, home-office and sophisticated users. There are limited reports that it helps to cleanup line problems at speed lower than 45Mbit/s. --> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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*[[ |
*[[IPTV]] |
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*[[Fiber-optic communication]] |
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*[[Optik TV]] |
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*[[Vonage]] |
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*[[Bell Fibe TV]] |
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*[[FibreOP]] |
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*[[Voice over IP]] |
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*[[Comparison of IPv6 support by major transit providers]] |
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==References== |
==References== |
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| Line 154: | Line 60: | ||
==External links== |
==External links== |
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*{{Official website |
*{{Official website}} |
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*[http://forums.att.com/t5/AT-T-U-verse-Community/ct-p/ATTUverse AT&T U-verse Community] |
*[http://forums.att.com/t5/AT-T-U-verse-Community/ct-p/ATTUverse AT&T U-verse Community] |
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*[ |
*[http://www.dslreports.com/forum/uverse DSLReports.com U-verse Forum] |
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{{CATV USA}} |
{{CATV USA}} |
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{{Telecommunications}} |
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{{AT&T}} |
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[[Category:DirecTV]] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Uverse}} |
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[[Category:AT&T]] |
[[Category:Former AT&T subsidiaries]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Streaming television]] |
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[[Category:Internet television]] |
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[[Category:Telecommunications in the United States]] |
[[Category:Telecommunications in the United States]] |
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Latest revision as of 02:03, 16 November 2024
| Type | IPTV |
|---|---|
| Founded | June 26, 2006 |
| Owner | TPG Inc. |
| Parent | DirecTV |
Official website | watch |
U-verse TV is an internet protocol television (IPTV) service operated by DirecTV. Launched on June 26, 2006, U-verse was originally a triple play package that included broadband Internet (now AT&T Internet or AT&T Fiber), IP telephone (now AT&T Phone), and IPTV (U-verse TV) services in 22 states.[1][2]
On February 25, 2021, AT&T announced that it would spin off DirecTV into a separate entity, containing the U-verse TV and AT&T TV services, selling a 30% stake to TPG Capital while retaining a 70% stake in the new standalone company. The deal was closed on August 2, 2021.[3][4]
History
[edit]The current U-verse TV ultimately derives from the IPTV part of the former AT&T U-verse triple-play telecommunications service.
SBC Communications announced its plans for a fiber-optic network and Internet Protocol television (IPTV) deployment in 2004 and unveiled the name "U-verse" (formerly "Project Lightspeed"[5]) for the suite of network services in 2005. SBC eventually became AT&T in late 2005, and the AT&T name was applied for the service. AT&T U-verse was commercially launched June 26, 2006, in San Antonio.[1]
By the third quarter of 2012, AT&T U-verse had 4.3 million TV subscribers.[6]
At an analyst meeting in August 2015, following AT&T's acquisition of satellite provider DirecTV, AT&T announced plans for a new "home entertainment gateway" platform that will converge DirecTV and U-verse around a common platform based upon DirecTV hardware with "very thin hardware profiles". AT&T Entertainment and Internet Services CEO John Stankey explained that the new platform would offer "single truck roll installation for multiple products, live local streaming, improved content portability, over-the-top integration for mobile broadband, and user interface re-engineering."[7][8]
In February 2016, Bloomberg reported that AT&T was in the process of phasing out the U-verse IPTV service by encouraging new customers to purchase DirecTV satellite service instead, and by ending the production of new set-top boxes for the service. An AT&T spokesperson denied that U-verse was being shut down and explained that the company was "leading its video marketing approach with DirecTV" to "realize the many benefits" of the purchase, but would still recommend U-verse TV if it better-suited a customer's needs. AT&T CFO John Stephens had also previously stated that DirecTV's larger subscriber base as a national service gave the service a higher degree of leverage in negotiating carriage deals, thus resulting in lower content costs.[9][10]
On May 16, 2016, AT&T acquired Quickplay Media, a cloud-based platform that powers over-the-top video services.[11]
On September 19, 2016, AT&T announced that the "U-verse" brand would no longer apply to its broadband and phone services, renaming them "AT&T Internet" and "AT&T Phone", respectively.[12][13][14]
In selected markets, AT&T began to replace AT&T U-verse TV with a new service based on its DirecTV Now platform, AT&T TV, in August 2019.[15][16][17]
On April 3, 2020, AT&T began announcing that U-verse would no longer be available to new customers. New customers ended up receiving AT&T TV for TV service.[18] However, by September 2020 AT&T spokesman Ryan Oliver, when asked if AT&T was still selling U-verse, said that “U-verse is available in select locations,” and "AT&T never stopped selling U-verse", even though an AT&T customer attempted to order U-verse, but ended up receiving 2 boxes of AT&T TV instead.[19]
On August 2, 2021, the spin off of DirecTV, AT&T TV and U-verse was completed. It is now a wholly owned subsidiary of DirecTV, with AT&T TV becoming DirecTV Stream.
Services
[edit]
AT&T used the Ericsson Mediaroom platform to deliver U-verse TV via IPTV from the headend to the consumer's receiver,[20] required for each TV. Transmissions use digital H.264 (MPEG-4 AVC) encoding, compared to the existing deployments of MPEG-2 codec and the discontinued analog cable TV system. The receiver box does not have a RF tuner, but is an IP multicast client that requests the channel or "stream" desired. U-Verse TV supports up to four/six active streams at once, depending on service tier. The system uses individual unicasts for video on demand, central time shifting, start-over services and other programs.
Carriage negotiations
[edit]- AT&T removed Hallmark Channel and Hallmark Movie Channel from AT&T U-verse TV effective September 1, 2010, due to a carriage dispute. An AT&T spokesperson stated, "Hallmark has refused to provide AT&T and its customers with a fair deal—one that is no worse than similarly-sized and smaller providers—and refused to adhere to key obligations under our current deal", while Hallmark Channel's president and CEO Bill Abbott said he was "...stunned by the apparent disregard for the facts ... If they are really serious, my team and I are ready for truly fair negotiations." After the removal, the channels temporarily provided free previews of Starz Kids & Family and Turner Classic Movies.[21] [22] Crown Media Holdings operates the two Hallmark channels in the United States.
- Univision tlnovelas and Univision Deportes Network began on U-verse on May 11, 2012, after a carriage agreement was signed with Univision Communications.[23]
- Just prior to the 2010 series premiere of the AMC program Mad Men, AT&T and Rainbow Media resolved a carriage dispute without interruption to any channels. AT&T stated that Rainbow, "...had been trying to force the renegotiation of a contract for one of their other channels that is not yet expired." It was speculated that this additional contract renegotiation was for Sundance Channel and was successfully concluded, due to Rainbow Media's summation, "We're pleased to have reached an agreement with AT&T for AMC, WE tv, IFC and Sundance Channel that truly recognizes the value of our networks."[24]
- HGTV, the Food Network, the DIY Network, the Cooking Channel, and Great American Country were temporarily inaccessible between November 5 and November 7, 2010, due to a carriage dispute with Scripps Networks.[25][26][27] U-verse vice president Brian Shay stated afterward that AT&T had received a "fair deal".[28]
- U-verse picked up the Longhorn Network on August 31, 2012, increasing its availability to 12.9% of the Austin, Texas television market.[29]
- On January 15, 2013, U-verse came to terms with Disney on a new wide-ranging multiple-year carriage agreement for all Disney, ESPN and ABC Networks, which included the addition of Disney Junior.[30]
- On February 28, 2015, 46 Music Choice channels and MC Play were removed and were replaced by 75 Stingray Music channels.
- On October 26, 2015, U-verse came to terms with Tribune Media on a new wide-ranging multiple-year carriage agreement for all Tribune stations, which includes the addition of WGN America.[31]
- AT&T removed Univision, UniMás, Galavisión, Univision Deportes Network and Univision tlnovelas from AT&T U-verse effective March 4, 2016, due to a carriage dispute.[32][33][34][35] Although U-verse was in an integration process with DirecTV, which became a subsidiary of AT&T, it did not affect DirecTV customers during the process. All of Univision's channels were later returned to the U-verse lineup on March 24, 2016.[36][37][38][39]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b "AT&T U-verse Timeline" (PDF). AT&T. 2008. Archived (pdf) from the original on October 15, 2007. Retrieved January 2, 2015.
- ^ Post Alexander, Atlanta, Ga., p. 24. Archived 2013-01-22 at archive.today
- ^ Goldsmith, Jill (February 25, 2021). "WarnerMedia Parent AT&T Sells DirecTV Stake To Private Equity Firm TPG". Deadline.
- ^ Hayes, Dade (August 2, 2021). "AT&T Completes DirecTV Spinoff; Satellite Operator Unites Its Internet-Delivered Bundles Under New Brand DirecTV Stream". Deadline Hollywood.
- ^ U-verse TV Timeline Archived September 23, 2015, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ U-verse Update: 3Q12 Archived August 10, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Bode, Karl (August 14, 2015). "AT&T Outlines the Changes DirecTV (and U-Verse) Users Will See". DSL Reports. Retrieved August 15, 2015.
- ^ Baumgartner, Jeff (August 17, 2015). "AT&T to Put 'Genie' Into U-Verse's Bottle". MultiChannel News. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
- ^ Moritz, Scott (February 16, 2016). "AT&T Takes U-Turn on U-Verse as It Pushes Users Toward DirecTV". Bloomberg. Retrieved February 16, 2016.
- ^ Baumgarnter, Jeff (February 16, 2016). "AT&T Stops Making U-verse TV Boxes: Report". MultiChannel News. Retrieved April 24, 2022.
- ^ Sawers, Paul (May 16, 2016). "AT&T acquires OTT video platform Quickplay ahead of DirecTV streaming service launch this year". Venture Beat. Retrieved May 16, 2016.
- ^ Bode, Karl (September 19, 2016). "AT&T is Getting Rid of the U-Verse Brand". DSL Reports. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ Arnason, Bernie (September 19, 2016). "AT&T Says Goodbye to U-verse". Telecompetitor.com. Retrieved September 19, 2016.
- ^ Farrell, Mike (September 20, 2016). "AT&T Readies U-verse Brand for Ether". MultiChannel News. Retrieved September 20, 2016.
- ^ "AT&T's New Online TV Service Looks a Lot Like Current Offerings". Bloomberg.com. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
- ^ Newman, Jared (2019-08-19). "AT&T TV is here, but cord cutters should read the fine print before signing up". Fast Company. Retrieved 2019-08-30.
- ^ Blumenthal, Eli. "What is AT&T TV? Here's what we know now". CNET. Retrieved 2019-07-31.
- ^ "AT&T Stops Selling U-verse TV". TV Answer Man. 3 April 2020. Retrieved 2021-07-20.
- ^ Swann, Phillip (2020-09-25). "Updated: AT&T Says You Can Now Order U-verse (Sort Of)". TV Answer Man. Retrieved 2021-07-20.
- ^ AT&T U-verse Total Home DVR
- ^ "Hallmark Channels Go Dark On AT&T U-verse". Multichannel News. September 1, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ Steinberg, Brian (July 22, 2015). "Hallmark Channel Returns to U-verse After Nearly Five Years". Variety. Retrieved January 3, 2016.
- ^ "Univision signs deal to launch cable networks on AT&T U-verse". Media Moves. May 11, 2012. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ "UPDATE: Rainbow And AT&T Ink New Deal, 'Mad Men' Season Saved On AT&T U-Verse". Deadline Hollywood. July 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ "AT&T's U-verse Drops Food Network, HGTV and Other Scrippy-s Networks". Chicago Tribune. November 5, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ "Food Network, HGTV, Back on U-verse". Chicago Tribune. November 7, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ "AT&T U-verse, Scripps Reconnect on Carriage Contract". Multichannel News. November 7, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ "AT&T & Scripps Networks Reach Agreement". Deadline Hollywood. November 2010. Archived from the original on November 13, 2010. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ "Longhorn Network hooks U-verse". KXAN.com. September 4, 2012. Archived from the original on 2013-03-08. Retrieved October 3, 2015.
- ^ Farrell, Mike (January 15, 2013). "Disney Strikes U-Verse Carriage Deal". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved January 15, 2013.
- ^ Littleton, Cynthia (October 26, 2015). "AT&T Sets U-verse, DirecTV Carriage Deal with Tribune Stations, WGN America". Variety. Retrieved October 27, 2015.
- ^ Lieberman, David (March 4, 2016). "Univision Charges AT&T With "Redlining" As Programming Goes Dark On U-verse". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
- ^ Littleton, Cynthia (March 4, 2016). "Univision Blasts 'Discriminatory Behavior' as Stations Go Dark on AT&T's U-verse". Variety. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
- ^ Szalai, Georg (March 4, 2016). "Univision Goes Dark on AT&T U-verse, Accuses Telecom of "Discriminatory Behavior"". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 4, 2016.
- ^ Ramos, John (March 5, 2016). "AT&T, Univision Communications fail to reach U-Verse distribution deal". Hints News Network. Archived from the original on October 18, 2017. Retrieved March 6, 2016.
- ^ Eggerton, John (March 24, 2016). "All Univision Content Restored to U-Verse, For Now". MultiChannel News. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
- ^ Eggerton, John (March 24, 2016). "All Univision Content Restored to U-Verse, For Now". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
- ^ Villarreal, Yvonne (March 24, 2016). "Univision restores UniMas and Galavision to AT&T's U-verse as negotiations continue". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
- ^ Lieberman, David (March 24, 2016). "Univision Networks Return To AT&T's U-verse While They "Finalize" Carriage Deal". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 24, 2016.
