Verizon is upgrading FiOS service with a new DVR that can record up to 12 channels at once, with up to 2 terabytes of storage, four times more than with its previous DVRs.

FiOS Quantum TV will roll out in phases over the next few months in markets where FiOS TV is offered, and it can be ordered immediately by customers in North Texas and Harrisburg, Pa., where beta trials were conducted.

The DVR Verizon is using, which it calls the Video Media Server, is manufactured by Arris.

FiOS Quantum TV features two advanced tiers of DVR service: Premium and Enhanced.

The Premium Service gives customers two set-tops, and allows customers to record up to 12 shows at the same time and store up to 200 hours of HD programing, with 2 terabytes of storage space.

With the Enhanced Service, customers get one of the DVRs. They can record up to six shows simultaneously, and store up to 100 hours of HD programming with 1 TB of storage.

Both tiers of service will allow customers to control live TV in any room and start watching a show in one room, pause, move to another room and continue watching there.

Bob Mudge, president of the consumer and mass business unit of Verizon, said, “Expanded storage space means FiOS Quantum TV customers can store full seasons of shows they want to watch and binge on.” said Mudge.

According to the latest Verizon FiOS Innovation Index survey 78 percent of respondents nationwide want more DVR storage capacity to record and save more TV programs and movies.  Survey responses also revealed that 63 percent want more tuners so everyone can watch and record live TV when they want; 63 percent want to watch DVR-recorded programs on every TV in the house; and 57 percent want to pause, rewind and fast forward live TV programs on every TV in the house.

The new Video Media Server from Arris is smaller than the existing set-top box, and acts as a gateway device or hub that can connect up to five TVs in a home.  The additional TVs require a Media Client, a companion device that communicates with the Media Server.

While many existing customers’ FiOS broadband home routers are compatible with FiOS Quantum TV, certain routers must be replaced, the company said. If needed, the required FiOS broadband home router will be supplied at no additional charge to existing FiOS TV customers who are using a Verizon-provided router and who upgrade to FiOS Quantum TV service.

A new FiOS Quantum TV customer with five TVs who orders the Enhanced Service would pay $10 more per month than  the charge for standard FiOS TV using a traditional multi-room DVR. A new customer with five TVs who orders the Premium Service would pay $20 more per month, the company said.