AT&T Inc. has officially started marketing its much-hyped Homezone service, which is designed to improve converged home networking by offering satellite television and high-speed internet access through a single set-top box.

Homezone includes a number of popular media features including Video On Demand, Digital Video Recording, photo- and music-sharing, and remote programming over the web. This comprehensive bundle of services is intended to rival the triple-play television, broadband, and digital phone offerings being promoted by cable companies.

The television component of Homezone is being provided by AT&T`s satellite partner, EchoStar Communications Corp., which owns DISH Network. This is intended as an alternative to the telecom giant`s U-Verse fiber optic IPTV and broadband package, in cities where fiber optic networks have not yet been installed.

Homezone is now available in select areas of Ohio and Texas, with prices ranging from $80 to $140 per month, depending on features. A much broader roll-out is expected across the rest of AT&T`s footprint is expected in the months to come.