Why Does Verizon Treat FiOS SD Subscribers As 2nd Class Citizens In Terms of Channel Offerings?

[BlurryEyed]

Verizon is understandably focusing its channel lineup additions toward HD channels. My gripe is that the few new SD channels being offered are being added under the Extreme HD package. In October, Verizon added non-premium, non-sports SD channels Current TV and RFD TV to the Extreme HD package. Now they are adding new SD channels like Blue Highways TV and Chiller to the Extreme HD package. As a SD subscriber, why am I being locked-out from receiving these non-premium, non-sports SD channels? In order to receive these SD channels on my standard definition televisions, I would have to pay an additional $10 a month for the Extreme HD package, plus upgrade to HD set-top boxes for an additional $5 per month for each, but not reap any of the benefits or enhancements of the HD experience. Am I the only SD subscriber who feels cheated? Shouldn't a programming tier entitled Extreme HD consist only of HD channels? Or should SD subcribers just be content with their same conventional channel lineup because we're not worthy of anything new? 

[matcarl]

I agree with you. The title of the package is misleading. It should just be called Extreme Fios and not have the HD in it.

[TimSykes]

I am not trying to sound mean or anything, but that's like saying "why doesn't Microsoft still update windows 3.0?". That Is the course of technology Everything gets improved, Adding the SD channels to the HD package will help people move on from old SD technology. Some people wont like it, The same people that still think the picture on a VCR is just as good as a dvd, or blu-ray. Hell even the FCC is forcing everyone to move to all digital broadcasting. I am just surprised on how many people are still effected by the loss of analog. Again this is not a stab at you just an opinion.

[Beaver]

I agree Blurry.  I think this was way over sold by Verizon.  When I hooked up Fios, I was told by both the sales girl and the installer that many more HD channels were on the way.  Now I find out at an additional charge.  I think that's akin to bait and switch.  If I'd had known it was going to cost more to have more than 15 HD channels I wouldn't have left Comcast.

[Chitchatjf]

If they truly treated SD subscribers second class the HD channels would be on the lower numbers as opposed to above 500

(wouldn't matter to me as I have HD and the Extreme tier)

[Karri]

I agree.  I was so excited to see that Verizon carried Chiller, and yet, I can't get it!  I looked at the Extreme HD channel line up, and there's nothing there besides Chiller that I want, so why should I pay the extra just for one channel?  I wish there was a way I could get it.