26 new HD channels for FiOS TV by the end of July?

Not many HD fans have had to go through a longer drought without new HD channels than Verizon FiOS TV customers, but with analog channels dropping like flies all across the country, we have a juicy little rumor that we just want to believe -- after all, we already feel lied to with spring half way over. The one thing that really adds credibility to the rumor that 26 newcomers will be added by the end of July is the fact that all but two markets will be analog free just in time for 26 new channels of high-def goodness. Many don't realize that Verizon is out of bandwidth on its QAM infrastructure, so in order to free up enough space for 100 HD channels -- unfortunately not all the new throughput will be dedicated to HD -- and to keep its promise to the FCC, Verizon is eliminating 49 analog stations. The bad news is that Florida and Texaswill have to wait another few months before they'll have access. The full list is after the break.

Rumored HD channel additions to Verizon's FiOS TV lineup:

1. Animal Planet HD

2. TBS HD

3. ESPNews HD

4. Big Ten Network HD

5. The History Channel HD
   

6. MOJO HD

7. CNN HD

8. The Learning Channel HD

9. Showtime Too HD East

10. Cinemax West HD

11. The Science Channel HD

12. Showtime HD West

13. HBO West HD

14. The Weather Channel HD

15. Starz Edge HD

16. USA HD

17. Versus / Golf HD

18. Starz Comedy HD

19. Bravo HD

20. CNBC HD

21. Starz Kids and Family HD

22. Outdoor Channel HD

23. SCI FI HD

24. Lifetime HD East

25. Smithsonian HD

26. Pay Per View HD (Events)