Verizon is facing a shortage of HD boxes, according to a company spokesperson and technician posts to our FiOS forums. According to one user, customers who want an HD Motorola settop from the company will have to wait until March 10 to get one. Install technicians say they're being told to keep HD DVRs and receivers (the shortage impacts both, the techs say) for repairs where possible and, for the moment, avoid "upselling" new customers from SD to HD while on location.

We've confirmed the shortage with Verizon. "It's true that we've had terrific demand for FiOS TV in general, and specifically for HD services and we're having to backorder HD boxes for some customers," Verizon spokesperson Bobbi Henson tells us. The company says they'll work as quickly as possible to fill back-ordered boxes.

"If we can't provide a customer with an HD box they'll receive a standard definition box with DVR that they can use for free until we send them their HD box," says Henson. "Because we deliver FiOS TV over a fiber connection straight into the home, our standard def looks incredible, plus the customer will enjoy a free DVR along with it."

Verizon recently passed the one million mark for total installed FiOSTV customers.