Verizon FiOS TV launched 55 new channels overnight, including 53 that broadcast in high-definition.

The new channels cover a wide range of topics, from home shopping and Disney to sports and movie programming. Two high-definition news channels -- Fox Business Network and Fox News Channel -- have also been added. The upgrade means Richmond area Verizon FiOS TV customers now have access to 100 high-definition channels, the company said this morning.

"FiOS TV is the only service to consider if you want the ultimate HD experience," said Mary Ellen Payne, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Verizon's Potomac region. "With our increased number of HD channels, along with HD video-on-demand programming, we're blowing cable away."

FiOS stands for fiber-optic service. It offers a total of 500 channels and 11,000 video-on-demand titles.