Does Verizon require you to pay for a digital adapter even if you don't need it?

[#1]

I recently discovered, much to my annoyance, that I don't actually need one.  I was told I did when I signed up so I used it.

When they recently raised the rate by another $2 (to improve their fantaboulous service!) I found out that not only do I get more channels, a better signal but can go back to using my tv remote and it's extra features, when I hook direclty to the tv.

I'm told by a service rep that I must pay for the adapter and can't return it.  What exactly is their definition of "need"?  Or am I missing somehting.  I guess I *need* it so they can justify charging me an extra $8 a month.

[#2]

W/O digitial adapter, you should get all of the SD channels that are part of your package.

With a connection to your TV, you will get local channels only.

Can't see how you get more with your TV connected to cable vs using adapter.

That being said, you only need it if you want the channels it provides.

[#3]

What does the digital adapter adpater do?

It looks like it takes the signalling (MoCA?) on the COAX and converts it to something your TV can use (RF, composite, componite, HDMI?). 

This might be answering a question I just asked (link), in regards to what's on the coax and can I use it.

Thanks for this post. Gave me somthing else to Google. 

Eric

[#4]

Digital adapter takes the QAM signals (both clear and encoded) and makes them into a signal a TV can show.

Keep in mind the current FIOS digital adapter is SD only.

MOCA is a protocol for sending data not TV signals across the link.

[#5]

Thanks again! 

[#6 · Accepted solution]

The answer is no.  They will remove the equiment rental charge and allow you to return it.  I just had to get my local consumer protection group involved.