MLB Extra Innings

[CuseCubFan69]

I haven't lost my cable signal in years, at least that I know of.

[kujay]

The outages are definitely a place by place issue. I have Comcast and I don't think it's gone out in two years, knock on wood. My mom as a dish through sbc and it's a nightmare. Goes out if it gets windy, rainy, snowy, etc., and in Chicago, that happens a lot.

 

The thing witih DirecTV is that you have to look at the total offerings and yoru total home needs. I think DirecTV is great, but I like my Comcast Internet and Comcast Cable works for us. Never compared cost but I should. Comcast isn't cheap.

 

It's hard to compare prices between the two, but those who claim Directv is cheaper are fudging a bit.

 

My cable, through Charter, is $70/mo. That includes all movie channels (about 25 or so, maybe a few more), their crappy sports tier (6-7 channels, only ESPN News and Fox Soccer are worth watching) and 130 or so other channels and the music and library of "on demand" content. Oh, and that's for one digital box, though we can have analog (channels 1-99) on as many other TVs as we want for no extra charge.

 

Directv is very expensive for movie channels. While their sports tier is a lot better, it's also very expensive. And every extra TV costs you like $5/mo., right? My understanding is that if you don't have extra receivers, you can only watch the same thing as what is on the main TV. Crock.

 

I did the math, and there was no way I could get the same number of channels for the same price. Not even close.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Extra Innings will not affect local market games. That's part of the reason MLB isn't worried about this deal. It only affects the "superfan" as far as they're concerned.

 

Is that 100% accurate, though, Vance?

 

DirecTV subscribers with MLB EI in San Diego will not get the Padres games. It's blacked out here on MLB EI. The only way to get Padres games in San Diego is through the cable company.

 

Now, the Padres are different than most other teams, as they broadcast on a cable owned channel, Cox Cable. Most bars in San Diego are not able to broadcast the Padres games because they are DirecTV subscribers. It really hurts their business.

 

Being fair, most bars cannot get regular cable service. I've heard the pricing to run cable to "businesses", and it's not cheap. Somewhere in the neighborhood of 20K just to run the lines.

 

I can't answer for that unique situation with the Padres. I can see where the San Deigo market could be a huge issue. On the other hand, I'm fairly certain most teams in-market games are available on the standard direct-tv or cable.

[BigbadB]

Actually, that raises a really interesting question for Cubs fans on DirecTV.

 

If Comcast airs most Cub games, wouldn't DirecTV have to purchase the right to air games on Comcast? They don't purchase Padres games and they've never aired any that aired on Cox Cable.

 

This could make things a little more interesting.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Actually, that raises a really interesting question for Cubs fans on DirecTV.

 

If Comcast airs most Cub games, wouldn't DirecTV have to purchase the right to air games on Comcast? They don't purchase Padres games and they've never aired any that aired on Cox Cable.

 

This could make things a little more interesting.

 

 

As of right now, all Comcast games are on EI. I'm not sure how the arrangement works though.

[BigbadB]

Actually, that raises a really interesting question for Cubs fans on DirecTV.

 

If Comcast airs most Cub games, wouldn't DirecTV have to purchase the right to air games on Comcast? They don't purchase Padres games and they've never aired any that aired on Cox Cable.

 

This could make things a little more interesting.

 

 

As of right now, all Comcast games are on EI. I'm not sure how the arrangement works though.

 

That's not the question. I knew that. Did or could DirecTV customers in the Chicago area get Comcast Cub games on DirecTV?

 

Will they still be able to if MLB EI goes exclusive on DirecTV?

 

Shouldn't Comcast have a little say in that? Wouldn't that be sort of a conflict of interest?

[moorecg]

What I don't get is why DirecTV Subscribers think this is such a great deal. They were already getting this. All this deal does is make people w/o DirecTV unable to get it...its not like the DirecTV people get more.

[Soul]

Another thing I don't understand: why are so many of you continuing to suffer with cable? Seriously----if you're a sports fan, DirecTV is way better and has been for many, many years. And it's cheaper.

 

Latest stats I have seen say less than 10% of the people in the US can NOT get DirecTV due to blockage. Even some of those could get it by making a few yard adjustments, etc. The numbers are very small.

 

How exactly am I suffering? I have DVR. I have digital cable and digital phone. I have the entire cable tv package, which includes a ridiculous amount of premium movie channels. How is that suffering?

 

Sometimes one doesn't know how much he suffers until the suffering ends.

 

What exactly are you referring to when you talk about suffering? I'm assuming you are referring to HD. Aren't all cable providers switching more and more to HD? Won't they all be required to go fully HD by a certain date? If that's the case, what's the difference in HD between cable and dish?

 

I don't own a HD tv yet, therefore there is nothing to suffer for yet. I have 7 tv's plugged in throughout my house, and I don't see the point of buying just 1 HD tv if I watch games on different tv's. Therefore, when I do switch to HD, I will be buying multiple tv's, and the longer I wait, the cheaper those tv's get.

 

I actually wasn't referring to the HD programming.

 

I'm referring to the ton of extras that are on DirecTV. Seriously, there are just lots of extra alternate channels in the lineup----you get extra games, such as regional-only broadcasts. And I already mentioned I'm getting all 3 of the metro market sports channels where I live, something cable would never dream of doing. I don't even think the RSN's are part of the cable lineup---you just get your local, unless that's changed since a couple years ago.

 

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

For sports, there's nothing close. I don't even think that's a debate, actually.

 

As for the weather----I lose signal maybe on 3 days a year, during super-strong thunderstorms. It lasts maybe 2 hours apiece, while the primary cell of the storm is passing right in front of the dish. I used to lose cable signal for an hour or two too though----after power outages when the cable company would reset their service. All in all I think it's a wash; it never happens in fall or winter because there aren't as many thunderstorms. It's only spring/summer.

 

Not trying to call cable subscribers stupid. Just saying----you may wish to take a second look if you are a sports fanatic.

Edited January 26, 2007 by Soul

[rynefan]

It's hard for me to imagine Comcast giving up local Chicago access to DirecTV where the Cubs games are concerned. Plus WGN is a Super Station anyway. I assume it still is, but I guess with all the changes, it might not be. I've never been sure what that Comcast-WGN connection is. Does anyone know?

 

I just can't lose my Cubbies... no way....

 

It's bad enough I have to be in Atlanta for a week over the 4th of July when my son goes to Junior Olympics for volleyball. Hope that they have WGN on the hotel cable deal because there is a lot of downtime at JO's.

[rynefan]

Making the choice between cable and dish isn't easy because for many of us we have to factor in the needs of others we live with. Plus, I get a ton of channels with Comcast, too, and watch probably ten of them on a regular basis. Too much poker on the sports channels if you ask me! Ah, the good ol' days.... wherefor have thou gone???????

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Actually, that raises a really interesting question for Cubs fans on DirecTV.

 

If Comcast airs most Cub games, wouldn't DirecTV have to purchase the right to air games on Comcast? They don't purchase Padres games and they've never aired any that aired on Cox Cable.

 

This could make things a little more interesting.

 

 

As of right now, all Comcast games are on EI. I'm not sure how the arrangement works though.

 

That's not the question. I knew that. Did or could DirecTV customers in the Chicago area get Comcast Cub games on DirecTV?

 

Will they still be able to if MLB EI goes exclusive on DirecTV?

 

Shouldn't Comcast have a little say in that? Wouldn't that be sort of a conflict of interest?

 

Yes, for Chicago area Comcast is part of the normal package. For all DirectTV customers, Comcast is part of the sports tier. Of course, if purchased on the sports tier, you do not get the games as they are blacked out unless you are an EI subscriber.

[BigbadB]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

[rynefan]

Shoot, this is really confusing. I might need to call Comcast so I can sleep tonight.

[goonys evil twin]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

 

I think it cost me around $200 this year. I figure I'd easily spend more than that over the course of the season if I went to a bar every game.

[CuseCubFan69]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

 

I think it cost me around $200 this year. I figure I'd easily spend more than that over the course of the season if I went to a bar every game.

 

How much is a beer in a NYC bar these days?

[goonys evil twin]

Actually, that raises a really interesting question for Cubs fans on DirecTV.

 

If Comcast airs most Cub games, wouldn't DirecTV have to purchase the right to air games on Comcast? They don't purchase Padres games and they've never aired any that aired on Cox Cable.

 

This could make things a little more interesting.

 

 

As of right now, all Comcast games are on EI. I'm not sure how the arrangement works though.

 

That's not the question. I knew that. Did or could DirecTV customers in the Chicago area get Comcast Cub games on DirecTV?

 

Will they still be able to if MLB EI goes exclusive on DirecTV?

 

Shouldn't Comcast have a little say in that? Wouldn't that be sort of a conflict of interest?

 

Yes, for Chicago area Comcast is part of the normal package. For all DirectTV customers, Comcast is part of the sports tier. Of course, if purchased on the sports tier, you do not get the games as they are blacked out unless you are an EI subscriber.

 

In theory, comcast Inc, could choose to not allow CSN to be shown on directv, which would mean no directv subsribers could watch cubs games on CSN, whether they live in chicago or not. But the Cubs and MLB would be really pissed at comcast for that, and, comcast only owns 20% of CSN (the 4 non Bears teams own the other 80%). That's the kicker I think. Comcast couldn't just make that move on its own, and I don't see any of the partners agreeing.

[BigbadB]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

 

I think it cost me around $200 this year. I figure I'd easily spend more than that over the course of the season if I went to a bar every game.

 

Oh, I can guarantee you I'd save money by not going to the bar. My last bar bill was $52.00 between the wife and I for the Bears/Saints, and that was a game I didn't have to go to the bar to see.

 

But, we've met a lot of Bears fans by going to the bar. The bar setting is more fun. The bar provides free Chorizo and eggs, also.

[goonys evil twin]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

 

I think it cost me around $200 this year. I figure I'd easily spend more than that over the course of the season if I went to a bar every game.

 

How much is a beer in a NYC bar these days?

 

I'd be watching in Hoboken (Eli's hometown), just across the river, but similar prices. If I went to a bar for Sunday football, I'd be spending $3-5 per beer, plus food, every Sunday, from 12:30-7:15 (at least). I could probably get away with only spending $15-20 on occasion, but I'd probably spend at least $50 most Sundays. At my house, we take turns buying kegs, and split the cost of food that we usually make at home, so I might average $15 per Sunday. Plus, I can lay down on my couch if I want, play with the dog, yell, scream, nap at will. And I have 100% control of the tv (station and volume).

[goonys evil twin]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

 

I think it cost me around $200 this year. I figure I'd easily spend more than that over the course of the season if I went to a bar every game.

 

Oh, I can guarantee you I'd save money by not going to the bar. My last bar bill was $52.00 between the wife and I for the Bears/Saints, and that was a game I didn't have to go to the bar to see.

 

But, we've met a lot of Bears fans by going to the bar. The bar setting is more fun. The bar provides free Chorizo and eggs, also.

 

I have anywhere from 6-10 friends over every Sunday, it's fun. I've done the bar thing, and it's nice. But I don't think it's more fun.

[CuseCubFan69]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

 

I think it cost me around $200 this year. I figure I'd easily spend more than that over the course of the season if I went to a bar every game.

 

How much is a beer in a NYC bar these days?

 

I'd be watching in Hoboken (Eli's hometown), just across the river, but similar prices. If I went to a bar for Sunday football, I'd be spending $3-5 per beer, plus food, every Sunday, from 12:30-7:15 (at least). I could probably get away with only spending $15-20 on occasion, but I'd probably spend at least $50 most Sundays. At my house, we take turns buying kegs, and split the cost of food that we usually make at home, so I might average $15 per Sunday. Plus, I can lay down on my couch if I want, play with the dog, yell, scream, nap at will. And I have 100% control of the tv (station and volume).

 

3 to 5 bucks...beer hasn't really gone up that much.

 

Did you get around that weird keg law (extra charge) in NY regarding deposits?

[CuseCubFan69]

Is this any different than Sirus being the only one to be able to carry MLB on the satillite radio?

[Soul]

Actually, that raises a really interesting question for Cubs fans on DirecTV.

 

If Comcast airs most Cub games, wouldn't DirecTV have to purchase the right to air games on Comcast? They don't purchase Padres games and they've never aired any that aired on Cox Cable.

 

This could make things a little more interesting.

 

 

As of right now, all Comcast games are on EI. I'm not sure how the arrangement works though.

 

That's not the question. I knew that. Did or could DirecTV customers in the Chicago area get Comcast Cub games on DirecTV?

 

Will they still be able to if MLB EI goes exclusive on DirecTV?

 

Shouldn't Comcast have a little say in that? Wouldn't that be sort of a conflict of interest?

 

Hmmmm.....I guess I'm confused. DirecTV has carried the comcast sports net channel (and the "B" channel as well) since its inception. I don't understand why there would suddenly be a problem. That's how I get most of the Cub games for basically free in Madison ;) Bulls & Hawks too.

[Soul]

Then there's Sunday Ticket. I seriously don't see how any sports addict could live without that.

 

I go to the local bar for Sunday Ticket. How much does it cost to have it in a residential setting?

 

I think it cost me around $200 this year. I figure I'd easily spend more than that over the course of the season if I went to a bar every game.

 

How much is a beer in a NYC bar these days?

 

I'd be watching in Hoboken (Eli's hometown), just across the river, but similar prices. If I went to a bar for Sunday football, I'd be spending $3-5 per beer, plus food, every Sunday, from 12:30-7:15 (at least). I could probably get away with only spending $15-20 on occasion, but I'd probably spend at least $50 most Sundays. At my house, we take turns buying kegs, and split the cost of food that we usually make at home, so I might average $15 per Sunday. Plus, I can lay down on my couch if I want, play with the dog, yell, scream, nap at will. And I have 100% control of the tv (station and volume).

 

3 to 5 bucks...beer hasn't really gone up that much.

 

Did you get around that weird keg law (extra charge) in NY regarding deposits?

 

Where can I find a wife who will let me spend 12-6:30p every Sunday at the bar? 8-)

 

Also, I like to be able to hear the broadcast without having to strain over the noise of a crowded bar. I understand there are advantages to the bar setting---I think it's fun too.

 

$250 bucks/year isn't that much for what I'm getting in return, IMO of course. Cable was charging me more per month and didn't even offer the option.

[rocket]

Is this any different than Sirus being the only one to be able to carry MLB on the satillite radio?

 

Yes. Because before that, MLB on satellite radio didn't exist. It'd be similar if MLB used to be on both, but switched to just one provider.

[CuseCubFan69]

Is this any different than Sirus being the only one to be able to carry MLB on the satillite radio?

 

Yes. Because before that, MLB on satellite radio didn't exist. It'd be similar if MLB used to be on both, but switched to just one provider.

 

I see, thanks.