MLB Extra Innings

[NCCubFan]

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.

Actually it's XM that carries MLB. Sirius has the NFL.

[NCCubFan]

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.

If anything, it could hurt current DirecTV subscribers in the future in the form of higher prices. As others have pointed out, with a monopoly DirecTV could raise the price as much as they want to and people who want the package would have no choice but to pay it because they couldn't get it from another source at a lower cost. This should be an illegal monopoly.

[NCCubFan]

Even though I am a DirecTV subscriber, I do still see advantages to cable. In many markets (including mine) the local channels aren't yet available in HD (unless you use an off-air antenna), while they are available on digital cable. A person shouldn't be forced to choose between getting the sports packages or getting local channels in HD. If DirecTV is allowed to go through with this I feel that, as a condition, they should be required to IMMEDIATELY make any local channels with HD broadcasta available in all markets. That way a person could switch to DirecTV to keep EI without losing their local channels in HD.

[Soul]

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.

If anything, it could hurt current DirecTV subscribers in the future in the form of higher prices. As others have pointed out, with a monopoly DirecTV could raise the price as much as they want to and people who want the package would have no choice but to pay it because they couldn't get it from another source at a lower cost. This should be an illegal monopoly.

 

Huh?

 

Illegal monopoly in what way? Should any magazine company be able to print Sports Illustrated?

 

How about CDs? Should it be a Monopoly for one record company to be the only one to put out the next Eminem CD?

 

That's ridiculous and you know it. It's a contracted service. Always has been. Exclusive rights are a part of any copyrighted material. You usually get a premium for them. DirecTV offered a premium for exclusive rights, and that's what MLB granted them. Happens every day.

[J.R.]

I really can't understand why so many feel it's such a stretch to switch to DirecTV. I have no interest in the company, but can't overstate just how valuable the service is to the sports-minded man. It's so great that it's worth taking pains to get reception — at the least I'd fell a bunch of trees, and if that failed, I'd move to a suitable location.

 

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

 

Huh?

[BigbadB]

None of my tv's are HD, so I don't order HD service.

 

I didn't word it very good. When I do buy some HD tv's, then I'll order HD service. The point was that all cable companies are gearing up for HD, and I'm not aware one will be better than another. But, I haven't really spent much time educating myself on HD.

[J.R.]

None of my tv's are HD, so I don't order HD service.

 

I didn't word it very good. When I do buy some HD tv's, then I'll order HD service. The point was that all cable companies are gearing up for HD, and I'm not aware one will be better than another. But, I haven't really spent much time educating myself on HD.

 

Ah.

 

You really should check into it. Buy one HD set and you'll forget all about the other six plain TVs in the house.

[BigbadB]

None of my tv's are HD, so I don't order HD service.

 

I didn't word it very good. When I do buy some HD tv's, then I'll order HD service. The point was that all cable companies are gearing up for HD, and I'm not aware one will be better than another. But, I haven't really spent much time educating myself on HD.

 

Ah.

 

You really should check into it. Buy one HD set and you'll forget all about the other six plain TVs in the house.

 

I know I'll like it. I've seen it in local bars. But, I'll wait until I can go pick up 3 at the same time. One for the office, one for the family room and one for the bedroom. The kids won't be getting one.

 

The prices are coming down quite nicely everyday. So, it probably won't be much longer before I make that investment. I thought it was more important to buy a house first. :wink:

[BigbadB]

Actually, I won't need one for the office if I can't get MLB EI.

[moorecg]

 

Illegal monopoly in what way? Should any magazine company be able to print Sports Illustrated?

 

No they shouldn't be able to just reprint SI, but they SHOULD be able to cover baseball. This makes it so they can't do that.

 

Same thing with the singers example...no, they can't take eminem, but they can sign other singers...here there are no other "singers" and it has become this way in large part due to the antitrust exemption. MLB was given the exemption to help the game flourish...now they are attempting to extend it further than the exceptions original intentions.

[Soul]

Try that in court then, sir.

 

I'll guarantee you'll get laughed back to your law office.

[moorecg]

Try that in court then, sir.

 

I'll guarantee you'll get laughed back to your law office.

 

I'm pretty damn sure I could get past summary judgment.

:D

[Laura]

BTW, they had the XM reporter who has been covering this on air yesterday -- missed his name. He said that the cable companies offered to match DirectTV's bid to keep it non-exclusive and the decision came down to the MLB Baseball Channel that they're planning to launch. The cable companies couldn't guarantee carrying it before 2009 and there were disagreements over how widely it should be carried (as part of MLB EI, as part of a different sports package, etc). DirectTV is apparently going to carry it more widely (albeit among a smaller constumor base).

[CheeseHead Cubs Fan]

BTW, they had the XM reporter who has been covering this on air yesterday -- missed his name. He said that the cable companies offered to match DirectTV's bid to keep it non-exclusive and the decision came down to the MLB Baseball Channel that they're planning to launch. The cable companies couldn't guarantee carrying it before 2009 and there were disagreements over how widely it should be carried (as part of MLB EI, as part of a different sports package, etc). DirectTV is apparently going to carry it more widely (albeit among a smaller constumor base).

 

I am curious to know when it will be formally announced, although it is still early, my cable co. still has it as part of my package and plans on charging me :)

[Soul]

BTW, they had the XM reporter who has been covering this on air yesterday -- missed his name. He said that the cable companies offered to match DirectTV's bid to keep it non-exclusive and the decision came down to the MLB Baseball Channel that they're planning to launch. The cable companies couldn't guarantee carrying it before 2009 and there were disagreements over how widely it should be carried (as part of MLB EI, as part of a different sports package, etc). DirectTV is apparently going to carry it more widely (albeit among a smaller constumor base).

 

If that was the deal-breaker, then shame on the cable guys. My goodness, kick off some of those atrocious local-access channels if you have to. That's just stupid =D>

 

Cable pulled this same rigamarole with the NFL Network too. Then they convinced the buying public it was the NFL's fault they weren't going to see their team play on Thursday night. With DirecTV we've had the NFL Network as part of one of the basic packages forever.

 

Yeah----don't be too quick to blame only DirecTV. Look at the entire picture. Cable has a long, long history of being unable to get out of its own way.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

After reading that, my guess is DirectTV is willing to make the baseball channel part of its regualr line-up. Cable likely wanted it part of a sports tier.

 

I don't see why cable has become so stubborn in this regard.

 

Since I'm a Direct-TV subscriber, this doesn't affect me.

[Soul]

I just find it funny that cable has no problem providing studios and facilities so Joe and his cavalcade of freaks can put on a local-access show whenever they're sober enough, but MLB and the NFL? Let's keep them far away from paying customers.

 

LOL.......ahhhhhh, cable. I do not miss thee 8-)

[BigbadB]

I think I'll wait for a more official announcement. "Some guy" on XM Radio who may or may not know what he's talking about isn't going to cut it for me. No offense, Laura. :wink:

[kujay]

I just find it funny that cable has no problem providing studios and facilities so Joe and his cavalcade of freaks can put on a local-access show whenever they're sober enough, but MLB and the NFL? Let's keep them far away from paying customers.

 

LOL.......ahhhhhh, cable. I do not miss thee 8-)

 

The reason is obvious. Cable companies have to pay for the right to carry each cable channel in their lineup. The "rights fee" is per subscriber (I think), and varies based on ratings, demand, etc. They pay *zilch* for the cable access channels, but can still advertise that they offer 140 channels, or whatever it is.

 

On the other hand, NFL Network, and I'm sure MLB, want handsome fees from the cable companies. Cable then wants to put them on premium tiers, so they can recoup their costs (and then some) directly from the consumer. And NFL/MLB don't want that, because it severely limits their exposure, which limits viewership, which limits the price they can charge for ads.

 

Point is, we lose because these folks can't agree on how to divide the pie. But none are more or less right than the other, in my opinion.

[BigbadB]

Point is, we lose because these folks can't agree on how to divide the pie. But none are more or less right than the other, in my opinion.

 

That's an unselfish way of looking at it, and it might be a more accurate portrayal of the big picture. All enterprises are in it to turn a profit. The problem is that they are all attempting to turn profits off the same consumer base.

 

Each has a right to attempt to gain full control of this premium service. MLB are the idiots for allowing something like this to happen. It's in their control, and their control only, to decide who gets access of MLB EI.

 

It appears they are fine with DirecTV having full control, which I think is a big mistake. The guys making that decision don't care, however, as they are pocketing a cool 700m. They'll leave the mess created for the next guys.

[goonys evil twin]

So, I cancelled my directv. Their incompetence just became too much to bare. 8 times now I have had my appointment to upgrade from regular dish/box to the HD/DVR combo, and all 8 times they cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of hardware. They had me over a barrel until the end the football season, but they came back with an offer for all sorts of freebies if I set-up another install date. Sure enough, this past Friday evening, I got a call saying my Saturday appointment had to be rescheduled.

 

I know they routinely go to customers who leave with a big offer to return, I'll consider it since I like the product. But I'm officially done for now with Directv's incompetent customer service.

[Derwood]

So, I cancelled my directv. Their incompetence just became too much to bare. 8 times now I have had my appointment to upgrade from regular dish/box to the HD/DVR combo, and all 8 times they cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of hardware. They had me over a barrel until the end the football season, but they came back with an offer for all sorts of freebies if I set-up another install date. Sure enough, this past Friday evening, I got a call saying my Saturday appointment had to be rescheduled.

 

I know they routinely go to customers who leave with a big offer to return, I'll consider it since I like the product. But I'm officially done for now with Directv's incompetent customer service.

 

this is 100% a subcontractor problem. I've had the DirecTV guys at my house 3 times, and only once did they not do the job (due to not having a tall enough ladder....they did not return again).

[goonys evil twin]

So, I cancelled my directv. Their incompetence just became too much to bare. 8 times now I have had my appointment to upgrade from regular dish/box to the HD/DVR combo, and all 8 times they cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of hardware. They had me over a barrel until the end the football season, but they came back with an offer for all sorts of freebies if I set-up another install date. Sure enough, this past Friday evening, I got a call saying my Saturday appointment had to be rescheduled.

 

I know they routinely go to customers who leave with a big offer to return, I'll consider it since I like the product. But I'm officially done for now with Directv's incompetent customer service.

 

this is 100% a subcontractor problem. I've had the DirecTV guys at my house 3 times, and only once did they not do the job (due to not having a tall enough ladder....they did not return again).

 

It is definitely not just a subcontractor problem. It's a directv/directech problem. Directv is setting up installation dates that they can't handle. It's not a matter of a guy showing up with the wrong stuff, it's a matter of directv trying to sell more hardware than they actually have, and putting a greater emphasis on getting new customers over keeping existing customers. I estimated I've spent about $20,000 on their service over the years, and they've given me all sorts of garbage about being an A-list customer. I've been given all sorts of rebates and crap in the past few months, but they aren't getting the job done.

[moorecg]

So, I cancelled my directv. Their incompetence just became too much to bare. 8 times now I have had my appointment to upgrade from regular dish/box to the HD/DVR combo, and all 8 times they cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of hardware. They had me over a barrel until the end the football season, but they came back with an offer for all sorts of freebies if I set-up another install date. Sure enough, this past Friday evening, I got a call saying my Saturday appointment had to be rescheduled.

 

I know they routinely go to customers who leave with a big offer to return, I'll consider it since I like the product. But I'm officially done for now with Directv's incompetent customer service.

 

this is 100% a subcontractor problem. I've had the DirecTV guys at my house 3 times, and only once did they not do the job (due to not having a tall enough ladder....they did not return again).

 

It is definitely not just a subcontractor problem. It's a directv/directech problem. Directv is setting up installation dates that they can't handle. It's not a matter of a guy showing up with the wrong stuff, it's a matter of directv trying to sell more hardware than they actually have, and putting a greater emphasis on getting new customers over keeping existing customers. I estimated I've spent about $20,000 on their service over the years, and they've given me all sorts of garbage about being an A-list customer. I've been given all sorts of rebates and crap in the past few months, but they aren't getting the job done.

 

This is the exact problem I had with them...although I told them where to shove their dish after only 4 cancelled appointments...they installed it on the last one but installed it poorly and I got crappy reception...their "customer service" people said they could'nt help...and didn't care at all about the fact that I'd taken off a 1/2 day 3 different times to wait for them...

[Derwood]

So, I cancelled my directv. Their incompetence just became too much to bare. 8 times now I have had my appointment to upgrade from regular dish/box to the HD/DVR combo, and all 8 times they cancelled at the last minute due to a lack of hardware. They had me over a barrel until the end the football season, but they came back with an offer for all sorts of freebies if I set-up another install date. Sure enough, this past Friday evening, I got a call saying my Saturday appointment had to be rescheduled.

 

I know they routinely go to customers who leave with a big offer to return, I'll consider it since I like the product. But I'm officially done for now with Directv's incompetent customer service.

 

this is 100% a subcontractor problem. I've had the DirecTV guys at my house 3 times, and only once did they not do the job (due to not having a tall enough ladder....they did not return again).

 

It is definitely not just a subcontractor problem. It's a directv/directech problem. Directv is setting up installation dates that they can't handle. It's not a matter of a guy showing up with the wrong stuff, it's a matter of directv trying to sell more hardware than they actually have, and putting a greater emphasis on getting new customers over keeping existing customers. I estimated I've spent about $20,000 on their service over the years, and they've given me all sorts of garbage about being an A-list customer. I've been given all sorts of rebates and crap in the past few months, but they aren't getting the job done.

 

perhaps it's regional then. I can only speak for my own experience.