MLB Extra Innings

[CUBZ99]

Losing the extra innings package on Dishnetwork would really really piss me off. There's no way Id switch to DirectTV, they dont even have WGN on DirectTV do they? Anyway I have heard nothing but bad things about them and Ive been real happy with my DVR/Service with Dishnetwork.

 

WGN is on DirectTV and in general I have been very pleased with their service.

[Wilmo]

I'm glad someone brought this topic up. I have a question hopefully fellow Cub fans can help me with.

 

I have Direct TV and have paid for EI for several years now, but I pretty much am only interested only in the Cubs games. I get part of the games on WGN of course and the other part of the games on the Comcast Sports channel. The only games I don't get are the few per year on UCI or whatever the local Chicago network is (even the with EI package they blackout).

 

I live in Indianapolis and the Cubs and Reds are considered local market teams, meaning I can watch them on Comcast Sports and Fox Sports Ohio or Cincy, whatever it is. Actually I'm forced to watch the Cubs and Reds on these channels because they are blacked out on the seven hundred channels where the EI games are.

 

Here is my question, does anyone know if I would still receive the Cubs games on Comcast Sports without the EI package? I do have the DTV sports package.

 

I guess I could wait till the first week and see if they are not blacked out, but if I do have to get the EI package at that point I would loose out on the early bird deal.

 

Thanks for your help.

[J.R.]

Some of us cannot use a satellite based TV service such as Direct TV.

 

I'd move.

[J.R.]

There's no way Id switch to DirectTV, they dont even have WGN on DirectTV do they?

 

Are you kidding?

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

JR, where are you getting the info about lifting the Saturday blackout on EI. Will they lift the regional ones as well?

[A New Era]

Is it just me, or does it seem shortsighted to take extra money to limit the exposure of your sport?

 

They will certainly lose me as a customer if they do that. I have zero interest in DirectTV.

 

I usually just get auto-renewed each year through my cable company. They give me all the discounts that comes with it. Those discounts are "early bird" and "repeat customer". I'd have to do some digging to find out how much I paid last year, but it was probably $139.99.

 

I'd pay for it if it was $339.99, but don't tell them that. What I won't pay for is a completely different cable package like DirectTV. I think it would be somewhat stupid to go exclusive with a single cable provider, but who am I? Just some dumb ole consumer.

 

Yeah that's how I felt when I got into the whole HD thing. Last year Direct TV didn't even have WGN on their channel list. Had to use an off-air anttenae. And when Comcast games where on HD, I couldn't even get those on Direct TV.

 

This year Direct TV now had WGN-HD and also through negotiations probably they get Comcast-HD as well. I'm still switching to comcast though. .

[moorecg]

It just CAN"T go to DirectTV...

 

I've always thought that ultimatly the NFL would have to make the Sunday Ticket available to the masses through allowing it to be bought on digital cable as well as direct tv. It just doesn't make sense to me that they can get more from DirectTV than they could from the 10s of millions of households that don't have DirectTV but might otherwise buy the Sunday Ticket. Same thing for baseball...

 

I'd have to call congress or something.

 

In early December, Senator Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) introduced a bill that would repeal the NFL's antitrust exemption under the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961.

 

If Congress is going to do anything about this, Specter will be the one to do it.

 

I'd finally have a republican I could agree with on something...

 

Oh...and somebody asked where JR is getting his info...sounds like he works for them...or should...bottom line, I'd be very upset if baseball is effectively taken away from a large percentage of its viewers.

[J.R.]

JR, where are you getting the info about lifting the Saturday blackout on EI. Will they lift the regional ones as well?

 

I think it was on avsforum or somesuch. The notion was that DirecTV would position EI on or near par with Sunday Ticket to make it worthy of folks up and switching providers just to get it.

 

As it stands now, with Saturdays wasted and scant HD feeds, it pales in comparison.

[J.R.]

Oh...and somebody asked where JR is getting his info...sounds like he works for them...or should...bottom line, I'd be very upset if baseball is effectively taken away from a large percentage of its viewers.

 

I just happen to appreciate a company that actually has to work to satisfy its customers. The cable companies have devolved into a world of warped business practices thanks to years of government-sponsored monopoly.

 

"Effectively taken away?" What's stopping you from signing up for satellite?

[Illini Iceman]

Oh...and somebody asked where JR is getting his info...sounds like he works for them...or should...bottom line, I'd be very upset if baseball is effectively taken away from a large percentage of its viewers.

 

I just happen to appreciate a company that actually has to work to satisfy its customers. The cable companies have devolved into a world of warped business practices thanks to years of government-sponsored monopoly.

 

"Effectively taken away?" What's stopping you from signing up for satellite?

 

Here in Florida we have DirectTV, Dish Network, Bright House (Time Warner) Digitial Cable, and Verizon Digital Cable. With all that competition I don't see how any one of these companies has to work any harder than another to satisfy it's customers, but if it makes you feel better to think you are sticking it the man by not having cable then more power to you.

 

Personally I have Verizon digital cable because I like to actually be able watch TV when it is raining outside, but that's just me.

 

In any case, I don't know how good of a business move it would be for DirectTV to throw a lot of money at getting exclusivity on EI.

 

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6404687.html

 

Only 280,000 total subscribers and I have to think a pretty large percentage of those are not dedicated enough to actually switch providers to get the package.

[mhuber92211]

what ever happened to the bill that forced broadcasters to set up ala cart packages where you choose the channels you want.

[cubfan1955]

I'm glad someone brought this topic up. I have a question hopefully fellow Cub fans can help me with.

 

I have Direct TV and have paid for EI for several years now, but I pretty much am only interested only in the Cubs games. I get part of the games on WGN of course and the other part of the games on the Comcast Sports channel. The only games I don't get are the few per year on UCI or whatever the local Chicago network is (even the with EI package they blackout).

 

I live in Indianapolis and the Cubs and Reds are considered local market teams, meaning I can watch them on Comcast Sports and Fox Sports Ohio or Cincy, whatever it is. Actually I'm forced to watch the Cubs and Reds on these channels because they are blacked out on the seven hundred channels where the EI games are.

 

Here is my question, does anyone know if I would still receive the Cubs games on Comcast Sports without the EI package? I do have the DTV sports package.

 

I guess I could wait till the first week and see if they are not blacked out, but if I do have to get the EI package at that point I would loose out on the early bird deal.

 

Thanks for your help.

Yes, you will get the Cubs games on Comcast Sports without subscribing to EI.

[J.R.]

Here in Florida we have DirectTV, Dish Network, Bright House (Time Warner) Digitial Cable, and Verizon Digital Cable. With all that competition I don't see how any one of these companies has to work any harder than another to satisfy it's customers, but if it makes you feel better to think you are sticking it the man by not having cable then more power to you.

 

Personally I have Verizon digital cable because I like to actually be able watch TV when it is raining outside, but that's just me.

 

http://www.gminsidenews.com/forums/images/smilies/lmao.gif

[macuser2]

Oh...and somebody asked where JR is getting his info...sounds like he works for them...or should...bottom line, I'd be very upset if baseball is effectively taken away from a large percentage of its viewers.

 

I just happen to appreciate a company that actually has to work to satisfy its customers. The cable companies have devolved into a world of warped business practices thanks to years of government-sponsored monopoly.

 

"Effectively taken away?" What's stopping you from signing up for satellite?

 

Here in Florida we have DirectTV, Dish Network, Bright House (Time Warner) Digitial Cable, and Verizon Digital Cable. With all that competition I don't see how any one of these companies has to work any harder than another to satisfy it's customers, but if it makes you feel better to think you are sticking it the man by not having cable then more power to you.

 

Personally I have Verizon digital cable because I like to actually be able watch TV when it is raining outside, but that's just me.

 

In any case, I don't know how good of a business move it would be for DirectTV to throw a lot of money at getting exclusivity on EI.

 

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6404687.html

 

Only 280,000 total subscribers and I have to think a pretty large percentage of those are not dedicated enough to actually switch providers to get the package.

 

The information in that link was interesting. I did not realize the subscriber base was so low by comparison. So if they go exclusive it won't affect a large number of people, but where's the big gain for Direct TV? This would probably kill Extra Innings if you ask me.

 

My big gripe with Extra Innings and the MLB streaming service were the blackout rules. Also, sometimes that streaming service didn't work too well.

 

Well we have this local semi pro team. I would probably switch to support them. Screw MLB.

[Vinestal]

Oh...and somebody asked where JR is getting his info...sounds like he works for them...or should...bottom line, I'd be very upset if baseball is effectively taken away from a large percentage of its viewers.

 

I just happen to appreciate a company that actually has to work to satisfy its customers. The cable companies have devolved into a world of warped business practices thanks to years of government-sponsored monopoly.

 

"Effectively taken away?" What's stopping you from signing up for satellite?

 

Here in Florida we have DirectTV, Dish Network, Bright House (Time Warner) Digitial Cable, and Verizon Digital Cable. With all that competition I don't see how any one of these companies has to work any harder than another to satisfy it's customers, but if it makes you feel better to think you are sticking it the man by not having cable then more power to you.

 

Personally I have Verizon digital cable because I like to actually be able watch TV when it is raining outside, but that's just me.

 

In any case, I don't know how good of a business move it would be for DirectTV to throw a lot of money at getting exclusivity on EI.

 

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6404687.html

 

Only 280,000 total subscribers and I have to think a pretty large percentage of those are not dedicated enough to actually switch providers to get the package.

 

 

This is one of the largest drawbacks to having satelite tv in FL, there are plenty of times I miss an hour or more tv time because of rain. Satelite really sucks and if I had a choice Id have cable, not only for tv but for internet and phone service to. We have been trying to get cable services for the 2 years we have been living on this road. They keep telling us they wont wire us because there arent enough houses on our road but 1 mile away is the cable hub and every other road around us has cable services. The main reason we want it is for the highspeed internet but I would really love to be able to get brighthouse cable as well. We are actually on the verge of taking them to court. We think that the communications act of 2006 obligates them to give us fair access, because of the lack of other high speed options. Satelite high speed internet is a real joke because of the dialup like upload speeds and the limits on how much you can download. I think most people these days that have highspeed internet have broadband and until satelite comes up with something compareable people will want cable over satelite.

I dream of the day when I come home from work and the brighthouse guys are stringing up the lines for cable service honestly, being without highspeed internet is real hell lol. Ive been happy with my TV service with Dishnetowrk though, Id probably switch to cable just to have everything on one bill, and because it would save me a little money. I think forcing people to subscribe to DirectTV (and sign a lengthy contract with them) in order to be able to watch the EI package would be a HUGE mistake on MLB's part. [/b]

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Oh...and somebody asked where JR is getting his info...sounds like he works for them...or should...bottom line, I'd be very upset if baseball is effectively taken away from a large percentage of its viewers.

 

I just happen to appreciate a company that actually has to work to satisfy its customers. The cable companies have devolved into a world of warped business practices thanks to years of government-sponsored monopoly.

 

"Effectively taken away?" What's stopping you from signing up for satellite?

 

Here in Florida we have DirectTV, Dish Network, Bright House (Time Warner) Digitial Cable, and Verizon Digital Cable. With all that competition I don't see how any one of these companies has to work any harder than another to satisfy it's customers, but if it makes you feel better to think you are sticking it the man by not having cable then more power to you.

 

Personally I have Verizon digital cable because I like to actually be able watch TV when it is raining outside, but that's just me.

 

In any case, I don't know how good of a business move it would be for DirectTV to throw a lot of money at getting exclusivity on EI.

 

http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6404687.html

 

Only 280,000 total subscribers and I have to think a pretty large percentage of those are not dedicated enough to actually switch providers to get the package.

 

The information in that link was interesting. I did not realize the subscriber base was so low by comparison. So if they go exclusive it won't affect a large number of people, but where's the big gain for Direct TV? This would probably kill Extra Innings if you ask me.

 

My big gripe with Extra Innings and the MLB streaming service were the blackout rules. Also, sometimes that streaming service didn't work too well.

 

Well we have this local semi pro team. I would probably switch to support them. Screw MLB.

 

It seems that's part of the negotiations with DirectTV. DirectTV feels if the "blackout" rules are loosened, then people would find the package more desirable and might be willing to switch for it.

 

I already have DirectTV, so if this removes the Saturday blackouts for me as well as some of the regional...though Astros (and any time the Cubs play them) and Rangers are the only teams I have regional problems with, then I'm for it. However, had I been receiving this through my cable provider and about to lose it...I'd be pissed.

[Abe Frohman]

 

The information in that link was interesting. I did not realize the subscriber base was so low by comparison. So if they go exclusive it won't affect a large number of people, but where's the big gain for Direct TV? This would probably kill Extra Innings if you ask me.

 

My big gripe with Extra Innings and the MLB streaming service were the blackout rules. Also, sometimes that streaming service didn't work too well.

 

Well we have this local semi pro team. I would probably switch to support them. Screw MLB.

 

I live in your area, and the only teams that were blacked out were the Astros and Rangers. The Astros can be seen on Fox Sports Southwest, which is a very available channel on Dish Network (basic channel, I think). The Rangers, however - you will be lucky to see. Almost impossible to watch a Rangers home game on TV here in Shreveport.

 

I really don't care though, as a Cub fan.

 

They say the "Blackout" is to encourage fans to actually go to the games instead of watch them on the tube. That makes zero sense when they black out a team that is 200 miles away from a viewership.

 

I did get a little interesting information from a Dish Network operator (who have been excellent the 6 or 7 years I have been a customer) - MLB is working on abolishing "blackouts." That would be excellent.

 

As far as the local team, the Independant Shreveport Sports - it is tough to go watch them because of their location - which is why no one really went to see the AA affiliate of the San Francisco Giants when we had them here. Shreveport-Bossier has rich minor league roots - and I think in time (with the right location for a field) we will once again have real minor league baseball.

Edited January 9, 2007 by Abe Frohman

[BigbadB]

However, had I been receiving this through my cable provider and about to lose it...I'd be pissed.

 

And that's the attitude everyone should have about this. It should not be exclusive to any provider. What if DirectTV gets exclusivity, and then doesn't get the amount of new memberships they hoped for? The price will go through the roof for the EI package.

 

I live in SoCal. The East coast 7pm games start at 4pm here. A lot of people don't buy the EI package out west because a large percentage of the games start so early. They aren't even home from work yet when the 6th inning of an east coast game rolls around.

 

It would not be a smart business decision by MLB to go exclusive with any provider, period. I don't need it so bad that I'd be willing to give up my home and business phone number, my high speed internet service and all the email addresses that I have and give up my current DVR boxes and all the channels offered by my cable company.

 

The less access I have to baseball games would also have an affect on my interest in the game.

[thedaymen]

I dunno what you guys are talking about.

 

Last year was the first year in about half a decade I didn't have MLB extra innings. Saved $160 and didn't feel obligated to watch the Cubs more then the once or twice a week they were on WGN. If DirecTV is making that decision easier, you should be thanking them.

[jacey]

I need a little advice here from you experts on this issue. I live in NW TN and am currently a DirectTV customer. I have not had any problems with them at all, by the way. I have a basic package that does not include the sports channels (Comcast CHI, Fox sports, etc). If I upgrade to get that package, will I be able to watch additiional Cubs games? Is my NW TN area subject to blackouts? Is this a market considered Cubs home market? If I can get the sports pkg for a few extra bucks instead of EI I would just as soon do that...Thanks for the input

[goonys evil twin]

I need a little advice here from you experts on this issue. I live in NW TN and am currently a DirectTV customer. I have not had any problems with them at all, by the way. I have a basic package that does not include the sports channels (Comcast CHI, Fox sports, etc). If I upgrade to get that package, will I be able to watch additiional Cubs games? Is my NW TN area subject to blackouts? Is this a market considered Cubs home market? If I can get the sports pkg for a few extra bucks instead of EI I would just as soon do that...Thanks for the input

 

I don't see how you'd get Cubs games there. You'd get comcast pre and post game, but blacked out for the games unless you had EI. I'm not an expert, but I'd have to imagine that's well outside the area that would get Cubs games for free on CSN. I would call and ask to find out.

[BigbadB]

I need a little advice here from you experts on this issue. I live in NW TN and am currently a DirectTV customer. I have not had any problems with them at all, by the way. I have a basic package that does not include the sports channels (Comcast CHI, Fox sports, etc). If I upgrade to get that package, will I be able to watch additiional Cubs games? Is my NW TN area subject to blackouts? Is this a market considered Cubs home market? If I can get the sports pkg for a few extra bucks instead of EI I would just as soon do that...Thanks for the input

 

I believe Comcast is Regional. I can't get Comcast in my market, but then again I'm way out here in California. With EI, I get all the Cubs games except the Saturday black out games and the occasional game that airs on WCIU or whatever that channel is. It's possible I don't get Cubs games when they air on WGN, but I get WGN and usually watch the game on that channel if they are on.

[BigbadB]

I dunno what you guys are talking about.

 

Last year was the first year in about half a decade I didn't have MLB extra innings. Saved $160 and didn't feel obligated to watch the Cubs more then the once or twice a week they were on WGN. If DirecTV is making that decision easier, you should be thanking them.

 

Fair enough. But, I get EI for all MLB games, not just the Cubs. With Fantasy baseball as popular as ever, MLB should be capitalizing on the opportunity for EI to be seen regardless of what cable provider subscribers have.

 

If they are stupid enough to sign an exclusivity contract with one provider, then I might have to agree with you and not feel sorry for them or myself.

[Vinestal]

I dunno what you guys are talking about.

 

Last year was the first year in about half a decade I didn't have MLB extra innings. Saved $160 and didn't feel obligated to watch the Cubs more then the once or twice a week they were on WGN. If DirecTV is making that decision easier, you should be thanking them.

 

Fair enough. But, I get EI for all MLB games, not just the Cubs. With Fantasy baseball as popular as ever, MLB should be capitalizing on the opportunity for EI to be seen regardless of what cable provider subscribers have.

 

If they are stupid enough to sign an exclusivity contract with one provider, then I might have to agree with you and not feel sorry for them or myself.

 

I think I'd probably wind up listening to more games on my XM radio. I wonder if they get rid of blackouts if I could watch the games on comcast sportsnet chicago, I pay extra for that channel but they blackout all the Cubs games so its usually only good for watching the pre and post game shows and Tribune live is occasionaly entertaining. Dan Plesac is a tool though. *sigh* If I could watch all the games on WGN and the games carried on comcast sportsnet I think Id be pretty happy and not be worried about losing the EI package.

[BigbadB]

Yeah, I get XM in my wife's van, but that's it. I might have to call XM and see what I can do to get it on a portable, because I'm not going to sit in the wife's van when I want to hear a game. :D