INDemand reaches deal for MLB Extra Innings Package!

[kujay]

I was just told by a Charter rep that they just got an "e-mail flash" through their system that they had reached an agreement with InDemand and that Extra Innings would start on Charter tomorrow.

 

He said they would start taking orders tomorrow as well.

[J.R.]

And what I'd like to point out is that you've advocated since day 1 that ONLY DirecTV have it and had no problem with, and actually were happy about the first deal proposed which cut out a LARGE percentage of fans, including many people on this board

 

Had DirecTV not gotten involved, we'd still be stuck with MLBEI as it was in the 1990s. Now, DirecTV subscribers can enjoy numerous improvements that have put the service at the cutting edge of in-home sports viewing.

 

Once "MLBEI 2.0" was assured, I didn't give a damn one way or another whether cable got the rights back. Now that they have, it's more money for MLB, which is always a good thing.

 

BTW, I don't think you'll ever see a post on here praising Charter...their customer service is bad, but DirecTV customer service sucks too.....I've always just wanted the product out there for everyone....and I'm happy its getting closer to that, even if I get personally screwed by having a bad cable company...I'm glad the product it out there for others...

 

DirecTV boasts excellent service, and, unlike cable, has shown a penchant for innovation that has pushed the sports packages far beyond the dreams of cable's most staunch supporters. There are some bum installers out there, but overall, people are pretty damn pleased.

 

You really ought to sign up ... the people praising the new offerings here can't all be DirecTV shills.

[moorecg]

And what I'd like to point out is that you've advocated since day 1 that ONLY DirecTV have it and had no problem with, and actually were happy about the first deal proposed which cut out a LARGE percentage of fans, including many people on this board

 

Had DirecTV not gotten involved, we'd still be stuck with MLBEI as it was in the 1990s. Now, DirecTV subscribers can enjoy numerous improvements that have put the service at the cutting edge of in-home sports viewing.

 

Once "MLBEI 2.0" was assured, I didn't give a damn one way or another whether cable got the rights back. Now that they have, it's more money for MLB, which is always a good thing.

 

BTW, I don't think you'll ever see a post on here praising Charter...their customer service is bad, but DirecTV customer service sucks too.....I've always just wanted the product out there for everyone....and I'm happy its getting closer to that, even if I get personally screwed by having a bad cable company...I'm glad the product it out there for others...

 

DirecTV boasts excellent service, and, unlike cable, has shown a penchant for innovation that has pushed the sports packages far beyond the dreams of cable's most staunch supporters. There are some bum installers out there, but overall, people are pretty damn pleased.

 

You really ought to sign up ... the people praising the new offerings here can't all be DirecTV shills.

 

I tried signing up 6 months ago...and after fighting with their service people for 3 weeks...and 3 separate appointments where they didn't show up at all...and one where they did, but then installed it on a poll in the middle of my back yard, instead of on the side of my house like they promised (with poor reception at that)...I told them where they could put their dish.

[Vinestal]

And what I'd like to point out is that you've advocated since day 1 that ONLY DirecTV have it and had no problem with, and actually were happy about the first deal proposed which cut out a LARGE percentage of fans, including many people on this board

 

Had DirecTV not gotten involved, we'd still be stuck with MLBEI as it was in the 1990s. Now, DirecTV subscribers can enjoy numerous improvements that have put the service at the cutting edge of in-home sports viewing.

 

Once "MLBEI 2.0" was assured, I didn't give a damn one way or another whether cable got the rights back. Now that they have, it's more money for MLB, which is always a good thing.

 

BTW, I don't think you'll ever see a post on here praising Charter...their customer service is bad, but DirecTV customer service sucks too.....I've always just wanted the product out there for everyone....and I'm happy its getting closer to that, even if I get personally screwed by having a bad cable company...I'm glad the product it out there for others...

 

DirecTV boasts excellent service, and, unlike cable, has shown a penchant for innovation that has pushed the sports packages far beyond the dreams of cable's most staunch supporters. There are some bum installers out there, but overall, people are pretty damn pleased.

 

You really ought to sign up ... the people praising the new offerings here can't all be DirecTV shills.

 

 

Blah blah blah

DirecTV sucks. No one had a problem with EI the way it was, was just fine. Your favorite company screwed things up for tons of people. They are scum buckets to the worst degree. Though I really blame mlb largely for thier complete stupidity and lack of interest in keeping thier fans happy. DirecTV can go to hell, they'll never get a penny of my money and Im sure there are plenty of other people who feel the same.

[Soul]

And what I'd like to point out is that you've advocated since day 1 that ONLY DirecTV have it and had no problem with, and actually were happy about the first deal proposed which cut out a LARGE percentage of fans, including many people on this board

 

Had DirecTV not gotten involved, we'd still be stuck with MLBEI as it was in the 1990s. Now, DirecTV subscribers can enjoy numerous improvements that have put the service at the cutting edge of in-home sports viewing.

 

Once "MLBEI 2.0" was assured, I didn't give a damn one way or another whether cable got the rights back. Now that they have, it's more money for MLB, which is always a good thing.

 

BTW, I don't think you'll ever see a post on here praising Charter...their customer service is bad, but DirecTV customer service sucks too.....I've always just wanted the product out there for everyone....and I'm happy its getting closer to that, even if I get personally screwed by having a bad cable company...I'm glad the product it out there for others...

 

DirecTV boasts excellent service, and, unlike cable, has shown a penchant for innovation that has pushed the sports packages far beyond the dreams of cable's most staunch supporters. There are some bum installers out there, but overall, people are pretty damn pleased.

 

You really ought to sign up ... the people praising the new offerings here can't all be DirecTV shills.

 

 

Blah blah blah

DirecTV sucks. No one had a problem with EI the way it was, was just fine. Your favorite company screwed things up for tons of people. They are scum buckets to the worst degree. Though I really blame mlb largely for thier complete stupidity and lack of interest in keeping thier fans happy. DirecTV can go to hell, they'll never get a penny of my money and Im sure there are plenty of other people who feel the same.

 

Yeah whatever. They made an offer to MLB which was accepted. Oh evil, EVIL! :roll:

[J.R.]

I tried signing up 6 months ago...and after fighting with their service people for 3 weeks...and 3 separate appointments where they didn't show up at all...and one where they did, but then installed it on a poll in the middle of my back yard, instead of on the side of my house like they promised (with poor reception at that)...I told them where they could put their dish.

 

I had a fool come out with the dish the first time ... after I complained about the poor install, the contractor was disciplined and a satisfactory job was completed.

 

They didn't nail the best satisfaction numbers in the business by leaving mistakes unsettled.

[J.R.]

DirecTV sucks.

 

I have presented tangible evidence to the contrary.

 

No one had a problem with EI the way it was, was just fine.

 

Again, as you are someone who is apparently ignorant of and/or religiously opposed to premium programming services, you really have no idea what you are talking about.

 

Ever see Sunday Ticket? NASCAR HotPass? MLBEI was stuck in the past.

 

Your favorite company screwed things up for tons of people.

 

Their lame-ass cable companies screwed up by posturing and bitching up to the last minute, resulting in the mess documented here.

 

They are scum buckets to the worst degree.

 

The despots of the world have to watch TV somehow.

 

DirecTV can go to hell, they'll never get a penny of my money and Im sure there are plenty of other people who feel the same.

 

Hundreds of HD channels are weeping at the prospect.

[BigbadB]

Hundreds of HD channels are weeping at the prospect.

 

Won't everyone be HD at one point or another? My cable company has hundreds of HD channels already, just not MLB EI.

 

No sarcasm. Just asking since I haven't bought an HD tv yet.

[J.R.]

Won't everyone be HD at one point or another? My cable company has hundreds of HD channels already, just not MLB EI.

 

No sarcasm. Just asking since I haven't bought an HD tv yet.

 

Everyone will eventually be digital. DirecTV plans to have the widest selection of HD fare sooner than the competition, but at some point they'll catch up.

[BigbadB]

Won't everyone be HD at one point or another? My cable company has hundreds of HD channels already, just not MLB EI.

 

No sarcasm. Just asking since I haven't bought an HD tv yet.

 

Everyone will eventually be digital. DirecTV plans to have the widest selection of HD fare sooner than the competition, but at some point they'll catch up.

 

Didn't I hear at one point that there is a set time frame for everything to be digital, or am I thinking of something else.

[Vinestal]

Hundreds of HD channels are weeping at the prospect.

 

Won't everyone be HD at one point or another? My cable company has hundreds of HD channels already, just not MLB EI.

 

No sarcasm. Just asking since I haven't bought an HD tv yet.

 

Maybe but it will be a really really long time. HD is to expensive atm. Ive seen HD Im not impressed for what it cost to set up. I think most people feel that way. Who cares how many HD channels you have when 80% of your consumers cant use them anyway. You say "premium" I say poop. I just want to be able to watch baseball the same way Ive been watching it for years.

[CubColtPacer]

Won't everyone be HD at one point or another? My cable company has hundreds of HD channels already, just not MLB EI.

 

No sarcasm. Just asking since I haven't bought an HD tv yet.

 

Everyone will eventually be digital. DirecTV plans to have the widest selection of HD fare sooner than the competition, but at some point they'll catch up.

 

Didn't I hear at one point that there is a set time frame for everything to be digital, or am I thinking of something else.

 

Here's a link that describes some of the things. Almost all TV's sold have to be digital compatible now, and in 2009 if things stay the way they are television stations will be prohibited from sending an analog signal.

 

http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-7608_7-1016109-3.html

[BigbadB]

Maybe but it will be a really really long time. HD is to expensive atm. Ive seen HD Im not impressed for what it cost to set up. I think most people feel that way. Who cares how many HD channels you have when 80% of your consumers cant use them anyway. You say "premium" I say poop. I just want to be able to watch baseball the same way Ive been watching it for years.

 

In what way is it expensive? From what I've gathered, it's like $5.00 a month more on the cable bill to receive HD signals. Is that not accurate? HD tv's, on the other hand, do seem pretty expensive still. But, I'm hoping to buy one soon since they aren't nearly as expensive as they were when they first came out.

[Vinestal]

Maybe but it will be a really really long time. HD is to expensive atm. Ive seen HD Im not impressed for what it cost to set up. I think most people feel that way. Who cares how many HD channels you have when 80% of your consumers cant use them anyway. You say "premium" I say poop. I just want to be able to watch baseball the same way Ive been watching it for years.

 

In what way is it expensive? From what I've gathered, it's like $5.00 a month more on the cable bill to receive HD signals. Is that not accurate? HD tv's, on the other hand, do seem pretty expensive still. But, I'm hoping to buy one soon since they aren't nearly as expensive as they were when they first came out.

 

Its the TVs/recievers that are the real expensive parts. An extra 10 bucks a month for HD programing is really not that big of a deal. Its not something Im really all that interested in though. I dont think its worth all of the cost involved

[CubColtPacer]

Maybe but it will be a really really long time. HD is to expensive atm. Ive seen HD Im not impressed for what it cost to set up. I think most people feel that way. Who cares how many HD channels you have when 80% of your consumers cant use them anyway. You say "premium" I say poop. I just want to be able to watch baseball the same way Ive been watching it for years.

 

In what way is it expensive? From what I've gathered, it's like $5.00 a month more on the cable bill to receive HD signals. Is that not accurate? HD tv's, on the other hand, do seem pretty expensive still. But, I'm hoping to buy one soon since they aren't nearly as expensive as they were when they first came out.

 

Its the TVs/recievers that are the real expensive parts. An extra 10 bucks a month for HD programing is really not that big of a deal. Its not something Im really all that interested in though. I dont think its worth all of the cost involved

 

Well, it's coming sooner than you think then. In the next 10 years most of the TVs in the country will be HD compatible, and when that happens more and more people will go to HD. I'm not that impressed by it either, but it will expand rapidly with the FCC pushing it along, and I do know a lot of people who are impressed and will get it after it becomes more prevalent.

[BigbadB]

And as time goes on and the demand for HD tv's is way down, the prices will drop drastically just like everything else that ever hits the market.

 

You can buy 42" Plasma tv's (the new one's that don't wear out so quickly) for less than a grand now. A bar owner friend of mine bought 2 of them for $799 at Costco. One of those brand new when they first came out were thousands of dollars.

[Soul]

Maybe but it will be a really really long time. HD is to expensive atm. Ive seen HD Im not impressed for what it cost to set up. I think most people feel that way. Who cares how many HD channels you have when 80% of your consumers cant use them anyway. You say "premium" I say poop. I just want to be able to watch baseball the same way Ive been watching it for years.

 

Well at least I know where you're coming from then.

 

Don't you think it's a little myopic to expect everyone else to feel the same? I own a HDTV, it's the single most significant advancement in on-screen technology in the past 50 years as far as I'm concerned. I'm sorry you don't feel that way, but the ranks of those who *do* is growing everyday and will continue to.

 

You are quite welcome to continue watching baseball the same way you always have. Who has ever tried to stop you? As for me, I find HDTV to be so awesome I have difficulty even watching a SD program now. The more HD, the better. What is premium today will be standard tomorrow.

[mhuber92211]

Since TV is barely over 50 years old that is quite the statement. I would think the Color TV is a bigger breakthrough

[seanimal]

Since TV is barely over 50 years old that is quite the statement. I would think the Color TV is a bigger breakthrough

 

REMOTE CONTROL. Greatest. invention. ever. Color TV is useless to me if I have to get up to change the channel. No remote = way less television, perhaps even none.

[moorecg]

Since TV is barely over 50 years old that is quite the statement. I would think the Color TV is a bigger breakthrough

 

REMOTE CONTROL. Greatest. invention. ever. Color TV is useless to me if I have to get up to change the channel. No remote = way less television, perhaps even none.

 

Amen.

 

While I'm sure HDTV is great, I don't think I remember thousands of people bitching for the last 20 years that their TVs just weren't worth watching because of the "poor quality"...and I know I do remember many people on this board saying how much they liked the EI package and how it was worth 2X what they were charging for it...this was last year...before any of this DirecTV mess.

[Soul]

Since TV is barely over 50 years old that is quite the statement. I would think the Color TV is a bigger breakthrough

 

REMOTE CONTROL. Greatest. invention. ever. Color TV is useless to me if I have to get up to change the channel. No remote = way less television, perhaps even none.

 

Amen.

 

While I'm sure HDTV is great, I don't think I remember thousands of people bitching for the last 20 years that their TVs just weren't worth watching because of the "poor quality"...and I know I do remember many people on this board saying how much they liked the EI package and how it was worth 2X what they were charging for it...this was last year...before any of this DirecTV mess.

 

I was attempting to center in on the invention of color TV, which I believe was invented much earlier than it was actually implemented. The comparison between the two inventions is quite striking. For years, many programs continued to be broadcast in black-and-white, and while people would still watch, slowly but surely more and more households purchased color TVs. As the installed base of color TV went up, the demand for color programming also went up. The exact same dynamic is in play here, IMO.

 

Once you go HD, you'll not want to watch SD, though you still will of course watch it. And make no mistake, you will eventually go HD. It's just a matter of price points now -- mine was reached when good HD sets came under $2,000. Yours may be lower, but at some point very soon that point will be reached. The next time you visit Circuit City there might not even be SD sets on display.

[vance_the_cubs_fan]

Ok...can I add some sanity here. I'll first begin with the disclaimer that I am a DirectTV subscriber. I have nothing against cable, nor do I think DirectTV is the best thing ever. I just happen to be a DirectTV subscriber.

 

But, everyone getting upset at DirectTV for pursuing an exclusive deal is ludicrous and assinine. I can understand angst at MLB for allowing that possibility, but being angry at DirectTV is pretty stupid. DirectTV has an obligation to its subscribers to provide the best possible programming and to itself to increase subscriber base. One way to increase subscribers is to have programming that no one else has and that people might be willing to switch to your service to get. DirectTV attempted that with EI.

 

Now, do I understand why people who have cable wouldn't like that to happen? Certainly. But to direct that hate at DirectTV is pretty stupid. Why hate a company for practicing a smart business practice?

[papabear58]

Ok...can I add some sanity here. I'll first begin with the disclaimer that I am a DirectTV subscriber. I have nothing against cable, nor do I think DirectTV is the best thing ever. I just happen to be a DirectTV subscriber.

 

But, everyone getting upset at DirectTV for pursuing an exclusive deal is ludicrous and assinine. I can understand angst at MLB for allowing that possibility, but being angry at DirectTV is pretty stupid. DirectTV has an obligation to its subscribers to provide the best possible programming and to itself to increase subscriber base. One way to increase subscribers is to have programming that no one else has and that people might be willing to switch to your service to get. DirectTV attempted that with EI.

 

Now, do I understand why people who have cable wouldn't like that to happen? Certainly. But to direct that hate at DirectTV is pretty stupid. Why hate a company for practicing a smart business practice?

 

O:) And the Hallelujah chorus sings with the posting of such wisdom O:)

[moorecg]

Ok...can I add some sanity here. I'll first begin with the disclaimer that I am a DirectTV subscriber. I have nothing against cable, nor do I think DirectTV is the best thing ever. I just happen to be a DirectTV subscriber.

 

But, everyone getting upset at DirectTV for pursuing an exclusive deal is ludicrous and assinine. I can understand angst at MLB for allowing that possibility, but being angry at DirectTV is pretty stupid. DirectTV has an obligation to its subscribers to provide the best possible programming and to itself to increase subscriber base. One way to increase subscribers is to have programming that no one else has and that people might be willing to switch to your service to get. DirectTV attempted that with EI.

 

Now, do I understand why people who have cable wouldn't like that to happen? Certainly. But to direct that hate at DirectTV is pretty stupid. Why hate a company for practicing a smart business practice?

 

I'm not sure if describing the position of the majority of the people posting in the thread as "ludricous and assinine" is really "adding some sanity" Vance.

 

As for hating it...yeah, MLB is the biggest culprit, no question...but your position is like saying you can't hate the yankees when they buy up every possible free agent...Actually, yes I could hate them...and its neither ludricous or assinine. And while it may somehow benefit their current subscribers...it hurts all those who aren't...so I can dislike them for that too if I so choose......now at the end of the day, the right thing happened and its available to both customer bases....that's all I care about....I could care less whether anyone has DirecTV, Cable, or an freakin coathanger antenna.

[papabear58]

Ok...can I add some sanity here. I'll first begin with the disclaimer that I am a DirectTV subscriber. I have nothing against cable, nor do I think DirectTV is the best thing ever. I just happen to be a DirectTV subscriber.

 

But, everyone getting upset at DirectTV for pursuing an exclusive deal is ludicrous and assinine. I can understand angst at MLB for allowing that possibility, but being angry at DirectTV is pretty stupid. DirectTV has an obligation to its subscribers to provide the best possible programming and to itself to increase subscriber base. One way to increase subscribers is to have programming that no one else has and that people might be willing to switch to your service to get. DirectTV attempted that with EI.

 

Now, do I understand why people who have cable wouldn't like that to happen? Certainly. But to direct that hate at DirectTV is pretty stupid. Why hate a company for practicing a smart business practice?

 

I'm not sure if describing the position of the majority of the people posting in the thread as "ludricous and assinine" is really "adding some sanity" Vance.

 

As for hating it...yeah, MLB is the biggest culprit, no question...but your position is like saying you can't hate the yankees when they buy up every possible free agent...Actually, yes I could hate them...and its neither ludricous or assinine. And while it may somehow benefit their current subscribers...it hurts all those who aren't...so I can dislike them for that too if I so choose......now at the end of the day, the right thing happened and its available to both customer bases....that's all I care about....I could care less whether anyone has DirecTV, Cable, or an freakin coathanger antenna.

 

You are right on the "If I so choose", but your logic is at best flawed. Companies exist to make money. The idea of Philanthropic companies is somewhat new, and definatly idealistc more then realistic. If I own a company and want to increase my customer base, I'll do whatever is in my power to do so. That doesn't make me evil, or wrong.

 

In this case, others will be able to handle EI and I'm happy about that because it means that I will get access to it as well. But I wasn't ever angry at Direct TV for it. I was pissed as hell at MLB for even going there, but again, they did what they thought would raise more money for their company (the league). The only reason I'm pissed at them is that they are looking to do so at the expense of their fan base who supports them, whereas Direct TV is doing what is in the best interest of their subscribers. If MLB had been thinking like Direct TV this never would have come up in the first place as MLB would have been thinking of their entire fan base and not the bottom line of the deal. Again, neither is evil, just one good business descision (Direct TV), and one bad one (MLB).