MLS, FSW nearing agreement

[Toffees_rule]

Originally posted by JMMUSA8
FXWLD, FXATL, FXPAC, FXESP, and FXCTL

Wtf is all that? :confused:

[ElJefe]

Originally posted by Toffees_rule
Wtf is all that? :confused:
Fox has started these new regional digital channels for digital cable. They're sort of like the low-rent answer to the satellite TV's having all the various regional sports networks from all over the country.

They're Fox Sports Atlantic, Fox Sports Central, and Fox Sports Pacific.

What they carry is all the stuff that you'd get if you got the regional sports networks on the satellite that wouldn't be blacked out -- coach's shows, The Best Damn Sports Show Period, minor sports, and stuff like that. What you don't get are the sporting events that would be blacked-out: MLB, NBA, NHL, and MLS games, major college football and basketball games, and stuff like that.

[alf]

Well, I guess now is not the time to cancel the cable package.

[Jambon]

Originally posted by ElJefe
What kind of crap-ass satellite provider do you have?

DirecTV only requires you to pay $12/month for the Sports Pak (in addition to whatever basic programming package you might have) to get FSW. And on DISH Network, the $43/month America's Top 150 basic programming package includes FSW.

The crap ass sat provider I have is Dish. I don't know when you ordered your service, but I don't even get the top 100 for $43 dollars a month. The top 150 package you refer to is far from the "basic" programming package and it cost $80 a month when I asked. I'll probably be switching to DirectTV in May when my contract runs out, so if you know who offers these miracle rates, please share.

[Jambon]

I just went to the Dish site. Now I see why they gave me three months free service! We're about to have a little discussion at the end of my current contract. If I add up the 9 months I actually paid and divide by 12 it all comes out the same, but they obviously hope I won't notice at the end of the twelve months. They've got another thing coming!

[ElJefe]

Originally posted by Jambon
The crap ass sat provider I have is Dish. I don't know when you ordered your service, but I don't even get the top 100 for $43 dollars a month. The top 150 package you refer to is far from the "basic" programming package and it cost $80 a month when I asked.
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/packages/index.shtml

AT150, which includes Fox Sports World, is $42.99. It's what I've got at Casa del Jefe.

I suspect that some customer service rep was trying to sell you America's Everything Pack, which includes all the channels in AT150 plus all the movie channels. That's $75 a month. Add local channels and you'd be paying $80 a month.

Now, I don't know how many receivers you've got or what movie packages you're getting. Do you have the Digital Home Plan? I know that things are a bit more expensive with it because you don't have to buy the receivers up-front.
I'll probably be switching to DirectTV in May when my contract runs out, so if you know who offers these miracle rates, please share.
Honestly, I just called up DISH, told 'em I wanted America's Top 150 and they're charging me $43/month (plus the extra $5 for a second receiver).

[SoFla Metro]

Originally posted by Chris M.
Before FSW, I used to get live soccer only once or twice a month with no energy and no stamina. But NNNNOOOOOOWWWW . . . I get to watch live soccer like every single day. Hilarious

[Kryptonite]

sounds good. I assume, then that MLS will continue to honor the stuff with espn, espn2, and ABC for WC and MLS?

[monster]

Originally posted by jmeissen0
from the information that was being passed around before this article came to light... mls was looking for a channel to show the matches that weren't aired anywhere else... espn2, local feeds, shootout

and i believe that fsw wouldn't want to do these games if you could get them another way here in the states... it simply wouldn't make much sense to either party

I wouldn't be surprised if it was available on the Shootout. After all, this is probably an MLS deal with MLS people just using FSW as the conduit. I think what we are seeing is using FSW as the test for SUM's own station.

[mbrossetti]

Here is what you do, as a veteran of threatening cable/phone/sat companies to give me what I want.

http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/packages/at_150/index.asp?viewby=2&packid=10045&sortby=1

This is for the American 150 on Dish Network. $42.99/month no premium or local stations.

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/learn/Packages_TotalChoice_PT.jsp

Is for DirecTV Para Todos. $31.99/month, no premium or sports stations save your local ones. FSW will cost another $12, total $43.99. For $1 extra, you get access to ESPN Deportes, which if rumour and conjecture is true, will go from Sundays only to 24 hours in September and will show at least 4 Champions League games each matchday come next seasons competition.

Basically when the service contract ends, tell them that (if you rent the equiptment) you want them to pick it up as you're switching to DirecTV since they give you access to stations you can't get on Dish. 99% of the time, they'll at the bare minimum match whatever offer DirecTV is offering at the time. IF they're giving free programming and installation away, Dish will match it for you. The better to keep you paying them. If not, then take DirecTV as your option. The wife and I are most likely moving in April, I've already called both providers to hear them out and get what their offers are. Have already also gotten 2 calls from both of them asking me to sign up.


As for the FSW/MLS programming option, it makes sense. It gives FSW live soccer programming during the summer months and it gives MLS as avenue to broadcast their product that will actually promote it and be happy to have them on the lineup. As opposed to ESPN who tells them when they can be on. Sure the households reached through FSW are fewer, but how many people do you think go out of their way to watch ESPN2 Soccer Saturday. Not many since it's well known that soccer ratings aren't exactly lighting Stamford up. If this rings true, I'd jump at the chance to be on FSW if I was MLS. They'd be reaching the core soccer viewing audience in America and would be able to do it while not bowing to the whims of the Disney bosses who don't see soccer as a viable product.

[jdonnici]

I've got AT&T Digital Cable (in the Denver area) and get FSW as part of "Digital Basic"... as someone else said, it's the channel of the gods.

My concern, though, is with the persistent rumors of the channel being dropped now that Comcast has purchased AT&T. Apparently, Comcast has an ownership stake in the Outdoor Channel, which they see as a competitor (what the?!). They've left well enough alone so far, but I'm the pessimistic type, so...

The instant that happens, I'm on the horn with Dish and/or DirecTV. No way do I go without FSW, especially if this deal happens.

[Revolt]

Originally posted by jdonnici
I've got AT&T Digital Cable (in the Denver area) and get FSW as part of "Digital Basic"... as someone else said, it's the channel of the gods.

My concern, though, is with the persistent rumors of the channel being dropped now that Comcast has purchased AT&T. Apparently, Comcast has an ownership stake in the Outdoor Channel, which they see as a competitor (what the?!). They've left well enough alone so far, but I'm the pessimistic type, so...

The instant that happens, I'm on the horn with Dish and/or DirecTV. No way do I go without FSW, especially if this deal happens.

FSW and the Outdoor Network are both part of the Fox Sports package w/ DirecTV.

[HalaMadrid]

Originally posted by monster
I wouldn't be surprised if it was available on the Shootout. After all, this is probably an MLS deal with MLS people just using FSW as the conduit. I think what we are seeing is using FSW as the test for SUM's own station. "Si, señor." *ding*

[jdonnici]

Originally posted by Revolt
FSW and the Outdoor Network are both part of the Fox Sports package w/ DirecTV.

Interesting... Aside from local network channels for news, I really only need a few things from a cable/satellite provider: HBO, FSW, ESPN, ESPN2, and TechTV. Oh, and offer me the shootout package while you're at it.

I certainly don't need the variety of nascar and bass-fishing channels that are currently available.

[nancyb]

Of all the cable configurations I've had over the years, FSW is the only premium channel that's gotten regular viewing action. I tired of the HBOs and Showtimes almost instantly, but FSW gets tuned in several times a week. I can also blame it for never catching up on my sleep since I'm always watching those early Saturday EPL shows.

[CHICO13]

Originally posted by nancyb
Of all the cable configurations I've had over the years, FSW is the only premium channel that's gotten regular viewing action. I tired of the HBOs and Showtimes almost instantly, but FSW gets tuned in several times a week. I can also blame it for never catching up on my sleep since I'm always watching those early Saturday EPL shows.
Not to mention "Futbol Mundial" my favorite. :)

[nancyb]

Originally posted by Toffees_rule
Good lord, could they possibly show a different advert? I mean us whippersnappers don't want to think about old folks going at it with rejuvinated vigour. :D

I suggest more swimsuit commercials.

Which would you rather see? EnerX or the Hair Removal product? I'll take EnerX.

[cjschlos]

Originally posted by Chris M.
Before FSW, I used to get live soccer only once or twice a month with no energy and no stamina. But NNNNOOOOOOWWWW . . . I get to watch live soccer like every single day.

LOL too funny

[JaguarCRO]

Originally posted by nancyb
Of all the cable configurations I've had over the years, FSW is the only premium channel that's gotten regular viewing action. I tired of the HBOs and Showtimes almost instantly, but FSW gets tuned in several times a week. I can also blame it for never catching up on my sleep since I'm always watching those early Saturday EPL shows.

The key here is Tivo. It is the very best thing that you can add to your entertainment center. You choose the shows and then you watch them anytime you want. Heck my wife and I lament when we have to watch things live. There are no if-and-buts about it, Tivo is the only way that makes TV likable.

http://www.tivo.com/

(I am a proud owner of a series one player and will soon be changing to a Series 2 Dual-Tuner Tivo with DirecTV so that we can tape two shows at the same time and watch a 3rd!)

[peledre]

Originally posted by FootyMundo
I live in the middle of Minnesota and get FSW and FSWE on basic digital cable. Yeee HAWWWW
You get FSW and FSWE on basic in the cities?? Damn! Who's your cable company?