From a source on Satelliteguys.us - I have seen paperwork for the uplink to be ready to cutover to FSC+ if a deal is done in time. From what I am hearing IF they get FSC+ it will cost the same as Setanta. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Setanta Sports has decided to close its doors and discontinue its programming in the United States effective February 28, 2010 at 11:59 PM Eastern Time. Fortunately, Setanta Sports has come to terms with Fox to transfer select programming rights, including many premium soccer and rugby events. Fox will be launching a new channel, Fox Soccer Plus, which will carry some of the programming that aired on Setanta Sports. DISH Network is actively pursuing a deal to carry this new service. We will keep you updated on our progress with negotiations and how this will impact your customers. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Press Release from Setanta Sports regarding the change: New York, NY, January 27th, 2010 – Setanta Sports has today announced that it has reached an agreement with Fox to transfer select programming rights, including many premium soccer and rugby events. Fox will acquire these rights effective March 1, 2010. Setanta Sports also announced that it will cease broadcasting its channel in the United States and the Caribbean on February 28th 2010. For the remainder of January and throughout February, Setanta will continue to broadcast normally and will feature its usual line up of top games from the Barclays Premier League, FA Cup, UEFA Champions League, Heineken Cup, Magners League and Guinness Premiership.
Ironically, the crawl was during the self-promo for Setanta "born out of the love for the game" with the "We Will Be There" lyric in the background. I, for one, will miss Setanta.
If you do a "Check Switch" (Menu-6-1-1-TEST) - (when nothing is recording), then your receiver will download the new Program Guide, which now has the Fox Soccer Plus Guide Information starting on March 1st. One of the nice things is that there is some programming in common with FSC, like "Sky Sports News", but they have staggered the times, so that it is shown on a different time than FSC. So, if you get both channels, and you miss the 7pm ET showing on FSC, then you can catch the 9pm ET showing on FS Plus.
For those that need it official - FOX SOCCER PLUS TO DEBUT NATIONWIDE ON DISH NETWORK® Offers exclusive soccer content from around the globe Englewood, Colo., Feb. 26, 2010 – DISH Network L.L.C., the nation’s fastest growing pay-TV provider, today announced the launch of Fox Soccer Plus, a new premium network designed to complement Fox Soccer Channel and complete the ultimate soccer fan experience. Fox Soccer Plus, available beginning March 1 on DISH Network Ch. 406, will feature new exclusive matches from England’s Barclays Premier League, UEFA Champions League, England’s FA Cup, Italy’s Serie A, the prestigious Carling Cup, and action from the Coca-Cola Championship. The network also will showcase an annual selection of live and exclusive England Men’s National Team matches. In addition to comprehensive international soccer coverage, Fox Soccer Plus also offers an extensive lineup of rugby matches from England’s Guinness Premiership, the European Heineken Cup and Magners League. The network's total annual programming package will include nearly 600 exclusive events. “Fox Soccer Plus gives die-hard soccer fans access to some of the most sought-after soccer content in the world and augments DISH Network’s already substantial lineup of top-rated sports programming,” said Dave Shull, senior vice president of Programming for DISH Network. “In addition, rugby fans now have a premier destination to catch all of their favorite matches from around the globe.” Fox Soccer Plus will be available to DISH Network customers for $14.99 as an a la carte option. To learn more about DISH Network’s sports programming or to order Fox Soccer Plus, call 1-888-333-DISH (3474) or visit Sports Programming and Sports Channels Available at DISH Network.
to be honest, setanta died last summer. when they lost all the UK programming it became a shell of its former self IMO.