I currently subscribe to DirecTV service and get the basic package plus local channels. With the MLS Shootout coming up, I have a question--I'm trying to maximize my benefit, but I'm not sure if I understand everything. If I get the Sports upgrade to Directv (at $12/month, since I don't have any other premium services), I will get all of the Regional sports networks plus MSG, which is showing Man-U stuff, plus Fox Sports World. If I get the MLS Shootout, I will only get the games shown on the shootout, which may, potentially, miss some games, and will probably not show all of the playoffs. My question is--Am I right about the sports upgrade, in that I will be able to watch all MLS games, all playoff games, plus Fox Sports World programming, plus Man-U programming, with only a marginal increase in price compared to the MLS Shootout?
Right. (But the Man U stuff will be on YES. Same city, different channel.) Mostly correct. The Shootout misses some games, but only because those games aren't televised ANYWHERE. However, every single playoff game has been televised since I can remember and those games have been on the Shootout. If you get the Sports Pak, but not the Shootout, MLS games will be blacked-out unless it's your local team on your local channel. Basically, if you want to see the MLS games outside of your market, you MUST buy the Shootout.
A few questions about DirecTV programming: Is it possible to get Fox Sports World without buying another package? If not, how much does the sports package cost? Can I get YES if I live in the mid-west? Does YES carry MetroStar games? How much does Shootout cost per month (or total)?
In order: No. You need the sports pack to get Fox Sports World. It costs about $12, but is worth the investment. You can technically get YES through the sports pack, but any live major league american events will not be shown. You should be able to get Man United taped games and any Yankee and Nets games that they replay. Metro are on the MSG Family of networks (MSG and Fox Sports NY on DirecTV). Not sure about the Shootout package, I think it's about $50 for the season. Don't think there's a monthly option.
Is the $12 sports fee to get FSW a monthly or one-time fee? About the Metros games, can I get Fox Sports NY? Also, what channel in Columbus are the Crew games on?
Ahh, so getting the sports pack only allows me to get Fox Sports World and the various stuff on YES re Man-U--which would cost me $12/month. Then on top of that, I'd have to spend the ~$50 for the MLS shootout. I guess I'll be getting the MLS Shootout. The question is, is Fox Sports World worth an extra $12/month?
What its worth depends on what you want to see. If you are only interested in MLS, my guess is no. Bus FSW carries lots of other soccer and pretty well stands on its own merits if that interests you. Bundesliga, EPL, etc.
If you like that sort of thing (by "that sort of thing," I mean English, Scottish, German, Spanish, and South American football, rugby, international sports highlights shows, and of course all the dick pill commercials you can stand)
Yes. Reasons: 1) EPL, two matches a week 2) Spanish La Liga 3) Deutsche Bundesliga 4) Futebol Brasilero 5) Argentine league 6) FSW report - sportscenter for the soccer-minded 7) A-League and... 8) Looks like FSW will be airing MLS matches not covered by the Shootout or ESPN/ABC on Saturday nights this season, in addition to a half-hour MLS highlight show. See elsewhere on this forum.
My two cents: We just moved into a new house and one of the first things I did was order Direct TV. Spend the extra bills and get the Sports Pak for Fox Sports World. I am a fan of La Liga and we get our one game on Sunday's but I am also starting to follow the EPL and German leagues now because of it. The sports pak and FSW got me through the past four days here in DC as we were snowed in. On the YES network you can see Mike Francesa picking his nose while Chris Russo argues with Butch from Queens about the Mets as they broadcast Mike and the Mad Dog daily. I watched that out of curiosity as I was waiting to watch a replay of an FA Cup match yesterday. If you like hockey, spring for NHL Center Ice. I plan on purchasing MLS Shootout as well as NFL Sunday ticket when available. Bill
I am planning to get satellite service to replace my cable. Which offers better service for soccer, DISH network of Direct TV? What I want to know is which is least likely to cancel or not show games that are scheduled? I currently have Comcast cable and no one can give me an answer if MLS Shootout package will be available this year. Last year they stopped it when college football started. I'm looking for the best coverage. Suggestions/helpful hints from anyone dealing with this in the past? Thanks.
Is the $12 Sports package fee to get FSW a monthly or one-time fee? Also, are the games on MLS Shootout all at the same time, or can I watch one then the other, and possibly another on tape delay?
The MLS Shootput charge can be divided into two monthly payments if you want. And let's just be clear here: all those Fox channels, as somebody noted, go black as soon as something you want to actually watch comes on. Oh, you can get "The Best Damn Sports Show, Period" out the ying yang, or you can watch a bunch of touts in bad clothes try to sell you their "Once a season Ten Star Super Lock Game of the Decade" (call 1-800-lose-yer-ass) all night long, but that's about it. In the case of MLS games, if FSNE has the Revs game live at 4PM, then your station 631 will go black at 4PM. So it's the shootout or nothing. They're not stupid. MLS Shootout games are carried live. If every MLS match that day kicks off at 7, then every game will have a different channel on DirecTV and will be on at the same time. Your question about Columbus is hard to answer. Fox Ohio carries some games, but Sport! TV has been the wild feed outlet for maybe 5 or 6 matches a year. (It's on most of the cable outlets) Just have to wait until the schedule comes out. (The great thing aboout those is that you get Dwight Burgess, the best PBP guy in American soccer, bar none) As for DirecTV vs. Dish, that's been VERY widely discussed, ad infinatum, ad nauseum, in about a gazillion other threads. I beg you, go find one of them (you shouldn't have to look hard) and let's not start another one.
Do they also black-out most live college sports from the regional sports networks? (Such as college basketball?)