Directv Folks, Prepare to Be Angry

[dmiles2186]

Curse words.

http://www.deadline.com/2011/10/directv ... e-dispute/

Another major carriage dispute threatens to pull Fox’s cable networks from DirecTV systems on Nov.1. The affected networks include FX, including its hit Sons Of Anarchy and hot newcomer American Horror Story, National Geographic Channel, Speed, Fuel TV, Fox Soccer, Fox Movie Channel, FOX Deportes, and the 19 Fox regional sports networks. Fox Networks’ previous carriage agreement with DirecTV expired on Sept. 30. After extending the talks, no progress was made, leading to a standoff between the two sides that may lead to the blackout of the cable networks on DirecTV on Nov. 1. Exactly a year ago, the same networks went dark on DirecTV’s rival satcaster Dish Network before the two sides finally reached a new carriage agreement. Like in previous carriage fights, both sides released dueling statements and launched competing websites, KeepMyNets.com (Fox) and OurPromiseToYou.com (DirecTV). In its statement, DirecTV claims that Fox is seeking a 40% license fee increase. Here are the two statements:

FOX NETWORKS: Despite Fox Networks’ offer of an extension during our ongoing negotiations, DirecTV has informed us and their customers that unless we agree to their demands, they “will suspend our networks on November 1.”

DirecTV sent us a proposal on Tuesday afternoon. They have given us no chance to respond before taking an unnecessarily aggressive posture and going public. It is disappointing that they have chosen bad faith tactics over meaningful negotiation.

We have proposed to keep the Fox Networks on DirecTV for the same price, and on the same terms as they are currently carried while we attempt to work out a fair agreement. Unfortunately, DirecTV has decided that unless they get their way, they are going to pull the plug on their customers November 1.

DIRECTV CEO MIKE WHITE: DirecTV’s agreement with News Cor./Fox for some of them national cable networks and regional Fox Sports networks has expired.

News Corp. has demanded that DirecTV customers pay nearly 40% more for the same channels they already receive. If a new deal is not reached, we will be forced to suspend the channels as early as Nov.1.

[STLADOGG]

Just (Franking) switched from those prick dish network assholes, (Frank) god damn this is bullshit. literally the only reason why I am a Direct TV customer is because of this very thing...wow.

[cprice12]

CBS may be removed from DirecTV on Nov. 1st as well...same type conflict.
Every single year there is an issue with either Charter, DishNetwork or DirecTV and some channel or groups of channels.
Most of what I watch is on FX and Fox Sports MW...It's Always Sunny, The League, Louie, American Horror Story, Blues & Cardinal games. I'll be epically pissed.

IF DirecTV does suspend these channels, don't just sit there and take it. Call DirecTV and demand compensation in either reduced rates, OR, something free like free Center Ice or free movie channels. If they don't want to give you anything, ask to speak to someone about cancelling your service. You WILL get free stuff or money off...you may have to be persistent, but you will get free stuff.

I know there are contracts, but it's not fair that when you sign a contract there are certain channels they provide...and then for them to just take those channels away because of greedy corporate decision making? That's just wrong.

Come Nov. 1st, I'll either be able to watch what I watch, or I'll be getting something free. I've done it a few times over crap like this.
Hell, you can probably call right now and see if they have any deals going on...they may be able to take $5 off per month for a year...I got that a couple months ago just for calling for info about their whole house DVR.

[STLADOGG]

CBS may be removed from DirecTV on Nov. 1st as well...same type conflict.
Every single year there is an issue with either Charter, DishNetwork or DirecTV and some channel or groups of channels.
Most of what I watch is on FX and Fox Sports MW...It's Always Sunny, The League, Louie, American Horror Story, Blues & Cardinal games. I'll be epically pissed.

IF DirecTV does suspend these channels, don't just sit there and take it. Call DirecTV and demand compensation in either reduced rates, OR, something free like free Center Ice or free movie channels. If they don't want to give you anything, ask to speak to someone about cancelling your service. You WILL get free stuff or money off...you may have to be persistent, but you will get free stuff.

I know there are contracts, but it's not fair that when you sign a contract there are certain channels they provide...and then for them to just take those channels away because of greedy corporate decision making? That's just wrong.

Come Nov. 1st, I'll either be able to watch what I watch, or I'll be getting something free. I've done it a few times over crap like this.
Hell, you can probably call right now and see if they have any deals going on...they may be able to take $5 off per month for a year...I got that a couple months ago just for calling for info about their whole house DVR.

I will be demanding Center Ice for sure, the only reason I watch T.V. is for the Blues games.

Also, Direct TV has this stupid ass free football season pass thing...take that shit off, that will free up money.

[dmiles2186]

I've loved Directv since I've had it, but this will have me angry. Directv would be absolutely stupid to let this happen. Fox has some big times shows and sports, as does FX. I don't like calling tech support and yelling (I work in tech support for a dental company so I feel their pain), but this has made me angry. Usually I let things slide, but I could watch TV shows anywhere (Hulu, Itunes, etc) but I got Directv because of the sports access. I am going to demand Center Ice if this goes through.

[kodos]

Don't get too mad until it actually happens. This sort of grandstanding occurs frequently and usually the dispute gets settled and nothing changes.

[JPonder94]

This really pisses me off. That Versus bull sh*t from a few years ago really had me steaming, but this would really make me want to cancel my service. There are three channels that are on at my apartment; Investigation Discovery, FX and Fox Sports. The first two are for the lady.

I watch Blues hockey and Cardinals baseball. That's it.

[thedoc]

Thats why I have U Verse

[cprice12]

Thats why I have U Verse

You can't get Center Ice with U Verse. I'd never go with them because of that.
I don't think they have any of the out of market sports packages like MLB Extra Innings or the NBA either.

I've heard good things about U Verse...but Center Ice not being available is a deal breaker.
I guess you could always get GameCenter Live...but yeah...

[deadphish]

Don't get too mad until it actually happens. This sort of grandstanding occurs frequently and usually the dispute gets settled and nothing changes.

KOOOS speaks the troof.

Happy Charter customer here. Been with them for over a decade and have seen all sorts of equipment. Never have I failed to negotiate a good contract or found them unwilling to work with whatever issue I or them has had. Last time I complained about channel reception they installed the biggest franking signal amplifier I have ever seen and upgraded my internet to 18mb as well as throwing every single movie channel at me for free.

[ohio BLUES]

Oh, I'm angry alright.

I just saw the phrase "unbeaten Wings."

[theohall]

This is my plan.

1st - Get a Roku or similar Gamecenter compatible device.
2nd - attach device via HDMI.
3rd - subscribe to Gamecenter
4th - Enjoy hockey in HD, outside of Rangers games this season, without paying any network anything or having to rely on contracts between idiots ever again.

[bluenotekidd]

I will be demanding Center Ice for sure, the only reason I watch T.V. is for the Blues games.

Also, Direct TV has this stupid ass free football season pass thing...take that shit off, that will free up money.

As someone who works at a Directv call center, I can tell you this, you cannot get Center Ice for free, at least not in my department. Also, the NFL Sunday ticket cannot be taken off right now because Directv will not allow any seasonal sports subscriptions to be removed while the season is in progress. So if you are one of the new customers who has it free this year, cool, if you don't want it, just let the season ride out and request that it doesn't auto renew next year. If you are paying for it, tough, you have to keep it and pay the agreed on plan.


Now, other discounts are available for the asking, such as various amounts and lengths of discounts off you base package, off your movie channels, etc.


As far as other specials, there are no biggies right now, but just call every DTV once in a while to ask. Or ask me, I'll give you the inside scoop if anything is going on

[wik]

OK, simple question from a passionate displaced Blues and Cards fan with DirecTV for 15 years: if this happens, and I agree to pay for Center Ice and the MLB package, are ALL Blues and Cards games broadcast? Also, I try to watch the pregame and post game shows on FS Midwest....are those "studio" shows also part of the Center Ice or MLB package if I pay the ransom? I don't think the studio pregame and post game shows on FSN are available on the web. These games are the only broadcasts I watch on television anymore.

[Portland Blues]

OK, simple question from a passionate displaced Blues and Cards fan with DirecTV for 15 years: if this happens, and I agree to pay for Center Ice and the MLB package, are ALL Blues and Cards games broadcast? Also, I try to watch the pregame and post game shows on FS Midwest....are those "studio" shows also part of the Center Ice or MLB package if I pay the ransom? I don't think the studio pregame and post game shows on FSN are available on the web. These games are the only broadcasts I watch on television anymore.

I've had Center Ice through Comcast for years and other than a few Canadian broadcasts never get a pre or post game show with the games. I'm watching the Fox broadcast of the Blues tonight on Center Ice and there was no pre-game show...

[cardsfan04]

Thats why I have U Verse

I have UVerse too, but they just cancelled NHL Network which pisses me off. And, they didn't show the 20 Cards games that FSN picked up from KSDK, which also pissed me off. In general, it's great. I don't have much desire to get Center Ice or something like that though.

[goon attack]

I have U Verse after having DirecTV and then Dish Network.

I like U Verse the best out of the three so far

[goon attack]

This is my plan.

1st - Get a Roku or similar Gamecenter compatible device.
2nd - attach device via HDMI.
3rd - subscribe to Gamecenter
4th - Enjoy hockey in HD, outside of Rangers games this season, without paying any network anything or having to rely on contracts between idiots ever again.

What can you (or anyone else) tell me about Roku? I've been hearing a lot about this and am totally clueless.

[theohall]

Before smart tvs had built in streaming capabilities, a few companies made devices which you can attach to a tv and your internet, either wired or wireless, allowing you to stream internet content on your tv. The Roku is one of the earliest devices to offer HD and was initially promoted as a way to stream netflix on your tvs. With the advent of many streaming services, Roku had kept up with almost all of them. It is one of the few currently active Gamecenter Live compatible devices right now. More are coming. google roku for more info. AFAIK, the cost of a Roku is only the initial purchase ~$89.

[kksgeo]

If I'm reading right, only out of market games on Gamecenter, therefore, no Blues games for St. Louis area, or am I missing something?