Big Ten Network (BTN)

[t_BuckeyeScott]

(Maybe this has already been discussed in this thread, but my search for News Corp came up empty, so here goes...)

2 + 2 finally came out to 4 this morning after reading the latest Dispatch article on the BTN fiasco. I never quite understood why Direct TV could cut a deal and nobody else seems even close.

Turns out that the parent company of Fox - 49% owner of the BTN - is News Corp. Controlling ownership of Direct TV also rests with News Corp. And News Corp is ultimately controlled by a man who goes by the name of Murdoch.

So, not only is Direct TV more or less just passing money around within the company by subscribing to BTN, but it is in News Corps best interest NOT to broker a deal with TW and other major players until after they have moved their more rabid fan base over to Direct TV.

I wouldn't look for BTN to start negotiating in earnest until after Direct TVs installers can get a day off. And they are only going to get busier come September 2nd when the fan base understands what it really means to get their only look at the this years version of the Buckeyes via a few clips on Sports Center. And there will be darn few clips of OSU - YSU even there.

I was also looking at the numbers for all of this. TW has 600,000 customers in Central Ohio. At $1.10 each per month that is just shy of 8 million dollars per year that the Big Ten wants for four football games and some number of basketball games JUST from the people of central Ohio.

Direct TV is the easy answer. I just don't know if I am willing to mortgage my sole to Rupert just yet. (Not that TW is the second coming of Mother Teresa.)

But if you're NewsCorp its good business.

 

[OWUBuckeye51]

Why do people think DirecTV is so much more expensive than cable? For us, it is actually cheaper than what Time Warner costs now!

Very true...when I had DTV in my prior home, it cost me $49/mo - but that was pre HD, so I am not sure what it costs now.

As I have alluded to (albeit ad nauseum) I currently can't get a quality DTV reception and therefore have Insight Cable who I must admit, have been pretty solid so far. Incredible HD quality - I currently pay $104/mo for cable, a sports package, two HD boxes, and RoadRunner.

Not sure how that compares to DTV, but when I had DTV, it was more than reasonable.

 

[BuckeyeNation27]

For people who bundle their phone, internet and cable TV it's more expensive. It's been a while since I looked, but I though the comparable TV package (Channel wise) was around 59 bucks. That leaves about 40 bucks for me to play with to get a phone and internet. Not gonna happen.

Also, if you have/want HD and more than one TV, it's more expensive.

 

[OWUBuckeye51]

Also, if you have/want HD and more than one TV, it's more expensive.

Makes sense. I remember DirecWAY, which was DirecTV's answer to RoadRunner, was extremely expensive - $60/mo + approx $70/mo for HD satellite = $130/mo and you don't even have your phone yet.

 

[osugrad21]

Split the fishing expedition...

Discussion here...pissing, moaning, and ridicule over there.

Grazie.

 

[Ratboy18]

BW3

The local BW3 establishments that I called (2) both said that they WILL have the BTN but don't know when because they are waiting for DTV to let them know which "business" package it will be a part of ... the manager said "Don't worry - our owners are huge Big 10 supporters, so we'll get it no matter what".

 

[OWUBuckeye51]

The local BW3 establishments that I called (2) both said that they WILL have the BTN but don't know when because they are waiting for DTV to let them know which "business" package it will be a part of ... the manager said "Don't worry - our owners are huge Big 10 supporters, so we'll get it no matter what".

Good stuff...

 

[Thump]

The local BW3 establishments that I called (2) both said that they WILL have the BTN but don't know when because they are waiting for DTV to let them know which "business" package it will be a part of ... the manager said "Don't worry - our owners are huge Big 10 supporters, so we'll get it no matter what".

Thank you.

All it takes is a simple phone call which many on here seem to think is too big of a chore to do but would rather complain about it on here.

 

[suza271]

Bundle Vs. Directv...BREAKDOWN

Here's a breakdown of several options for cable vs. Directv. Depending on what you want/need, it's really not that more expensive.

Television Options

Comcast triple play bundle-(which I assume is pretty comparable to any cable bundle)- Includes Cable, high speed internet, phone with loaded features. Includes ONE digital box (so you can't watch channels above 100 or HD on any other tv).

$99/month plus tax ending up at $123.00 (I'm basing this on my last bill)

Direct TV- Choice plan (the lowest you need for BTN) with 3 receivers. No extra movie channels.

With the discount they give you for having good credit, this comes out to be $39.99 plus tax

Internet Options

Comcast Internet- 6.0 mbps $42.95 plus tax

Internet/Phone Options

Verizon DSL/Phone bundle- 3.0 mbps plus loaded phone $69.99 plus tax

Verizon DSL/Phone- 3.0 mbps plus BASIC phone $53.99 plus tax

Phone

Verizon Basic- Local Calls, no long distance $20 with tax.


I'm assuming all of these are pretty standard pricing. These are my options for VA without going into a couple of no-name providers. If you can get Earthlink in OH, they have a great DSL/phone deal for $50.

So, in the end, I'm getting:

Directv-- $55.96 (I have 3 TVs, Showtime, no HD)
Comcast Internet-- $42.99
Verizon basic phone-- $20.00

With tax, that ends up being about $5-10 more than what I'm paying now. And, I get the buckeyes. Of course, having caller ID isn't that important to me. But, having fast internet and being able to watch the Bucks is.

I understand that the main point is that we shouldn't have to rearrange our lives to watch our team. But, it is what it is.

Other pluses:

-The extra cable box (at least for Comcast) costs almost $20 more a month.

-You can watch all channels on every TV you have a receiver on. Extra receivers are only $5/month.

-DVR is only $5/month. My Tivo was $13. With Time Warner I believe it's about the same.

 

[Ratboy18]

The DISH representative is trying to tell me that Fox Sports New England (channel 435) is broadcasting the Big 10 football games .... why doesn't this make any sense?

 

[jwinslow]

good breakdown suza. Also, for those penny pinchers out there, Skype phone is an affordable alternative as well.

 

[MililaniBuckeye]

Such an appropriate screen name. Here are some definitions, learn them, then re-read my post:

HD Receiver - a device that allows you to "receive" an HD signal and view it in real time

HD-DVR - a device that allows you to DVR (aka RECORD) an HD signal and play it back at a later date.

One is FREE and the other is $199 (after $100 off). But again, offers can not be combined.

The HR20 HD-DVR allows you to receive HD and view it in real time as well recording HD broadcast for later viewing...you do not need both an HD Receiver and an HD-DVR. I know because I just got on 10 days ago.

 

[miked]

I live in Seattle and have purchased Direct TV in order to get the big ten network. In looking over the network's tv schedule though, I noticed that they are planning on showing multiple games at the same time, based on which state/region the viewer is located. Anybody have any idea where I can find a schedule that is more accurate that this, so that I can make arrangements if they decide to show the Skunkbears instead of our Buckeyes out here on September 1st?

 

[nikonosis]

I live in Seattle and have purchased Direct TV in order to get the big ten network. In looking over the network's tv schedule though, I noticed that they are planning on showing multiple games at the same time, based on which state/region the viewer is located. Anybody have any idea where I can find a schedule that is more accurate that this, so that I can make arrangements if they decide to show the Skunkbears instead of our Buckeyes out here on September 1st?

They are going to have run over channels that will display the games that are on the same time. Every single game that is on the BTN will be able to be seen.

 

[jwinslow]

I have not seen confirmation that those overflow channels are provided for free, however. Anyone see otherwise?

So, after two years it's mine...

I'm pretty sure that's not what he's saying (ie 'all lease, all the time'), but I'm sure he'll clarify.