Sports Blackouts ---- Who decides ???

[shendry_1]

I live in the Houston area. 

From what I hear the pro leagues dictate what's blacked out and what is not.

The other night I was able to see a Rockets game on FSSW-H but the Mavericks game on FSSW-D was blacked out.

So I turn on my DirecTV and sure enough I can see both games. (I kept my DirecTV activated for now just in case) 

I do have the U400 with all the sports channels. I do not have a sports package for DirecTV.

Why is it that DirecTV shows Dallas area games and Uverse won't? 

I've been watching Dallas Stars hockey games on DirecTV for years. I'll find out this Saturday if the Stars are blacked out or not.

If it is indeed blacked out there will be no reason for me to stick with Uverse at this time even though I like the whole setup.

If I can't watch hockey it's worthless to me. They currently don't offer NHL Center Ice either.

Too bad. 

[robino2001]

You could see both games on DirecTV because the free preview was still underway for the NBA League Pass (which DirecTV has, not AT&T).  Once the free preview is ended, then blackouts SHOULD be the same across the country no matter what carrier you have. 

The Dallas Stars games will not be blacked out on Uverse because all of Texas is in the Stars territory.  No matter what carrier you have, you will see the Stars games.  

The ONLY time blackouts are not the same throughout the country is if one of the carriers has made a mistake.  This past year, I could see Cardinals games on FS-Midwest because there was a mistake on the computer system for Uverse.  Otherwise, if you're being blacked out of something you should be able to see, yes you have a beef.  If not, you would be blacked out from it no matter who you have and it's not Uverse's fault.  (And that isn't directed to you Shendry, it's just all of the other similar posts that I try to ignore most of the time because they're so redundant).  

[shendry_1]

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robino2001 wrote:

You could see both games on DirecTV because the free preview was still underway for the NBA League Pass (which DirecTV has, not AT&T).  Once the free preview is ended, then blackouts SHOULD be the same across the country no matter what carrier you have. 

The Dallas Stars games will not be blacked out on Uverse because all of Texas is in the Stars territory.  No matter what carrier you have, you will see the Stars games.  

The ONLY time blackouts are not the same throughout the country is if one of the carriers has made a mistake.  This past year, I could see Cardinals games on FS-Midwest because there was a mistake on the computer system for Uverse.  Otherwise, if you're being blacked out of something you should be able to see, yes you have a beef.  If not, you would be blacked out from it no matter who you have and it's not Uverse's fault.  (And that isn't directed to you Shendry, it's just all of the other similar posts that I try to ignore most of the time because they're so redundant).  

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Thanks!

I seriously want to believe that you're right about this. 

[callmeox ACE - Wizard]

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robino2001 wrote:

You could see both games on DirecTV because the free preview was still underway for the NBA League Pass (which DirecTV has, not AT&T).  Once the free preview is ended, then blackouts SHOULD be the same across the country no matter what carrier you have. 

The Dallas Stars games will not be blacked out on Uverse because all of Texas is in the Stars territory.  No matter what carrier you have, you will see the Stars games.  

The ONLY time blackouts are not the same throughout the country is if one of the carriers has made a mistake.  This past year, I could see Cardinals games on FS-Midwest because there was a mistake on the computer system for Uverse.  Otherwise, if you're being blacked out of something you should be able to see, yes you have a beef.  If not, you would be blacked out from it no matter who you have and it's not Uverse's fault.  (And that isn't directed to you Shendry, it's just all of the other similar posts that I try to ignore most of the time because they're so redundant).  

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Great reply, BTW. I'm glad to have another poster picking up the slack on the blackouts threads.

If I could give it more than one Kudos, I would.

Message Edited by callmeox on 11-06-2008 11:18 AM

[shendry_1]

Thanks callmeox !

I just looked through the guide and it shows Saturday's Stars game to be FSSW-D only.

But the games after that are listed on FSSW-H as well and even FSSW-S.

I feel better now.

[randyl]

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callmeox wrote:

 

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Great reply, BTW. I'm glad to have another poster picking up the slack on the blackouts threads.

If I could give it more than one Kudos, I would.    U just did

Message Edited by callmeox on 11-06-2008 11:18 AM

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[SportsFan_1]

Are there any plans in the near future for AT&T U-verse customers to purchase a NBA league pass or NFL package where ALL games are broadcasted?  Similar to what is offered on the Dish network or Time Warner cable.

We have been extremely disappointed with the lack of professional games aired despite what our sales representative promised us with the "Sports Package".  We are wanting to stay with U-verse but will be going back to cable this week unless I hear something from AT&T about future package offerings.

[Pip_2]

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SportsFan wrote:

Are there any plans in the near future for AT&T U-verse customers to purchase a NBA league pass or NFL package where ALL games are broadcasted?  Similar to what is offered on the Dish network or Time Warner cable.

We have been extremely disappointed with the lack of professional games aired despite what our sales representative promised us with the "Sports Package".  We are wanting to stay with U-verse but will be going back to cable this week unless I hear something from AT&T about future package offerings.

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We will not know anything till AT&T makes an announcement and we never know when that will happen, so take it from there.

[robino2001]

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SportsFan wrote:

Are there any plans in the near future for AT&T U-verse customers to purchase a NBA league pass or NFL package where ALL games are broadcasted?  Similar to what is offered on the Dish network or Time Warner cable.

We have been extremely disappointed with the lack of professional games aired despite what our sales representative promised us with the "Sports Package".  We are wanting to stay with U-verse but will be going back to cable this week unless I hear something from AT&T about future package offerings.

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AT&T told me (not just a salesman - people actually involved in the negotiations) in late summer that they were working on NHL network, MLB network and NBATV along with Center Ice, Extra Bases and League Pass... they had the channel numbers set aside and everything... just needed to hammer out the contracts.  Now that one is done, I'm encouraged for the others.  Unlike everyone else who continually trashes AT&T for not yet having these - I know they're coming eventually and just look forward to when they do come.  

[hpmsrm]

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randyl wrote:

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callmeox wrote:

 

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Great reply, BTW. I'm glad to have another poster picking up the slack on the blackouts threads.

If I could give it more than one Kudos, I would.    U just did

                                                                         

Message Edited by callmeox on 11-06-2008 11:18 AM

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You just did again.

[anewman35]

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SportsFan wrote:

Are there any plans in the near future for AT&T U-verse customers to purchase a NBA league pass or NFL package where ALL games are broadcasted?  Similar to what is offered on the Dish network or Time Warner cable.

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NFL Sunday Ticket is exclusive to DirecTV until at least next season, and after that there's always a chance that the NFL will open it up more, but they didn't last time they had the chance so I doubt it.  As for the other sports, it's up to U-verse to make a deal with the leagues, and for whatever reason they haven't yet.

[SportsFan_1]

Thank you for responding.  I have already scheduled TWC to come back and reconnect service.  The bummer is, there are some things we really like about U-verse but not enough to keep it and miss out on NBA games.  We previously had the NBA package and could watch all of the games so, we will be getting that back.  The good thing is that TWC is going to give us the NBA package back without charging us again (whew!).  Although, they are charging at least $50 to send a technician out and re-install cable.  Hopefully, AT&T will get us back once they negotiate some better sports packages but I will definitely need something in writing next time...rather than listening to misinformed sales representatives.

[wakesnowb_1]

Yeah ATT sux when it comes to Sports.  People in Northern California still cannot even watch their local teams in HD (sharks, warriors, A's, Giants).  How lame is that?

[callmeox ACE - Wizard]

Totally lame, but it has nothing to do with blackouts.

Message Edited by callmeox on 01-06-2009 07:31 PM

[swordmaster]

also, if you are being blacked out in an area that shouldn't be call tech support and have them make sure your zipcode is loaded correctly.  I had that issue during baseball season with Mets games.  And Don't take no for an answer if you are sure the game should not be blacked out.

[bhafer_1]

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callmeox wrote:
Totally lame, but it has nothing to do with blackouts.

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[mtell1]

Speaking of blackouts...I am watching the PHI Flyers and MN Wild on FSNorth (744).  The game should be blacked out to me b/c I live in KC and my regional sports network is FSN MW.  All other NHL and NBA games on the on the RSN's are correctly blacked out.

On another note, I noticed the Nashville/Pittsburgh Pendguins game is in the guide to be on the ALT1 (ch 700) followed by Predators live.  I am wondering if the ALT1 and 2 channels are going to be regional channels (like FSN Tennessee) for new U-Verse markets.  I believe U-Verse is now available in Tennessee.

[robino2001]

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mtell1 wrote:

Speaking of blackouts...I am watching the PHI Flyers and MN Wild on FSNorth (744).  The game should be blacked out to me b/c I live in KC and my regional sports network is FSN MW.  All other NHL and NBA games on the on the RSN's are correctly blacked out.

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I noticed the same thing earlier (the Flyers game) this evening.  It happens every now and then.  Think of it as a make up for yesterday for all who were pissed off.  :-)

I scroll through all of the sports channels once a night or so to see what isn't blacked out that should be.  I got a Mavs game a couple of nights ago I shouldn't have... it just happens every so often.  The blackouts are manually put in by hand - game by game (don't know why)... so mistakes happen.   

[Pip_2]

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robino2001 wrote:

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mtell1 wrote:

Speaking of blackouts...I am watching the PHI Flyers and MN Wild on FSNorth (744).  The game should be blacked out to me b/c I live in KC and my regional sports network is FSN MW.  All other NHL and NBA games on the on the RSN's are correctly blacked out.

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I noticed the same thing earlier (the Flyers game) this evening.  It happens every now and then.  Think of it as a make up for yesterday for all who were pissed off.  :-)

I scroll through all of the sports channels once a night or so to see what isn't blacked out that should be.  I got a Mavs game a couple of nights ago I shouldn't have... it just happens every so often.  The blackouts are manually put in by hand - game by game (don't know why)... so mistakes happen.   

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Yea, programming strikes again!

[Rafi_1]

There seems to be quite a few blackouts with Uverse and no one in tech support of customer service knows anything about it. I have been trying to talk to someone that can tell me if they are going to carry "Extra Inning" programing and no one seems to know. Recently I inquired about the MLB Network, which ATT does not carry and again no one seems to know anything whether they'll carry or not.

I am fed up with Uverse that I'm going to teminate and go back to Cox Cable (as much as it would hurt me). I love my sports, I love baseball and can't seem to watch anything.

There are a lot of users who are dissatisfied with the service and I propose that a boycot of uverse is initiated. This has gone on far enough, you can not get anyone with a brain to talk to you and explain why we can not have Extra Innings and now MLB Network.

Wake up folks. What good does it do to get on this site and **bleep** if we can not get any help from management?

[callmeox ACE - Wizard]

Why should I boycott if you're unsatisfied?

I like the service and I understand how sports blackouts work. Even if they carried every sports package from every league on earth, I would not subscribe to any of them. I'm a sports fan, but I also have other things that I do with my time...like participate in many of them.

[skeeter860]

I agree with PIP, I too was told that if I purchase the sports package that I would be able to see out of market games, I live in Central California an I am a Dodgers fan but the games on Fox Sports Pacific are blacked out, the only thing I can watch on Fox Sports are several different repeats of the exact same program on the different Fox Sports regional channels, you can only stand so much of Best **bleep** Sports Show, I don't need to see it several times.

[callmeox ACE - Wizard]

Getting all of the RSN's through U400 is a nice addition as there can be some regional college sports if you are into that. I can't see paying for the Sports Pack tacked on to a U300 or lower plan just for the (very) small handful of channels like Outdoor and perhaps a soccer channel (unless you're a big fan of those).

[Pip_2]

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skeeter860 wrote:
I agree with PIP, I too was told that if I purchase the sports package that I would be able to see out of market games, I live in Central California an I am a Dodgers fan but the games on Fox Sports Pacific are blacked out, the only thing I can watch on Fox Sports are several different repeats of the exact same program on the different Fox Sports regional channels, you can only stand so much of Best **bleep** Sports Show, I don't need to see it several times.

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I'm still trying to figure out what this person agrees with me on!

[scoobyfan_1]

We have had Uverse for 2 weeks and tonight experienced our first blackout. I wish I had read this message board before signing up for this. I specifically asked the sales person AND the technician if SNNY would be blocked out and was told NO.

We are Big East basketball fans and are Mets fans. SNNY was a deal breaker for us with Uverse. I plan to call and CANCEL this service because I was mislead (LIED TO) and I will  go back to DishNetwork, where we NEVER experienced any blackouts.

[Pip_2]

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scoobyfan wrote:

We have had Uverse for 2 weeks and tonight experienced our first blackout. I wish I had read this message board before signing up for this. I specifically asked the sales person AND the technician if SNNY would be blocked out and was told NO.

We are Big East basketball fans and are Mets fans. SNNY was a deal breaker for us with Uverse. I plan to call and CANCEL this service because I was mislead (LIED TO) and I will  go back to DishNetwork, where we NEVER experienced any blackouts.

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First question....where are you located at?

I have 704 on right now. Looks like the Rutgers/Syracuse is at halftime right now.

[scoobyfan_1]

Hi,

We are in CT. The game was blacked out for no apparent reason and it really set me off. I am glad SYR won, but I would have like to see it happen. I am really concerned about Mets games when April comes. I used to have Comcast and they blocked out the mets games on stations other than SNY a lot because they offered SNY to some of their areas (not mine). I went to DishNetwork and loved it, but the UVerse salesman assured me we wouldn't have blockouts and so did their installer. I feel like I have been duped.

[RhodeHog_1]

I live in Fayetteville, Arkansas and was trying to watch the Mississippi State basketball game only to find it blacked out on Fox Sports.  Cox Cable, DirecTV, and Dish Network were all free of this mysterious black out (I have friends on all 3 services).  

I called 1-800-ATT-2020 and the lady had no idea why it was like that and so she pushed me to Tier 2 support.  The gentleman there told me that they still have a lot of issues with blackouts and AT&T is currently working through litigation with many different parties (NCAA conferences, Pro leagues, Channels, Teams, etc) to solve these black out issues.  He said that the three above named companies have been around a long time and have worked through these problems.  

Now, that still doesn't help us in the meantime while we try to watch our favorite teams.  But it does make me feel better about the future of U-Verse.  With that being said, I know a LOT of people that are sports fanatics in this college town I live in and will not accept this for a second.  We HAVE and WILL lose customers over this until it gets resolved.

My message to AT&T:  Hurry up and get it fixed or the name U-Verse will be dragged through the mud.

[sportsman_1]

Also sometimes if the games are on ESPN the local chanel is blacked out and vice versa. 

[sportsman_1]

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Pip wrote:

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skeeter860 wrote:
I agree with PIP, I too was told that if I purchase the sports package that I would be able to see out of market games, I live in Central California an I am a Dodgers fan but the games on Fox Sports Pacific are blacked out, the only thing I can watch on Fox Sports are several different repeats of the exact same program on the different Fox Sports regional channels, you can only stand so much of Best **bleep** Sports Show, I don't need to see it several times.

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I'm still trying to figure out what this person agrees with me on!

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That was funny pip.

Plus Sportsfan I thought I was quoting myself for a minute.