Explain NFL Sunday Ticket to me (1 Viewer)

[Dentist]

I have Comcast Cable.

I wouldn't mind switching.

I don't watch much TV, but I do have a HDTV and enjoy HD channels like INHD and INHD 2, and others..

I don't need any movie channels. I would like to get my local channels.

What does it cost if I were to ditch Comcast Cable, go Direct TV.

They mention this huge entertainment package... but what happens when Sunday Ticket ends in January.... I just need pretty basic television with HD.

Help me decipher all the current offers.

 

[cscmtp]

Sunday Ticket in only available with Direct TV. Having Sunday Ticket, and the high def "superfan" package, along with a nice high def TV, is nothing short of crack cocaine.

I'd pay 5-10x more if i had to. Its THAT good.

Any new Direct TV subscriber HAS to have a base package in order to get Sunday Ticket (in the old days, you could JUST get S.T.)

They always give you like the biggest premium package with all the channels for the first 4 months for free, then you pay between $45-$99 a month depending on the package you choose to keep year round. Make sure you ask them for a free TIVO and HD receiver if you sign on with them.

 

[cscmtp]

And yeah, i'm one of the lucky ones, because i've had Sunday Ticket for several years, they don't require me to have a base package. So all i get is their high def package (channels 72-79 ESPN,ESPN2,Discovery,TNT, etc.) which I have all year round, and then Sunday Ticket during the season. Oh, and they give you the NFL Network year round, which is nice!

 

[RBM]

Sunday ticket = Greatest thing you will ever spend $ on if you love football

The new subsciber deal is great. $70 a month, you get every channel Direct TV offers, plus the ticket for 4 months. End of the 4 months that package goes to like $100 a month, but you can change it if you want

 

[sholditch]

Sweet. Do you really have to have a freaking land line to get it? That's so 1992.

I am seriously considering this as I live in Alabama and my dad and I (and two friends of mine) are huge Bears fans and they never show the Bears on national TV (I think after making the playoffs we've been bumped up to two spots), and basically we spent a small fortune at this sportsbar last year. I was thinking that Sunday ticket might actually save us money. We're currently paying about $99 for cable right now (which is kind of insane) so this does sound like a pretty sweet deal.

One question: is it only the Sunday games or does it also have weekly programming, like analysis shows or game replays, highlights, etc?

 

[Dentist]

Sunday ticket = Greatest thing you will ever spend $ on if you love footballThe new subsciber deal is great. $70 a month, you get every channel Direct TV offers, plus the ticket for 4 months. End of the 4 months that package goes to like $100 a month, but you can change it if you want

Explain changing it... what means that?

 

[cscmtp]

Sweet. Do you really have to have a freaking land line to get it? That's so 1992.I am seriously considering this as I live in Alabama and my dad and I (and two friends of mine) are huge Bears fans and they never show the Bears on national TV (I think after making the playoffs we've been bumped up to two spots), and basically we spent a small fortune at this sportsbar last year. I was thinking that Sunday ticket might actually save us money. We're currently paying about $99 for cable right now (which is kind of insane) so this does sound like a pretty sweet deal.One question: is it only the Sunday games or does it also have weekly programming, like analysis shows or game replays, highlights, etc?

No, you don't have to have a land line. They want you to, but just tell them you don't have one, that you use a cell phone. The only disadvantage is IF you get a TIVO, you have to have a land line to at least do the innitial hookup and installation. But if you had to, but a 100 ft cord, and borrow your neighbors phone line for 5 minutes. The NFL Network, (channel 212) comes free when you order Sunday Ticket. That is year round, 24/7 Football. They have analysis shows, replays, etc. And during the season, if you get the Superfan package, they replay every game in 30 minutes (cutting out all the commericals and time between incomplete passes)

 

[sholditch]

Sweet. Do you really have to have a freaking land line to get it? That's so 1992.I am seriously considering this as I live in Alabama and my dad and I (and two friends of mine) are huge Bears fans and they never show the Bears on national TV (I think after making the playoffs we've been bumped up to two spots), and basically we spent a small fortune at this sportsbar last year. I was thinking that Sunday ticket might actually save us money. We're currently paying about $99 for cable right now (which is kind of insane) so this does sound like a pretty sweet deal.One question: is it only the Sunday games or does it also have weekly programming, like analysis shows or game replays, highlights, etc?

No, you don't have to have a land line. They want you to, but just tell them you don't have one, that you use a cell phone. The only disadvantage is IF you get a TIVO, you have to have a land line to at least do the innitial hookup and installation. But if you had to, but a 100 ft cord, and borrow your neighbors phone line for 5 minutes. The NFL Network, (channel 212) comes free when you order Sunday Ticket. That is year round, 24/7 Football. They have analysis shows, replays, etc. And during the season, if you get the Superfan package, they replay every game in 30 minutes (cutting out all the commericals and time between incomplete passes)

sweet. I might actually do that as our across the street neighbors are really good friends. Getting NFL network is def. a plus. Do you have to pay extra for the superfan package?

 

[fsufan]

Sweet. Do you really have to have a freaking land line to get it? That's so 1992.I am seriously considering this as I live in Alabama and my dad and I (and two friends of mine) are huge Bears fans and they never show the Bears on national TV (I think after making the playoffs we've been bumped up to two spots), and basically we spent a small fortune at this sportsbar last year. I was thinking that Sunday ticket might actually save us money. We're currently paying about $99 for cable right now (which is kind of insane) so this does sound like a pretty sweet deal.One question: is it only the Sunday games or does it also have weekly programming, like analysis shows or game replays, highlights, etc?

you do not need a phone to to get any DTV service. this is just some DTV BS.

 

[fsufan]

The only disadvantage is IF you get a TIVO, you have to have a land line to at least do the innitial hookup and installation. But if you had to, but a 100 ft cord, and borrow your neighbors phone line for 5 minutes.

i took my DVR to my moms house for set up. The phone line set up for their DVRs is another DTV BS

 

[Loan Sharks]

Here is my question for those in the know. I have had Dtv for two years without sunday ticket. I am having trouble finding a offer to add it. How much would is it to add it for a non new subscriber?

It looks like much much more that the initial subscriber rate.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Sunday ticket = Greatest thing you will ever spend $ on if you love footballThe new subsciber deal is great. $70 a month, you get every channel Direct TV offers, plus the ticket for 4 months. End of the 4 months that package goes to like $100 a month, but you can change it if you want

Explain changing it... what means that?

After your 4 months of free programming is up, to pay for the package they start you at (Which is just about every channel possibly), it would cost you an arm and a leg every month. So, after the free programming deal expires, you're going to want to call them and change to a basic package instead. The basic package is, I believe $45/month. You'll also likely want to get local channels. I think that costs an extra $5/month.That's your lowest cost regular programming option.

 

[SCT]

Quick ticket question....i just ordered it for the first time, but don't see any change in channels on my guide....do all the nfl game channels pop up as choices after the season starts or what?

 

[fsufan]

Quick ticket question....i just ordered it for the first time, but don't see any change in channels on my guide....do all the nfl game channels pop up as choices after the season starts or what?

they will be in the 700s. They are not there yet but will be when the seson starts.

 

[Usual Suspect]

Here is my question for those in the know. I have had Dtv for two years without sunday ticket. I am having trouble finding a offer to add it. How much would is it to add it for a non new subscriber?It looks like much much more that the initial subscriber rate.

In my 3rd year. I think I'm paying $41.99 for 4 months but it might be $49.99 (Total of $167.96-199.96). I'd have to look at bill to verify. Super Fan was free because of mix up they had last year so that saves $100!As for regular programing. $45 for basic + $5 for local channels + $5 for 2nd box + $10 for HDTV programing = $65. I've been having some problems with my HD channels the last month and will need to get that taken care of before season starts but overall...I love it!!!If you are new...be sure to get the multiswitch for multiple tvs and have the installer run an "extra" cable so you can setup the second receiver/tv in the family room on Sundays. One TV with the game and the 2nd TV with the game split allows you to watch everything!!!

 

[LaneOfSteel™]

The gamesplit is only with the SuperFan pkg right? Ive had ST for 3 years, comes in quite handy for tailgate parties at Heinz

 

[Raptors]

A bit off topic here, but does anyone know if the NFL Network games will be broadcast in HD on DTV? If so, when is DTV's planned launch for the new HD channel? I haven't seen/read anything on that front yet. TIA

 

[joffer]

i think if i had the NFL ticket, my thumb would fall off from overuse. i couldn't imagine watching one game at a time

 

[AhrnCityPahnder]

If anyone wants to sign up to DTV and uses me as a reference, I'll paypal you $50 so I can get your referral bonus (bonus is $100 credit towards my bill). I'll do so after your account is acivated and I get my credit on my bill. PM me if interested.

 

[Usual Suspect]

The gamesplit is only with the SuperFan pkg right? Ive had ST for 3 years, comes in quite handy for tailgate parties at Heinz

Correct.It is pretty sweet. They actually have an interactive box that allows you to hilight one of the split games and select it to watch on full screen and then back to split screen at a push of the button. Sounds good for cathing teams in the redzone or replays. I havn't gotten it cause it dosn't have DVR option and I like that better.

 

[cr8f]

They have a new HD DVR deal with sunday ticket too. Ask about it.

 

[cr8f]

Quick ticket question....i just ordered it for the first time, but don't see any change in channels on my guide....do all the nfl game channels pop up as choices after the season starts or what?

It should say upcoming (ch 701-714 or so)until they are on.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

i think if i had the NFL ticket, my thumb would fall off from overuse.

I have similar issues with Forrestmail

 

[SammyJankis]

One thing of note: I just can't say this enough. If you get Sunday ticket and have a HD receiver/television:

- Call DirecTV

- Immediately ask for "the customer retention department".

- Tell the rep from customer retention that you are not happy with paying the extra $100 for the superfan. They will almost always give you the superfan for free.

They didn't use to charge extra for HD with the ticket. They decided to soak their customers for the privledge two years back. (Which I think is ) Customer retention is trained to play nice with you. The longer you've been a customer, the nicer they'll be....

You don't need to be dishonest at all. My argument, which I think is completely valid is: DirecTV offers an "HD" package for $10 a month. With several of the channels, you have to buy both the channel itself and the HD packege. For example, to get HBO, I must buy HBO and I must buy the HD package to get HBOHD. Its kind of infuriating, becuase they're double dipping. But with the Sunday Ticket, if I buy the Sunday Ticket (at $200+) and buy the HD package their response is "Oh? You wanted both Sunday Ticket and HD, together? We're going to have to charge you a third time!" I don't think so.

Let them know that you think they're gouging you on the STHD and they'll usually hook you up.

 

[Irish]

One thing of note: I just can't say this enough. If you get Sunday ticket and have a HD receiver/television:- Call DirecTV- Immediately ask for "the customer retention department".- Tell the rep from customer retention that you are not happy with paying the extra $100 for the superfan. They will almost always give you the superfan for free.They didn't use to charge extra for HD with the ticket. They decided to soak their customers for the privledge two years back. (Which I think is ) Customer retention is trained to play nice with you. The longer you've been a customer, the nicer they'll be....You don't need to be dishonest at all. My argument, which I think is completely valid is: DirecTV offers an "HD" package for $10 a month. With several of the channels, you have to buy both the channel itself and the HD packege. For example, to get HBO, I must buy HBO and I must buy the HD package to get HBOHD. Its kind of infuriating, becuase they're double dipping. But with the Sunday Ticket, if I buy the Sunday Ticket (at $200+) and buy the HD package their response is "Oh? You wanted both Sunday Ticket and HD, together? We're going to have to charge you a third time!" I don't think so.Let them know that you think they're gouging you on the STHD and they'll usually hook you up.

I just want to 2nd what he said about getting the Superfan package for free. That is what I did.

 

[Loan Sharks]

I don't have a HD TV and don't want to pay for the DVR.

Been working on the phone today. I can't get the new subscriber deal since I have had DTV for a couple of years. I got them to take $60 off so it is $190 and got Showtime,Starz and Cinemax free for 6 months.

Not the greatest deal but better than not trying.

They offered the superfan but since no HD no go.

 

[jbird5150]

I've been an DTV guy for years and an ST guy for almost as long. It's my wife's birthday gift to me every year (kinda hard to get Bears games in SW MO.).

This summer I bought a 50 inch Sony SXRD TV for the basement, so I needed an HD receiver with Tivo and the Super Fan. After researching satellite TV forums for how to approach it, I called customer retention and said those magic words, "Dish Network".

Before I was off the phone, they were handing me an HD reciever with Tivo for free (normally $399), the Super Fan for free (normally $99), the HD package free for a year (normally $9.99 a month) and a bunch of credits to my account.

It wasn't brain surgery. I was polite to them and explained what Dish Network was offering, which was all true. And they gave me the farm.

The key is to get a CSR who's willing to work with you. If you don't the first time, hang up and try again. I've read where others have had to call 6 or 7 times before someone would give them what they wanted.

Good luck.

 

[Razon]

<snip>One question: is it only the Sunday games or does it also have weekly programming, like analysis shows or game replays, highlights, etc?

Normally before the game you should see some local shows. I use to watch the Mike Sherman show on the channel the Packer game would be on. I am pretty sure I remember seeing that for other teams.The Superfan is not just HD. Someone said they passed on it due to the HD, but it is the 8 game channel, the redzone channel, and the game highlight channel that comes along with the HD games.Well worth it overall. Like any company they do have their negatives. You have the movers connections (good for those that move alot) where they will do the hookup for free when you move just have a one year commit. Now the negative is that takes a while. When I found my most recent house, I called and it was nearly two weeks before they would be able to do the install. When he came it was lighting out, so he had to rescheule which was another two weeks. Well I called DirecTv and complained and got a 10 credit for 6 months and 4 months free of Stars and Showtime. During that time I had the cable company (which does the phone and internet) turn on the digitial cable. I was disappointed and even having the on-demand didn't make up for it. I was happy to have DirecTv back.Get it, you will love it.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I have Comcast Cable.I wouldn't mind switching.I don't watch much TV, but I do have a HDTV and enjoy HD channels like INHD and INHD 2, and others..I don't need any movie channels. I would like to get my local channels.What does it cost if I were to ditch Comcast Cable, go Direct TV.They mention this huge entertainment package... but what happens when Sunday Ticket ends in January.... I just need pretty basic television with HD.Help me decipher all the current offers.

You're a Denti$t. Just buy the thing. Tell them you want Sunday Ticket in HD and the Super Package and to hook you up and be quick abouit. C'mon Guy.J

 

[SCT]

I have Comcast Cable.I wouldn't mind switching.I don't watch much TV, but I do have a HDTV and enjoy HD channels like INHD and INHD 2, and others..I don't need any movie channels. I would like to get my local channels.What does it cost if I were to ditch Comcast Cable, go Direct TV.They mention this huge entertainment package... but what happens when Sunday Ticket ends in January.... I just need pretty basic television with HD.Help me decipher all the current offers.

You're a Denti$t. Just buy the thing. Tell them you want Sunday Ticket in HD and the Super Package and to hook you up and be quick abouit. C'mon Guy.J

Good luck with getting hooked up quick if you are in certain locations....nightmarish stories. Took me a month and a half from the initial call.

 

[HALtheCOW]

First off, I love Sunday Ticket. I really dont understand hard core FF players who dont have it.

Last year, I bought the SuperFan and didnt take full advantage of it. I didnt know if I would pay the $100 this year, but remind me what the problems were with the SuperFan package so I can see about getting another year for free.

THanks

 

[joffer]

First off, I love Sunday Ticket. I really dont understand hard core FF players who dont have it.

i watch the games at the sports bar so i can see them all simultaneously, understand?

 

[Raider Nation]

First off, I love Sunday Ticket. I really dont understand hard core FF players who dont have it.

i watch the games at the sports bar so i can see them all simultaneously, understand?

Don't give your hard-earned money to a sports bar every week.Do what I did, slacker. (See the Sunday Ticket link in my sig) It's easy to set up, and once you buy the TVs the only added cost is $5/month for each receiver. You only live once.

 

[fornov]

I've been an DTV guy for years and an ST guy for almost as long. It's my wife's birthday gift to me every year (kinda hard to get Bears games in SW MO.). This summer I bought a 50 inch Sony SXRD TV for the basement, so I needed an HD receiver with Tivo and the Super Fan. After researching satellite TV forums for how to approach it, I called customer retention and said those magic words, "Dish Network". Before I was off the phone, they were handing me an HD reciever with Tivo for free (normally $399), the Super Fan for free (normally $99), the HD package free for a year (normally $9.99 a month) and a bunch of credits to my account. It wasn't brain surgery. I was polite to them and explained what Dish Network was offering, which was all true. And they gave me the farm. The key is to get a CSR who's willing to work with you. If you don't the first time, hang up and try again. I've read where others have had to call 6 or 7 times before someone would give them what they wanted. Good luck.

You got a HD Tivo for free????? I've been waiting for the price to come down on those for over a year now. When I got my plasma last July, the HD DVR cost $699. It quickly was $599, and now I've seen it at $399, as you stated. I would LLLLLLOOOOOOVE to score a free HD DVR from Directv. I love Directv and ST and Super Fan. I don't think I would pay 5-10X what I do to get it, but I would probably pay double. Of course for that I could almost buy a HD DVR.

 

[fornov]

First off, I love Sunday Ticket. I really dont understand hard core FF players who dont have it.

i watch the games at the sports bar so i can see them all simultaneously, understand?

Don't give your hard-earned money to a sports bar every week.Do what I did, slacker. (See the Sunday Ticket link in my sig) It's easy to set up, and once you buy the TVs the only added cost is $5/month for each receiver. You only live once.

That freaking ROCKS. I want to watch football at your house.

 

[Raider Nation]

First off, I love Sunday Ticket. I really dont understand hard core FF players who dont have it.

i watch the games at the sports bar so i can see them all simultaneously, understand?

Don't give your hard-earned money to a sports bar every week.Do what I did, slacker. (See the Sunday Ticket link in my sig)

It's easy to set up, and once you buy the TVs the only added cost is $5/month for each receiver.

You only live once.

That freaking ROCKS.

I want to watch football at your house.

It ROCKS to football fans like us.To girlfriends who don't like football? Not so much.... :(

 

[joffer]

First off, I love Sunday Ticket. I really dont understand hard core FF players who dont have it.

i watch the games at the sports bar so i can see them all simultaneously, understand?

Don't give your hard-earned money to a sports bar every week.Do what I did, slacker. (See the Sunday Ticket link in my sig) It's easy to set up, and once you buy the TVs the only added cost is $5/month for each receiver. You only live once.

hmmmm....$25 (5 beers and a huge plate of nachos) a week x 17 weeks = $425 vs. 6 additional tvs + $30 per month for 6 receivers for 5 months. if i already had the tvs then maybe i could see it. nice setup though.

 

[Regis]

i think if i had the NFL ticket, my thumb would fall off from overuse. i couldn't imagine watching one game at a time

When I first got Sunday Ticket about 8 years ago, my remote would quit working every so often. I didn't realize it at first, but then I realized it was always Sunday evening when it would quit working. I think it was from too much channel flipping all day Sunday! It always worked again after sitting a couple hours, so that's the only thing I can imagine that caused it. Probably just a faulty remote though, it didn't last long and I've never had any problems with my replacement remotes and I still flip constantly during Sundays...

 

[H-Town Rookie]

Sorry if this was already answered but I could not find it in the thread.

Do you need an old-school land line for DirecTV or will a cable/broadband connection work?

Thanks in advance,

ROOK

 

[Raider Nation]

Sorry if this was already answered but I could not find it in the thread.Do you need an old-school land line for DirecTV or will a cable/broadband connection work?Thanks in advance,ROOK

You don't need a land line. That's crap. DTV tells you to keep a LL connected so that they can play Big Brother with you. When they ask you if you have one connected, simply tell them you do. PM replied to, BTW.

 

[Bushead]

Sorry if this was already answered but I could not find it in the thread.Do you need an old-school land line for DirecTV or will a cable/broadband connection work?Thanks in advance,ROOK

You don't really need either. You will need a phone line only for PPV or if you have a DVR it will give you an annoying message until you plug a phone line in. I believe people have been successfully getting the recievers to work over Vonage or similar broadband phone connections if you don't have a regular phone line.For Directv you will need to have a dish installed and a directv reciever - that is pretty much it

 

[Cowboys#1]

i wish DTV was available in Canada

instead i get to watch the bills 16 times a year.. or resort to a bell dish which sucks

 

[Islander]

Don't give your hard-earned money to a sports bar every week.Do what I did, slacker. (See the Sunday Ticket link in my sig) It's easy to set up, and once you buy the TVs the only added cost is $5/month for each receiver. You only live once.

YOU DA MAN!!!!

 

[Islander]

Has anybody used a Slingbox to watch NFL sunday ticket on their laptop from a remote location? I would like to know if it works well.

 

[shadow2k]

So...no PPV or DVR without a LL phone? I haven't had a LL phone for 10yrs.

Don't you also have to sign a contract? I think the last time I checked, for an HD-DVR, you have to sign a 24mo lease! And to get everything I get with cable now (HD-DVR + all movies), it's quite a bit more expensive. And I don't have to sign a lease, or have a LL phone. Bleh.

 

[Raptors]

So...no PPV or DVR without a LL phone? I haven't had a LL phone for 10yrs.

You only need a LL to make the initial call. After that, you are ok. As for a contract, last I checked they require a 1 year committment from you.

 

[Raptors]

Has anybody used a Slingbox to watch NFL sunday ticket on their laptop from a remote location? I would like to know if it works well.

It works, but I wouldn't say it works well. It's choppy, but watchable.

 

[imeimex]

From a dumb question department?

I called the DirecTV customer retention department and got a free HD-DVR and free Superfan for continuing my NFL Sunday Ticket. My question is if I don't have a High Definition TV wil I see any benefits from the HD-DVR? It was free so I ran with it, but as was mentioned the equipment is leased and I could receive a free DVR that would be mine.

 

[Raptors]

i wish DTV was available in Canadainstead i get to watch the bills 16 times a year.. or resort to a bell dish which sucks

Bell's Sunday Ticket is actually a bit better than DTV's (I have both). Not only is it cheaper, but you get fewer blackouts.

 

[Raptors]

From a dumb question department?I called the DirecTV customer retention department and got a free HD-DVR and free Superfan for continuing my NFL Sunday Ticket. My question is if I don't have a High Definition TV wil I see any benefits from the HD-DVR? It was free so I ran with it, but as was mentioned the equipment is leased and I could receive a free DVR that would be mine.

Whether you have HDTV or not, the DVR part of it is great to have. The only use you will have for the HD part of it is the local over-the-air HD channels which you can still view in SD.