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MLB Extra Innings package (1 Viewer)

D

duker47

Footballguy
What's the update on MLB's Extra Innings package?

From what I heard, MLB and Direct TV signed a deal to offer "Extra Innings" exclusively to Direct TV, but InDemand (cable) had the opportunity to match what Direct TV was going to pay MLB, and the deadline was 3/31/2007.

I checked MLB.com, indemand.com, espn.com and many newspaper's websites, and I have not found any links to what the final outcome is.

Can I still get "Extra Innings" with my cable or not?

 
There is slim to no chance it will end up on cable.

MLB.TV looks and sounds like crap so don't bite on the "broadcast MLBTV to your TV" deals that are circulating.

 
' date='Apr 2 2007, 06:39 PM' post='6553855']There is slim to no chance it will end up on cable. MLB.TV looks and sounds like crap so don't bite on the "broadcast MLBTV to your TV" deals that are circulating.
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Why is the negotiations still on going then? It sounds like they all want to get this deal done. I'm not arguing your point, but not positive why you are so sure that cable won't get this.Agree about MLB.TV. Silly to think that they think its a reasonable alternative.
 
SteelCurtain said:
Why is the negotiations still on going then? It sounds like they all want to get this deal done. I'm not arguing your point, but not positive why you are so sure that cable won't get this.
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Because DirecTV paid a large sum of cash to negotiate an EXCLUSIVE arrangement. See the precident by Sunday Ticket. I could be wrong but I doubt it. (I hope I am though)
 
On a side note, DirecTV is offering the package for free this week. I'm watching the Rangers/Angels game on 745 right now :goodposting:

 
' date='Apr 2 2007, 11:48 PM' post='6555033']

SteelCurtain said:
Why is the negotiations still on going then? It sounds like they all want to get this deal done. I'm not arguing your point, but not positive why you are so sure that cable won't get this.
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Because DirecTV paid a large sum of cash to negotiate an EXCLUSIVE arrangement. See the precident by Sunday Ticket. I could be wrong but I doubt it. (I hope I am though)
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I guess if there was no chance of a deal, the execs on both sides would have said #### it and said there is no deal. The fact that both sides are still talking makes me think they feel that they can get this done. Whether it involves Dish or cable or both, I'm not sure. Here's hoping they work it out.....
 
' date='Apr 2 2007, 10:48 PM' post='6555033']

SteelCurtain said:
Why is the negotiations still on going then? It sounds like they all want to get this deal done. I'm not arguing your point, but not positive why you are so sure that cable won't get this.
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Because DirecTV paid a large sum of cash to negotiate an EXCLUSIVE arrangement. See the precident by Sunday Ticket. I could be wrong but I doubt it. (I hope I am though)
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Not exactly. DirecTV paid $700 million to offer the extra innings package, as well as televise the baseball network. The exact same offer is on the table for both cable and Dish. They can each pay the $700 million and each have the same listings. That is what is being negotiated right now between MLB and Indemand.I'm not expecting any miracles though, I think it will switch to DirecTV, and cable subscribers will be out in the cold. I actually wanted to switch to DirecTV, but I can't find anything in a price range I like. I'll have to go from $85/month to $115/month to get relatively the same service.
 
Sorry Guru but that is not true:

http://www.bizofbaseball.com/index.php?opt...9&Itemid=52

As Maury Brown covered in detail on Baseball Prospectus, and followed up here on The Biz of Baseball, MLB is about to come to an agreement with DirecTV to make them the exclusive television carrier of MLB Extra Innings. Richard Sandomir of the NY Times reports more details on the deal, including a 24-hour baseball only channel:

Extra Innings has been available to 75 million cable households and the two satellite services, DirecTV and the Dish Network. But the new agreement will take it off cable and Dish because DirecTV has agreed to pay $700 million over seven years, according to three executives briefed on the details of the contract but not authorized to speak about them publicly
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DirecTV paid $700MM to have EXCLUSIVE rights to EI.. just like they have with Sunday Ticket. Comcast had offered to match the deal and MLB shot them down because a deal was already in place with DirecTV. I understand all the wishful thinking that is going on by the DishNetwork and InDemand folks here and that's cool... but I don't think you guys understand everything that is in place. IMHO the "negotiations" that are taking place are likely one-sided... the cable companies trying to talk MLB into dropping the exclusive status...in an effort to stall folks from moving to DirecTV (which a lot of people are doing).

 
I think there is a difference between the "Extra Innings" package and the "Sunday Ticket" package.

"Sunday Ticket" has always been exclusive to Direct TV. "Extra Innings" has been available to digital cable subscribers. MLB is basically eliminating some of their fan base to watch all the games.

And I don't want to hear that I can watch the games on the computer at MLB.TV. I have a 32 inch TV and a 15 inch computer screen. Which would you rather watch?

 
[icon], I don't think the deal is as exclusive as you think.

This link states:

"“Today Major League Baseball received communication from In Demand,” MLB president and chief operating officer Bob DuPuy said in a prepared statement. “The offer to match the terms of the agreement reached by MLB and DirecTV remains open to In Demand and Dish until the deadline of March 31, 2007. The communication sent to our office today by In Demand is not responsive to that offer.”

And this deadline has been extended.....not saying anything is going to get done, but I think MLB would be more than happy to collect this $700million 3x if they can.

 
duker47 said:
I think there is a difference between the "Extra Innings" package and the "Sunday Ticket" package."Sunday Ticket" has always been exclusive to Direct TV. "Extra Innings" has been available to digital cable subscribers. MLB is basically eliminating some of their fan base to watch all the games.And I don't want to hear that I can watch the games on the computer at MLB.TV. I have a 32 inch TV and a 15 inch computer screen. Which would you rather watch?
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The packages origins differ but it's pretty obvious that DirecTV is attempting to bring EI under it's wing just like Sunday Ticket with this 7-year deal. I'm almost certain that this deal also includes first right of refusal to maintain exclusivity (they usually do). I agree that MLBTV is no substitute.
 
guru_007 said:
[icon], I don't think the deal is as exclusive as you think.

This link states:

"“Today Major League Baseball received communication from In Demand,” MLB president and chief operating officer Bob DuPuy said in a prepared statement. “The offer to match the terms of the agreement reached by MLB and DirecTV remains open to In Demand and Dish until the deadline of March 31, 2007. The communication sent to our office today by In Demand is not responsive to that offer.”

And this deadline has been extended.....not saying anything is going to get done, but I think MLB would be more than happy to collect this $700million 3x if they can.
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DirecTV certainly negotiated the deal for exclusive rights (as has been reported everywhere). The exclusivity is what has caused the huge uproar with even idiots like Kerry getting involved. Opening the deal to other networks will likely cause DirecTV to back out or at least launch a lawsuit.Again... I hope Comcast is allowed to carry the plan but I don't see it happening... particularly with 2 "deadlines' having passed now (and again... I believe these "deadlines" are just being propagated by InDemand and DishNetwork to keep their subscribers past the opening of the season and hopefully build up animosity toward MLB to minimize the defection. I don't believe MLB has any intentions of breaching the deal with DirecTV.

We will see.

 
Where is DirecTV getting all this cash from? I can't believe their subscriber base is putting these kinds of deals in the black.

Loss leader?

 
any DTV subscribers able to negotiate a discount for the RI pkg? perhaps a free upgrade to the HD package?

 
And still, all these updates saying that cable "might" get EI are being reported only on cable industry websites. MLB.com or any independent news sources don't seem to have ANY coverage of this.

Posturing by the Cable industry to keep customers during the critical "tempted to switch" period". I wouldn't be surprised to see these "talks" end in the next week or two when DirecTV's early bird special for EI ends and pricing goes up.

 
' date='Apr 3 2007, 01:16 PM' post='6557940']And still, all these updates saying that cable "might" get EI are being reported only on cable industry websites. MLB.com or any independent news sources don't seem to have ANY coverage of this. Posturing by the Cable industry to keep customers during the critical "tempted to switch" period". I wouldn't be surprised to see these "talks" end in the next week or two when DirecTV's early bird special for EI ends and pricing goes up.
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Not disagreeing with you, but the updates are quoting MLB's chief operating officer, so that's a bit different than if a spokesman for Cox cable was giving you an update.The posturing angle is possible. However, this agreement runs through 2014, so losing some members from their early bird special isn't a killer to DirecTV, especially considering they may get a few hundred thousand new subscribers from this anyway.
 
' date='Apr 3 2007, 02:16 PM' post='6557946']

Kiddnets said:
any DTV subscribers able to negotiate a discount for the RI pkg? perhaps a free upgrade to the HD package?
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I haven't treid but does DTV negotiate like that?
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All the time - I get free months of HBO if I had any problems in the past with anything. Got upgraded to the HD pkg for the NFL Ticket since I had it for 5 years. Was going to give it a shot this pm - always helps if you have a deal from someone else they can verify?
 
Here I am watching MLB.tv on a laptop when I could be watching on a 40" LCD!!! Damn I thought this was going to be a direct vd exclusive. nice to see MLB back on cable!

 
' date='Apr 5 2007, 05:20 AM' post='6566875']Hrmm is it too late to cancel DirecTV when I have a dish on my roof for a week?
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Yeah I was kinda wondering how many people were going to be in that situation. Do you sign a contract or anything when you get DirecTV?
 
Michael Brown said:
' date='Apr 5 2007, 05:20 AM' post='6566875']Hrmm is it too late to cancel DirecTV when I have a dish on my roof for a week?
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Yeah I was kinda wondering how many people were going to be in that situation. Do you sign a contract or anything when you get DirecTV?
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I believe so... there are a number of contract years associated with getting a discount on stuff... not sure if that applies here. Worst case.. I'll keep the dish. Won't be the end of the world. I actually LOVE the one channel they have that shows tiles of al the games (live video) with scores at the top of each box... as you move the "Cursor" around it changes the audio you year to the game you're over. Once you find a game you want you click and it turns to that channel. Pretty slick.They also have a "menu" on that channel that allows you to bring up stuff like live stats, standings, league leaders, etc. :lmao: So far the Extra Innings package of DirecTV is WAY nicer than the one I had last year on Comcast... It remains to be seen if InDemand makes the same improvements.
 
How often, if ever, are the games on Extra Innings in HD? Anyone know?

I assume it depends on the network shooting the game but was wondering how often that happens.

 
' date='Apr 5 2007, 01:20 AM' post='6566875']Hrmm is it too late to cancel DirecTV when I have a dish on my roof for a week?
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Thought about switching, but glad I waited this one out. Now, time to see if i can get any kind of deal from comcast to stick around another year.
 
' date='Apr 5 2007, 10:46 AM' post='6567823']

Giant Wooden Badger said:
How often, if ever, are the games on Extra Innings in HD? Anyone know?I assume it depends on the network shooting the game but was wondering how often that happens.
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Last year?Never. HDNET broadcast a half dozen games a week in HD. ESPN did a few as well.
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I hope that isn't the case this year. HD baseball is better than sex. (by yourself anyway)
 
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' date='Apr 5 2007, 09:11 AM' post='6567258']

Michael Brown said:
' date='Apr 5 2007, 05:20 AM' post='6566875']Hrmm is it too late to cancel DirecTV when I have a dish on my roof for a week?
Click to expand...
Yeah I was kinda wondering how many people were going to be in that situation. Do you sign a contract or anything when you get DirecTV?
Click to expand...
I believe so... there are a number of contract years associated with getting a discount on stuff... not sure if that applies here. Worst case.. I'll keep the dish. Won't be the end of the world. I actually LOVE the one channel they have that shows tiles of al the games (live video) with scores at the top of each box... as you move the "Cursor" around it changes the audio you year to the game you're over. Once you find a game you want you click and it turns to that channel. Pretty slick.They also have a "menu" on that channel that allows you to bring up stuff like live stats, standings, league leaders, etc. :thumbup: So far the Extra Innings package of DirecTV is WAY nicer than the one I had last year on Comcast... It remains to be seen if InDemand makes the same improvements.
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IconCall Direct TV up and tell them that you only joined for the exclusive MLB pkg and now it is back on cable you are considering switching back - tell them you want a discount or courtesies in exchange. They usually will take care of you. I just got a $120 discount so the pkg is $80 with HD! If you get a jerky cust service rep call back the next day and ask for a mgr or just try someone else. DTV really is great - solid cust service - also will have more HD channels than cable by the end of the year - plus NFL pkg! Good luck!
 
Kiddnets said:
' date='Apr 5 2007, 09:11 AM' post='6567258']

Michael Brown said:
' date='Apr 5 2007, 05:20 AM' post='6566875']Hrmm is it too late to cancel DirecTV when I have a dish on my roof for a week?
Click to expand...
Yeah I was kinda wondering how many people were going to be in that situation. Do you sign a contract or anything when you get DirecTV?
Click to expand...
I believe so... there are a number of contract years associated with getting a discount on stuff... not sure if that applies here. Worst case.. I'll keep the dish. Won't be the end of the world. I actually LOVE the one channel they have that shows tiles of al the games (live video) with scores at the top of each box... as you move the "Cursor" around it changes the audio you year to the game you're over. Once you find a game you want you click and it turns to that channel. Pretty slick.They also have a "menu" on that channel that allows you to bring up stuff like live stats, standings, league leaders, etc. :goodposting: So far the Extra Innings package of DirecTV is WAY nicer than the one I had last year on Comcast... It remains to be seen if InDemand makes the same improvements.
Click to expand...
IconCall Direct TV up and tell them that you only joined for the exclusive MLB pkg and now it is back on cable you are considering switching back - tell them you want a discount or courtesies in exchange. They usually will take care of you. I just got a $120 discount so the pkg is $80 with HD! If you get a jerky cust service rep call back the next day and ask for a mgr or just try someone else. DTV really is great - solid cust service - also will have more HD channels than cable by the end of the year - plus NFL pkg! Good luck!
Click to expand...
On phone right now.. first woman chuckeld a bit and transfered me to a "specialist".
 
' date='Apr 5 2007, 12:10 PM' post='6568380']

Kiddnets said:
' date='Apr 5 2007, 09:11 AM' post='6567258']

Michael Brown said:
' date='Apr 5 2007, 05:20 AM' post='6566875']Hrmm is it too late to cancel DirecTV when I have a dish on my roof for a week?
Click to expand...
Yeah I was kinda wondering how many people were going to be in that situation. Do you sign a contract or anything when you get DirecTV?
Click to expand...
I believe so... there are a number of contract years associated with getting a discount on stuff... not sure if that applies here. Worst case.. I'll keep the dish. Won't be the end of the world. I actually LOVE the one channel they have that shows tiles of al the games (live video) with scores at the top of each box... as you move the "Cursor" around it changes the audio you year to the game you're over. Once you find a game you want you click and it turns to that channel. Pretty slick.They also have a "menu" on that channel that allows you to bring up stuff like live stats, standings, league leaders, etc. :goodposting: So far the Extra Innings package of DirecTV is WAY nicer than the one I had last year on Comcast... It remains to be seen if InDemand makes the same improvements.
Click to expand...
IconCall Direct TV up and tell them that you only joined for the exclusive MLB pkg and now it is back on cable you are considering switching back - tell them you want a discount or courtesies in exchange. They usually will take care of you. I just got a $120 discount so the pkg is $80 with HD! If you get a jerky cust service rep call back the next day and ask for a mgr or just try someone else. DTV really is great - solid cust service - also will have more HD channels than cable by the end of the year - plus NFL pkg! Good luck!
Click to expand...
On phone right now.. first woman chuckeld a bit and transfered me to a "specialist".
Click to expand...
I'll bet she laughed cause they are getting pounded with these types of call - they should give you somehting - they usually throw free HBO for 6 months like candy.
 
Okay.. specialst was very cool.

Explained that now I can (for the same money) get HD DVR with Comcast and get EI for the same price. He couldn't budge on the HD/DVR itself ($199) but instead I'm getting 2 boxes... an HD Box for the bigscreen in the living room (Free instead of $99) and a DVR box for the 32" in the bedroom (Free instead of $99) and they're giving me HD programming for a year ($10 off the $69 package for 12 mo).

I'll also have another startup deal with $10 more off per month for 12 months so I'll be paying a ttotal of $49/mo for the Choice Plus package with DVR and full HD service :goodposting:

 
Kiddnets said:
I'll bet she laughed cause they are getting pounded with these types of call - they should give you somehting - they usually throw free HBO for 6 months like candy.
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Yeah.... first offer was extending HBO for 6mo. I laughed and said I didn't swtich to DTV for HBO... the guy said he'd give me $10 off for 12 months and I countered that I'm still watching non HD programming on my 48" HDTV. I said if he could give me an HDDVR and the HD Programming for a year then htey've got a customer. He said because I'm a new customer he couldnt' come off the $199 price.... but said he could give me a HD Box free. I countered with "gimme two boxes free (HD for living room and DVR for bedroom) and a year of HD free and you've got a deal. He said okay. :goodposting:
 
' date='Apr 5 2007, 12:28 PM' post='6568530']

Kiddnets said:
I'll bet she laughed cause they are getting pounded with these types of call - they should give you somehting - they usually throw free HBO for 6 months like candy.
Click to expand...
Yeah.... first offer was extending HBO for 6mo. I laughed and said I didn't swtich to DTV for HBO... the guy said he'd give me $10 off for 12 months and I countered that I'm still watching non HD programming on my 48" HDTV. I said if he could give me an HDDVR and the HD Programming for a year then htey've got a customer. He said because I'm a new customer he couldnt' come off the $199 price.... but said he could give me a HD Box free. I countered with "gimme two boxes free (HD for living room and DVR for bedroom) and a year of HD free and you've got a deal. He said okay. :unsure:
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Nice deal - that's a lot of savings - try getting that out of your cable company! Keep this in mind especially if you have any problems in the future.
 
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The chances of Dish Network coming on board is very slim.....

Dish is more of a direct competitor to DTV, so I think DTV will play hardball. That being said, if Dish is willing to match Cable's deal, then maybe they won't turn them away.

If Dish doesn't hop on board in the next 24 hours, I would think that potential deal is dead.

 
Kiddnets said:
' date='Apr 5 2007, 12:28 PM' post='6568530']

Kiddnets said:
I'll bet she laughed cause they are getting pounded with these types of call - they should give you somehting - they usually throw free HBO for 6 months like candy.
Click to expand...
Yeah.... first offer was extending HBO for 6mo. I laughed and said I didn't swtich to DTV for HBO... the guy said he'd give me $10 off for 12 months and I countered that I'm still watching non HD programming on my 48" HDTV. I said if he could give me an HDDVR and the HD Programming for a year then htey've got a customer. He said because I'm a new customer he couldnt' come off the $199 price.... but said he could give me a HD Box free. I countered with "gimme two boxes free (HD for living room and DVR for bedroom) and a year of HD free and you've got a deal. He said okay. :bowtie:
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Nice deal - that's a lot of savings - try getting that out of your cable company! Keep this in mind especially if you have any problems in the future.
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Not sure if this is the right place for this, but I just got got done working on a new deal for the next 12 months with comcast. had to decide which way to go, them or directv, before i ordered EI.-Digital package with high-def-2 HD DVRs-Internet w/modem-HBOall for $101/month. regular price for all of that is around $140/month without the HBO. had to pay full price for extra innings, but i thought this was a pretty good deal. thought I would post in case anyone was trying to work them over for a deal.
 
I'm still getting the games, is this still a free preview? Usually the free preview would last just a week. I don't have DTV, so it would be In Demand I assume (cable).

Also saw a couple playoff hockey games the other night, but last night they were not on.

 
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