Dish Network + Sports (i.e. The Mets) Help!

[crazyjeff100]

Hi,

I've been researching the Dish Network for about 3 weeks now, finally deciding to leave Cable tv (Cablevision) for something with a bit more selection of channels, and an overall better value. For me, this appears to be the Dish Network. In the last few weeks I've had many questions, either answered by my self or help form the people at www.broadbandreports.com. They, however, directed me to this forum, and so far it's been very helpfull. My question has to do with sports, so hopefully, I'll be able to make it short and sweet.

We (my family and I ) live on Long Island, and we are avid NY Mets fans. I see that Dish doesn't carry the "YES" network, and that's OK by me. Cablevision does carry it, but the only time we watch it is when we want to see the Yankees lose. :) Anyway, MSG, WPIX and Fox Sports NY all will carry NY Mets games in the 2005 season. After that however, the Mets are due to start their own sports network. This network, apparently, will be "built" by Comcast. (Strange, b/c Comcast isn't really [to my knowledge] in the main NY Mets fan's territory.

Anyway, what is the likelihood that Dish will carry this new Mets channel for the 2006 season? If they don't, what's the likelihood that the "MLB Extra Innings" season package (if I subcribe) would let me watch the Mets games? Would any Mets game be blacked out in my area (Metro NY) if I subscribed to the Extra Innings package, if Dish didn't carry this new Mets network?

I know we are far in advance here, but it's a big question for me. Dish looks great to me otherwise, and I'm all set to join, but this the last issue. ;)

I've already found out my answers about the "hooking the phone line to a receiver" issue, which is needed only for PPV events, contrary to the Dish rep. on the phone. :) Also I got an answer on the whole VoIP issue, and that any Dish hooked up to Vonage should work. However, it's nice to know that it's not required for any receivers to be hooked up to the phone line, as with 4 of them in 4 respective rooms, that would be a bit tough. ;)

Anyway, I digress. :) Thanks in advance for any info.

Jeff

[garypen]

Dish seems to be picking up the various CSN's being created around the country. I see no reason why they won't in NY.
BTW, is Cablevision's IO service available in your area? If I still lived in Brooklyn, I'd choose it over Dish in a ...NY second..

[crazyjeff100]

Dish seems to be picking up the various CSN's being created around the country. I see no reason why they won't in NY.
BTW, is Cablevision's IO service available in your area? If I still lived in Brooklyn, I'd choose it over Dish in a ...NY second..


Ok, thanks for the info on the sports stuff.

Yes, we have iO right now, and are dropping it. Way too expensive. We're not into HD programming here; we're not that kind of folk. We just want some reliable, nice, TV service and we're so sick of paying CV for the last 18 years. Their consumer internet package is nice (Optimum Online for $44.95), but I have been less than happy with their digital cable service. I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10. The main issue is price. We're at $98/month for cable, and we're on the middle of 3 packages, and only HBO on Demand as a $4.95/month extra. Too expensive for this house, based upon our usage.

This past week, CV just released their DVR Box (SA 8200), but it's so expensive. $4.27/mo "access fee", plus $9.95/month for the DVR capability, plus $38.95 one time installation fee. Ripoff.

Why do you suggest iO over Dish?

[Pete K.]

I agree with garypen. You'll probably be able to get the Mets on Dish without a problem. MLB EI Mets games would be blacked out for you but you'll have PIX (50 games) and MSG in 05, with the new CSN kicking in in 06. My guess is that PIX (or some other local will have a handful of games in 06, with the rest going to the new CSN, ESPN and Fox.

[crazyjeff100]

I agree with garypen. You'll probably be able to get the Mets on Dish without a problem. MLB EI Mets games would be blacked out for you but you'll have PIX (50 games) and MSG in 05, with the new CSN kicking in in 06. My guess is that PIX (or some other local will have a handful of games in 06, with the rest going to the new CSN, ESPN and Fox.

Ok, great. Thanks for the input. I should be calling Dish tomorrow or Friday for a signup. Thanks!

[garypen]

Ok, thanks for the info on the sports stuff.

Yes, we have iO right now, and are dropping it. Way too expensive. We're not into HD programming here; we're not that kind of folk. We just want some reliable, nice, TV service and we're so sick of paying CV for the last 18 years. Their consumer internet package is nice (Optimum Online for $44.95), but I have been less than happy with their digital cable service. I'd give it a 6.5 out of 10. The main issue is price. We're at $98/month for cable, and we're on the middle of 3 packages, and only HBO on Demand as a $4.95/month extra. Too expensive for this house, based upon our usage.

This past week, CV just released their DVR Box (SA 8200), but it's so expensive. $4.27/mo "access fee", plus $9.95/month for the DVR capability, plus $38.95 one time installation fee. Ripoff.

Why do you suggest iO over Dish?I didn't realize IO was so expensive. Their website made it seem much less expensive. But, it does have great HD offerings. With HD, and DVR fee, comparable programming on Dish would probably cost almost as much, and not offer as many channels.

But, for you without HD, the AT120 package with locals and HBO, plus a 2nd receiver and DVR fees would be around $69. The AT180 package would be $10 more. So, you'll save some money.

You might want to look into DSL instead of cable internet, as well. SBC DSL is only $27/mo. I would imagine Verizon has a similar deal.

BTW, if you were to get DirecTV's TC package with locals and HBO, plus 2 DVR's, it would be even cheaper than Dish ($62 vs. $69), and give you about a dozen more channels. Plus, the hardware is much more reliable.

[Cholly]

You might want to look into DSL instead of cable internet, as well. SBC DSL is only $27/mo. I would imagine Verizon has a similar deal.


Gary: 'scuse me while I jump in. DSL is only an option if you live close enough to a central office. In my area (and probably L.I. as well) if you aren't within something like 18,000 ft. CABLE distance of the central office, you're SOL. A guy who lives about 600 ft. LOS distance from me has Verizon DSL, and I can't get it because I'm too far away as far as land lines are concerned. :(

[crazyjeff100]

I didn't realize IO was so expensive. Their website made it seem much less expensive. But, it does have great HD offerings. With HD, and DVR fee, comparable programming on Dish would probably cost almost as much, and not offer as many channels.

But, for you without HD, the AT120 package with locals and HBO, plus a 2nd receiver and DVR fees would be around $69. The AT180 package would be $10 more. So, you'll save some money.

You might want to look into DSL instead of cable internet, as well. SBC DSL is only $27/mo. I would imagine Verizon has a similar deal.

BTW, if you were to get DirecTV's TC package with locals and HBO, plus 2 DVR's, it would be even cheaper than Dish ($62 vs. $69), and give you about a dozen more channels. Plus, the hardware is much more reliable.


Yeah, price is our main concern as far as TV goes. So, the sat services seem better for us.

As for the DSL vs. Cable, well, Optimum Online from CV ios really a fantastic product. Speeds are much faster than DSL, and it's completely reliable in terms of the connection and speed. Yes, 44.95 is steep (going to $49.95 when I drop CV's iO service), but we have more PCs than TVs in this house, and all of them use the net. Optimum Online has great speeds (10Mb down, 1Mb up) so it's really a nice product.

I've seen people thrilled with Dish and thrilled with Direct. I'm leaning more toward Dish, so we'll see.
Thanks for the info.

[billybo]

Charlie is too cheap. No way is he adding the new Mets Network. I mean if he can't get a deal done with Yes Network for 3 years and counting now what makes you think that he will add the Mets Network. Mets will probably look for the same type of deal Yes got, which D* will be able and willing to give them and E*won't. Enjoy your locals!!

[kkamper]

I would pay the extra five dollars for optimum online than go to dsl.

[crazyjeff100]

I would pay the extra five dollars for optimum online than go to dsl.

Oh so would I. Thats what I plan on doing.

After I look at it all, I'm saving about $6/month going to Satellite, but then again, I'm getting a lot more from Sat. for the same price as what I currently have with CV.