ESPNU only available with Sports Pack?

[CygnusTM]

I just want to make sure I have this right. Is the only way to get ESPNU via the Sports Pack? I hate to spend $12/mo on that when I know that blackouts make it virtually useless.

[davidrumm]

ESPNU is only available with the Sports Pack. I am not sure what blackouts apply on it. I have only watched it a few times but was able to see programming any time I have went to it.

[packfan909]

I just want to make sure I have this right. Is the only way to get ESPNU via the Sports Pack? I hate to spend $12/mo on that when I know that blackouts make it virtually useless.

It is also available with the Total Choice Premier package. This includes all of the premium programming including the Sports Pack.

[bluedogok]

I haven't noticed any blackouts on ESPNU or CSTV on Saturdays everytime I have turned over there there is a game on. I have Sports Pack but do not have Gameplan.

[bwaldron]

I haven't noticed any blackouts on ESPNU or CSTV on Saturdays everytime I have turned over there there is a game on. I have Sports Pack but do not have Gameplan.

I think that the poster was referring to blackouts making the sports pack (not ESPNU) useless.

I would say that the sports pack may be worth it to you IF you are a big college sports fan. As noted, you'll get ESPNU (and CSTV). There are also a number of college games available on the various RSN's that aren't blacked out (esp. baseball, hockey, and other non-revenue sports).

If you're a pro sports fan, you'll get pre- and post-game shows for NHL/MLB/NBA that you won't get w/ the season passes.

It's not a great value by any means. Whether it's worth it to you or not is a personal choice, of course. Yes, it is the only way to get ESPNU.

[bluedogok]

I have the Avalanche and Red Sox pre/post games blacked out sometimes when the game is carried on a channel other than Altitude or NESN, when Center Ice or Extra Innings is using those feeds the pre/post is usually on. I still don't understand why they black out one feed and show the other when you have the subscriptions and they are using the bandwidth anyway.

[bwaldron]

I still don't understand why they black out one feed and show the other when you have the subscriptions and they are using the bandwidth anyway.

Me either.

[CygnusTM]

Thanks for the confirmation everyone, and, yes, I was referring to the blackout making the RSNs in the Sports Pack useless.

[mfogarty5]

I thought blackouts were only for pro sports. Is that not the case?

One of the main reasons I got Directv is to watch University of Arizona basketball games on FSN Arizona here in Charlotte.

[bwaldron]

I thought blackouts were only for pro sports. Is that not the case?

One of the main reasons I got Directv is to watch University of Arizona basketball games on FSN Arizona here in Charlotte.

Used to be, but in the past few years many conferences are only allowing their games shown in their regions, blacking out the rest of the country.

[bluedogok]

Sometimes the games will be on and sometimes not, it is not very consistent but they tend to be more on the blackout side. That is so they can sell the Full Court package.

[Knepster]

One of the main reasons I got Directv is to watch University of Arizona basketball games on FSN Arizona here in Charlotte.

Me too... BEAR DOWN!

[jimbo09]

I thought blackouts were only for pro sports. Is that not the case?

One of the main reasons I got Directv is to watch University of Arizona basketball games on FSN Arizona here in Charlotte.

I'm not completely sure, but I think if there is a corresponding sports subscription package (like ESPN Full Court), then don't expect any pro or college sports on the sports pack channels.

The one exception I've noticed is there are college football games on the RSNs. What I mean is one or two games will be broadcast on several RSNs, and none are blacked out.

For example, USC vs Oregon State was shown on a bunch of the RSNs last Saturday.

I guess we'll see....

[Knepster]

I've watched UofA basketball games on FSN AZ with Sports Pack for years. I know there is ESPN Full Court, but they key is the games are on FSN. I don't think Fox would license out their games to be on ESPN Full Court, and so far they haven't. I've also watched UofA football games that are only on FSN AZ with Sports Pack for the same reason.

[mfogarty5]

I've watched UofA basketball games on FSN AZ with Sports Pack for years. I know there is ESPN Full Court, but they key is the games are on FSN. I don't think Fox would license out their games to be on ESPN Full Court, and so far they haven't. I've also watched UofA football games that are only on FSN AZ with Sports Pack for the same reason.

That's what I thought. FSN football games aren't part of ESPN gameplan so I figured that FSN basketball games wouldn't be on ESPN Full Court.

I guess I'll find out in a few weeks!

UofA! UofA! UofA! :D

[AnonomissX]

black out rules are from the leagues.

You can see all the RSNs (regional sports networks) if you get the Sports pack, but when it comes time for a professional level game...if the RSN is not YOUR regional channel, it will be blacked out during the game.

Directv cant change that.