Re: MLB Network

kaseyi · ‎11-25-2008

dwinth wrote:
I just got off of the telephone with an ATT U-Verse sales representative. After confirming the news with a supervisor, he told me that the MLB Network and the NBA Network will be on U-Verse starting on February 23. The channels will be in both standard and high definition. The representative saw the information in writing.

He also told me that the Major League Soccer Network's "rollout is tentative".

Now the question is...what tier will it be on?

Kasey

dan1701a · ‎08-27-2007

dwinth wrote:
I just got off of the telephone with an ATT U-Verse sales representative. After confirming the news with a supervisor, he told me that the MLB Network and the NBA Network will be on U-Verse starting on February 23. The channels will be in both standard and high definition. The representative saw the information in writing.

He also told me that the Major League Soccer Network's "rollout is tentative".

That would make it...next Wednesday? Well, at least it's in time for the spring training schedule to being (which, at least for the Rangers, is Friday).

Ildodge · ‎02-15-2009

kaseyi wrote:

Now the question is...what tier will it be on?

Kasey

I dont think it matters if I'm not mistaken MLB net is rolling out under the agreements that national cable channels come out as, (i.e Espn, Cnn etc) an example of this is the NFL Net and the cable providers that dont want it on a basic tier, but on a special sports tier, so the first thing I heard MLB did was get this important detail straight for everyone that wanted to carry it, I hear it has a record for a debut network in the amount of households it reaches.

Message Edited by Ildodge on 02-18-2009 06:55 PM

kaseyi · ‎11-25-2008

Ildodge wrote:

I dont think it matters if I'm not mistaken MLB net is rolling out under the agreements that national cable channels come out as, (i.e Espn, Cnn etc) an example of this is the NFL Net and the cable providers that dont want it on a basic tier, but on a special sports tier, so the first thing I heard MLB did was get this important detail straight for everyone that wanted to carry it, I hear it has a record for a debut network in the amount of households it reaches.
Message Edited by Ildodge on 02-18-2009 06:55 PM
Message Edited by Ildodge on 02-18-2009 06:55 PM

Well, the reason I am asking is that the NHL network is only available with 400 or if you have the sports package. Will MLB be added the same way as NHL was?

I know Comcast here in Chicago does not have MLB on their basic tier, but is only available if you add a higher level (which includes MLB and the Hallmark Movie Channel - I guess they figure they need to add something for the wives if they add MLB for the Husbands)

Kasey

Message Edited by kaseyi on 02-18-2009 10:02 PM

Ildodge · ‎02-15-2009

kaseyi wrote:
Well, the reason I am asking is that the NHL network is only available with 400 or if you have the sports package. Will MLB be added the same way as NHL was?

I know Comcast here in Chicago does not have MLB on their basic tier, but is only available if you add a higher level (which includes MLB and the Hallmark Movie Channel - I guess they figure they need to add something for the wives if they add MLB for the Husbands)

Kasey
Message Edited by kaseyi on 02-18-2009 10:02 PM

I see what your saying, I didnt mean to imply that MLB would be on a basic tier, I believe the deal struck with most TV providers was for the Digital Plus tiers, which for most are the next above basic, so in my estimate U200 should have at least the sd version at no extra charge.

HOWEVER: I just got off the phone with CS on an unrelated matter but mentioned this news and the rep told me he had not SEEN ANY EMAILS or anything OFFICIAL indicating that all this is true so if this is some kinda joke NOT FUNNY to whomever began claiming this. ( reg MLB Feb. 23)

Pip_2 · ‎09-30-2007

Ildodge wrote:
kaseyi wrote:
Well, the reason I am asking is that the NHL network is only available with 400 or if you have the sports package. Will MLB be added the same way as NHL was?

I know Comcast here in Chicago does not have MLB on their basic tier, but is only available if you add a higher level (which includes MLB and the Hallmark Movie Channel - I guess they figure they need to add something for the wives if they add MLB for the Husbands)

Kasey
Message Edited by kaseyi on 02-18-2009 10:02 PM
I see what your saying, I didnt mean to imply that MLB would be on a basic tier, I believe the deal struck with most TV providers was for the Digital Plus tiers, which for most are the next above basic, so in my estimate U200 should have at least the sd version at no extra charge.

HOWEVER: I just got off the phone with CS on an unrelated matter but mentioned this news and the rep told me he had not SEEN ANY EMAILS or anything OFFICIAL indicating that all this is true so if this is some kinda joke NOT FUNNY to whomever began claiming this. ( reg MLB Feb. 23)

See my post here.

KCRoyals · ‎01-08-2009

kaseyi wrote:
dwinth wrote:
I just got off of the telephone with an ATT U-Verse sales representative. After confirming the news with a supervisor, he told me that the MLB Network and the NBA Network will be on U-Verse starting on February 23. The channels will be in both standard and high definition. The representative saw the information in writing.

He also told me that the Major League Soccer Network's "rollout is tentative".

Now the question is...what tier will it be on?

Kasey

Until it happens, nothing will be for sure, but I beleive NBA TV on DirecTV is on their SportsPack (only exception if you get NBA League Pass). So for NBA TV, I would say Sports Pack and U400 plans. Now, MLB Network, since that is a totally new Network, I dunno what that is classified with DirecTV and other providers, Could be a U200 and above or to Sports Pack. Ironic thing though, is NHL Network is not part of the DirecTV Sports Pack, on the Choice Xtra and above, but with U-Verse it is on Sports Pack and U-400 Only.

In all honesty, that maybe the hold up with NBA and MLB, those networks wanna be in the U-200 and above, cause more subscribers mean more revenue, but U-Verse would like them to be in the Sports Pack or U-400, cause it makes it an easier sale for customers to upgrade, if Sports Pack includes NHL, MLB, and NBA TV, alot of those fans overlap, and it then covers the entire sports calendar, and you have less churn, upgrading and downgrading packages before and after seasons, and for alot of fans, would be a no brainer for the extra money, but if the NHL Network is the only Major League Sport in Sports Pack, while NBA, MLB, and NFL Networks are all U-200 and above, it harder to get customers to bite on a upgrade.

Just a thought, I have my fingers crossed for Feb 23, cause I am U-400 with HD Tier anyway, so I will be a winner when they are added.

dwinth · ‎02-09-2009

I just called ATT U-Verse again, and spoke to a supervisor who is supposed to call me back to try to find out if the information I received yesterday is true or not. In the meantime I received the following email from a U-Verse TV Marketing Manager:

" I am the U-verse TV Marketing Manager and I can assure you we aren't launching MLB on Monday. We know how important this channel and the subscriptions are and we are working to add them to our line-up".

He wanted the name of the sales representative that I spoke to yesterday in order to correct the information, but I emailed him back that I do not remember the name.

I am very disappointed with this news along with a lot of you on this forum.

dwinth · ‎02-09-2009

dwinth wrote:
I just called ATT U-Verse again, and spoke to a supervisor who is supposed to call me back to try to find out if the information I received yesterday is true or not. In the meantime I received the following email from a U-Verse TV Marketing Manager:

" I am the U-verse TV Marketing Manager and I can assure you we aren't launching MLB on Monday. We know how important this channel and the subscriptions are and we are working to add them to our line-up".

He wanted the name of the sales representative that I spoke to yesterday in order to correct the information, but I emailed him back that I do not remember the name.

I am very disappointed with this news along with a lot of you on this forum.

I need to specify. I am very disappointed with this news as I am sure a lot of you are disappointed, too.

Message Edited by dwinth on 02-19-2009 03:53 PM

krob_1 · ‎02-24-2009

I called the service rep today and he had zero information about when the MLB channel will be added....

Thanks Uverse looks like Direct Tv is getting a call today and you are losing a customer.

gklemyk · ‎12-27-2007

The MLB Network is going to be a deal breaker for me as well as a few of my family members. We are ready to move to Comcast befor the 4/1 date of opening season if the channel is not added my then.

callmeox · ‎08-30-2007

3 posts, 3 complaints.

Why do people insist on putting themselves through misery if they have a free out?

bri_man_65 · ‎09-21-2007

callmeox wrote:
3 posts, 3 complaints.

Why do people insist on putting themselves through misery if they have a free out?

Oddly enough a DJ in St. Louis was complaining because he didn't get MLB channel. But he has Dish - and is stuck in a contract. Ha Ha!

Ildodge · ‎02-15-2009

I'm as big an MLB fan as the next guy here, I dropped TWC along with MLB net to get Uverse, and imo unless you have actually viewed the mlb network you really dont know how much you are NOT missing. Most new networks start out like this anyway but think about it a baseball only station? How much original programming do you actually think they pipe out every day? I'd say no more than 2hrs worth. You may wish to relax and wait because you really aint misssing much. Hope this calms a few.

callmeox · ‎08-30-2007

Do they show the old Home Run Derby reruns that ESPN played so often in its infancy?

One Away!

jhibbs1009 · ‎12-28-2008

Ildodge wrote:
I'm as big an MLB fan as the next guy here, I dropped TWC along with MLB net to get Uverse, and imo unless you have actually viewed the mlb network you really dont know how much you are NOT missing. Most new networks start out like this anyway but think about it a baseball only station? How much original programming do you actually think they pipe out every day? I'd say no more than 2hrs worth. You may wish to relax and wait because you really aint misssing much. Hope this calms a few.

I find it absolutely amazing that people seem to can't live without what they have never had before.

Ildodge · ‎02-15-2009

callmeox wrote:
Do they show the old Home Run Derby reruns that ESPN played so often in its infancy?

One Away!

Over and over again, and Baseball by ken burns! it never ends! And for those waiting for Costas he only did one interview and they milked it for over a weeek! I never saw the whole thing becasue they kept teasing it.

Johnbsr · ‎11-18-2008

Ildodge wrote:
I'm as big an MLB fan as the next guy here, I dropped TWC along with MLB net to get Uverse, and imo unless you have actually viewed the mlb network you really dont know how much you are NOT missing. Most new networks start out like this anyway but think about it a baseball only station? How much original programming do you actually think they pipe out every day? I'd say no more than 2hrs worth. You may wish to relax and wait because you really aint misssing much. Hope this calms a few.

I've got to agree, while I love baseball and would like the channel it's certainly not worth switching over at this point. According to their web site you're looking at 26 live games, so approximately 1 per week. Between the local Cubs and Sox games, ESPN and TBS we literally get hundreds of games right now. The channel has only been on the air for 2 months so I can be patient, I would think something might happen as the season gets closer.

nails46925 · ‎02-26-2009

If you are a true baseball fan, there really is nothing better on right now than the MLB Network. Although they do replay old games (which is great), they do have original programming, and now with the start of spring training, they are providing indepth coverage of everything that is going on in the game. It is really sad that U-Verse has not yet added this channel. MLB Network was the single biggest launch in cable television history, but U-Verse failed to recognize this and add it to its programming schedule. If U-Verse wants to be considered a legitimate cable provider it should remedy this problem immediately.

I urge all of you to sign onto the MLB Network web page, and send a letter to U-Verse's corporate headquarters requesting that this channel be added. A lot of you have said you dont understand how you can complain about something if you have never had it...well, I have watched this channel at friends' homes, and believe me, we are all missing out on a lot, and the programming will only get better once the season starts.

Ildodge · ‎02-15-2009

I had it since Jan 1st 2009 and continue to watch it at work on directv (I canceled twc three weeks ago) and I say you don't miss much the way it is now and replays of old games don't interest me much and the spring training coverage is slim pickings my friend and hot stove bareley reports anything new not seen on sports center. If anything Harold Reynolds is prob the only draw for me now for their current mere live daily programming. It will improve no doubt but I can wait for att to catch up.

For those in serious need now look in the right places online for the free link to mlbtv.com and you can catch look ins and more efficient coverage of spring training imo.

dan1701a · ‎08-27-2007

Johnbsr wrote:
Ildodge wrote:
I'm as big an MLB fan as the next guy here, I dropped TWC along with MLB net to get Uverse, and imo unless you have actually viewed the mlb network you really dont know how much you are NOT missing. Most new networks start out like this anyway but think about it a baseball only station? How much original programming do you actually think they pipe out every day? I'd say no more than 2hrs worth. You may wish to relax and wait because you really aint misssing much. Hope this calms a few.

I've got to agree, while I love baseball and would like the channel it's certainly not worth switching over at this point. According to their web site you're looking at 26 live games, so approximately 1 per week. Between the local Cubs and Sox games, ESPN and TBS we literally get hundreds of games right now. The channel has only been on the air for 2 months so I can be patient, I would think something might happen as the season gets closer.

Plus, they said initially they'd be taking the backhaul feed from whoever was carrying the game regionally, so you'd be seeing FSN or TBS or WGN or YES (with MLB Network graphics and announcers)...so, how is that any different than, say, purchasing the sports package (other than the blackouts)?

nails46925 · ‎02-26-2009

I guess it depends on what you are looking for. If you only care about watching a game, then yes, you will get your games on the other channels. But, if you are into analysis, and expanded, more in-depth coverage, then, you will not be able to find that anywhere but the MLB Network. Plus, the network will be carrying a lot of the World Baseball Classic Games, and, once the season starts, it has a live show that starts with the first pitch of the day, and doesnt end until the last game of the day is finished. Also, their original programming is great, with new documentaries, and other fun features. If you are really into baseball, it is a lot of fun.

Johnbsr · ‎11-18-2008

nails46925 wrote:
I guess it depends on what you are looking for. If you only care about watching a game, then yes, you will get your games on the other channels. But, if you are into analysis, and expanded, more in-depth coverage, then, you will not be able to find that anywhere but the MLB Network. Plus, the network will be carrying a lot of the World Baseball Classic Games, and, once the season starts, it has a live show that starts with the first pitch of the day, and doesnt end until the last game of the day is finished. Also, their original programming is great, with new documentaries, and other fun features. If you are really into baseball, it is a lot of fun.

Doesn't Baseball Tonight on ESPN provide highlights, analysis and in depth coverage? As much as I like baseball I can't seem to get too excited over the World Baseball Classic, it's just more exhibition games to me.

Don't get me wrong, I want the channel and have sent the email to AT&T from their web site, so hopefully we'll see it added soon, I just don't see this one channel as a deal breaker like some people. We're a bit spoiled in the Chicago area as we get both Cubs and Sox games so it's not too hard to get my baseball fix.

Ildodge · ‎02-15-2009

Johnbsr wrote:

Doesn't Baseball Tonight on ESPN provide highlights, analysis and in depth coverage? As much as I like baseball I can't seem to get too excited over the World Baseball Classic, it's just more exhibition games to me.

Don't get me wrong, I want the channel and have sent the email to AT&T from their web site, so hopefully we'll see it added soon, I just don't see this one channel as a deal breaker like some people. We're a bit spoiled in the Chicago area as we get both Cubs and Sox games so it's not too hard to get my baseball fix.

I guess we are spoiled too we get:

FSN West - HD Available
Angels (HD Available)
Los Angeles Kings (HD Available)
Los Angeles Lakers (HD Available)

FSN Prime Ticket - HD Available
Anaheim Ducks (HD Available)
Dodgers (HD Available)
Los Angeles Clippers (HD Available)

Ah the spoils of living in the 2nd largest media market but I feel for those waiting for MLB Net all the same.

Johnbsr · ‎11-18-2008

Ildodge wrote:
I guess we are spoiled too we get:

FSN West - HD Available
Angels (HD Available)
Los Angeles Kings (HD Available)
Los Angeles Lakers (HD Available)

FSN Prime Ticket - HD Available
Anaheim Ducks (HD Available)
Dodgers (HD Available)
Los Angeles Clippers (HD Available)

Ah the spoils of living in the 2nd largest media market but I feel for those waiting for MLB Net all the same.

That's a pretty nice line up.

I was glad to see the San Francisco folks finally got their HD feed for the local teams. I think the people who are still waiting for local Mets or Yankess HD feeds have a bigger complaint, so hopefully they'll get those worked out soon.

nails46925 · ‎02-26-2009

Well, all I can say is check it out for yourself. It is so beyond Baseball Tonight, which is completely unwatchable now anyway. But, if you are a baseball fan, once you watch this channel, it will be tough to be without it. So, hopefully AT&T gets its act together, and comes through before the season starts.

MRBEAN_1 · ‎03-03-2009

it is now 3/3 I dont see anything happening with the mlb network!!!!!!!!!!! What's up with that-even Time Warner in the midwest is carrying it! Very disappointing.

RCSMG · ‎12-10-2007

MRBEAN,

It is a well known fact that time frames and deadlines posted in this forum are subjective, and likely not to happen at the poposed dates. All I can say is do what we all are doing. Be patient and hopefully it will rollout soon.

thessnake · ‎03-06-2009

Basically all I get from reading this thread is that we want MLB network and noone here is in a position to do anything about it. This is very poor customer service.

First I called the 1800 number to inquire about the MLB Network. After sorting through a computerized menu I spoke with an Indian man who was confused by the very idea of a Major Baseball League Network (his words). Now I have come to AT&T's forums hoping to find some answers and hve been left with more questions then when I began. Why is AT&T so reluctant to add MLB Network when even the local cable providers have it?

Thanks AT&T. Thanks for nothing.

callmeox · ‎08-30-2007

thessnake wrote:

Basically all I get from reading this thread is that we want MLB network and noone here is in a position to do anything about it. This is very poor customer service.

First I called the 1800 number to inquire about the MLB Network. After sorting through a computerized menu I spoke with an Indian man who was confused by the very idea of a Major Baseball League Network (his words). Now I have come to AT&T's forums hoping to find some answers and hve been left with more questions then when I began. Why is AT&T so reluctant to add MLB Network when even the local cable providers have it?

Thanks AT&T. Thanks for nothing.

This isn't a customer service request board, so ranting here about poor customer service is just making noise about nothing.

We will not know that MLB network is coming aboard until we either get a "coming soon" place holder in the channel lineup or perhaps an announcement here at the top of the main board.

You can really save all of the drama about leaving for another provider or my neightbor on blahblah cable has the channel...I really doubt that it does any good in a peer to peer forum.