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DISH & NFL work out a new multiyear agreement
Things haven't all been sweet between DISH Network and NFL Network, wrangling over details of their agreement since '06, but a new deal should keep the channel on the Classic Silver 200 package for years to come. Combined with DirecTV's new Sunday Ticket deal satellite dish owning football fans can rest easy, but it still looks like Comcast subs will be sweating it out 'til the end of the month.[Via USA Today]
NFL Network, Comcast slapfight could see channel yanked May 1
This Hatfield & McCoy-like dispute has been going on for years now and it might be ready to come to a head. In case you haven't seen the ads, the NFL Network could leave Comcast altogether May 1. As always, the NFL wants to be on the basic tier in every subscriber's house alongside ESPN and, less popular, Comcast owned channels, and Comcast wants to keep it on the sports tier, where only those willing to shell out extra will see what it claims is the 4th most expensive channel it has. We like the NFL, but we also hate higher basic cable bills for stuff not everyone wants to watch. Of course, an 11th hour reprieve is always possible -- see Viacom, Big Ten Network and more, but next month Comcast subs may have to choose which large, greedy corporation they love more.Read - NFL, not Comcast, is behind dispute over NFL NetworkRead - I Want NFL Network
Sprint prepares to phone-cast entire NFL games, starting tonight
The National Football League and Sprint have been tied up in one form or fashion for years now, but the relationship is finally rounding third and heading for home. All mixed analogies aside, what we're saying is that the feature you've been clamoring for has finally arrived, and beginning tonight, select Sprint subscribers will be able to watch the entire Cleveland Browns vs. Denver Broncos tilt on their handset. Obviously, you'll need a Sprint TV-capable handset and an Everything Plan (or a $15 per month add-on) in order to tune in, but tonight's game -- which kicks off at 8:00PM ET on the NFL Network -- will be the first of eight games (televised solely on that network) to air via Sprint. Whether or not The Now Network can keep up with the action, however, remains to be seen.
NFL Network launches HD information screen to jazz up SD material
At this point, it's really tough to imagine NFL in SD. That being said, some of the material that airs on NFL Network is still in standard-def, but the network is making strides to pretty it up a bit before it goes all-HD next year. Starting today, the channel has launched its new HD information screen on NFL Network HD, which "appears on [the] network when there is standard-definition programming on the air and displays all the latest NFL scores, standings and injury reports." Also of note, a spokesman for the channel pinged us to say that NFL Network is "currently in the process of migrating to 100% HD programming by sometime in 2009," which ought to send chills down the spines of all you NFL junkies looking for even more of your favorite sport in high-def. Now, if we could all just stop talking about that Brett fellow, everything would be cool.
The FCC agrees that Comcast discriminated against the NFL Network
Where you stand on the NFL Network vs Comcast dispute more than likely depends on how much you enjoy sports programming; but no matter how valuable the channel is to you, The NFL Network has a point. The FCC recently agreed that is discriminatory for Comcast to put the NFL Network on a sports tier when at the same time Comcast owned sports networks get to be included on the most valuable basic tiers. We love sports, but we also don't mind paying for them, so we wonder why all the dedicated 24 hour sports networks aren't all on the same tier. Of course all of this will be for naught if the rumors about ESPN and the NFL getting together are true.
Verizon and the NFL get serious about interactive television
When the dream of interactive television was sold to us, it was envisioned that it would be in the form of something on the TV, but honestly we really like HD video on our TV set and definitely don't want some generic looking graphics gumming it up. Luckily the trends have been more up our alley and fit perfect into our lifestyle -- which is having a coffee tables laptop instead of some cheesy book. In order to access the new features like; multiple camera angles (or all four at the same time), live chat room, on demand replays, and the usual live stats and drive charts, during games on the NFL Network, you'll need to be a Verizon customer (Internet, TV, or DirecTV via Vz). So even if the Pats v' Bucs match up wasn't enough to draw you in this Sunday, these new features alone may make it worth your while to check out.
ESPN and NFL Network, working on a deal
The NFL Network's strategy to gain carriage on the biggest cable company's most popular tiers, caused quite a ruckus last year when many subscribers almost missed the biggest game of the year, in what ended up being a reverse preview of the Super Bowl -- and a perfect setup for the biggest choke in NFL history. It appears now that with some help from ESPN, we may not be in store for a repeat this year. Although no details have been revealed, it is being reported -- by the journal that require a subscription -- that the four letter network is in talks that may lead to it helping resolve the fledgling network with its struggles to obtain carriage.
Bermuda's CableVision adds CNN HD and NFL Network HD
One may assume that Bermuda residents / visitors wouldn't even care to spend a spare moment inside watching the tube when the weather outside is so lovely. Said person obviously hasn't heard of Thursday night football on the NFL Network. Starting this month, Bermuda's CableVision has tossed in two new HD networks -- CNN HD (400) and NFL Network HD (407) -- which brings the grand total on the carrier to ten. It also noted that the HD surcharge will remain the same at $12 per month. If you haven't found a way to blow that incoming stimulus check (and you've got a thing for travel), um, here's your sign.
Commissioner insists that NFL Network will be "a success"
It's no secret: the NFL Network isn't in nearly as many homes as the league had hoped when it launched in 2003. As it stands, the channel has only wiggled into 10 million abodes, whereas the NFL was estimating 32 million. At the network's third annual "upfront" presentation, commissioner Roger Goodell looked media buyers and advertisers in the eye and stated that it would "make the NFL Network a success." Not surprisingly, the biggest obstacle here is distribution, but it seems the league is adamant to find ways to broaden the channel's audience. We suppose the battles will live on, eh?
NFL Network coming to IP-PRIME IPTV
IPTV providers relying on SES Americom's IP-PRIME service could soon have some excellent news for their customers, as the aforementioned firm has just landed a deal with NFL Network. Just days after announcing that it was bringing HD service to a solid dozen telcos, the outfit is now able to bring NFL Network to its customers. Interestingly, the release doesn't specifically mention carrying SD and / or HD feeds, but hopefully the latter will indeed be made available. It is noted that the station is now accessible by all IP-PRIME operators throughout the US, but each operator will still have to sign "individual carriage deals with NFL Network in order to offer the channel to their subscribers." Oh, goodie.
NFL Network allows Patriots vs. Giants Simulcast on NBC & CBS
Don't have NFL Network? You'll still be able to see the New England Patriots chase perfection as the league has apparently caved, allowing CBS and NBC to simulcast its feed Saturday night. If the Patriots defeat the Giants, they'll become only the second NFL team to have an undefeated regular season. The NFL has never had a three network simulcast before, and this is the first simulcast since CBS and NBC teamed up on Super Bowl I in 1967. While we were really looking forward to a rerun of Law & Order: SVU, we'll somehow get over it when the game kicks off Saturday at 8 p.m.
DirecTV Starship takes NFL Network to Bright House customers
You're already quite aware of how the NFL Network feels about cable companies (and vice-verse) who refuse to carry the channel or stash it on a special programming tier, but DirecTV is giving Bright House customers in Florida a way to tune in without switching content providers. In a move that's as propagandistic as it is bold, the satellite provider will be giving cable customers in the Tampa, St. Petersburg and Orlando, Florida areas a chance to catch NFL Network telecasts as well as a healthy serving of promotional material. Starting tonight with the Broncos - Texans matchup, citizens of Tampa will be able to peer up at the Starship and "enjoy the game," after which it will head to St. Petersburg for the Bengals - 49ers game on Saturday. Next week, those in Orlando can check out Steelers - Rams and Cowboys - Panthers, and hey, don't fret about missing out on this thing -- we're pretty sure you'll notice that 2,100-square foot screen hovering above your city.[Image courtesy of DTV101]
Atlantic Broadband expands HD lineup, adds HD VOD in Johnstown, PA
While HD VOD has quite a ways to go before it becomes decently ubiquitous, Atlantic Broadband has decided to bless its Johnstown, Pennsylvania area customers with the luxury. Reportedly, an undisclosed amount of high-definition films will be available for renting at $5.99 a pop, and as if that wasn't reason enough to celebrate, these same customers are also getting two new additions to the HD lineup. Sports fans in particular should greatly appreciate getting both NFL Network and Fox Sports Pittsburgh in HD, both of which will now be included in the "regular HD package." Dave Dane, vice president of Atlantic Broadband's Pennsylvania operations, also noted that it had "some proposed HD launches for the first quarter of next year," but we're left to wonder precisely what those will be.
Insight cable customers get six new HD channels, NFL Network included
Over a year after Insight Communications launched its InsightDigital 2.0 service and threw in a trio of HD channels to boot, the cable company is now giving its loyal customers five more high-definition options along with the Digital 3.0 upgrade. Reportedly, users can now tune into Discovery, Animal Planet, The Learning Channel (TLC), TBS, National Geographic and yes, even the NFL Network in glorious HD. The Digital 3.0 package will automatically be available to digital subscribers at no extra cost, but it should be noted that Insight will raise prices in January. Additionally, the operator has nearly doubled its on-demand library and includes VOD channels for HOB, Starz, Showtime, Cinemax and The Movie Channel, but we're still left with no word on any HD VOD plans.
Verizon's FiOS TV Game Extra gets tested, reviewed
Midway through last month, Verizon announced that subscribers of both FiOS TV and FiOS broadband would have the ability to watch free online broadcasts of multiple camera angles from remaining NFL Network games, and while we knew the feeds wouldn't be delivered in HD, it sounded like the perfect complement to watching the game on your big screen. In reality, however, the service proved a bit of a letdown according to the AP, but of course, we'd bet opinions would vary widely depending on one's fanhood. Users can flip (though not instantaneously) between a trio of angles, and while the content was laggy at times, it seemed at least decently reliable overall. The biggest dig on the service was its less-than-enthralling nature; put simply, you aren't guaranteed to see the "most exciting" shots, so fixing your eyes on the online extras may actually be less entertaining than the high-definition feed lighting up your set. Nevertheless, we're glad to see bonuses such as this being offered up, but we'd highly recommend checking out the read link before you switch services just for Game Extra.
Comcast to NFL Network: stop coaxing customers away... or else
It's no secret that Comcast and the NFL Network don't have the rosiest of relationships, and now that Comcast won a ruling (that's being appealed, to no one's shock) over what tier the channel was being placed on, the carrier has shot out a cease and desist letter demanding the network stop persuading customers to switch providers. Reportedly, the note contends that the channel's iwantnflnetwork.com "violates the contract between the network and Comcast," as it coaxes customers to ponder switching with a message reading "Switch to a TV provider that will bring you NFL Network, not hold you hostage." The NFL Network has responded by stating that the arguments are "without merit," and even proclaimed that users dropping Comcast "did not need encouragement from them." Apparently, the cable operator is calling for the network to "confirm in writing" that it has halted its attempts to influence consumers by Friday, but a spokeswomen said she "didn't want to speculate what the company would do if its demands were not met." Ooh, that'll show 'em.[Thanks, Ryan G.]
NFL Network cries to the FCC
These days just about everyone has their own cable network, from billionaires to NCAA football conferences. But what good is a network if no one can watch it? It only makes sense that you'd want your network to be carried by the largest paid television provider in the country. Of course Comcast knows they're the 800 lb gorilla, so if they say you're going on the sports tier, than so be it. The networks take this personal and after years of bickering, the NFL Network is taking their case to the FCC. They're saying it isn't fair because Comcast has no problem putting the the channels they own on the base tier. As much as we normally hate to side with big cable, we kinda see their point on this one, we mean seriously, who else but big time NFL fans even cares about this channel? It's not like NFL Total Access is presented in HD or anything.
The NFL kicks off Sunday in HD on the NFL Network
It seems like so long ago that we got to enjoy an HD football game and the wait is almost over. Sure it's only pre-season, but at this point in the year, we'll take whatever football we can get. Plus, in another month the regular season gets underway and it promises to be the best season yet for HD fans. The Hall of Fame game kicks off the season on the NFL Network in HD, which is the first of nine live games carried by them this year. As great as the NFL Network is, the real problem is that many people don't get it, 'cause their cable co' can't get the deal done -- just another reason for NFL fans to switch to DirecTV. Unfortunatly not all the NFL games will be presented in HD this year, so if you want to see which games will be, head over to HDSportsguide.com to find out who the lucky ones are.
Comcast, NFL Network-HD team up in Detroit
Everybody is getting ready for Superbowl XL, and for those of us in the Detroit area that includes Comcast and the NFL Network. The NFL Network isn't normally available full-time in HD here, but it has shown up in the last few days. According to Multichannel News, the two are working together to provide access to residents and those just in town for the game. Up until February 7th, you'll be able to view NFL Network on analog cable as well as NFL Network HD on digital cable.Hopefully this leads to NFL Network always being in high definition on Comcast, the NFL has one of the largest libaries with all their NFL Films content.
