Big Ten Network

[t_BuckeyeScott]

Originally Posted by Oh8ch

(Maybe this has already been discussed in this thread, but my search for News Corp came up empty, so here goes...)

2 + 2 finally came out to 4 this morning after reading the latest Dispatch article on the BTN fiasco. I never quite understood why Direct TV could cut a deal and nobody else seems even close.

Turns out that the parent company of Fox - 49% owner of the BTN - is News Corp. Controlling ownership of Direct TV also rests with News Corp. And News Corp is ultimately controlled by a man who goes by the name of Murdoch.

So, not only is Direct TV more or less just passing money around within the company by subscribing to BTN, but it is in News Corps best interest NOT to broker a deal with TW and other major players until after they have moved their more rabid fan base over to Direct TV.

I wouldn't look for BTN to start negotiating in earnest until after Direct TVs installers can get a day off. And they are only going to get busier come September 2nd when the fan base understands what it really means to get their only look at the this years version of the Buckeyes via a few clips on Sports Center. And there will be darn few clips of OSU - YSU even there.

I was also looking at the numbers for all of this. TW has 600,000 customers in Central Ohio. At $1.10 each per month that is just shy of 8 million dollars per year that the Big Ten wants for four football games and some number of basketball games JUST from the people of central Ohio.

Direct TV is the easy answer. I just don't know if I am willing to mortgage my sole to Rupert just yet. (Not that TW is the second coming of Mother Teresa.)

But if you're NewsCorp its good business.

[OWUBuckeye51]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeTillIDie

Why do people think DirecTV is so much more expensive than cable? For us, it is actually cheaper than what Time Warner costs now!

Very true...when I had DTV in my prior home, it cost me $49/mo - but that was pre HD, so I am not sure what it costs now.

As I have alluded to (albeit ad nauseum) I currently can't get a quality DTV reception and therefore have Insight Cable who I must admit, have been pretty solid so far. Incredible HD quality - I currently pay $104/mo for cable, a sports package, two HD boxes, and RoadRunner.

Not sure how that compares to DTV, but when I had DTV, it was more than reasonable.

[BuckeyeNation27]

Originally Posted by Buckeyeskickbuttocks

For people who bundle their phone, internet and cable TV it's more expensive. It's been a while since I looked, but I though the comparable TV package (Channel wise) was around 59 bucks. That leaves about 40 bucks for me to play with to get a phone and internet. Not gonna happen.

Also, if you have/want HD and more than one TV, it's more expensive.

[OWUBuckeye51]

Originally Posted by BuckeyeNation27

Also, if you have/want HD and more than one TV, it's more expensive.

Makes sense. I remember DirecWAY, which was DirecTV's answer to RoadRunner, was extremely expensive - $60/mo + approx $70/mo for HD satellite = $130/mo and you don't even have your phone yet.

[osugrad21]

Split the fishing expedition...

Discussion here...[censored]ing, moaning, and ridicule over there.

Grazie.

[Ratboy18]

The local BW3 establishments that I called (2) both said that they WILL have the BTN but don't know when because they are waiting for DTV to let them know which "business" package it will be a part of ... the manager said "Don't worry - our owners are huge Big 10 supporters, so we'll get it no matter what".

[OWUBuckeye51]

Originally Posted by Ratboy18

The local BW3 establishments that I called (2) both said that they WILL have the BTN but don't know when because they are waiting for DTV to let them know which "business" package it will be a part of ... the manager said "Don't worry - our owners are huge Big 10 supporters, so we'll get it no matter what".

Good stuff...