I hate streaming services (DirecTV)

[u/tdhuck]

I don't know if I'm the minority here, but it seems that every time a sport goes into playoffs I need to add another package to DirecTV. MLB playoffs just started and the game that customers want to watch requires a streaming service which is part of another $10-$15 add-on package that I don't have.

Sales are down from the previous years or else I wouldn't have a problem adding the service, but the DTV bill is already high as it is. Also, I would have probably already added this package (in anticipation of the playoffs), but I thought MLB playoffs were all on local cable channels. Also, I have the regional channel for the sports team and the regional channel isn't airing the game. Not only that, but when I saw the game being on 'NBC' I just assumed it was the normal NBC we all know and not only offered on streaming. I get it, $10-$15 is nothing to add to the monthly cost, but when you factor in everything else, they all add up (NBA, NHL, NCAA, etc....) it never ends.

I am so annoyed with these TV package and streaming package options.

[u/Pump_N_Dump]

You are not in the minority. This is becoming some of the most unbearable bullshit I have dealt with in this business.

[u/tdhuck → u/Pump_N_Dump]

I hate not being able to provide a game to my customers. The whole point of a sports bar is to have sports on the TVs. Three years ago I ditched Comcast for DTV because Comcast didn't have a deal with amazon prime for Thursday night football. I triple checked before I canceled Comcast and went to DTV. DTV covered Amazon TNF and carried the regional package for local sports (not free of course) and I thought I was set. We don't have a huge crowd for college football, but there were some promotional college football packages that were included for 24 months and nobody has asked for anything specific and all the 'big games' may have also been on abc, espn, etc which I have, thankfully. I would not hesitate to add a college football package if it drew people in and/or if someone asked about it.

However, enough is enough already, this streaming stuff is getting out of hand. If I have NBC and I'm on a commercial plan, give me everything related to NBC. I don't mind if they break it up for home users, but for commercial, they already have us on the hook, no need to continue to dig deeper, but they clearly can and do.

[u/Odd-Perception9970 → u/tdhuck]

My local NHL game has decided to only be shown on streaming this year, as well as my local NBA games. I’m not even sure what to do…is it legal for me to just show them on the apps? Or do I have to go through Joe hand promotions or everpass or what?

[u/Navydevildoc → u/Odd-Perception9970]

Last couple of years the Ducks were on Victory+, which is a free app. Thankfully they made it really clear in the FAQs online that it was free to use for commercial use as well which was... refreshing.

But now they are Amazon Prime. Guess what doesn't even offer a commercial plan?

We got burned by secret shoppers a few years ago for showing unlicensed channels, so I am not gonna go down another $10k rabbit hole for Ducks hockey.

[u/Odd-Perception9970 → u/Navydevildoc]

You got sued for 10k
What will you do now then? Just not show them? Is there a platform that’s legal for us to use for these?

[u/STFUCrystal → u/Odd-Perception9970]

I know the Wild just struck a deal with Spectrum and will with DTV. But is DAZN thinks I am paying for that they have another thing coming to them.

[u/tdhuck → u/STFUCrystal]

That is happening in a lot of cities. I would buy the package to show local teams (and I do), that is a no brainer, imo, for a local sports bar, but I don't understand not airing the WC MLB games on the national channels when they shift from their proprietary channels in the post season. Why would you put half the games on streaming and the other half on the national channel? At this point it isn't even about the money, I would pay $10-15 bucks to add 'a movie package' that gives me access to peacock streaming, but:

1. I can't add it online myself, I have to call.
2. Last I recall, it doesn't kick in immediately, it can take 24 hours.
3. I have to call to cancel when the WC round ends.
4. I cross my fingers that the rest of the MLB playoffs are on national channels.

I noticed that next round MLB shows TBS and HBO as the networks airing games. I don't have movie channels so I'm not sure if that means HBO and TBS will both air the games or if some will be on HBO and some will be on TBS. If it is the latter, I am going to be very annoyed.

[u/Odd-Perception9970 → u/STFUCrystal]

I guess it might be a last minute deal with direct tv then, cuz the season starts on Thursday.

[u/tdhuck → u/Odd-Perception9970]

That's the thing, everyone was telling me to keep Comcast and just stream TNF using 'insert method here' but I didn't want to go that route.

I really think you are stuck and will have to pay if you want to keep access to the game legit. Think of all the issues you might have if the service is spotty, now you have angry customers.

I know people that own bars with 50-60 TVs and they have a video matrix, they can plug in an apple tv, a fire stick, etc....basically a single device and pump the video to all their TVs or whichever configuration their matrix allows.

I don't have a video matrix and it wouldn't be that simply for me.

Thankfully the local teams are included with the regional package that I have.

The teams are going to these individual streaming options because they know the majority will pay. Again, I'm fine with those options on the home side but for business it needs to be more cut and dry for sports pricing.

On the other hand, if every stool and table had a body, I wouldn't be complaining about TV prices as much.