Why do we still have to sit through commercials?

[sedated]

The DirecTV/Viacom thread got me thinking.

Commercials were developed as a way for free channels to get the revenue necessary to operate, the same as radio and newspapers. Regular radio stations and many newspapers are still free to this day, so advertising is just the cost of doing business. However, most cable packages cost between $50-$80, just for “standard cable” (not including HBO, etc). My current DTV bill is $85, and I don’t have any movie channels.

We are all paying a premium for these channels, and yet 1/3 of the content is advertising. What is the difference between paying for HBO (commercial-free and unregulated language/nudity) versus (unwillingly) paying for the Viacom package of channels (commercials and FCC-regulated)?

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by R8ers

Raider Bitch You Cheaps Cocksmoker

Funny story...

When my nephew and son were younger, they couldn't say "Chiefs" and could only say "Cheaps"

Funny videos to watch.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by sedated

I’m surprised to hear the “just DVR it” from sports fans. When’s the last time you waited to start a Chiefs game to skip the commercials?

Also, they are getting more intrusive with their advertising, like the animated promos in the corners, and a lot of those are starting to have sound on top of whatever you are watching.

I do it quite a bit, unless there are other games on or I want to hangout here... I'll wait until halftime and most of the time catch up with a couple of minutes left. It's one reason I look forward to Saturdays more... I get CFB on several channels plus ESPN3, so I can basically watch up to 6 games at once (picture in picture plus up to 4 on espn3). Watching 2 NFL games on TV and one online isn't even enough sometimes.

The in-game advertising is definitely annoying... less time talking sports... CBB has gotten annoying recently with more and more ads during free throws.

[R8RFAN]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Funny story...

When my nephew and son were younger, they couldn't say "Chiefs" and could only say "Cheaps"

Funny videos to watch.

I can't say Chiefs either

[R8RFAN]

BTW how much is this NFLST gonna cost on the PS3 and is it in HD? I have asked this question before about the HD but don't remember the answer

[007]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Just get a ****ing dvr.

Problem solved.

Try finding one that doesn't require high end subscription service to be able to use it. it is beyond ridiculous that you cannot purchase a stand alone DVR for a flat rate like you could a VCR.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by Guru

Try finding one that doesn't require high end subscription service to be able to use it. it is beyond ridiculous that you cannot purchase a stand alone DVR for a flat rate like you could a VCR.

Not to the owners of the product you want.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by vailpass

1. Dish Network SUCKS
2. Switching is a pain in the ass, who wants to do that?
3. Are you recommending that people commit fraud to obtain Sunday Ticket?
4. DirectTV gives me what I want when I want it at a fair price and their service has been excellent over the 10+ years I've had them.

1) why do you say that? Our service call ratio is pretty much equal for both providers.
2) Switching isn't a pain in the ass if you go through a retailer. Not at all.
3) It's not fraud if you have one of your receivers "in the motorhome"
4) ive had them for about 10 years, too. Always been happy, but if both companies offered Sunday ticket, why not switch. For Directv you save 31 bucks your first year and 16 the second...for dish you save 31 the first year.

That's $564 you save over the 2 years with dtv and just under 400 for dish.

Plus the Sunday ticket/movie channel savings.

To most, that's significant.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by R8ers

BTW how much is this NFLST gonna cost on the PS3 and is it in HD? I have asked this question before about the HD but don't remember the answer

Not sure on the cost thing, but if you subscribe to st through your dtv account, you can stream it on your ps3 in hd.

Can't imagine that would be different on a stand alone service.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by R8ers

BTW how much is this NFLST gonna cost on the PS3 and is it in HD? I have asked this question before about the HD but don't remember the answer

I'm doing this.

I think its $340.

I havent seen it on the ps3 but I've watched games MLB.tv and its very high quality.

[vailpass]

Originally Posted by BossChief

1) why do you say that? Our service call ratio is pretty much equal for both providers.
2) Switching isn't a pain in the ass if you go through a retailer. Not at all.
3) It's not fraud if you have one of your receivers "in the motorhome"
4) ive had them for about 10 years, too. Always been happy, but if both companies offered Sunday ticket, why not switch. For Directv you save 31 bucks your first year and 16 the second...for dish you save 31 the first year.

That's $564 you save over the 2 years with dtv and just under 400 for dish.

Plus the Sunday ticket/movie channel savings.

To most, that's significant.

I'm sure some will find your suggestion helpful. Responding only for myself here:
1.Channel selection on Dish is for shit. Sports selection is for shit.
2. Who wants to have different boxes, channel numbers, etc. every 2 years? We have several DVRs that are chock full of movies and shows the kids watch. Wouldn't want to turn those in and lose them.
3. Fraud to save a few bucks. No thanks.
4.That isn't near enough $ for all that hassle and/or to be stuck with an inferior service for 2 years at a time.

[Bearcat]

Originally Posted by Guru

Try finding one that doesn't require high end subscription service to be able to use it. it is beyond ridiculous that you cannot purchase a stand alone DVR for a flat rate like you could a VCR.

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/LG-LRM519-DV...yers_Recorders

I owned a couple of them... they both ended up crapping out after only a couple of years each, but they were great while they lasted.

[BossChief]

Originally Posted by Dave

I'm doing this.

I think its $340.

I havent seen it on the ps3 but I've watched games MLB.tv and its very high quality.

Last year, you could chose your quality to match your Internet speed.

At least on the dtv version you could.

Not sure about the a la carte item through sony.

[007]

Originally Posted by Bearcat

http://www.ebay.com/ctg/LG-LRM519-DV...yers_Recorders

I owned a couple of them... they both ended up crapping out after only a couple of years each, but they were great while they lasted.

missing a ATSC tuner.

I have one from Magnavox that has been great but they discontinued the damn thing. The only thing I can find out there is the damn Tivos that don't work without their damn subscription that I don't even need nor want.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by BossChief

Last year, you could chose your quality to match your Internet speed.

At least on the dtv version you could.

Not sure about the a la carte item through sony.

I think its automatic thru the ps3.

Not sure.

[007]

One of my biggest issues with Cox was the fact they wouldn't let me get a DVR unless I upgraded my cable to digital. I already get the channels I want in HD without needing all the crap channels I don't want.