Comments on: DirecTV vs. Versus

By: dan99

dan99 — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 17:23:57 +0000

I think the bigger issue is fact that Comcast, a provider, owns a network, Versus. To me that seems like a major conflict of interest. Until recently I had Dish Network and for a good portion of that time, THEY did not have an agreement with Versus (ie. Comcast) and I missed almost the entire first post-lockout season. Right before the playoffs began an agreement was reached and Versus was available on Dish. Now, I see that DirecTV is having a similar issue. I’m sure the satellite company’s are not blameless and neither is Comcast, but c’mon. How can there be fair negotiations between a satellite company and a network, when that network is owned by the satellite company’s direct competitor. The NHL should’ve seen this coming. I can choose DirecTV, Dish Network or a watered-down rural cable company. This acrimony has been one hassle after another for those of us with little choice in our TV providers.

By: Colonial73

Colonial73 — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:41:03 +0000

Been with Verizon FIOS for less than a year after abandoning Comcast after getting increasingly frustrated with their service. Can’t say enough good things about the picture quality, station choices, and broadcast reliability from FIOS. Having the MLB, NHL, NFL Networks and Versus right next to each other is a remote control delight.

By: SovSport

SovSport — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:09:43 +0000

Beware of FIOS. I have had them for four months now, and not ONCE was I billed right. Always overbilled by as much as $60.
As bad as it may sound, I miss Comcast. Had them for over 4 years and never had a problem. Just believed in VZ lies and they had me.

By: capshockeyfan

capshockeyfan — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 18:28:39 +0000

I live on a small farm in Southern, MD and until recently, DirecTV was the only way for me to get anything beyond broadcast television. My salvation came last year when Verizon laid FIOS cable along the main road boardering my property. I was able to sign up for their service and they sent a crew to trench a single cable nearly 200 yards to my house. (Talk about customer service!!) The internet and tv service is flawless and I am MUCH happier with FIOS than I was with DirecTV.
My only concern is that I do not believe FIOS currently offers as many HD channels for sports coverage as DirecTV did. FIOS seems to be increasing their HD service and my fingers are crossed that most of the Center Ice games will be shown in HD.

By: nafyekcoh

nafyekcoh — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:43:14 +0000

I recently moved from the N. VA area and our new area is not supported by COMCAST. The other cable companies do not carry the NHL channel nor have the option to purchase Center Ice, so we opted for Direct TV. I’m not here to say which company is better than the other, had problems with both.
However, as a hockey fan, I would think it‚Äôs time for the NHL to reconsider all the glorious things it was saying last year about their contract with VERSUS. Direct TV boasts over 15 million subscribers, that is a huge number of potential viewers/fans which have now been eliminated.
VERSUS should be responsible to the producers of the shows they have under contract for expanding viewing area.
I really enjoyed the coverage VERSUS provided last year, but this is garbage and NOW is the time to the NHL to cover games on their own network.

By: Claudia

Claudia — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:16:16 +0000

We moved to FIOS about a year ago, from DirecTV. We love it!

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:52:23 +0000

FIOS is fantastic once you get it setup. I had no issues with setup myself but I have heard some harrowing tales of getting it setup from other people.

By: sonja

sonja — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 12:28:46 +0000

We just made the move from DirectTV to VerizonFIOS in August … and could. not. be. happier!! FWIW they also carry the NHL channel and it’s very easily found, something that neither DirectTV nor Comcast ever did.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 04:49:29 +0000

I feel exactly the same way, I unfortunately have another year and a half with DirecTV. I’m considering ponying up the $380 to break my contract to go to Verizon FIOS.