NFL Sunday Ticket

[dorquemada]

10 hours ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

I assume you've been using PIA for a while and are familiar with it. What about it makes it better than others? I'll be signing up for a VPN soon, so general tips you might have about PIA and other VPN providers would be great...thanks! 

 

Sure thing.  I did a *lot* of research, and tried a couple others.  PIA had these advantages (which have been copied by most of the others in the years since)

• They don't keep logs
• Fail Close functionality
• tight integration with the IP stack in windows
• cross-platform functionality with a single login
• huge selection of VPN collectors, probably 30 countries and that many choices in the US
• tested speeds only a couple percent slower than an open connection

Looking now, they're probably a little more expensive than some other providers, but i've been using them for years with zero trouble, and it's still pretty cheap (like $67 a year I think?).  Highly recommended in any case, and works great with the firestick

 

[Pirate Angel]

5:42 minute phone call to retention...60 dollars off for 12 months...originally offered 12.95 per month and asked for something better and got it

[Ned Flanders]

Just got off the phone with DTV.  $60 off/month with a 12 month contract.  Took ST Max off auto renewal, he had no promotions today but said to call back the weekend the season starts for ST deals, as also recommended by BillnutinHouston.  They're also going to upgrade our equipment for no additional charge.  I'm happy for now, $60/month brings me under $85/month, and I'll call the weekend of the opener to get a ST promo.  Was about a 15 minute call.

Edited August 8, 2018 by Ned Flanders

[sfbillsfan]

Same time frame & result as Tazor. 

[MILFHUNTER#518]

Anybody have a link to the 2018 NFL Broadcast distribution map? Just curious as to how many games I will miss if I dont get the ST this season...

Edited August 9, 2018 by MILFHUNTER#518
Added content

[eball]

3 minutes ago, MILFHUNTER#518 said:

Anybody have a link to the 2018 NFL Broadcast distribution map? Just curious as to how many games I will miss if I dont get the ST this season...

 

That map is fluent and changes weekly.

[MILFHUNTER#518]

Just now, eball said:

 

That map is fluent and changes weekly.

I know but it is a good barometer to whether it is a good value for where i live. 

[Over 29 years of fanhood]

On 6/2/2018 at 2:26 PM, whatdrought said:

Just found out that due to my student status, I can get sunday ticket for $100 for the whole season via internet streaming.

 

As a out of state bills fan, this seems like a great deal, but am wondering if you guys are familiar and know it to be worth it? 

 

My current way of watching is to watch via an EU site that is decent, but has questionable quality and sometimes does not work. 

 

Thoughts?

 

What kind of student does one need to be? I watch CNBC sometimes.  I’d be up for a pottery class... 

[dorquemada]

Just now, MILFHUNTER#518 said:

I know but it is a good barometer to whether it is a good value for where i live. 

 

hey capital region buddy.  'value' is subjective, but traditionally we usually get 6-7 games a year on broadcast tv.  because the giants and jets both suck now we might get another game or two.  in any case, i'm looking for alternatives since getting DTV just for the ST is a ripoff.

[Drunken Pygmy Goat]

3 minutes ago, MILFHUNTER#518 said:

I know but it is a good barometer to whether it is a good value for where i live. 

 

I think this is what you're looking for:

http://506sports.com/nfl/index-m.php

[MILFHUNTER#518]

6 minutes ago, Drunken Pygmy Goat said:

 

I think this is what you're looking for:

http://506sports.com/nfl/index-m.php

Perfect THANK YOU!?

 

Maps will be posted Wednesday, September 5th. In the meantime I will save the link

9 minutes ago, dorquemada said:

 

hey capital region buddy.  'value' is subjective, but traditionally we usually get 6-7 games a year on broadcast tv.  because the giants and jets both suck now we might get another game or two.  in any case, i'm looking for alternatives since getting DTV just for the ST is a ripoff.

Yeah you may be right. I just find that if you take into consideration how much I will spend on food/drink @ the bar, uber,  and not being able to hear the play by play it comes out to be worth it. I usually only watch like one- two games per season @ a bar, as I will not get into trouble @ home and i can drink as much as i want and dont have to constantly be looking over my shoulder for alcohol induced trouble coming my way.

 

All that being said, you are right, pricing is getting stupid.

[dorquemada]

50 minutes ago, MILFHUNTER#518 said:

Perfect THANK YOU!?

 

Maps will be posted Wednesday, September 5th. In the meantime I will save the link

Yeah you may be right. I just find that if you take into consideration how much I will spend on food/drink @ the bar, uber,  and not being able to hear the play by play it comes out to be worth it. I usually only watch like one- two games per season @ a bar, as I will not get into trouble @ home and i can drink as much as i want and dont have to constantly be looking over my shoulder for alcohol induced trouble coming my way.

 

All that being said, you are right, pricing is getting stupid.

 

that's the eternal struggle.  I dont much like going to the bar to watch a game for the same reasons, plus this place is full of knucklehead giants fans.  Let's see how it plays out, but so far the fire stick + kodi + sportsdevil is yielding some interesting results!

[Xwnyer]

called today took me forever to get to loyalty folks.   First a ST rep offered me 25% off but I wanted better so asked for Loyalty. The Loyalty person offered me 5$ a month for 12 months nothing off Sunday ticket.   I told her I pay 190$ month for ATT internet and wireless and now 168 for DTV and thats best yo can do?   I than was about to hang up when a magical 45$ a month off was offered however no budging on ST and Max.   I took deal but will call back in a few days to CANCEL ST and see what they will offer.   I hate them now that ATT owns them the old retention folks were much better to deal with and pleasant as well.   ONLY reason I keep DTV is for ST because when I want to watch a game I am not chasing streams that may or may not work nor can I sync the stream with Sirius play by play.   I tried stream approach last year with hockey will be going back to DTV for NHL center ice.

[Ned Flanders]

I went to the DTV chat yesterday just sniffing around for a ST promotion.  The best I got was $99 off ST Max, I said no thanks and when I went to my account, the clown had signed me up for it!!!  So I had to then call, go through the stupid prompts, and got a less than helpful rep who told me yup, that's what happened and she got snippy when I told her to take ST off the account.

 

I re-upped for DTV for another year with a $60/month discount, but this year is the final time...as others have said, they're now part of a huge conglomerate and customer service is in the proverbial $chitter.

 

I just hope that someday soon, next season or the one after, that the NFL will look to streaming these games over a reputable source.

[Xwnyer]

just called back in to ST people and getting 99$ off Max so now ST Max is 296 basically less than 20$ a week but will be calling Loyalty folks next months when I do center ice.

[Dante]

Called yesterday.

First, I have to say that since the ATT takeover their customer service seems to have been sourced out offshore. Never used to be that way. So I went directly to "Loyalty and Customer Retention". When automated option came up "Would you like to change programming or cancel service" I picked cancel service.  I didn't say much at all except that Sunday Ticket was a little out of my league. I added that, as a family, we all have ATT mobile service and we did buy a couple of new phones this year. Whether this had any effect or not I'm not sure.

Immediately he gave me Sunday Ticket for free. Not Max though. I have to pay the extra 6 payments of $17. Not a big deal because he gave me $60 off my entire monthly bill for a year. 

Then, as I was on a bit of a roll, I asked him about NHL Center Ice. He said as far as he can tell, I'm not getting charged for that either? 

So all and all it was a pretty good 10 minutes spent. 

[Ned Flanders]

12 minutes ago, Dante said:

I added that, as a family, we all have ATT mobile service and we did buy a couple of new phones this year. Whether this had any effect or not I'm not sure.

That is a HUGE advantage when negotiating.  I'm a Verizon guy, so I can't pull that lever.  

[Xwnyer]

3 hours ago, Dante said:

Called yesterday.

First, I have to say that since the ATT takeover their customer service seems to have been sourced out offshore. Never used to be that way. So I went directly to "Loyalty and Customer Retention". When automated option came up "Would you like to change programming or cancel service" I picked cancel service.  I didn't say much at all except that Sunday Ticket was a little out of my league. I added that, as a family, we all have ATT mobile service and we did buy a couple of new phones this year. Whether this had any effect or not I'm not sure.

Immediately he gave me Sunday Ticket for free. Not Max though. I have to pay the extra 6 payments of $17. Not a big deal because he gave me $60 off my entire monthly bill for a year. 

Then, as I was on a bit of a roll, I asked him about NHL Center Ice. He said as far as he can tell, I'm not getting charged for that either? 

So all and all it was a pretty good 10 minutes spent. 

wait till center ice is up for renewal.   They told me same thing two years ago I told them they said it was free and they ended up doing that but had to call back and escalate.  I hate the new retention folks used to love when I would get the folks in Idaho all air force wives or husbands working a second job.   When I got loyalty they were really good at not budging I guess I should have tried again to say sorry I am leaving to see if they would have done more.  But I am ok I got 45$ a month off for a year, ST Max for 300$ so I am good.

[nucci]

3 hours ago, Dante said:

Called yesterday.

First, I have to say that since the ATT takeover their customer service seems to have been sourced out offshore. Never used to be that way. So I went directly to "Loyalty and Customer Retention". When automated option came up "Would you like to change programming or cancel service" I picked cancel service.  I didn't say much at all except that Sunday Ticket was a little out of my league. I added that, as a family, we all have ATT mobile service and we did buy a couple of new phones this year. Whether this had any effect or not I'm not sure.

Immediately he gave me Sunday Ticket for free. Not Max though. I have to pay the extra 6 payments of $17. Not a big deal because he gave me $60 off my entire monthly bill for a year. 

Then, as I was on a bit of a roll, I asked him about NHL Center Ice. He said as far as he can tell, I'm not getting charged for that either? 

So all and all it was a pretty good 10 minutes spent. 

That's because it's not in the system yet.

[Dante]

1 hour ago, nucci said:

That's because it's not in the system yet.

I figure something like that. I'll recheck in a month.

[cba fan]

On ‎6‎/‎2‎/‎2018 at 1:36 PM, Fadingpain said:

Anyone know when the current Direct TV agreement with the NFL expires?

 

I find it absolutely hilarious that, in 2018, the NFL will NOT take the money I would otherwise gladly pay them each year for a Sunday Ticket TV package on Comcast cable.

 

 

too long.

 

the big question is why does the NFL not let Direct TV offer it for subscription through local cable providers and then NFL could charge appropriately depending on how many subscriptions Direct TV gets. Could be partnership and NFL gets a %.

 

I know Direct TV is thinking this may reduce Direct TV subscriptions of people who mainly get it just so they can get Sunday Ticket but they are missing out on a lot of subscribers who will not get Direct TV and so work around the problem by streaming for FREE.

 

Question would be how to price it. Say if Direct TV subscribers pay 250 what would non Direct TV subscribers pay via cable systems? 300? or do cable systems give a kickback as their cable subscription just increased in value now with Sunday Ticket available and they charge closer to Direct TV cost?

 

You can get Sun Ticket in Canada on cable why not US?

Edited August 16, 2018 by cba fan

[Ned Flanders]

14 minutes ago, cba fan said:

You can get Sun Ticket in Canada on cable why not US?

I've said this many times, that the reason ST distribution is "limited" by only going through DTV is because of the beer barons.  We all know how much beer is in bed with the NFL, well, the bars, beer's big clients, have hounded the beer barons to lobby the NFL AGAINST easy distribution of ST because the bars' Sunday profits will suffer significantly.  The beer barons have made this known to the NFL and ST, hence, has "limited" distribution on DTV.

 

The big issue now is streaming and DTV has repeatedly said they will not stream ST; they fear their traditional satellite product will quickly dry up...but the day is coming where streaming will be the norm.

 

 

[Last Guy on the Bench]

6 minutes ago, Ned Flanders said:

I've said this many times, that the reason ST distribution is "limited" by only going through DTV is because of the beer barons.  We all know how much beer is in bed with the NFL, well, the bars, beer's big clients, have hounded the beer barons to lobby the NFL AGAINST easy distribution of ST because the bars' Sunday profits will suffer significantly.  The beer barons have made this known to the NFL and ST, hence, has "limited" distribution on DTV.

 

The big issue now is streaming and DTV has repeatedly said they will not stream ST; they fear their traditional satellite product will quickly dry up...but the day is coming where streaming will be the norm.

 

 

Yeah, full standalone, unconditional streaming is definitely coming. Just have to be patient. Many similar sorts of arguments used to get thrown around about other premium TV like HBO, etc. Streaming was going to be too disruptive to their revenue model. But now you can get standalone HBO streaming, standalone Showtime streaming, a streaming cable package equivalent through Youtube, etc. I'm sure they NFL will follow suit. They do it abroad. And they are close with their non-live GamePass offering in the U.S. now.

 

I've been living abroad, so I've been able to get the full ticket streaming for $200 bucks straight from the NFL. But I'm back in the U.S. this fall. No way I'm getting in bed with DTV or any other TV provider. I'm just paying my $99 bucks for GamePass and watching the games after they air. Sucks not to see them live (except when I head out to a sports bar), but not worth it to me to put in that whole insane TV infrastructure. I'll just stay away from the news for a few hours and watch the Bills on Sunday evenings. Just pretend it's a night game.

[cba fan]

2 hours ago, Ned Flanders said:

I've said this many times, that the reason ST distribution is "limited" by only going through DTV is because of the beer barons.  We all know how much beer is in bed with the NFL, well, the bars, beer's big clients, have hounded the beer barons to lobby the NFL AGAINST easy distribution of ST because the bars' Sunday profits will suffer significantly.  The beer barons have made this known to the NFL and ST, hence, has "limited" distribution on DTV.

 

The big issue now is streaming and DTV has repeatedly said they will not stream ST; they fear their traditional satellite product will quickly dry up...but the day is coming where streaming will be the norm.

 

 

Thanks. Good angle.

 

Well, those weak-sauce Canadian Beer Barons need to step up their game then...….lol

Edited August 16, 2018 by cba fan

[Buffalo Boy]

Just made my call. I was a little leery after reading about these “ AT+T people”.

The Lady I got was nice. She asked why I was calling and I told her, “I just got my bill with the Sunday ticket and it’s close to $300. That’s too much.”

A minute later she offered $12.25/6 months off ST, $7/6 months off HBO( which I have) and 3 month free movie package.

Works for me. I wasn’t on the phone for 10 mi nutes.

[Domdab99]

I was going to call, but they called me and offered me the full package at $25/Mo for 4 months. 

 

<shrug>

 

ok

[msw2112]

I just wrapped up my annual call.  Big downgrade from last year.

 

Last year:

$55 off per month on service

ADDITIONAL $20 off per month (from a 2nd call)

Free NFL Ticket, Free MAX upgrade

One year contract

ME:  Thrilled!

 

This year:

$15 off per month on service

NFL Ticket (regular, not MAX) at 50% off

One time $50 credit

No contract

ME:  Not so happy, but at least I got something....

 

Not great, but they wore me down.  It took 3 calls to get this far and I ran out of time and patience.  I am actually fine with the NFL at 50% off.  They paid billions to be the exclusive provider and they have shareholders to think about, so they are entitled to make money off of their investment.  Where I am pissed off is the small monthly discount on the service.  They are charging a lot of $$$ for a service that can be had elsewhere for less.  They mark it up and should then counter that with discounts for good customers who ask.  I'm still willing to pay a fair price for their service, but for what I get, I don't think that what I will be paying is a fair price.

 

At least I got something for my time and I will call back in a month or two to see what else I can do.

[nucci]

2 minutes ago, msw2112 said:

I just wrapped up my annual call.  Big downgrade from last year.

 

Last year:

$55 off per month on service

ADDITIONAL $20 off per month (from a 2nd call)

Free NFL Ticket, Free MAX upgrade

One year contract

ME:  Thrilled!

 

This year:

$15 off per month on service

NFL Ticket (regular, not MAX) at 50% off

One time $50 credit

No contract

ME:  Not so happy, but at least I got something....

 

Not great, but they wore me down.  It took 3 calls to get this far and I ran out of time and patience.  I am actually fine with the NFL at 50% off.  They paid billions to be the exclusive provider and they have shareholders to think about, so they are entitled to make money off of their investment.  Where I am pissed off is the small monthly discount on the service.  They are charging a lot of $$$ for a service that can be had elsewhere for less.  They mark it up and should then counter that with discounts for good customers who ask.  I'm still willing to pay a fair price for their service, but for what I get, I don't think that what I will be paying is a fair price.

 

At least I got something for my time and I will call back in a month or two to see what else I can do.

The big difference in discounts everyone is getting is interesting...some are getting a lot and some not much at all

[Ned Flanders]

13 minutes ago, nucci said:

The big difference in discounts everyone is getting is interesting...some are getting a lot and some not much at all

Yeah, it's really all over the place.  DTV guy was here to do the Genie upgrade from the initial version to Genie II this morning.  What I thought would be a simple swap-out took almost three hours.  He had some problems getting the 4K channels (only 4) but he stuck around and answered many of my questions on the upgrade, made sure I could connect the Genie II to wifi before he left.

 

I'm sorta happy with my one-year contract deal ($60/month off; free upgrade), but I'm waiting a couple of weeks to call back for a ST promotion.  The poster above who got a $100 price is the best I've seen this season...seems like it's a complete crap shoot depending on the service rep you get on the phone.  Still think it's the AT&T mobile subscribers who are getting the best deals and hold the most leverage.

 

Edited August 20, 2018 by Ned Flanders

[mchammer]

This year I did a little bit worse than last year. The deal they gave me was $12.25/mo off of Sunday Ticket and $45.00/mo off my bill for 12 months and 6 months free HBO. Last year I got $45.00 off per month for 12 months and half off Sunday Ticket and 6 months free Starz.

[RyanC883]

Anyone (non-student) paying a lower rate for NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV than 58.99/month.  I think I've been paying that the past 2 years (can't get DirectTV at my address).  If so, would love to know your secret.  

[Gordio]

I called Friday & got absolutely zilch.  I should say though that July my contract was up so I did call in April & they gave me $40 off a month for a year & free MLB package & I had to renew for a year so I knew it would be a dog fight.  I told her to cancel ST so she did.  

[Nervous Guy]

I called today...at the recording I asked for customer loyalty, after a 10 minute hold I got someone overseas.  I knew it was not going to go well right then.  So I played the game, told him I had discounts that were expiring this month, $60 off a month and last year I had the Ticket for free, I wanted to know if they could match or come close to that.  After several long pauses and being told he's checking, he told me "sorry we have no offers of any kind for you".  I said "okay, can you transfer me to customer loyalty?"  He said "sure I'd be happy to do that"...I was transferred and placed on hold. 

 

Got connected to a very nice young woman in Texas...said the same thing to her...she asked me who my team was and I said "The Bills of course!".  She said "I think my mom likes them too!"  She then proceeded in an extended conversation about her favorite team (Eagles) and her Dad's and her husband's, etc....we had a long conversation...then she said "I have authorized a $60 discount per month for 12 months and free Sunday ticket as a loyalty reward!"  I was thrilled!  She asked if I had any other questions....I thought to myself..."why not?" so I asked about any movie channels and she said "sure...HBO free for 6 months.".  This was  better than last year!

 

I'm not sure why I got this and others don't....but it's just a lesson in being persistent and pleasant...

[zevo]

1 hour ago, Nervous Guy said:

I called today...at the recording I asked for customer loyalty, after a 10 minute hold I got someone overseas.  I knew it was not going to go well right then.  So I played the game, told him I had discounts that were expiring this month, $60 off a month and last year I had the Ticket for free, I wanted to know if they could match or come close to that.  After several long pauses and being told he's checking, he told me "sorry we have no offers of any kind for you".  I said "okay, can you transfer me to customer loyalty?"  He said "sure I'd be happy to do that"...I was transferred and placed on hold. 

 

Got connected to a very nice young woman in Texas...said the same thing to her...she asked me who my team was and I said "The Bills of course!".  She said "I think my mom likes them too!"  She then proceeded in an extended conversation about her favorite team (Eagles) and her Dad's and her husband's, etc....we had a long conversation...then she said "I have authorized a $60 discount per month for 12 months and free Sunday ticket as a loyalty reward!"  I was thrilled!  She asked if I had any other questions....I thought to myself..."why not?" so I asked about any movie channels and she said "sure...HBO free for 6 months.".  This was  better than last year!

 

I'm not sure why I got this and others don't....but it's just a lesson in being persistent and pleasant...

Excellent job....i was shut down...so i put in cancelation...will look out for retention email.

[Nervous Guy]

4 hours ago, Ned Flanders said:

Yeah, it's really all over the place.  DTV guy was here to do the Genie upgrade from the initial version to Genie II this morning.  What I thought would be a simple swap-out took almost three hours.  He had some problems getting the 4K channels (only 4) but he stuck around and answered many of my questions on the upgrade, made sure I could connect the Genie II to wifi before he left.

 

I'm sorta happy with my one-year contract deal ($60/month off; free upgrade), but I'm waiting a couple of weeks to call back for a ST promotion.  The poster above who got a $100 price is the best I've seen this season...seems like it's a complete crap shoot depending on the service rep you get on the phone.  Still think it's the AT&T mobile subscribers who are getting the best deals and hold the most leverage.

 

Maybe that's why I got the deal I did...

[LEBills]

I don’t watch much TV so I don’t have DirecTV.

 

each year I just punch in my old school email and get the streaming package for $100 total.

 

this year, I used the promo code “Rookie” and now 16 games of Josh Allen (and all other games and red zone) is 80 bucks. 

[Ned Flanders]

14 hours ago, Nervous Guy said:

authorized a $60 discount per month for 12 months and free Sunday ticket as a loyalty reward

Jackpot

[bills in oregon]

I don’t know how long the contract plans for DIRECTV. All I know is they outbid them selves they went from 2 .1 billion to 3.5 billion. And when I was a DIRECTV customer for 19 years I cannot stream it on any other device other than watching on my TV because their platforms were horrible .  I now just go to Buffalo wild wings it’s five minutes from my house I watch every game on the big screen. And save a Ton of money .

[nucci]

1 minute ago, bills in oregon said:

I don’t know how long the contract plans for DIRECTV. All I know is they outbid them selves they went from 2 .1 billion to 3.5 billion. And when I was a DIRECTV customer for 19 years I cannot stream it on any other device other than watching on my TV because their platforms were horrible .  I now just go to Buffalo wild wings it’s five minutes from my house I watch every game on the big screen. And save a Ton of money .

yeah , but there's people there......I don't like people

[BigDingus]

On 6/2/2018 at 1:26 PM, whatdrought said:

Just found out that due to my student status, I can get sunday ticket for $100 for the whole season via internet streaming.

 

As a out of state bills fan, this seems like a great deal, but am wondering if you guys are familiar and know it to be worth it? 

 

My current way of watching is to watch via an EU site that is decent, but has questionable quality and sometimes does not work. 

 

Thoughts?

I'm going to state right now that it's a good deal. Streaming quality is top notch as long as you have a good internet connection.

One thing to note: DO NOT give your password & login to anyone at any point ever.... Yes, this allows them to watch games, but only one person can be logged in at once. If at any point, you want to watch while someone else happens to leave that open, you will be denied access. Even if you want to force them out by changing the username & password, it will do nothing until they have manually logged out. Even contacting DirecTV will do nothing. They have no way to kick the other person off. I don't know who had my password (I think my wife gave it to someone), but I missed one of the last games of the season due to this. I even had DirecTV cancel & resign me up for Sunday Ticket hoping that would help, but to no avail. 

Still never figured out what A-hole was using my login, but I know now to never, under any circumstance, let someone else use my account.