Professional Cycling For the Fans - DirecTV dropping Versus?

I assume that anyone who watched Friday's Tour of Ireland stage also noticed the repeated crawl where DirecTV is warning (threatening?) subscribers that they'll drop Versus after 31 August if contract negotiations don't improve. I assume this is the usual "get the subscribers panicking and writing emails to Versus" to put pressure on, like some of the bigger cable companies are known to do.

I find it annoying. :notamused:

Well, I was all ready to switch from cable to DirecTV this year before I found out that they didn't have Universal Sports (they aired the Giro and will be covering the Vuelta as well). So I decided to hold off. This makes that decision even easier now.

Ye, they did this with some of the big channels with my cable company. They did it with Spike, mTv, Vh1 and some other channels.

Actually, the crawl is from Versus, not DirecTV.

Apparently DirecTV is not willing to pay market price for VS. I called DTV and told them that if they dropped VS, I would probably drop my DTV subscription.

Adios Directv, hello cable....

There you have it, all DTV people should write in and threaten to cancel their service if they drop VS. I really like DTV though, and TIVO. I don't think I could give up TIVO.

they better not drop it.

This is the email reply from DTV

""
Dear Mr

Thanks for writing. We recognize you as a valued and loyal customer and we want you to know we appreciate it.

Our agreement with Versus expires on August 31, 2009. We are working hard to reach an agreement to keep Versus on the air. If we are unable to reach an agreement and must take Versus off the air, we will communicate with you via on-air slides or messaging.

We understand how important Versus is to you. It's equally important to us to keep your monthly fees low, so we're doing everything we can to avoid paying exorbitant programming fees. We feel that the terms Versus is asking for from us do not reflect the market or what they are asking of other distributors.

If we are unable to reach an agreement by August 31, we will continue to negotiate with Versus, however, it's unlikely that we'll be able to keep Versus on the air during negotiations. In the meantime, you'll still be able to watch college football on Big Ten Network, the MTN., ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN GamePlan, local channels and your Regional Sports Network (RSN). NHL games are available on NHL Network, NHL Center Ice, and your RSN. MMA is available on HDNet and Spike TV, IRL on ABC, and Professional Bull Riding on ESPN2.

Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to directv.com for the latest news and information

Sincerely,

The only reason I've been keeping Direct TV was that they had VS.

So, who carries OLN these days??

:D

Versus is on Dish Network channel 151

http://www.dishnetwork.com/packages/channel.aspx?channel=50357

Im sure Vs. feels they have a lot of negotiating power after the recent tours numbers. On my dish I had to upgrade to the highest tier (extra $20/month) to watch the tour.

Thanks for the information regarding Dish Network - out where I live, satellite TV is the only option.

If DTV drops Versus I will drop DTV. After the NCAA football season of course.

Well, I was all ready to switch from cable to DirecTV this year before I found out that they didn't have Universal Sports (they aired the Giro and will be covering the Vuelta as well). So I decided to hold off. This makes that decision even easier now.

Not sure about broadcasts where you live, but Universal Sports is broadcast as the 3rd subchannel off the local NBC digital broadcast here in the DC area-seems you could get Universal over the air.

There you have it, all DTV people should write in and threaten to cancel their service if they drop VS. I really like DTV though, and TIVO. I don't think I could give up TIVO.

Tivo Series 3 + cable cards = great success!

Noticing Universal has the World Championships, the Vuelta, and stage 1 of the Tour of Missouri.

Versus is broadcasting stages 2-8 of the Tour of Missouri- and only half an hour on each stage, no Vuelta as earlier advertised.

Is Universal going to displace Versus as the US network cover the Tour next year?

The only reason I've been keeping Direct TV was that they had VS.

So, who carries OLN these days??

:D

OLN changed their name to Versus

AT&T Uverse also carries Versus-HD

This may explain the problem
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Versus_%28TV_channel%29

I did not know that Versus is owned by Comcast

This is the email reply from DTV

""
Dear Mr

Thanks for writing. We recognize you as a valued and loyal customer and we want you to know we appreciate it.

Our agreement with Versus expires on August 31, 2009. We are working hard to reach an agreement to keep Versus on the air. If we are unable to reach an agreement and must take Versus off the air, we will communicate with you via on-air slides or messaging.

We understand how important Versus is to you. It's equally important to us to keep your monthly fees low, so we're doing everything we can to avoid paying exorbitant programming fees. We feel that the terms Versus is asking for from us do not reflect the market or what they are asking of other distributors.

If we are unable to reach an agreement by August 31, we will continue to negotiate with Versus, however, it's unlikely that we'll be able to keep Versus on the air during negotiations. In the meantime, you'll still be able to watch college football on Big Ten Network, the MTN., ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN GamePlan, local channels and your Regional Sports Network (RSN). NHL games are available on NHL Network, NHL Center Ice, and your RSN. MMA is available on HDNet and Spike TV, IRL on ABC, and Professional Bull Riding on ESPN2.

Thanks again for writing and stay tuned to directv.com for the latest news and information

Sincerely,



Sounds like Professional Bull Sh*ting!

According to Variety, all they are asking is the same as everyone else pays them (standard rates).

As far as I'm concerned, if they charge for advertising, then they should be FREE. The local cable company can charge some federally regulated local distribution charge of, say, $10, regardless of the number of channels. If a channel wants to charge a subscription fee, it should be required to be 100% commercial free by federal law.

Well it's off the air now.

I sent off an e-mail asking simply what the probability was that it would be returning in the next few months.

I don't know if they're really negotiating in good faith or if they've just given up and want us to think it might come back so we don't switch providers.

I don't care who's the good guy or bad guy in the talks, I want to see Lombardia so if it's not done in a couple weeks I'm going to one of the other providers. Pisses me off that the other companies package it with premium sports channels though because I'll never watch them.

edit - got a canned response but it does say they are continuing negotiations. I'll give them until Sept 25 and by then I'll have decided which other provider makes the most sense.

Well, this sounds permanent.

As previously mentioned, our agreement with Versus expired on August 31, 2009. DIRECTV
made every effort to keep VERSUS a part of its programming line-up, but due to
unsuccessful contract negotiations with Comcast, the owner of Versus, the channel has
been removed. We understand how important Versus is to you and we are sorry that we have
had to remove it from our lineup and we're unable to add it back.

Well, this sounds permanent.

As previously mentioned, our agreement with Versus expired on August 31, 2009. DIRECTV
made every effort to keep VERSUS a part of its programming line-up, but due to
unsuccessful contract negotiations with Comcast, the owner of Versus, the channel has
been removed. We understand how important Versus is to you and we are sorry that we have
had to remove it from our lineup and we're unable to add it back.

Dear Direct TV,

Please understand how important Versus is to me and I'm sorry that I have
to remove you from my line up and I'm unable to add you back.

PS. I'll be going to Comcast since they own Versus. :roflmao2:

DirecTV was very understanding when I told them I'd be quitting; said they'd been getting a lot of calls. Didn't offer me any incentives to stay but I wouldn't have accepted anyway.

DishNetwork was happy to hear from me - they have a big Versus ad on their home page so they're taking advantage of this.

DirecTV current system: two non HD tv's, one DVR rental and service fee, one regular receiver, Choice Package 150 channels: $66/month.

DishNetwork future system: two non HD tv's, both DVRs, Gold 250 package, free installation: $53/month for 1 year then $68/month. Says they can get the installers out by Wednesday.

I'm happy.

Aren't Dish and DirecTv under the same parent company?

I think that got declined by the fed, but I could be wrong.

Here's the response I got, minus the personal info:

Dear Mr. dfghjldshg,

Thanks for writing. I understand your concern regarding Versus.

Our agreement with Versus expired on August 31, 2009. DIRECTV made every effort to keep VERSUS a part of its programming line-up, but due to unsuccessful contract negotiations with Comcast, the owner of Versus, the channel has been removed.

We understand how important Versus is to you and we are sorry that we have had to remove it from our lineup. Comcast regularly tries to charge us amounts well in excess of what is fair and reasonable to carry the programming they own. Their reason is obvious: they want to stifle competition from DIRECTV. Comcast's unfair terms undermines DIRECTV's ability to offer our customers the best possible value. If we simply accept these terms, we would have to absorb the unreasonable costs Comcast wants to charge us, and in turn we will be forced to increase the rates our customers pay. We do not want this to happen.

For more information, please visit directv.com/versus.

In the meantime, you'll still be able to watch college football on Big Ten Network, the MTN., ESPN, ESPNU, ESPN GamePlan, local channels and your Regional Sports Network (RSN). NHL games are available on NHL Network, NHL Center Ice, and your RSN. MMA is available on HDNet and Spike TV, IRL on ABC, and Professional Bull Riding on ESPN2.

In addition, while we are unable to comment on upcoming programming decisions, we are always reviewing our programming options to make sure we bring you the best possible TV experience.

We value your opinions about our programming, so I have forwarded your request to DIRECTV management, who review every suggestion, inquiry and complaint for trends from our most important customers to determine what changes should be considered.

Thanks again for writing.

Sincerely,
(Personal infor removed)
DIRECTV Customer Service

P. S. Football season is almost here! Catch up to 14 games every week this fall with NFL SUNDAY TICKET, now available at directv.com/nfl.

Aren't Dish and DirecTv under the same parent company?

Nope, in 2003 there were merger negotiations but they fell through for contractual reasons, not regulatory ones.

The p!ss!ing contest if actually pretty entertaining - Versus took out some national newspaper ads just to slam DirecTV and urge customers to switch carriers.

http://tvbythenumbers.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/worthless.jpg
DirecTV called Versus "an infomercial station with occasional sporting events of interest".

DishNetwork has 13.5 million subscribers, DirecTV has 17.5 million. This won't bridge the gap but it'll get a little smaller.

I was going to drop Direct TV because they stopped carrying VS. HOWEVER now they have Universal Sports which is more of what I like anyway. Watching the Vuelta now. It's all good as far as I'm concerned until it comes time for Paris-Roubaix. :)

HOWEVER now they have Universal Sports which is more of what I like anyway. :)

What channel number is this ? Thanks

610? One above where VS used to be.

Found it , thanks

universal sports is on Directv channel 604

Cool, I did not check for that. I have to stick with DirectTV for another 9 months, before I can move and not be jammed with fees, so Universal Sports will fill the bill for now.

Cool, I did not check for that. I have to stick with DirectTV for another 9 months, before I can move and not be jammed with fees, so Universal Sports will fill the bill for now.

On my cable company, I've had both channels all season. To be honest, I like Universal Sports better. They've had both the Giro and Vuelta plus other races throughout the season. They actually seem interested in showing sports that don't get a lot of attention here in the States, like track and field. They've shown a lot of world championships from other sports all year long. Plus, they're airing the upcoming Tour of Missouri and the UCI World Championships. Versus is dedicated to showing what will get them the highest ratings in that young male demographic. I could see NBC making a serious bid to get the TdF on Universal.

Wow this worked out kinda good for us directv customers. Sure hope we can see TDF next July. I gotta stay with directv at least through Feb. for some equipment contracts, maybe Universal sports can get the TDF by then.

I was going to drop Direct TV because they stopped carrying VS. HOWEVER now they have Universal Sports which is more of what I like anyway. Watching the Vuelta now. It's all good as far as I'm concerned until it comes time for Paris-Roubaix. :)

Yes, they do have Universal, but the announcers for the Vuelta suck major a**.

Of course, U-Sports does not show Formula 1, which was one of the major reasons I got DTV.

Lucky me I just moved last month and went from Cox to Direct TV. I have no choice in the matter like most of us and then this happens. At least I did get all the great Tour de France coverage in before i moved but I gotta say I don't think it will hurt me that much. Right now I am watching yesterdays Veulta stage on youtube(before it gets pulled) and yeah its only 4 ten minute pieces but how many of us were complaining about the 5 hour TdeF stages that only had 20 minutes of good stuff. HD would be nice, on a big screen would be nice BUT with the internet I can watch all types of races that none of the stations cover(eehh huumm Giro).

There you have it, all DTV people should write in and threaten to cancel their service if they drop VS. I really like DTV though, and TIVO. I don't think I could give up TIVO.

That's exactly what the crawl is all about.

Sounds like Comcast purposely made the price too high so that if DirecTV doesn't buy it, Comcast has a channel they don't and if DirecTV does buy it, they're losing money. Good that DirecTV got Universal Sports which actually shows more cycling than Versus anyway AND doesn't cut the feed partway through a stage to go to some dumb pre-recorded show.

Sounds like Comcast purposely made the price too high so that if DirecTV doesn't buy it, Comcast has a channel they don't and if DirecTV does buy it, they're losing money. Good that DirecTV got Universal Sports which actually shows more cycling than Versus anyway AND doesn't cut the feed partway through a stage to go to some dumb pre-recorded show.

I don't think it helps Comcast at all to not have Versus on Directv. In fact it hurts Comcast more than Directv. This is simply a squabble about a rate increase. Nobody is going to be switching to Comcast because of Versus.

I don't think it helps Comcast at all to not have Versus on Directv. In fact it hurts Comcast more than Directv. This is simply a squabble about a rate increase. Nobody is going to be switching to Comcast because of Versus.

You mean besides the numerous people in this very thread who said they were going to do exactly that? If the tour de france is only on versus, there are a number of people who will get comcast just for that.

You mean besides the numerous people in this very thread who said they were going to do exactly that? If the tour de france is only on versus, there are a number of people who will get comcast just for that.

Wow, so thats Comcast's evil genius business plan? Get 1000 people in the entire US to switch TV services in order to watch cycling? Wow, brilliant! That should make them a TON of money!

Comcast makes a lot more from DirectTVlicensing than the few hockey and cycling fans who might bother switching TV providers in order get Versus.

Wow, so thats Comcast's evil genius business plan? Get 1000 people in the entire US to switch TV services in order to watch cycling? Wow, brilliant! That should make them a TON of money!

Comcast makes a lot more from DirectTVlicensing than the few hockey and cycling fans who might bother switching TV providers in order get Versus.

I'm sure more than a 1000 people watched the tdf on direct tv in the U.S. - :innocent:

Comcast (the cable giant) owns Versus. Maybe maybe you should ask them what the motive is. The only thing I miss is cycling.

Yes, they do have Universal, but the announcers for the Vuelta suck major a**.

Of course, U-Sports does not show Formula 1, which was one of the major reasons I got DTV.

Who cares about the announcers. As long as I can watch cycling I'm happy. :D

Besides, everyone complains about the announcers ( Paul, Craig, Bobke, Phil, Al, Robbie, etc...):roflmao2:

there is no comparison between watching the Tour in HD on Versus and the Vuelta in standard def on Universal, which looks way worse than standard def to begin with. It's like viewing a 21" monitor in 640x480. Now I just need a blu-ray disc of it for posterity.

Is there any way Universal sports could get the TDF in 2010?