(03-09-2017 08:01 AM)TerryD Wrote:  

(03-09-2017 12:31 AM)arkstfan Wrote:  Can't please everyone.
Just a week ago I was given grief on this board because to watch my favorite teams I subscribe to the MLS, MLB, and NHL online packages.

Not by me.

I used to subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket just to watch Steelers games.

All of those other games I had access to? I didn't ever tune in. No interest.

I currently subscribe to MLB TV Premium, but I only watch the Pirates and whomever they are playing that day.

The other 30 teams that I have access to? I never watch them.

To each his own.

To each his own is the key thing.

I grew up a Cubs fan, WGN stopped carrying them, so a I subscribe. If I were a Rangers fan I'd get by on basic satellite or cable, if a Cardinals fan, basic cable (nearly every Arkansas cable system has a deal to carry the Cards), Rangers or Astros? I'd only need basic satellite plus the sports package for $10.

I'm a Predators fan so I subscribe. If I liked the Stars, a basic cable/satellite package handles it.

My favorite pro team (period) is Sporting Kansas City. If liked FC Dallas basic cable or satellite is enough (though it appears Direct is allowing me to watch SKC, only one game into that new contract but if that holds, good by MLS Live).

NFL Broncos but not enough to pay for Sunday Ticket. Last year Direct comped it and I watched it some but it confirmed that for me it wasn't worth paying sticker price.

I never watch anyone else on MLS Live.
But I will watch west coast baseball and hockey if I have to be up late working on something just to have some background noise.

If I were to move to a city with several pro teams and my allegiance to my teams faded thanks to attending games in person, I'd ditch those extra costs and probably have a basic cable or satellite package that includes the local regional sports network.

All of that is well good, I say.

But the point of the thread is if there will be a trend such that we one day find all pay-TV has been converted over to standalone subscribtion, internet streaming services (where you download a separate app on a device like Roku, etc. for each network of channels).

At this moment in time, I say: not a chance.


Channel bundles, regardless if they're delivered via traditional methods (cable/sat systems) or the newer methods (Sling, DirecTV Now, YouTube TV), are still how most people are consuming new TV content.