The biggest problem I've had with this roll-out is with regards to communication. Neither ESPN, ACC, or the providers are providing any helpful information. Hardly any of the providers gave a head's up on which channel or package the ACCN would appear in prior to it launching. Even now, most of them remain silent. It has been up to the customer to call and find out. Even then, these providers have not prepared their call staff with information. So, most calls begin with the customer having to explain what the ACCN is, followed by the analyst taking a long pause while they go ask someone else.

The other problem I have is that the ACCN does not seem to be on the same level as SECN in terms of package availability. On one hand, it sounds like ESPN is asking a high price for ACCN within the ACC footprint states, which is good news. However, it seems like they caved in on out-of-footprint states. It sounds like that instead of taking a reduced price for those out-of-footprint states, they elected to require a higher level package to get ACCN. I don't know the numbers, so I can't do the math to see how much of a difference this will make. However, I'm a little concerned that there is a difference between ACCN and SECN availability on different packages. I'm not one of these fans that wants the ACCN on every provider regardless of what it takes. I'm willing to be patient while we wait on Disney, ESPN, FX, and Nat Geo contracts to expire so that we can get a good price for the network.

(08-27-2019 09:29 AM)Schema Wrote:  The biggest problem I've had with this roll-out is with regards to communication. Neither ESPN, ACC, or the providers are providing any helpful information. Hardly any of the providers gave a head's up on which channel or package the ACCN would appear in prior to it launching. Even now, most of them remain silent. It has been up to the customer to call and find out. Even then, these providers have not prepared their call staff with information. So, most calls begin with the customer having to explain what the ACCN is, followed by the analyst taking a long pause while they go ask someone else.

The other problem I have is that the ACCN does not seem to be on the same level as SECN in terms of package availability. On one hand, it sounds like ESPN is asking a high price for ACCN within the ACC footprint states, which is good news. However, it seems like they caved in on out-of-footprint states. It sounds like that instead of taking a reduced price for those out-of-footprint states, they elected to require a higher level package to get ACCN. I don't know the numbers, so I can't do the math to see how much of a difference this will make. However, I'm a little concerned that there is a difference between ACCN and SECN availability on different packages. I'm not one of these fans that wants the ACCN on every provider regardless of what it takes. I'm willing to be patient while we wait on Disney, ESPN, FX, and Nat Geo contracts to expire so that we can get a good price for the network.

Which states have SECN and ACCN on a different tier? Is it an SEC footprint state?

(08-27-2019 09:57 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  Which states have SECN and ACCN on a different tier? Is it an SEC footprint state?

You know what, I'm not sure I have enough info to say. I saw someone in Chicago that says he had to either add the sports pack or upgrade to the Premier package to get ACCN, but I don't see where he verified that he already got the SECN. I may have been making that assumption based on other posts in that thread. So, for now, maybe I don't have enough info to confirm this with regards to the SECN and ACCN.

(08-27-2019 10:41 AM)CardinalJim Wrote:  I have reviewed the packages offered by all the services presently carrying The ACC Network and The SEC Network. They are both available on the same tier on all services.

OK. For DIRECTV, that seems to be different than what people are posting on some satellite message boards I've read.

If you go to the following site, and then search for "SEC", you can see that it is in the Choice and above packages.

https://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/p...s=Header:5

Unfortunately, they aren't acknowledging that the ACCN exists yet, so you can't search for ACC and it is not listed anywhere on that screen. However, I've seen posts from people in states outside of the ACC footprint that said they had the Choice package and did not receive the ACCN until they either added the Sports Pack or upgrade to the Premier package.

I guess when DIRECTV agreed to carry ACCN back in March, that did not give them enough time to update their web sites prior to the August launch. Maybe in the next year or two, they'll get that updated and we will be able to see a side by side comparison of the ACCN and SECN on this screen to know for sure.

(08-27-2019 11:26 AM)Schema Wrote:  

(08-27-2019 10:41 AM)CardinalJim Wrote:  I have reviewed the packages offered by all the services presently carrying The ACC Network and The SEC Network. They are both available on the same tier on all services.

OK. For DIRECTV, that seems to be different than what people are posting on some satellite message boards I've read.

If you go to the following site, and then search for "SEC", you can see that it is in the Choice and above packages.

https://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/p...s=Header:5

Unfortunately, they aren't acknowledging that the ACCN exists yet, so you can't search for ACC and it is not listed anywhere on that screen. However, I've seen posts from people in states outside of the ACC footprint that said they had the Choice package and did not receive the ACCN until they either added the Sports Pack or upgrade to the Premier package.

I guess when DIRECTV agreed to carry ACCN back in March, that did not give them enough time to update their web sites prior to the August launch. Maybe in the next year or two, they'll get that updated and we will be able to see a side by side comparison of the ACCN and SECN on this screen to know for sure.

I saw someone in Texas post that they get the SECN on a lower tier than the ACCN... but that makes sense: Texas is an SEC state but not an ACC state. I'd expect the opposite from someone in New York state.

I'm really not sure. All I know is that if I go to the site listed below, I can put in different zip codes from around the country, and then under the "Chose a base package" menu, I can click "Compare channel lineups". From there, I can click on "Download channel lineup (PDF)". Every zip code I've tried, regardless of the state, shows that the SECN is in the Choice package and above.

Is it possible that the ACCN is the same? Sure. However, that doesn't seem to match what some people that live in states outside of the ACC footprint are posting. At this point, all I have to go on is message boards posts since DIRECTV / AT&T has not added any information on ACCN on their sites.

https://www.att.com/buy/bundles

(08-27-2019 10:41 AM)CardinalJim Wrote:  I have reviewed the packages offered by all the services presently carrying The ACC Network and The SEC Network. They are both available on the same tier on all services.

Here is something to try.

Go to https://www.spectrum.com/, and then click on Cable TV. In the CHECK AVAILABILITY & OFFERS box, enter this address. I just randomly tried this one. 350 Parkman Ave, 90004. This is in California.

When the results are displayed, filter for just "TV" in the upper-left.

Now, under TV Select, click Read more. Next, click 125+ channels.

In the channel lineup, you will see ACC Network listed for SPECTRUM SILVER and SPECTRUM GOLD.

If you scroll down to SEC Network, you will see it listed for SPECTRUM SELECT, SPECTRUM SILVER and SPECTRUM GOLD.

This is just an example of where I'm seeing differences.

(08-27-2019 11:26 AM)Schema Wrote:  

(08-27-2019 10:41 AM)CardinalJim Wrote:  I have reviewed the packages offered by all the services presently carrying The ACC Network and The SEC Network. They are both available on the same tier on all services.

OK. For DIRECTV, that seems to be different than what people are posting on some satellite message boards I've read.

If you go to the following site, and then search for "SEC", you can see that it is in the Choice and above packages.

https://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/content/p...s=Header:5

Unfortunately, they aren't acknowledging that the ACCN exists yet, so you can't search for ACC and it is not listed anywhere on that screen. However, I've seen posts from people in states outside of the ACC footprint that said they had the Choice package and did not receive the ACCN until they either added the Sports Pack or upgrade to the Premier package.

I guess when DIRECTV agreed to carry ACCN back in March, that did not give them enough time to update their web sites prior to the August launch. Maybe in the next year or two, they'll get that updated and we will be able to see a side by side comparison of the ACCN and SECN on this screen to know for sure.

That's weird. I live outside the ACC footprint and have Direct TV. I didn't have to add anything but I believe I have the highest package or one step below it.

(08-27-2019 12:53 PM)Indytarheel Wrote:  That's weird. I live outside the ACC footprint and have Direct TV. I didn't have to add anything but I believe I have the highest package or one step below it.

If you have the Premier package, that could explain it, since that package includes all of the sports networks.

Keep in mind that many people with cable/satellite are on different promotions etc that effect what they have access to. That's why I cut them out years ago & currently use Youtube Tv. It wouldn't surprise me at some point if ESPN puts the ACCN on their streaming service as a add on

There is no news on the negotiations between ESPN and Comcast over making the ACC Network available via the cable carrier, on the eve of Thursday’s ACC opener between defending national champion Clemson and Georgia Tech. Fans wanting to tune in to see UVA-Pitt and Virginia Tech-Boston College are on the clock as well, throwing into question the strategies of all involved – the ACC, ESPN and Comcast.

Link
https://augustafreepress.com/acc-network...omers/amp/

Update on Disney & DISH (sling TV also)

Disney has started advising Dish subscribers of a looming contract deadline with FX and National Geographic, which could go dark on the satellite TV provider. The two companies previously had negotiated past a contract deadline in July, citing progress in the talks as the signals remained active on the satellite system. The current deadline is 9 PM PT on Tuesday.

Dish chairman Charlie Ergen has expressed pessimism in his recent remarks, though that would fit a pattern where he has previously said other programmers would be permanently unplugged, only to have a deal materialize.


Link
https://deadline.com/2019/08/disney-warn...202705486/

(08-27-2019 08:00 PM)GTFletch Wrote:  Update on Disney & DISH (sling TV also)

Disney has started advising Dish subscribers of a looming contract deadline with FX and National Geographic, which could go dark on the satellite TV provider. The two companies previously had negotiated past a contract deadline in July, citing progress in the talks as the signals remained active on the satellite system. The current deadline is 9 PM PT on Tuesday.

Dish chairman Charlie Ergen has expressed pessimism in his recent remarks, though that would fit a pattern where he has previously said other programmers would be permanently unplugged, only to have a deal materialize.


Link
https://deadline.com/2019/08/disney-warn...202705486/

Fingers crossed. They were able to use the FX and Nat Geo networks to get an ACCN deal done with NCTC back in July.

Possible good news for ACCN on Dish and Sling

https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/d...o-blackout

It would seem logical for Disney to use this negotiation to for ACCN coverage

As a Uverse sufferer I don't have the ACCN.

The crunch time for ATT in North Carolina is not the start of football season, it's the start of BASKETBALL season and they know that.

The basketball demand in certain pockets is greater than the football demand and the extreme bitching and moaning will not start until November. The casual or "Wal Mart" UNC and Duke fans will come out of the woodwork in November. I've always said the ACCN was a three legged stool unlike BTN and SECN - Football, Basketball, and ND are the three nearly equal legs that will drive demand, unlike the SECN which is a one trick pony (although it's damn good trick).


Most everyone here is really a football first fan. I am at least. Understanding the mind of a basketball first fan takes a little effort for a football first fan.

(08-28-2019 10:43 AM)Statefan Wrote:  As a Uverse sufferer I don't have the ACCN.

The crunch time for ATT in North Carolina is not the start of football season, it's the start of BASKETBALL season and they know that.

The basketball demand in certain pockets is greater than the football demand and the extreme bitching and moaning will not start until November. The casual or "Wal Mart" UNC and Duke fans will come out of the woodwork in November. I've always said the ACCN was a three legged stool unlike BTN and SECN - Football, Basketball, and ND are the three nearly equal legs that will drive demand, unlike the SECN which is a one trick pony (although it's damn good trick).


Most everyone here is really a football first fan. I am at least. Understanding the mind of a basketball first fan takes a little effort for a football first fan.

A glass of wine and some imported cheese also helps.

Saw this on Twitter:
Windstream
@Talk2Windstream
Replying to
@DaveFultonWrang

@DullesDistrict
and 2 others
We are continuing to research the possibility of providing this channel. We do not have a definitive answer at this time, but hope to have an update by end of week.^LK

Whelp, looks like none of the remaining big boys blinked. If they were scared of Clemson/GT fans cancelling at least, today would be the day. Unless there's a mass exodus today that shakes them about what happens when fans in Florida and Virginia start missing games, looks like it will be a longer haul.

(08-28-2019 11:11 AM)Lou_C Wrote:  Whelp, looks like none of the remaining big boys blinked. If they were scared of Clemson/GT fans cancelling at least, today would be the day. Unless there's a mass exodus today that shakes them about what happens when fans in Florida and Virginia start missing games, looks like it will be a longer haul.

Lou, I can't tell you how many fan posts I've read on various boards whining about how "they shouldn't have to change tv providers to get the ACCN" - as if the ACC or ESPN could control that! Fans have to realize their wallets are the ONLY vote that counts when it comes to which providers carry the ACCN - but they MUST be willing to switch!

I had everything lined up to drop Spectrum if they hadn't done the right thing... all this whining from Comcast, Cox and Dish customers just KILLS me!

(08-28-2019 11:56 AM)Hokie Mark Wrote:  

(08-28-2019 11:11 AM)Lou_C Wrote:  Whelp, looks like none of the remaining big boys blinked. If they were scared of Clemson/GT fans cancelling at least, today would be the day. Unless there's a mass exodus today that shakes them about what happens when fans in Florida and Virginia start missing games, looks like it will be a longer haul.

Lou, I can't tell you how many fan posts I've read on various boards whining about how "they shouldn't have to change tv providers to get the ACCN" - as if the ACC or ESPN could control that! Fans have to realize their wallets are the ONLY vote that counts when it comes to which providers carry the ACCN - but they MUST be willing to switch!

I had everything lined up to drop Spectrum if they hadn't done the right thing... all this whining from Comcast, Cox and Dish customers just KILLS me!

Most of what I see on Twitter at least is 95% angry at the carrier, and 5% angry at the ACC.

This is the world...it was always the way it was going to be if you launched a network, and if you wanted to make money off the network. Which most of us wanted.

I have less sympathy today given the streaming options than I used to for sure. That said, there are people without access to enough broadband, and people in contracts they can't get out of, I recognize it's going to suck for a some people who are kind of stuck. Especially older folks.

But the vast majority of people have several good options to switch if they want it. That's much different than it used to be, and even now that's not an option PAC fans really have.