Is there reason to worry for ESPNU HD?

[deez04]

With the launch today and the PPV placeholders in place, is there reason for us sports enthusiasts to worry that ESPNU HD will not launch on D* on the 28th?

D* is committed to sports and sports coverage so should we expect this channel at launch or later in September? The reason I ask this is that D* was not suppose to turn on D11 early and they did. So will they have a contract up and ready for ESPNU HD on August 28th? What do you guys think the chances are of us getting this channel?

Many posters have stated concern of launching other channels because of lack of contracts. Was ESPNU HD contract taken care of earlier or is it stil in negotiations?

Many want the HBO and cinemax, but I really want this channel only! Any insight would be great.

Also, thanks D* for sportsouth and FSN south HD 24/7 for college football. I hope to be pleased onthe 28th since it is a Thursday!!

 

[charper1]

I sure would not worry until anything of value is in season and broadcasting. I am 99.995% sure ESPNU is likely not one of the contract issues and will be ready when their programming season rolls out. I too could car less about additional premiums that do not show live or 1st run material OVER those that do; yes I want them , but not at the expense or before current content. I can rent or D/L old material.

 

[uncrules]

I'm not to sure about EPSNU. At the other site there was a thread about ESPNU and everybody was just assuming that ESPNU would be on D* when it debuts. However, SatelliteRacer basically said it wasn't a done deal yet. IIRC SatelliteRacer works on the sports side of D*.

A mod said "ESPNU will launch in HD on August 28th. I believe DIRECTV will pick it up that day or very shortly after that."

SatelliteRacer said: "Not so sure about that second part"

 

[deez04]

I'm not to sure about EPSNU. At the other site there was a thread about ESPNU and everybody was just assuming that ESPNU would be on D* when it debuts. However, SatelliteRacer basically said it wasn't a done deal yet. IIRC SatelliteRacer works on the sports side of D*.

A mod said "ESPNU will launch in HD on August 28th. I believe DIRECTV will pick it up that day or very shortly after that."

SatelliteRacer said: "Not so sure about that second part"

thanks for the update. I thought i had heard that somewhere. that just amazes me though. this channel has been scheduled to launch on this date since last year! what is up with the contracts at D*?

 

[GeorgeLV]

thanks for the update. I thought i had heard that somewhere. that just amazes me though. this channel has been scheduled to launch on this date since last year! what is up with the contracts at D*?

DirecTV has (and we can assume wants) ESPNU in their Sports Pack that cost $12 extra per month.

We can assume that ESPN wants ESPNU in the base package and is willing to hardball the HD feed to get it there.

After this drags out for a while ESPNU ends up in the middle tier, Choice Xtra, and everybody gets to claim victory except the viewers who just missed following their favorite conference in HD for 2 months.

 

[deez04]

DirecTV has (and we can assume wants) ESPNU in their Sports Pack that cost $12 extra per month.

We can assume that ESPN wants ESPNU in the base package and is willing to hardball the HD feed to get it there.

After this drags out for a while ESPNU ends up in the middle tier, Choice Xtra, and everybody gets to claim victory except the viewers who just missed following their favorite conference in HD for 2 months.

that would be great if it did get moved to a lower tier and i think you are right about that being more of a hold up for contract talks. it is a good move for D* if this is the case.

 

[gadgtfreek]

DirecTV has (and we can assume wants) ESPNU in their Sports Pack that cost $12 extra per month.

We can assume that ESPN wants ESPNU in the base package and is willing to hardball the HD feed to get it there.

After this drags out for a while ESPNU ends up in the middle tier, Choice Xtra, and everybody gets to claim victory except the viewers who just missed following their favorite conference in HD for 2 months.

I agree with this opinion.

 

[mlb]

Considering the fact that UC had 3 or 4 games on ESPNU last year, I'll be ticked if we don't get the HD version of the channel.

Of course, this could all be moot if they don't have more than a handful of games in HD on ESPNU all season.

 

[uncrules]

Of course, this could all be moot if they don't have more than a handful of games in HD on ESPNU all season.

The press release mentioned 200 games would be on ESPNU HD during its first year.

 

[satjay]

So do some of you think that when ESPNU HD does light up, will it be sports pack or with the other tier of espn stations???

 

[Curtis0620]

ESPN is definately pushing to include it with the other ESPN stations.

 

[charper1]

ESPN is definately pushing to include it with the other ESPN stations.

I concur; ESPN does not want to be in an add-on tier. AT least until the day they wield enough power to command their own.

 

[gadgtfreek]

I would love for ESPNU to be another channel we get without a pack.

 

[HDinCincy]

I would love for ESPNU to be another channel we get without a pack.

That would be AWESOME BABY.... (with apologies to Dickie V.)