DIRECTV raised a few eyebrows recently, as they announced the upcoming NFL Sunday Ticket price – just $199!  New customers joining DIRECTV for the first time will once again enjoy Sunday Ticket for free, but the huge reduction in price for existing customers means more people than ever will subscribe to the football package.

The $199 price point represents a 40% reduction when compared to the 2011 football package.  Speculation fired up immediately as to the reasons behind the price drop.

Complaints have run rampant over the last few years as the price of Sunday Ticket has gotten out of hand for many fans.  Some have tightened their budget in other areas, and forked over the money to DIRECTV in order to enjoy all of the NFL action each Sunday.  Others have defected to competitors like DISH Network , Verizon FiOS, and AT&T Uverse – all providers offering the NFL Redzone channel for a much lower price.  Others have reported that by calling DIRECTV before the season starts and threatening to cancel a lower price offer is often offered.  Is the lower price on NFL Sunday Ticket a reaction to unhappy fans?

That may be part of it.  DIRECTV also wants to keep first time subscribers as paying Sunday Ticket customers.  In 2011, the package was offered free to new customers for the first time ever, so DIRECTV is no doubt sensitive to shocking these potential long time paying customers with a $300 price tag.

Those contemplating a renewal of the football package will want to take note of some of the changes in 2012.  While all of the games will be available in high definition at the $199 price point, several extras have been eliminated and lumped into a higher priced Sunday Ticket offer.  The most notable omission is the DIRECTV version of Red Zone Channel.  This network jumps from game to game as teams are threatening to score, and has become a fan favorite when they are not watching their hometown team.  Another popular feature, the mobile version of Sunday Ticket is also not included in the lower priced package.  Customers wanting to watch games on their iPhone, computer, or other mobile device will have to pay more for the privilege.

So how much will these extras cost?  The new NFL Sunday Ticket Max package includes everything offered by DIRECTV, and will run $299 for the 2012 season.   Customers will have the option of having the package billed all at once, or in installments.  The standard package will run $39.99 monthly for five months, while the Max package is $59.99 monthly.

The move certainly indicates that DIRECTV is focusing more than ever on retaining existing customers.  With exclusive rights on the NFL package for at least two more years, displaced football fans will definitely look hard at the satellite TV option when shopping for service.

One of the advantages of satellite television is the wide variety of sports programming available.  One network available to DIRECTV customers is Fox Sports Arizona, or as it is often referred to – FSARIZONA.  This regional sports network is available to DIRECTV customers with the Choice Package or higher, but of course only in the Southwest portion of the country.  Here are a few details on how to find Fox Sports Arizona on satellite TV.

Currently, FSARIZONA is found on DIRECTV channel 686, and is available in both standard definition and high definition (HD).  The station is also available on DISH, currently on channel 415 for SD and 365 for HD.   If you want to watch this regional sports network on DISH satellite, then you have to go with the America’s Top 120 Plus package or higher.  With those basics out of the way, you might wonder what kind of content is available on FSARIZONA.  Here is what is currently offered.

Professional sports headline this News Corporation owned channel.  Arizona Diamondback games are featured from April through September, with around 150 live games broadcast each season.

FS Arizona is also home to the Phoenix Suns, as basketball season begins in early November and progresses through April.  The Phoenix Coyotes of the NHL also call Fox Sports Arizona home.  You will generally see around 70 games each from the Suns and Coyotes each season.  Arizona State Sun Devil sports programming along with Pac-12 events round out the programming lineup.

So who gets FS ARIZONA as part of their standard satellite television package?   Those living in Arizona of course will get access to the channel, as will many living in New Mexico, Utah, and Southern Nevada.  The regional sports networks you are entitled to all depend on your area, so if you go to the DIRECTV or DISH websites respectively, you can plug in your zip code to see if this is the regional network for you.

If you live outside of the areas where Fox Sports Arizona is broadcast, you can still get the channel – but without the valuable live content that most are looking for.  The DIRECTV Sports Pack offers dozens of regional networks, but they aren’t allowed to broadcast live games out of the regional market.  The major sports leagues offer their own out of market packages like NBA League Pass and NHL Center Ice if you want to keep up on a particular team while living in a different part of the country.

A new sports channels will be hitting the airwaves, as Fox Sports San Diego was launched on March 5th.  The new channel will primarily be of interest to those in San Diego, but others with satellite TV may be able to see some of the action if they have DISH Network or DIRECTV.  Here are a few of the basics on Fox Sports San Diego.

The new channel is currently only carried on Cox cable systems, though DIRECTV is rumored to be the next major pay television provider to bring the channel into living rooms in Southern California.  Other major players in the San Diego market include AT&T U-Verse and Time Warner digital cable.  No formal agreements have been announced between Fox Sports San Diego and these providers.

The channel was launched as a joint venture between Fox and the San Diego Padres, with the team owning a minority stake of 20% and Fox owning the remaining 80% of the network.  The centerpiece of FS San Diego will be Padre baseball, which was previously on Channel 4 San Diego, a Cox owned station.   The broadcast deal gives the Padres $28 million a year to start, with increases that could reach as high as $75 million a year by the year 2032.

The formation of the new Fox Sports Network is welcome news to Padre fans, especially those with satellite or telco TV.  For years, Cox produced and distributed games exclusively to cable TV subscribers.  That meant if you lived in the San Diego region, you had to have either Cox or Time Warner cable if you wanted to keep up on the hometown team.  Eventually, AT&T petitioned the FCC regarding the situation, and won a decision paving the way for wider distribution of the games.

FS San Diego will also carry programming from Fox Sports West and Prime Ticket, regional networks currently serving the Los Angeles markets.   Los Angeles Clipper basketball, Anaheim Duck hockey, and college action featuring San Diego State, UCLA, and USC will round out the programming options on Fox Sports San Diego.

While an exact schedule has not yet been released as far as the 2012 Padre baseball season goes, expect FS San Diego to carry around 150 live games.

If you are looking to save a few bucks each month, then your cable or satellite television bill is a likely target.  While good deals are out there for new customers, existing subscribers may have to move to a lower priced programming package if they want to save money.  The cheapest Time Warner package now offered in limited markets is called TV Essentials, and may be the solution if you don’t have hardcore sports fans in the home.

The reason sports fans will probably pass on this offer is due to the elimination of ESPN from this particular Time Warner bundle.   The 24-hour-a-day sports channel is the most expensive for cable and satellite companies to carry, commanding and average monthly price of around $4 for each subscriber.  Additionally, the low cost Time Warner package will not offer regional sports network programming, which sports fans love as it provides live regional coverage of the  NBA, MLB, and NHL.

The TV Essentials package will also lack some of the other big cable network names.   Big name channels that many customers will miss if they subscribe to the package include TNT, Fox News, MSNBC, and Comedy Central.

On the other hand, some very popular names are included with this TWC package.  CNN, TBS, Lifetime, MTV, and Bravo are all included, and local channels are also available.  AMC and HGTV are also included, along with ESPNEWS – the 24 hour a day sports news program.

The low priced TWC package comes in response to two pressure points- a slow economy and cord cutters, those who have been eliminating satellite and cable television altogether.   The standard Time Warner digital starter package runs around $60 a month in New York city, while “TV Essentials” has been rolled out at the $39.99 price point in that area.  Other markets may have different pricing as the bundle is introduced elsewhere.  For example, in Northern Ohio the price is currently $29.95 per month.  Customers considering the package should also be aware that the price is being promoted as a promotional offer in some areas, meaning after 12 months it may increase.

If you are considering this cheaper Time Warner package, be sure to evaluate the alternatives from DISH Network and DIRECTV as well.  Each offer basic programming packages like the America’s Top 120 or the DIRECTV Entertainment package for around $30 a month for one year.  The downside with satellite is that a two year agreement is required, and you will pay more during the second year of service.

The DISH Network Family package is the cheapest option when it comes to ordering  satellite TV.  But will you miss out on all of the great cable television channels if you go with a lower tier package like this?  In this article we will review the DISH Family package, taking a look at some of the channel content included as well as the monthly price.

As the name implies, this satellite television package is family friendly, which means plenty of content for the kids, with a little for the adults.  One nice thing is that local channels are included, so you don’t have to use an OTA antenna.  A few of the highlights for the kids are Nickelodeon (two feeds-East and West), Boomerang, and Animal Planet.  Unfortunately the Disney channel is not included, you will have to move up to the America’s Top 120 if that is a high priority in your home.

For the adults in the home, a few of the highlights are Fox News channel, Science Channel, Food Network and Do It Yourself (DIY). Sports fans take note that ESPN is not in the Family package, again you will have to go up a tier with DISH Network if you want the leading sports network in America.

DISH rounds out the package with a basket of religious and shopping channels.  Generally, these are offered by content providers at little to no cost, instead counting on the viewing audience to generate revenue.  Religion oriented channels include Angel One, BYU TV, Inspiration, and TBN.  Shopping channels in the bundle include Buy!, Gems Shopping Network, QVC and Shop NBC.

So how much will the DISH Family package set you back each month?  New customers can get the channels listed and a few dozen more for $19.99 a month during months 1-12, and $24.99 a month thereafter.  Compared to the DIRECTV Family package, which is currently priced at $29.99 a month-DISH has the lowest priced satellite package currently available. Keep in mind that DISH also requires a two year contract for all new subscribers.

Customers will get one DISH receiver at no additional charge.  If you want DISH DVR service, then you can get subscribe for $6 extra each month and have the flexibility that comes with being able to record and playback content without having to deal with commercial interruptions.  Additional receivers will also add to the DISH Family monthly price.

Finally, those wanting HD channels will want to consider a different DISH package.  High defnition channels are not included in DISH family, so look at the America’s Top 120 if HD is a high priority.  Customers can still get free HD if they agree to paperless billing and automatic bill payment.

Satellite TV is wildly popular in rural areas, as it delivers great content and the latest technology to areas where cable does not generally go.  DISH Network and DIRECTV battle for these customers, offering incentives to switch as well as free equipment.  When it comes to the channels available, DISH Network is now offering a small add-on, the Heartland Package.  This $5 monthly bonus bundle delivers several channels of interest to the rural customer.

What channels are included in the DISH Heartland package?  GMC TV is probably the main attraction, along with the Hallmark Channel.   The Hallmark Movie channel is also included, as well as PixL, RFD-TV and the new spinoff from RFD named Rural TV.   DISH also reached a new agreement recently with Crown Media Family Networks, the distributor of both Hallmark channels, insuring both networks will be carried on satellite TV for years to come.

So which DISH Network customers will want to take a hard look at the new Heartland package?

Customers with lower tier packages like the America’s Top 120 or the DISH Family package may be interested in this new family bundle.  These packages do not have any of the Heartland channels, and for $5 extra it may be worth it rather than moving up to a higher priced package like the America’s Top 250.  Those who already have the Top 250 or America’s Everything packages may want to evaluate whether the additional channels are worth it, as the Hallmark channel and GMC TV are already included there.

All of the channels in the package are family friendly, and feature a variety of movies, series, and music that focus on the rural lifestyle.  Customers can add these channels to their existing DISH package by calling 1-800-333-DISH, or by logging into their online account.

With satellite television service, customers have a wider channel selection in most areas when you compare it to your local cable company.  This is especially true if you are looking for something niche specific, like Italian language channels.  If you have cable TV, you will have little, if any channel choice in this area.  In this article we will review the DISH Network Italian channel options, covering the content available and the monthly price.

With DISH Network, there are three options available to those looking for Italian programming packages.  The main offering is the Panorama Italiano, which is offered at $19.99 per month.  With this international bundle, you get 8 channels -  five are video channels and three are Italian music channels.  Here are the basics on DISH Italian channels:

Euronews is on DISH channel 901, but and is the most popular news and information channel in Europe.   Coverage of world news and its impact on Europe is featured on this channel.

MediaSet Italia is found on channel 756, and blends popular programming from leading national channels.  This station launched in June 2011, and features channel content pulled from Italian channels Canale 5, Italia 1, and Rete 4.

RAI News 24 is on DISH Network channel 730.  This is the state owned Italian channel, and offers 24 hour news coverage.

Raitalia is a variety channel, found on channel 728.  Live soccer matches, movies, mini-series, and talk shows are all part of the programming lineup.

Video Italia is the MTV of Italy – offering music videos, concert coverage, and other features related to the music industry and the artists that perform. (DISH channel 727)

Additionally, three radio music channels are offered in the Panorama Italiano package.   They are Radio Italia (channel 909), Radio Italia Anni 60 (channel 908), and Raitalia radio (channel 910).  All of these feature music, news, and talk programming targeted to the Italian community.

If you are looking to cut costs, or are interested in just a certain Italian channel, there are two a la carte options, each priced at $9.99 a month.  The first is Raitalia, which offers the video and audio channels (728 and 910).  The second is MediaSet Itialia, channel 756 mentioned earlier, also for $9.99 a month.  Obviously if you can afford the extra $10 a month you will get quite a bit more by subscribing to the full DISH Italian programming package.

If you are interested in Italian channels from DISH, you need to remember that a base programming package must be purchased in addition.  The DISH Family package is the cheapest overall option, at $24.99 a month.  There aren’t any new customer promotions on this package, so consider the America’s Top 120 package, which offers a $15 monthly credit for one year, bringing the effective price down to $29.99.  All new DISH Network customers must also agree to a two year contract.

The DIRECTV Nomad device was released a few months ago, allowing subscribers additional access to content recorded on their DVR.  But is the Nomad worth the price?  How does it compare to the Slingbox offered by DISH Network?  Here is a brief review on the features and benefits of the Nomad.

The Nomad  is a small, receiver like set top box measuring about 8x5x1, and is currently offered through DIRECTVand online retailers as well.  The current price is $149, and there are no additional monthly fees.

Basically, you must connect the Nomad to a Wireless router, which in turn must be connected to a high speed internet line.   You also need a compatible HD DVR from DIRECTV.  The HR21 or any newer model will work.  Once everything is connected, you can log in to your DIRECTV account and begin using the Nomad with devices like laptops, tablets, and iPhones.  A nice tutorial on setting everything up can be found on the DIRECTV help forum.

Once you are set up, what can you expect from your Nomad?  The device basically takes content from your HD DVR and converts it to a format that can be viewed on any number of mobile devices.  Current devices supported are iPhone, iPod Touch and laptop PCs.  DIRECTV currently states on their site that the Mac, iPad and Android devices will be supported soon.   Once you have installed the app on your mobile device, you will be able to connect through WiFi to the Nomad and download content for later viewing.

Once the content is transferred, it will be available for up to 30 days.  If a program expires and you still have it on your DIRECTV DVR, you can transfer it again.  Pay per view movies, on-demand shows, and 3D programming cannot be moved from the DVR to your mobile device.   Current Nomad models allow you to access up to 20 hours of content, but this can be increased if you pay for an external hard drive.

The Nomad has one big disadvantage when compared to the Slingbox, which is marketed by Sling Media – a division of DISH Network.  That disadvantage is that you cannot watch live TV remotely.    The Slingbox Solo, currently offered at $179.99 would be your best solution if you want to be able to watch TV remotely from your computer.  The disadvantage though with Slingbox is that you have to have a solid internet connection to be able to access your home TV.  Nomad bypasses this issue by re-formatting and transferring recorded content to your device, allowing you to watch it anywhere, anytime.

So which is better – the Nomad or the Slingbox?  It really depends on how and when you want to watch TV.  The Slingbox definitely is the best choice when it comes to trying to watch live events, like sports, when you are away from home.  The DIRECTV Nomad is better if you want to be able to watch shows if you are completely disconnected from the outside world.

CenturyLink has expanded quite a bit in the past three years, first with an acquisition of Embarq and then Qwest Communications last year.  With a presence now in 33 states, they compete with a number of cable television providers to offer both internet and phone service.  Additionally, Century Link is starting to deploy their own cable product called Prism TV in limited markets, while reselling DIRECTV in other areas they serve.  In this article, we will compare CenturyLink vs Cox Communications, evaluating your options if these providers serve your neighborhood.

The main difference beteeen Cox and CenturyLink is the last mile network built and service by each company.  CenturyLink was mainly a home telephone service provider, but now they use their copper network mainly for broadband internet along with dial-tone service.  Cox is a traditional cable television company, though they have upgraded their coaxial network to offer triple play packages including cable internet and phone service as well.

The main product customers will be considering when shopping these two companies is broadband internet service.  Both companies realize that this is fast becoming the most important communication product from the customers perspective.  With subscribers demanding a reliable and fast internet product, Cox and CenturyLink have made upgrades to their networks in recent years to bring even faster broadband speeds to the home.

CenturyLink offers a variety of speed with their internet product.  Because Qwest upgraded many highly populated areas with fiber optic fast internet, you may be able to get up to 40 Mbps in certain markets like Denver, Seattle, and Phoenix.  Other areas offer traditional DSL service, which may top out anywhere from 1.5 Mbps to 7 Mbps.  Obviously its wise to plug in your address on the CenturyLink website to see exactly what is available so you can make an accurate comparison to Cox internet service.

Cox offers broadband internet in the competing markets of Central Florida,  Las Vegas, Omaha, and Phoenix.   Cox Essential internet is the entry level plan available in all areas served by the cable company.  Offering download speeds up to 3 Mbps, you will double the speed of the basic CenturyLink internet plan.  From there, speeds go up significantly with Cox.  The Cox Internet Preferred plan offers speeds up to 15 Mbps, and PowerBoost up to 18 Mbps.  The Cox Premier Internet level moves up to 20 Mbps and PowerBoost up to 25 Mbps.

The top level Cox speed offered is the Ultimate plan, which is available in limited areas at this time.   Here with the PowerBoost feature you will top out at 55 Mbps, and the regular download speed is 50 Mbps.  This beats the top internet plan offered by CenturyLink which is 40 Mbps in the areas where available.

When comparing the options from Cox and CenturyLink internet, its important to figure out how much speed you need, and also factor in the bundle deals offered by each.  Cox deals are generally shorter in length, anywhere from four to six months depending on your area, while CenturyLink offers one and two year deals tied in with DIRECTV service in most areas.  Customers who have multiple users, work from home, or use streaming services like Netflix or Hulu will definitely want to go with a plan that offers more bandwidth than the entry level offers.

Now the next thing to consider when comparing Cox cable and CenturyLink side by side is the video service.  Cox Communications is a traditional cable operator, and they offer all of the things you would expect like pay per view, video on demand, and DVR service.  With CenturyLink, you will have two possibilities, as they offer their own Prism TV cable service in Las Vegas and a few other markets, otherwise you will have to go with DIRECTV satellite service.   If you are most interested in video service, you may want to read our Cox compared to DIRECTV article, which reviews both the pros and cons of each service.

While you will find similar channels with both Cox packages and DIRECTV, the main thing to look at here is the contract required if you go with satellite.  DIRECTV service requires a two year agreeement, and this holds true even if you get DIRECTV through CenturyLink.  Prism TV deals are better if you aren’t in a position to go with a two year agreement, as they offer a discount for six months of $20, then go to the regular price – with the option of being able to leave at any time without paying a penalty.   Prism TV operates much in the same way as cable, but uses the last mile telephone network instead of a cable connection.  This means no satellite dish is required to get service to your home.

The one thing you really might have to factor in when looking at the video options provided by these two companies is the Sunday Ticket package.  This football package has been a DIRECTV exclusive for more than a decade, and it is going to stay that way for at least a few more years.  If you live in an area served by Cox, you cannot get NFL Sunday Ticket, though the Red Zone channel is an option.   Hardcore fans displaced from their home NFL team will want to strongly consider a CenturyLink-DIRECTV bundle with the Sunday Ticket option, keeping in mind the  price is currently around $300 a season.

A final consideration for some will be the home phone options offered by CenturyLink and Cox.  While home phone service continues to be on the decline as smart phones become more popular, it is a nice option to have if cell phone reception isn’t good at your house.    So what options are available if you want a home phone line?

CenturyLink offers a five year price lock on their internet service, but the catch is you have to bundle service with a home phone line.  This works out if you want home phone service, though the price is $45 a month which includes unlimited nationwide calling along with eleven calling features.  With the price lock deal, subscribers get 1.5 Mbps internet for $19.95 monthly for five years with no contract.  As long as you keep your home phone line intact, you will not have any internet price increase.  Faster speeds are also available with the price lock guarantee, though you will pay $5 more for each speed increase at 12 Mbps, 20 Mbps, and 40 Mbps respectively.

Cox also offers multiple calling features with their home phone lines, with plans suited to your most important needs.  The Cox Essential home phone plan is $19.99 a month, with unlimited local calling, Caller ID and call waiting service.  A more inclusive option – Cox Premier Home Phone, runs $34.99 a month and includes unlimited long distance calling, plus quite a few additional calling features.  With either provider, you will have landline access to 911 emergency service 24 hours a day.

So which provider is better in the end?  It can be tricky to line up what each has to offer in a format that makes it easy to compare.  The best thing to do is decide what kind of services are most important before calling either company.  If a huge channel lineup is at the top of the list, start there and then add in the additional internet and phone features next.  Make sure to review each company’s website ahead of time to see what bundle options are available.  The Cox triple play is a good place to start initially, but once the regular price kicks in your bill goes up quite a bit.  Similarly, a CenturyLink bundle with DIRECTV is much cheaper during the first year, then prices revert to normal in months 13-24.

A new option is available to those shopping satellite TV services, as the DIRECTV Entertainment package is now available.  Offered at the $29.99 price point for new subscribers, this bundle will appeal to the budget minded, and to those who don’t need a every channel when they turn on the TV.

So why is DIRECTV introducing a new package in 2012?  The Choice package has long been advertised as the $29.99 a month bundle for new customers.  But last year the discount offered on the package to new customers was $31 a month, more than 50% of the overall price.  The 2012 DIRECTV price hike moves this package up to $63.99 when looking at the normal price, so creating a new package with a lower price makes sense for those looking to keep costs down, and for the satellite company as they no doubt want to advertise a low priced option at around $30 a month.  So how does the Entertainment package differ from the Choice package?

The channel selection is still there with this new DIRECTV bundle.  The Entertainment package will offer around 140 channels, with several sports channels being eliminated when compared to the Choice option.   If you go for the lower price option, you will not find the following channels:

ESPNEWS

ESPNU

Big Ten Network

MLB Channel

NFL Network

Cooking Channel

Independent Film Channel (IFC)

Fuse

TV One

Regional Sports  Networks (YES Network, Altitude, Fox Sports Net, etc. -depends on your local market)

There aren’t a whole lot of channels eliminated, but the regular price on the package is $9 less per month compared to Choice.  The main hit comes to those looking for sports action, especially NFL and MLB action.  By eliminating the MLB Channel, the NFL Network, and the regional sports network option, DIRECTV can pass along the savings to the customer.

The DIRECTV Entertainment package will be discounted by $25 a month for new subscribers, from $54.99 to the previously mentioned $29.99 monthly price.  This includes one receiver, and additional boxes and DVR service will cost extra.  A two year agreement is also required for new customers.

Higher priced packages will receive greater discounts.   The Choice and Choice Xtra packages will offer $29 discounts during year one, and the Choice Ultimate and Premier bundles will be discounted $30 a month.  DIRECTV is also now offering a second year discount on all packages in 2012, which will give customers a $10 break, or $120 total during months 13 through 24 of their satellite contract.