The NCAA Basketball Tournament kicks off next week, and if you are looking for the most action, then coverage from DIRECTV is your best bet. While your local sports bar may be an attractive option, the DIRECTV Mega March Madness package will once again be the only option for watching every game from the comfort of your own living room.

While the Dish Network March Madness coverage will give you access to portions of just about every game, DIRECTV offers more in this area. The reason why? DIRECTV has once again cornered the market on a sports package. Similar to the NFL Sunday Ticket, DIRECTV currently holds an exclusive contract to carry the NCAA Mega March Madness package. DIRECTV will of course also carry the regular CBS coverage of the NCAA Tournament just like Dish Network.

So what if you are into the NCAA bracket bigtime and need to keep up on every game? This year it will cost you an extra $69 dollars for the Mega March Madness package through DIRECTV. Only by purchasing this package will you be able to see every game in full, although that is still kind of an impossibility as games overlap during early round action. Subscribers to the DIRECTV March Madness package will be able to watch the Game Mix channel on 701, which will show up to four different games at the same time on one screen.

With the NCAA Mix channel on channel 701, you can hear audio on the game of your choice by selecting it with your remote control. If you want to move to full screen action, select the game again with your remote and you will be taken to the game. DIRECTV channels 702 through 705 will carry the games on full screen. Other features of the Mega March Madness bundle include Scoreguide integration which will allow you to see scores from around the country with the touch of a button and an interactive bracket which shows results and the latest matchups.

Tuning DIRECTV channel 700 will give you access to the interactive bracket and the latest tournament news. March Madness shortcuts are also a part of the package, so if you miss a game you can see a commercial free recap of the game in less than 20 minutes. Shortcuts will not air during live tournament action. All games will again be in HD as well.

Getting the most out the Mega March Madness package requires some serious couch time, as most of the games are played during the 1st and 2nd rounds. If you can’t commit to watching most of the first weeekend, you are better off just watching the free DIRECTV March Madness coverage through your local CBS affiliate.

The NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament kicks off in just a few weeks, and satellite TV customers will certainly be tuning in to watch all of the action. Here we will briefly review the tournament action, and where you will be able to watch the games on DISH Network.

While DIRECTV still has the Mega March Madness package, DISH Network will still have plenty of action. Whether you are looking to watch the Conference Championships from around the country, or the actual NCAA Tournament, hundreds of games will be on Dish satellite TV over the next month and a half. The official start to March Madness is on the 16th of March, with the famous play-in game. I’m not sure why the NCAA still insists on matching team number 64 against team 65 for the right to go get slaughtered by a number 1 seed, but if your interested this game will be on ESPN.

ESPN is on DISH Network channel 140, and is also available in HD if you subscribe.

March Madness truly begins on the 18th of the March, and here opening round action will be televised on your local CBS station with DISH Network. NCAA Tournament games will kick off at Noon Eastern time, and continue until midnight. First round action will take place from New Orleans, Providence, San Jose, and Oklahoma City.

First round action continues on Friday, March 19th with another 16 games. Again tune into your DISH Network CBS affiliate to watch the games. Venues hosting Buffalo, Jacksonville, Spokane, and Milwaukee. The first two days of the March Madness tournament are the main reason many opt for DIRECTV where you can get the Mega March Madness package for about $70. While the CBS coverage on DISH Network will jump around from game to game, with the DIRECTV March Madness package you can watch the game of your choice, or even the Mix channel showing all of the games at the same time.

Weekend coverage of the 2nd round continues on March 20th and 21st. The same venues will host as the tournament field is cut down to the Sweet Sixteen. Saturday’s coverage begins at 1PM Eastern, and continues to 10PM. Sunday starts the same time but wraps up around 7PM Eastern.

The Sweet Sixteen kicks off on March 25th, with a double header from Syracuse and Salt Lake City. Action runs from 7PM til Midnight Eastern. The same schedule applies on Friday the 26th, with games being held in St. Louis and Houston. The Regional Finals on Saturday the 26th will run from 4:30 til 9PM Eastern, with the Sunday regional scheduled from 2PM til 7PM. Again, all of the action on DISH Network will be found on your local CBS station.

The Final Four on DISH Network will take place in Indianapolis, Indiana this year. Lucas Oil stadium will be able to hold 70,000 fans for this years event. The Final Four kicks off on Saturday, April 3rd at about 6PM Eastern, with a half hour break between the first and second game. March Madness culminates with the national title game on Monday, April 5th with a 9:15 Eastern start time.

When watching March Madness on DISH Network, the key to the tournament is your local CBS affiliate. DISH Network currently reaches 97% of America with local SD channels, and 93% of the United States with local HD coverage.

Today’s pay television subscriber is looking for the most bang for the buck. With over 265 channels of programming, one option is an all-inclusive satellite TV bundle which offers all kinds of programming, whether it be sports, movies, drama, or commercial free music for your listening pleasure.

DIRECTV Premier Package Review

So what exactly does DIRECTV give you with the Premier package?   Well, as we have already mentioned, everything is here, but let’s get a little more specific.
You may never go to a movie theater again, as there is a wide selection of premium move channels included in the Premier package. All in all, there are 30 premium movie channels. These would include 7 channels of HBO, 12 channels of Starz, 3 channels of Cinemax, and to round things out 9 Showtime movie channels.
Sports fans will also find anything and everything in this package. In addition to the standards such as ESPN and ESPNEWS, there are 35 additional sports networks included. Included are 3 Comcast regional networks, more than a dozen Fox Sports Net channels, and the YES channel, home of the New York Yankees. The DIRECTV Sports pack is normally an additional $12, but it is included in the Premier package.

Local channels are here also in almost all parts of the country. ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox are the standards, while the CW and PBS stations are available in some areas.
Plenty of audio programming is also accessible in the Premier package as well. XM is the provider, with up to 73 different stations available.
HD programming is about the only thing not available in this package. In order to receive HD channels, there is an addition $9.99 per month HD access fee.

So what will all of this cost? Actually less than you think. The normal price for the DIRECTV Premier package is $104.99 per month, and for new customers there are always promotions available. Once a year, DIRECTV offers the best satellite TV promotion in conjunction with the NFL Sunday Ticket.

This year’s promotion offers new customers the Premier package free for four months when they pay for the NFL Sunday Ticket at the price of $74.99 for four months. In addition, DIRECTV is also offering a free HD DVR receiver upgrade, a $199 value. The current promotion runs through October 31^st, but the NFL season starts in early September, so it makes sense to get on board now in order to see all of the games.

Many considering the switch to DISH Network satellite TV ask if they can get local channels. The answer in most cases is yes, Dish Network can provide you with your local channels in most areas of the country.

Why most areas of the country? Because local channels are delivered differently than national channels, different signals are sent to different areas. Local channels delivered via satellite TV from DISH Network and Direct TV start with the largest areas, and then trickle down to smaller cities from there. Currently about 95% of US households can receive their local channels via DISH Network in 155 cities.

What channels are available? In most markets, all of the majors are available, including ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, and FOX. In addition, many areas also have UPN and WB stations, though they are not as widespread as the major locals.

How much does it cost? DISH Network’s local channel setup is different than DirecTV. DISH Network packages are generally a little less than Direct TV, but they then charge $5.00 for local channels. This gives the customer the option as to whether they want local channels or not. If you don’t want them, you don’t have to pay for them.

Here is a current list of markets where DISH Network offers local channels, if you don’t see your market, check here for availability.

Abilene, TX
Albany, GA
Albuquerque, NM
Albany, NY
Anchorage, AK
Atlanta, GA
Austin, TX
Baltimore, MD
Bakersfield, CA
Birmingham, AL
Boise,ID
Boston, MA
Burlington, VT
Buffalo, NY
Cedar Rapids, IA
Champaign / Springfield Decatur, IL
Charleston / Huntington, WV
Charlotte, NC
Chattanooga, TN
Chicago, IL
Chico & Redding, CA
Cincinnati, IL
Clarksburg / Weston, WV
Cleveland, OH
Colorado Springs / Pueblo, CO
Columbia, SC
Columbus, OH
Dallas / Ft. Worth, TX
Dayton, OH
Denver, CO
Detroit, MI
Des Moines, IA
Duluth, MN
El Paso, TX
Eugene, OR
Evansville IN
Fresno, CA
Ft. Meyers, FL
Ft. Smith / Fayetteville, AR
Ft. Wayne, IN
Flint / Saginaw / Bay City, MI
Florence, SC
Gainesville, FL
Grand Junction, CO
Grand Rapids, MI
Greensboro, NC
Greenville, NC
Greenville / Spartanburg, SC
Hartford / New Haven, CT
Harlingen, TX
Harrisburg, PA
Honolulu, HI
Houston, TX
Huntsville, AL
Idaho Falls, ID
Indianapolis, IN
Jacksonville, FL
Jackson, MS
Johnstown / Altoona, PA
Kansas City, MO
Knoxville, TN
La Crosse-Eau Claire, WI
Las Vegas, NV
Lansing, MI
Lexington, KY
Lincoln, NE
Little Rock / Pine Bluff, AR
Los Angeles, CA
Louisville, KY
Lubbock, TX
Macon, GA
Madison, WI
Meridian, MS
Memphis, TN
Miami, FL
Milwaukee, WI
Minneapolis / St. Paul, MN
Missoula, MT
Mobile, AL
Monroe / LA-El Dorado, AL
Monterey, CA
Nashville, TN
New York, NY
New Orleans, LA
Norfolk-Portsmouth, VA
Oklahoma City, OK
Omaha, NE
Orlando, FL
Paducah, KY
Panama City, FL
Peoria / Bloomington, IL
Philadelphia, PA
Phoenix, AZ
Pittsburgh, PA
Portland, ME
Portland, OR
Providence, RI
Raleigh / Durham, NC
Reno, NV
Richmond, VA
Roanoke, VA
Rochester, NY
Sacramento, CA
Salt Lake City, UT
San Antonio, TX
San Diego, CA
San Francisco, CA
Santa Barbara, CA
Savannah, GA
Sherman-Ada,TX-OK
Seattle, WA
Shreveport, LA
Sioux City, IA
Sioux Falls(Mitchell)Sioux City, IA
Spokane, WA
Springfield, MO
South Bend, IN
St. Louis, MO
Tallahassee, FL
Tallahassee, FL
Tampa/St. Petersburg, FL
Traverse City / Cadillac, MI
Tulsa, OK
Tucson, AZ
Tyler, TX
Waco, TX
Washington, D.C.
Wausau / Rhinelander, WI
West Palm Beach, FL
Wichita, KS
Wilkes Barre, PA
Yakima, WA
Youngstown, OH

Keep in mind, this list contains markets where standard definition DISH Network local channels are available. Local channels in HD are not as widespread at this time.

Those hungering for their reality TV to be in HD will be happy to hear this news.  One of the big boys will finally move into the High Definition world – Survivor.

The CBS reality show will move to HD starting with the 17^th competition this fall. CBS announced the news at the National Association of Broadcasters convention in Las Vegas.

So will this finally get the ball rolling for Reality TV in High Definition?

For the popular shows – Yes. Survivor joins American Idol, Dancing with the Stars and American Gladiators as the only reality shows to be shot in HD. While those shows are studio based, Survivor is shot out in the elements, often in difficult weather conditions. CBS credited advancements in HD camera reliability, as well as reduced costs in being able to bring the HD experience out into the elements.

While most network productions shot in studios are already in HD, don’t expect a plethora of new reality shows in HD. Higher costs for HD production continue to factor into the mix. Only established reality TV shows trusted to pull in ratings will be given the “HD Hall Pass.” High on the list for an upgrade is The Amazing Race.

Local programming in HD continues to expand across the country as cable companies and satellite TV providers upgrade their distribution capabilities. Current numbers have DIRECTV reaching 77 cities representing 76% of television households, while DISH Network reaches 43 local markets in HD.

Update: 2010 Masters Mix Coverage

Nearly two months from the initial announcement, the Masters Mix from DirecTV is nearly here. The enhanced coverage of the prestigious golf coverage will be televised on Direct TV channels 701-710 starting this Thursday, April 11^th.

The tournament, held every year at the Augusta National Gold Club in Georgia, will be covered from every angle. High definition coverage will be the name of the game, as 60 HD cameras will be in use, including 10 hand-held HD cameras. ESPN gets the early round coverage this year, while CBS will cover Saturday and Sunday’s action. Tiger Woods is of course this year’s favorite, looking for his fifth Green Jacket.

DIRECTV has struck an innovative agreement with ESPN and CBS to offer expanded coverage of the tournament. The nearly 17 million subscribers to the satellite television service will enjoy a free upgrade to the Masters Mix. While this year’s offering is free, Direct TV will surely be monitoring fan interest to gauge whether they will be able to charge for the service next year.

Described on their website as The Masters Experience, DIRECTV is once again dedicating resources in an attempt to please another group of sports fanatics. So what can DIRECTV subscribers expect to see during the tournament?

As mentioned, plenty of HD, as long as you are an HD subscriber. All of DIRECTV’s coverage including interactive features will be in high definition. The featured channel will be the Mix Channel, which will have 4 views on your television screen. One will simulcast the CBS/ESPN HD coverage.

The second will cover Amen Corner, holes 11, 12, and 13. The third will feature the 15^th and 16th holes. Finally, the last will cover the highlights, lowlights, and leader board information.

DIRECTV is also offering additional features including an interactive features channel, as well as DIRECTV on Demand, promoting the ability to download preview information, recap shows, highlights, and historical moments in Masters Golf.

Update: 2010 Master Mix

Golf fans who also subscribe to DIRECTV will get their fill this year at the 2008 Masters Tournament, held in Augusta, Georgia on April 10-13. That’s due to a new service from the satellite TV company, which will expand upon ESPN and CBS coverage with three additional broadcast channels, along with the “Masters Mix Channel,” giving viewers four views on one channel.


The new service, detailed in a press release from the company today, pushes the limit on covering a slow moving sport like golf. No doubt golf junkies will enjoy the fact they have multiple options instead of being tied to the main network feed. But will this much coverage entice the casual fan?
The Masters Mix channel, which will be on DIRECTV channel 701 for standard definition, and 706 for HD will offer four “views” on one screen. Viewers can hear audio on the channel of choice, and also enlarge the views to full screen via remote control. The views will be:

One-The main feed, CBS on the weekend and ESPN for early round coverage.

Two-Highlight channel, continuous coverage of the day’s best shots and replay coverage.

Three-“Amen Corner” provides coverage on the hallowed grounds of golf, holes 11, 12, and 13 at the Augusta Golf Club. Continuous coverage as players move through the corner.

Four-Holes 15 and 16. Generally regarded as the part of the course where the men are separated from the boys at Augusta National.

All four channels will be available in both standard definition and HD. The additional channels will be full feature, with their own cameras and announcers from DIRECTV and CBS Sports. DIRECTV has also enabled several interactive features including access to scores and stats, Masters trivia questions, leaderboard, and tournament history, all accessible via a menu icon on each channel.

There is no cost for the additional Masters coverage-at least not this year. Will more be better for the Masters? DIRECTV certainly thinks so, as it continues to expand on its wildly popular sports franchises, NFL Sunday Ticket and NASCAR HotPass.