(September 1, 2009) --
DIRECTV pulled Versus (SD and HD signals) off the air today
after the Comcast-owned sports channel demanded higher fees.
The decision has left many DIRECTV subscribers and Versus fans angry and puzzled. While not a top-rated channel, Versus has a loyal following thanks to its lineup of NHL Hockey games, IndyCar Racing and other sports.
DIRECTV says Comcast "has forced us to take down the channel because we will not submit to their unfair and outrageous demands."
Considering that most major TV providers still carry Versus, DIRECTV's statement seems a bit hyperbolic. However, it's likely that Versus is now demanding more in programming fees than previously requested from other providers. And it's equally likely that DIRECTV wants to draw a line in the sand to prevent other programmers from holding them hostage.
So, who's at fault?
No one, really. But I will say this: In 2007 and 2008 when DIRECTV was anxious to prove it was the HD leader -- and that it offered more HD channels than anyone else -- the satcaster would have been more likely to accept Versus' demands.
However, those days are gone. DIRECTV is now resting on its HD laurels, if you will, hoping that old and new subscribers will buy the propaganda that it has more high-def channels than anyone else.
However, it doesn't; it's added just a handful of high-def channels in the past 18 months, enabling Dish Network and other TV providers to pass it.
And now Versus is gone -- another reason to consider signing up with another provider.
The decision has left many DIRECTV subscribers and Versus fans angry and puzzled. While not a top-rated channel, Versus has a loyal following thanks to its lineup of NHL Hockey games, IndyCar Racing and other sports.
DIRECTV says Comcast "has forced us to take down the channel because we will not submit to their unfair and outrageous demands."
Considering that most major TV providers still carry Versus, DIRECTV's statement seems a bit hyperbolic. However, it's likely that Versus is now demanding more in programming fees than previously requested from other providers. And it's equally likely that DIRECTV wants to draw a line in the sand to prevent other programmers from holding them hostage.
So, who's at fault?
No one, really. But I will say this: In 2007 and 2008 when DIRECTV was anxious to prove it was the HD leader -- and that it offered more HD channels than anyone else -- the satcaster would have been more likely to accept Versus' demands.
However, those days are gone. DIRECTV is now resting on its HD laurels, if you will, hoping that old and new subscribers will buy the propaganda that it has more high-def channels than anyone else.
However, it doesn't; it's added just a handful of high-def channels in the past 18 months, enabling Dish Network and other TV providers to pass it.
And now Versus is gone -- another reason to consider signing up with another provider.