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DirecTV out?

Posted by Amalie Benjamin, Globe Staff March 25, 2008 06:29 AM

I've been getting emails from DirecTV customers, who've said that their packages (ESPN2 and NESN) are out. Not sure if this is affecting all customers, or just some, but apparently there are some very unhappy early risers.

Sorry about that. Wish I could do something from Tokyo, but the blog posts will have to do.

We're happy to have you with us. (And non-DirecTV customers as well.)

226 comments so far...
  1. I'm in Atlanta, and my ESPN 2 is out as well, so it's not just Boston area customers. I'm calling Directv right now to see what the deal is...

    Posted by Matt Lacey March 25, 08 06:37 AM
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  1. This is inexcusable. I've never been disappointed in five years with DirecTV. Until now.

    Happy 2008! What a great omen.

    Posted by Newsdork March 25, 08 06:39 AM
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  1. I can confirm that the problem is affecting DirecTV customers who woke up at 3:00am to watch the game.

    Posted by David March 25, 08 06:39 AM
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  1. The customer service phone line says theres a system outage. DirecTV is going to hear it from all of Red Sox Nation who watches using DirecTV.

    Good luck finding a place to watch to all those with that service.

    Posted by Gabby M. March 25, 08 06:42 AM
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  1. Good luck getting through.

    This is inexcusable.

    I'm in Birmingham.

    Posted by Chris Pollone March 25, 08 06:42 AM
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  1. If you have HD DirecTV it is working and not working on non HD boxes. It was a frustrating 20 mins until we checked the other TV. 30 pitches? really? I wouldn't call that a nice start to the season. Hope you're having fun!

    Posted by Tom Cahillane March 25, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. This is inexcusable. I've never been disappointed in five years with DirecTV. Until now.

    Happy 2008! What a great omen.

    Posted by Newsdork March 25, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. I have DirecTV and I'm getting NESN HD just fine. The SD signal seems to be out, and ESPN2 is blacked out in this area.

    Posted by John L March 25, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. The customer service phone line says theres a system outage. DirecTV is going to hear it from all of Red Sox Nation who watches using DirecTV.

    Good luck finding a place to watch to all those with that service.

    Posted by Gabby M. March 25, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. Yeah it is a software outage so they say. They say if service is out for more than 24 hours they will issue partial credit. Typical corporate arrogance to not see they will be tomorrow's feature story of bad customer service in most national papers...

    Posted by Matt F. March 25, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. out in Florida as well

    Posted by rtwdwk March 25, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. It's out here in Wisconsin as well.. Let us know what's goin on...

    Posted by Chris Ritter March 25, 08 06:43 AM
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  1. I'm in Atlanta too, mine's working....thank god!

    Posted by jay March 25, 08 06:44 AM
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  1. In Plymouth, MA. The Standard Definition NESN Channel is out but NESN HD is working, ESPN2HD is out too, on DirecTV. FIOS TV cannot get here fast enough!

    Posted by Griff March 25, 08 06:44 AM
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  1. DirecTV out in Scranton, PA also. What a bummer !! Can't get NESN or ESPN2.

    I subscribe to both packages

    Posted by Sobie March 25, 08 06:47 AM
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  1. I am in Southeast Ma and have Comcast and my entire cable is out. Nobody else on here seems to be having the problem though. Unreal.

    Posted by Justin March 25, 08 06:48 AM
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  1. If you have HD DirecTV it is working and not working on non HD boxes. It was a frustrating 20 mins until we checked the other TV. 30 pitches? really? I wouldn't call that a nice start to the season. Hope you're having fun!

    Posted by Tom Cahillane March 25, 08 06:51 AM
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  1. I'm gonna go flip some cars.

    Posted by Jimmy March 25, 08 06:51 AM
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  1. I am able to view the game on ESPN2 on DirecTV in Maryland, but NESN is blacked out (how can I start a season without Remdawg and ...um, what's his name...just kidding...Don..seriously). The MLB Extra Innings channels are not listed yet on DirecTV, so I am guessing the package does not start until the rest of the major leagues open up in April.

    Posted by Mark March 25, 08 06:51 AM
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  1. DirecTV out in Scranton, PA also. What a bummer !!! I subscribe to NESN and ESPN2 Both channels are out !!!

    Posted by Sobie March 25, 08 06:51 AM
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  1. I'm in NC and it is out here as well. They must want everyone to buy the MLB package

    Posted by John Paul March 25, 08 06:52 AM
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  1. For Directv customers who have outages still, you can turn on the Directv sports mix (ch 104, I think) to see a really small picture of it. Why this is working, and not ESPN2 baffles me...

    Posted by Matt Lacey March 25, 08 06:52 AM
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  1. Data point here from Billerica MA -- DirecTV has been working just fine since I turned NESN HD on at 5.30. Now if only the Sox could get to Blanton, everything would be fine.

    Posted by don March 25, 08 06:52 AM
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  1. I'm in NC and it is out here as well. They must want everyone to buy the MLB package

    Posted by John Paul March 25, 08 06:52 AM
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  1. Just one more of a sea of endless Direct TV issues--- can't wait until my subscription from hell ends. Argh.

    Posted by Don't Buy Direct Tv March 25, 08 06:52 AM
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  1. I'm in SW Florida and my
    ESPN2 and NESN are both out.

    Posted by Rikki Jacobs March 25, 08 06:53 AM
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  1. Just one more of a sea of endless Direct TV issues--- can't wait until my subscription from hell ends. Argh.

    Posted by Don't Buy Direct Tv March 25, 08 06:54 AM
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  1. same in new jersey. lets say i'm less than pleased.

    Posted by kj March 25, 08 06:54 AM
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  1. Out in Denver, but, thank God, HD is working. I would NOT have been happy getting up at 4 a.m. and finding the "searching for satellite signal."

    Posted by Tom in Denver March 25, 08 06:55 AM
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  1. I'm in SW Florida and my
    ESPN2 and NESN are both out.

    Posted by Rikki Jacobs March 25, 08 06:55 AM
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  1. same in new jersey. lets say i'm less than pleased.

    Posted by kj March 25, 08 06:55 AM
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  1. Out in Denver, but, thank God, HD is working. I would NOT have been happy getting up at 4 a.m. and finding the "searching for satellite signal."

    Posted by Tom in Denver March 25, 08 06:55 AM
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  1. It's out in South Carolina also. I woke my 9-year old boy up at 6 for nothing!

    Posted by Mike Gallagher March 25, 08 06:57 AM
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  1. Not working in Boston

    Posted by Patrick March 25, 08 06:57 AM
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  1. I tried to tune into my MLB.TV computer subscription to get the game - It likely is blacked out - Although, MLB.TV says it is down for "maintenance" - What a waste of money for MLB.TV -Too many of their games are blacked-out - Why, I don't know - If we could watch it on a regular TV and not our computers, we would, but we can't, and that is why we watch it on our computers - There is no conflict here between TV watching and compter watching - MLB, wake up! -

    Posted by Richard Lord March 25, 08 06:57 AM
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  1. Not working in Boston

    Posted by Patrick March 25, 08 06:57 AM
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  1. Out in New York City. Apparently the HD feed is coming through fine. My roommates and I would have HD, except DirecTV wanted to charge us $300 for a new HD box when it's free for new customers. I'll be calling cable later today.

    Posted by Matthew March 25, 08 06:58 AM
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  1. The customer service phone line says theres a system outage. DirecTV is going to hear it from all of Red Sox Nation who watches using DirecTV.

    Good luck finding a place to watch to all those with that service.

    Posted by Gabby M. March 25, 08 06:58 AM
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  1. Im in Florida, Directv SD is out here as well.

    Posted by Jay L. March 25, 08 06:59 AM
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  1. Out in Providence, too.

    Posted by Dave March 25, 08 07:02 AM
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  1. I do not like mornings. I also now do not like DirecTV for tricking me in to getting up to watch the Sox.

    Posted by Fukudome March 25, 08 07:03 AM
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  1. Central Mass. Direct tv espn 2 and nesn are both out and i swear this is some sort of conspiracy. All other channels are coming in fine and the game is out? What bs. Is Direct tv now going to force us to buy the hd receivers inorder to see games. Im ready to drop em and move on.

    Posted by Trish March 25, 08 07:04 AM
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  1. Anyone have the number for Comcast? If DirectTV's response is just, "we're working on it," I'm done with them.

    Posted by deezer March 25, 08 07:04 AM
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  1. My girlfriend and I are up in our lucky World-Series-winning flannel Red Sox PJs, but Directv is down! Well, more specifically, the 2 channels carrying the Sox game are down; everything else works! Then I tune in WEEI.com and the game's not on there either! What is going on? Am I in the Twilight Zone? ?:-(

    Posted by PissedinPortsmouth March 25, 08 07:05 AM
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  1. It seems us poor saps without HD are the only ones getting screwed. Not working in Maine here either. I am all set with DirecTV . . . as bad as cable is, I have never been so mad as i am now with directv.

    Posted by Marc March 25, 08 07:06 AM
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  1. Same here in Miami, FL. 134 channels out. I subscribe to NESN and MLB Extra Innings. Strange the game is on SportsMix and not regular channel. Called customer service, and they were rude and refused to give credits they say until tomorrow. Outrageous.

    Posted by K Clements March 25, 08 07:08 AM
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  1. Standard def channel for NESN is out, so if you don't have HD you're outta luck. Outstanding snafu on the part of DTV - it's not like the Red Sox open in Tokyo every year and we miss out on this special event. When I spoke to customer service I told the lady there, "You DO understand that they're going to burn you guys to the ground in Boston for this, don't you?". What a bunch of morons. Where's my pitchfork....

    Posted by TB March 25, 08 07:10 AM
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  1. NESN seems to be out from the dorms at UMass Amherst as well...

    Posted by HG March 25, 08 07:10 AM
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  1. I have comcast cable and I cant get it on my TV with the cable box but it does come in on my TV that has no cable box, but my wife is sleeping in that room so I still want to screram at somebody.

    Posted by Aaron March 25, 08 07:11 AM
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  1. Hmm, DirecTV's HD service is working, but not basic service. Veeeeery interesting, indeed.

    Posted by Humu March 25, 08 07:11 AM
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  1. NESN seems to be out from the dorms at UMass Amherst as well...
    my experiences with DirectTV have been pretty lame but this tops it all

    Posted by HG March 25, 08 07:12 AM
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  1. NESN and ESPN2 are both out in sunny, er, dark California.

    Posted by Brumac March 25, 08 07:12 AM
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  1. I am currently watching the red sox season openers on the little 1/8 screen, on the Directv sports mix... So happy to get up at 5!

    Posted by Chris Ritter March 25, 08 07:14 AM
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  1. Nesn just came back 5 minutes ago

    Posted by scott March 25, 08 07:15 AM
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  1. No NESN or ESPN2 on DirecTV in Quincy, Mass. Extremely unhelpful customer service rep from DirecTV said the problem is widespread but had no answers.

    Buster Olney on ESPN was just complaining about the same problem. I told the DirecTV rep that DirecTV was taking a beating online and on TV, but she didn't seem to care. When I asked about compensation for the outage, she said, "I'm certain that once this is corrected, we will issue compensation." When I repeated what she said, she totally backtracked. So every DirecTV customer should call and demand the compensation their own reps said was certain.

    This is totally unacceptable!

    Posted by Eric in Quincy March 25, 08 07:16 AM
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  1. Awesome tip about channel 104, sports mix. Better than nothing, right now.

    Posted by Chris Pollone March 25, 08 07:16 AM
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  1. Awesome tip about channel 104, sports mix. Better than nothing, right now.

    Posted by Chris Pollone March 25, 08 07:16 AM
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  1. EPSN 2 Out in Boca Raton ,FL that stinks for the first day of the season

    Posted by Matthew March 25, 08 07:16 AM
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  1. No NESN or ESPN2 on DirecTV in Quincy, Mass. Extremely unhelpful customer service rep from DirecTV said the problem is widespread but had no answers.

    Buster Olney on ESPN was just complaining about the same problem. I told the DirecTV rep that DirecTV was taking a beating online and on TV, but she didn't seem to care. When I asked about compensation for the outage, she said, "I'm certain that once this is corrected, we will issue compensation." When I repeated what she said, she totally backtracked. So every DirecTV customer should call and demand the compensation their own reps said was certain.

    This is totally unacceptable!

    Posted by Eric in Quincy March 25, 08 07:16 AM
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  1. I'm in Freeport, Maine and both ESPN2 and NESN are out. :(

    Posted by Rich March 25, 08 07:17 AM
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  1. I'm in Taunton using Comcast and my cable is also out. The internet connection works fine though. Figures.

    Posted by B-Rock March 25, 08 07:18 AM
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  1. We need to get Arlen Specter working on this... ASAP!

    Posted by Chris Pollone March 25, 08 07:20 AM
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  1. It's not limited to just NESN and ESPN2... channels such as HGTV and BBC America are also out, indicating it's probably a satellite problem - not a channel/package issue.

    Posted by gazzer March 25, 08 07:21 AM
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  1. We need to get Arlen Specter working on this... ASAP!

    Posted by Chris Pollone March 25, 08 07:21 AM
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  1. It's not limited to just NESN and ESPN2... channels such as HGTV and BBC America are also out, indicating it's probably a satellite problem - not a channel/package issue.

    Posted by gazzer March 25, 08 07:22 AM
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  1. I'm in Taunton using Comcast and my cable is also out. The internet connection works fine though. Figures.

    Posted by B-Rock March 25, 08 07:22 AM
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  1. Out in Kentucky as well!!!!!

    Posted by Lee March 25, 08 07:23 AM
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  1. ESPN2 via Direct TV out at my hotel in Arlington, VA. So glad I came down the night before my meeting so I could watch the game.

    Posted by K-man March 25, 08 07:25 AM
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  1. Ok what are the alternatives besides Comcast? Im going to search other satelitte companies, this is unexcuseable. There is no one that will convince me that this wasnt previously planned. Bastiches.

    Posted by Trish March 25, 08 07:25 AM
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  1. does hank own direct tv? just asking.

    Posted by tom March 25, 08 07:25 AM
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  1. We get our TV service at the dorms at UNH through DirecTV and half the channels are out, including both ESPN2 and NESN, while ESPN curiously is working. This is awesome. I don't get up at 6 am for virtually anything and the one time I do this happens. Wow.

    Posted by Jake March 25, 08 07:25 AM
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  1. does hank own direct tv? just asking. listening to the game on game day audio her in connecticut.

    Posted by tom March 25, 08 07:25 AM
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  1. It's not limited to just NESN and ESPN2... channels such as HGTV and BBC America are also out, indicating it's probably a satellite problem - not a channel/package issue.

    Posted by gazzer March 25, 08 07:25 AM
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  1. Well I have Comcast and more than 90% of my channels are out now, including NESN and ESPN! All the basic channels are out, and SOME of my HD Channels, of course NESN-HD is one of the channels that are out.

    So DirectTV guys you are not alone!

    Posted by fbonfilio March 25, 08 07:26 AM
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  1. Hudson, MA NESN is out -- I woke my kids up early to see the opening pitch - UGH. 45 minutes on hold with customer service and all they say is we know about it.

    Posted by donna March 25, 08 07:26 AM
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  1. Out in Indianapolis. Not good.

    Posted by Rick March 25, 08 07:26 AM
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  1. It's not limited to just NESN and ESPN2... channels such as HGTV and BBC America are also out, indicating it's probably a satellite problem - not a channel/package issue.

    Posted by gazzer March 25, 08 07:26 AM
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  1. Dorms at BU are out. The screen goes back and forth between a bouncing Direct TV logo and a Searching for Satellite screen.

    Almost as good as the game!

    Posted by Patrick March 25, 08 07:29 AM
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  1. Out in Charleston SC. Makes me second think about ordering extra innings package from Direct TV. Never had problem with digital cable.

    Posted by b March 25, 08 07:29 AM
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  1. AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgggggggggggggggggggghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

    Posted by been waiting all winter March 25, 08 07:29 AM
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  1. Both NESN and EPSN2 standard def are out in Atlanta and I am pissed. I took the day off so I wouldn't have leave during the game versus the normal leave work to go to the game.

    I am waiting until DirectTV corporate offices open in Colorado and then calling.

    The link below is the corporate officers:
    http://dtv.client.shareholder.com/officers.cfm

    I am encouraging all members of the Nation to send them letters voicing our opinions.

    BTW Dish Network has a better plan and better equipment, having used both systems. I plan on having Dish Network by tomorrow morning.

    Posted by DirectTV Sucks! March 25, 08 07:33 AM
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  1. It's not limited to just NESN and ESPN2... channels such as HGTV and BBC America are also out, indicating it's probably a satellite problem - not a channel/package issue.

    Posted by gazzer March 25, 08 07:34 AM
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  1. Out in Jersey Shore area, same with MLB.TV. Thought it was a Yankee plot.

    Posted by Alice March 25, 08 07:38 AM
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  1. near riot at one of the bars near Fenway lost the signal

    everybody stormed across the street to the other bar which has cable

    Posted by Anne March 25, 08 07:38 AM
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  1. ESPN2 can't broadcast in the NESN viewing area. NESN has exclusive rights on most of the Red Sox broadcasts

    Posted by Tom DiGianvittorio March 25, 08 07:39 AM
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  1. Out in Seattle area.

    Posted by Kate L March 25, 08 07:39 AM
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  1. Both NESN and EPSN2 standard def are out in Atlanta and I am pissed. I took the day off so I wouldn't have leave during the game versus the normal leave work to go to the game.

    I am waiting until DirectTV corporate offices open in Colorado and then calling.

    The link below is the corporate officers:
    http://dtv.client.shareholder.com/officers.cfm

    I am encouraging all members of the Nation to send them letters voicing our opinions.

    BTW Dish Network has a better plan and better equipment, having used both systems. I plan on having Dish Network by tomorrow morning.

    Posted by DirectTV Sucks! March 25, 08 07:39 AM
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  1. Eastern Connecticut reporting in here: I have Metrocast Cable. NESN and NESN HD are on no problem and broadcasting a clear picture, no satellite interuptions. HOWEVER, ESPNHD signal is missing (note: not blackout, just missing). ESPN and ESPN2 are running their regular programming in our region, although my TVGuide has ML Baseball on ESPN2. Hope that helps . . . bottom line DirecTV isn't the problem - ESPN is having the problem.

    Posted by John March 25, 08 07:40 AM
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  1. Eastern Connecticut reporting in here: I have Metrocast Cable. NESN and NESN HD are on no problem and broadcasting a clear picture, no satellite interruptions. HOWEVER, ESPNHD signal is missing (note: not blackout, just missing). ESPN and ESPN2 are running their regular programming in our region, although my TVGuide has ML Baseball on ESPN2. Hope that helps . . . bottom line DirecTV isn't the problem - ESPN is having the problem.

    Posted by John March 25, 08 07:41 AM
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  1. This is definitely a satillite/feed issue since it is effecting both DirectTV and Comcast customers!

    Posted by fbonfilio March 25, 08 07:41 AM
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  1. crap, thank god they took that commercial with the kid saying dad the cable's out can you fix it, directtv goes down more often than courtney love.

    Posted by mark March 25, 08 07:43 AM
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  1. Hank won't be happy - YES is out too

    Posted by Eric B. March 25, 08 07:43 AM
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  1. Eastern Connecticut reporting in here: I have Metrocast Cable. NESN and NESN HD are on no problem and broadcasting a clear picture, no satellite interruptions. HOWEVER, ESPNHD signal is missing (note: not blackout, just missing). ESPN and ESPN2 are running their regular programming in our region, although my TVGuide has ML Baseball on ESPN2. Hope that helps . . . bottom line DirecTV isn't the problem - ESPN is having the problem.

    Posted by John March 25, 08 07:43 AM
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  1. you can watch the game on the SportsMix. not ideal but at least you can follow along. channel 104

    Posted by cat March 25, 08 07:43 AM
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  1. I called , waited an hour, spoke to two people who sounded brain dead. They said a "credit" would be forthcoming. Yeah right. If ESPN knows about this problem, that seems to be impacting both dish and cable, why don't they move the game over to the main channel?????

    Posted by Jeff in New Bedford, MA, USA March 25, 08 07:46 AM
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  1. Out in Maine. I am calling tonight to switch to Time Warner. This is sooo bogus. I have a pot of fenway franks (with cut onions and all the works) and I can't even watch the game? I smell a class action lawsuit: Red Sox Nation v. Directv.

    Posted by Tom Wilcox March 25, 08 07:47 AM
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  1. I called , waited an hour, spoke to two people who sounded brain dead. They said a "credit" would be forthcoming. Yeah right. If ESPN knows about this problem, that seems to be impacting both dish and cable, why don't they move the game over to the main channel?????

    Posted by Jeff in New Bedford, MA, USA March 25, 08 07:47 AM
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  1. FIOS coming through in Newton, MA for NESN. No ESPN2, though.

    Posted by MP March 25, 08 07:47 AM
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  1. Out in Memphis. Trying to watch at my hotel

    Posted by ehennigan March 25, 08 07:47 AM
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  1. So Not Happy! Betcha Lil Steinbrenner is in a freakin' rocket ship smashing up the satellites right now! Go Sox!

    Posted by Tim Crea March 25, 08 07:47 AM
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  1. So Not Happy! Betcha Lil Steinbrenner is in a freakin' rocket ship smashing up the satellites right now! Go Sox!

    Posted by Tim Crea March 25, 08 07:47 AM
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  1. Comcast in North Attleboro is getting NOTHING! Not on NESN or the Deuce, Normal or ND. No other sports channels either.

    Posted by Phil March 25, 08 07:48 AM
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  1. Eastern Connecticut reporting in here: I have Metrocast Cable. NESN and NESN HD are on no problem and broadcasting a clear picture, no satellite interruptions. HOWEVER, ESPNHD signal is missing (note: not blackout, just missing). ESPN and ESPN2 are running their regular programming in our region, although my TVGuide has ML Baseball on ESPN2. Hope that helps . . . bottom line DirecTV isn't the problem - ESPN is having the problem.

    Posted by John March 25, 08 07:50 AM
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  1. I am 15 minutes outside of RI on a college campus, I am not getting NESN or ESPN2.

    Like Jake, I haven't woken up at 6 am in several years, so to wake up to the bouncing DirecTV logo seemed like some sort of bad dream.

    Posted by Zach March 25, 08 07:50 AM
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  1. out in Maine,I am going to take an extra Prozack, then blow up my satelite dish,aghhhhhhh.

    Posted by roger alexander March 25, 08 07:50 AM
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  1. No direct tv here in VA
    You suck direct tv!

    Posted by Kim March 25, 08 07:51 AM
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  1. Savannah, GA is out. : (

    Posted by Michael C March 25, 08 07:53 AM
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  1. Made the mistake of signing up early for the 2008 NFL package with DirecTV, when Pats were on a roll. I am stuck with them through December. It is my last year with DTV. Verizon is planning FIOS TV by then and I will sacrifice the NFL and MLB packages just to get out from under the slave/master approach that DTV uses with their customers. DirecTV does not meet expectations, they have been totally anti consumer since the inception of their expanded HD service.

    Posted by Griff March 25, 08 07:54 AM
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  1. I'm in VA and have Dish Network. I've always hated DirectTV, and am so glad I don't have it! MLB-TV online won't let you watch if it's telecast by ESPN or FOX. So fortunately I pay $6.99/mo for the extended sports pkg which lets me get the extra ESPN channels and NESN. Only I'm blocked from any NESN MLB broadcasts because MLB will not allow NESN to broadcast out of it's market. MLB has gotten too big for itself. It's forgotten the fans, and see only the bucks it can make off of our passion for the game.

    Posted by Hazel March 25, 08 07:57 AM
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  1. As has been said before, Its on ESPN2 HD Channel 72 (Im in MD)

    Posted by Tom March 25, 08 07:58 AM
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  1. Maybe we should let the Fed and JP Morgan buy DirecTV for $1 and a pack of bubble gum. Jamie Dimon would get this working.

    Posted by B Nickles March 25, 08 07:58 AM
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  1. HA! Channel 104 was a great tip... saw Papi pop out and figured i'd try ESPN2 again, now there's a graphic that says "no need to call us... we are aware this station is not coming in..."
    Red Sox nation gettin' things taken care of. BTW, Seattle here, woke up at 3am... have not been too happy until the channel 104 tip, thanks!

    Posted by Tomcat March 25, 08 08:01 AM
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  1. Must be the East Coast Directv satellite. ESPN2HD clear out here in CA. Now if MLB wouldn't be such jerks and not force NESN to be blacked out. Rather hear RemDawg and Orsillo commentary than the ESPN clowns.

    Posted by Sue March 25, 08 08:01 AM
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  1. Rochester, New York here. NESN via MLB Extra Innings and ESPN2 via Direct TV are out here as well. Nice international experiment.

    Posted by Al March 25, 08 08:01 AM
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  1. HA! Channel 104 was a great tip... saw Papi pop out and figured i'd try ESPN2 again, now there's a graphic that says "no need to call us... we are aware this station is not coming in..."
    Red Sox nation gettin' things taken care of. BTW, Seattle here, woke up at 3am... have not been too happy until the channel 104 tip, thanks!

    Posted by Tomcat March 25, 08 08:04 AM
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  1. I'm in VA and have Dish Network. I've always hated DirectTV, and am so glad I don't have it! MLB-TV online won't let you watch if it's telecast by ESPN or FOX. So fortunately I pay $6.99/mo for the extended sports pkg which lets me get the extra ESPN channels and NESN. Only I'm blocked from any NESN MLB broadcasts because MLB will not allow NESN to broadcast out of it's market. MLB has gotten too big for itself. It's forgotten the fans, and see only the bucks it can make off of our passion for the game.

    Posted by Hazel March 25, 08 08:05 AM
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  1. Must be the East Coast Directv satellite. ESPN2HD clear out here in CA. Now if MLB wouldn't be such jerks and not force NESN to be blacked out. Rather hear RemDawg and Orsillo commentary than the ESPN clowns.

    Posted by Sue March 25, 08 08:05 AM
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  1. Class Action Lawsuit:

    Red Sox Nation vs. Directv

    incredulous in Buxton, Maine

    Posted by Red Sox fan March 25, 08 08:06 AM
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  1. It's blacked out on MLB TV Too!!! Direct TV i am done with you

    Posted by Jim March 25, 08 08:09 AM
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  1. DC out too. What a waste of this 6:45 AM beer buzz.......

    Posted by mookiewilsonsays March 25, 08 08:10 AM
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  1. It's blacked out on MLB TV Too!!! Direct TV i am done with you

    Posted by Jim March 25, 08 08:11 AM
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  1. Maybe we should let JP Morgan and the Fed buy DirecTV for $1 and a pack of bubble gum. Jamie Dimon would get this fixed.

    Posted by B Nickles March 25, 08 08:14 AM
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  1. The reports on radio in Boston said that the sports bars were open early this morning and would have the game on TV there - no alcohol (at least until 8 AM).

    I wonder if the bars are getting a signal - and where are they getting it? Sure, it could (and probably is) coming from the HD source, but are all TVs in all bars HD?

    Posted by Marie March 25, 08 08:16 AM
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  1. Well, it's good to know that HGTV and BBC America are out too. Now I'll be less upset when I get home and discover that Footballers Wives didn't record on my DVR...

    Posted by Scott March 25, 08 08:19 AM
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  1. Here in Fairfield County, CT (yes, Yankees territory ... according to MLB). At first DirecTV had a sat 1 issue, but it now comes up on NESN as "program not available in your area (727)". I can watch the game on ESPN2 (HD), with the score 3-4, Oakland ahead.

    My big beef is paying for sports channels, MLB package and we STILL can't get some Sox games here. You know why? MLB tells us our zip code puts us in NY territory. Hello? Look at a map. Connecticut was, and always will be, in NEW ENGLAND. NESN stands for NEW ENGLAND Sports Network, you got that MLB?

    We had the exact same problem last year. First game, couldn't watch it. Other games throughout the year, couldn't watch them. It didn't matter where or when it was being played ... Fenway, Baltimore, anywhere. We pay extra for this??? Unfortunately, we have Cablevision without NESN. We're screwed x 2.

    Petition online started last year for this problem: http://www.PetitionOnline.com/mod_perl/signed.cgi?NESNBO

    and a larger one ...
    http://www.petitiononline.com/NESNSoCT/

    ... and now DirecTV tells me it's the team owners that black out the games. Damn it, just give me the Sox!! I pay enough for the privilege to watch these games!

    Posted by corkface March 25, 08 08:21 AM
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  1. We have DriecTV at my house (Fitchburg), and NESN on the HD box is fine, but it's out on the SD box. Weird.

    Posted by Crash Davis March 25, 08 08:22 AM
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  1. This is a national outage Sat A, 101 Transponders 6, 8, 14, 16, 22, 24, 30 and 32 are out and have been since around 2:00 AM or so. I checked with my spectrum analyzer and they are really out.

    So far, no one at any other forum knows why or when they will be back on. Calling DirecTV gets the recorded "we know about it" response ( From DBS Forums )

    Posted by jack Tighe March 25, 08 08:22 AM
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  1. HGTV is out to???!!!!!

    Somebody is going to pay for this!

    Posted by Boston Scott March 25, 08 08:22 AM
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  1. I'm in Maryland. No ESPN2. This is not good. All I get on my screen is this: "
    "NO NEED TO CALL US. We are aware this TV station is temporarily unavailable. We will have this channel back as soon as possible. SORRY FOR THE INTERRUPTION"

    Anyone else with DirecTV having this problem? It appears that only ESPN2 is out."

    Posted by Tim Lemke March 25, 08 08:31 AM
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  1. Here in Cherry Hill, NJ....same problem. Got up at 5:45 for Sattellitte issues on DirectTV. When I demanded some sort of credit, they gave me $5/month for the next 3 months. YEEEEEEHAAAA!!!!!

    Posted by Mike March 25, 08 08:31 AM
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  1. Here in Cherry Hill, NJ....same problem. Got up at 5:45 for Sattellitte issues on DirectTV. When I demanded some sort of credit, they gave me $5/month for the next 3 months. YEEEEEEHAAAA!!!!!

    Posted by Mike March 25, 08 08:32 AM
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  1. I live in MD. I get the following message on my tv screen:

    "NO NEED TO CALL US. We are aware this TV station is temporarily unavailable. We will have this channel back as soon as possible. SORRY FOR THE INTERRUPTION"

    Posted by Tim Lemke March 25, 08 08:33 AM
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  1. Out in Charlotte too. Got up early and no signal. Tried the other TVs, no signal, no NESN, no ESPN2. So go to ESPN - check, ESPN News - check, ESPN Classic - check, so next channel, ESPN2 - no signal! Ugggghhh! Any other day, but opening day at 6AM?

    Posted by Ted March 25, 08 08:34 AM
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  1. Type your comment here...

    Posted by dave March 25, 08 08:36 AM
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  1. This is the best tip I can give everyone on this board:

    Go out today, buy a SLINGBOX, and set it up at someone's house on a different cable/satellite service than the one you have.

    I've been watching on my PC for FREE! No MLBTV, no BS.

    When I have to go to work, I'll switch over to watching on my Treo. The Slingbox is the best invention no one uses.

    Posted by Newsdork March 25, 08 08:38 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:40 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. This is the best tip I can give everyone on this board:

    Go out today, buy a SLINGBOX, and set it up at someone's house on a different cable/satellite service than the one you have.

    I've been watching on my PC for FREE! No MLBTV, no BS.

    When I have to go to work, I'll switch over to watching on my Treo. The Slingbox is the best invention no one uses.

    Posted by Newsdork March 25, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. Out in Rochester, NY also.

    Posted by Mike Bradley March 25, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:41 AM
    Reply | Report this post
  1. This is the best tip I can give everyone on this board:

    Go out today, buy a SLINGBOX, and set it up at someone's house on a different cable/satellite service than the one you have.

    I've been watching on my PC for FREE! No MLBTV, no BS.

    When I have to go to work, I'll switch over to watching on my Treo. The Slingbox is the best invention no one uses.

    Posted by Newsdork March 25, 08 08:41 AM
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  1. Direct TV owes Boston big time.

    Posted by mike March 25, 08 08:46 AM
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  1. What a great move by Direct TV. Black out most, but not all. Then come out in a few days and say "If you had this or that service...."

    Not very happy in Plymouth MA!!!

    Posted by Jimmy Cap March 25, 08 08:48 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:49 AM
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  1. We live in New Mexico (Red Sox Nation does extend to the Land of Enchantment) and yeah, we don't get the game either. I'd say DirecTV struck out looking on this one.

    Posted by Joan Livingston March 25, 08 08:51 AM
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  1. This morning I took my Directv satellite dish and literally threw it off my balcony and onto my car windshield, and now I can't drive my car.

    Posted by Bonk March 25, 08 08:52 AM
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  1. im gonna go burn our dish. i went to bed early last night! screw the man!

    Posted by regsox March 25, 08 08:53 AM
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  1. WHAT....NO HGTV....NO TV.....WITH THE WAY THE GAME IS GOING WE COULD USE A SHOW CALLED DESIGNED TO WIN

    Posted by BACKWARDS BILLY March 25, 08 08:54 AM
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  1. This is Unacceptable for directv. they have to find out the problem by tomorrow mornings game. this is very annoying

    Posted by Jim Waible March 25, 08 08:55 AM
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  1. NESN back on. Just in time for the final half inning....

    Do yourself a favor: Go out, get a SLINGBOX today, hook it up to a friend's tv who has a different cable or satellite service than you.... never have this problem again.

    I watched all morning despite DirecTV's crap-out.

    Posted by Newsdork March 25, 08 08:55 AM
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  1. Out in Phoenix, too! Originally from East Boston (Go Bo Sox!) We were up at 3 a.m. and spent 45 min's on the phone with Direct TV. This is disappointing! Thanks for the Channel 104 tip; that's all we have to watch!

    Posted by Rick Esposito March 25, 08 08:55 AM
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  1. Hey Corkface...move to Boston and you wlll not have that many problems (except for today of course)

    Posted by scott March 25, 08 08:55 AM
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  1. It's working in my home, because we have Verizon FIOS!

    Posted by Frank March 25, 08 08:56 AM
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  1. I'm also in southeast MA and my comcast was out this AM, as well as my neighbor's - so we were not alone in our misery.

    Posted by George March 25, 08 08:59 AM
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  1. NESN is back here in Orlando, watched on MLB.TV until now. ESPN2 and others are still out.

    Go SOX!!!

    Way to go Brandon Moss!

    Posted by John Hickey March 25, 08 08:59 AM
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  1. NESN is back here in Orlando, watched on MLB.TV until now. ESPN2 and others are still out.

    Go SOX!!!

    Way to go Brandon Moss!

    Posted by John Hickey March 25, 08 09:00 AM
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  1. Central Mass has nesn back now but not espn2.

    Posted by Trish March 25, 08 09:02 AM
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  1. Central Mass has nesn back now but not espn2.

    Posted by Trish March 25, 08 09:03 AM
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  1. I waited on hold for 2 HOURS and got NOBODY!! This is an OUTRAGE. Don't they understand the magnitude of the timing for this outage? And to say that they will only issue a partial credit if the outage goes 24 hours is completely unacceptable. I can never get back the experience of watching opening day. First one that I missed in 34 years. They owe me and they owe me BIG TIME.

    Posted by Joe S. March 25, 08 09:03 AM
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  1. NESN is up and running on DirecTV.

    Posted by Dave P. March 25, 08 09:03 AM
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  1. Chicago here. I woke up at 4 a.m. to watch the game. ESPN2 is out here, too. So are all the premium channels (HBO, Showtime, etc.) which means it is a satellite problem.

    I like the idea of a class action suit. Red Sox Nation vs. Direct TV. How much you want to bet that Direct TV is owned by a New Yorker? I smell a conspiracy! :-)

    GO RED SOX!

    Posted by Paolo March 25, 08 09:05 AM
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  1. Why aren't memberships from RSN renewed for today, OPENING DAY?? I was planning on at least listenting to the game, but can't sign on. My billing info has not changed.

    Game re-air at 2:00 PM Eastern on ESPN2.

    Posted by Paul March 25, 08 09:08 AM
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  1. In Boston, regular and HD NESN both a bit choppy but working on Comcast....

    Posted by Shawn March 25, 08 09:08 AM
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  1. I am eating Spam while I wait for this to come back on!

    Posted by John Sims March 25, 08 09:08 AM
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  1. For once I was actually happy to get up early knowing the Sox would be on. Much to my dismay the satellite was not working. I'm in Miami so it's not just Boston area customers. Thanks for nothing direct tv!! I pay extra for this??!!

    Posted by marie March 25, 08 09:13 AM
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  1. RSN memberships come with gameday audio included. I didn't get the fanpack last year, but at least got the audio. These memberships should have been renewed well before the season began so that any issues could have been cleared up in advance.

    Posted by Paul March 25, 08 09:13 AM
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  1. NESN is back on Directtv now

    Posted by phesta March 25, 08 09:14 AM
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  1. nesn and espn2 are out here at Fitchburg State in central mass. I've never liked DirecTV, it always freezes on one channel for a week. Terrible

    Posted by Mike G March 25, 08 09:16 AM
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  1. BRUTAL! Having been betrayed by Direct TV in Washington, DC, I was forced to watch the Chuck Norris Total Gym infomercial. Again. But hey, at least I can strengthen my core and reshape my body in ten minutes a day.

    Posted by James March 25, 08 09:20 AM
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  1. Is it possible to hate DirecTV more than Comcast??? Yes, yes it is.

    Posted by Disgruntled in Manchester, NH March 25, 08 09:24 AM
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  1. I just wanted to let everyone know that I have MLB Extra Innings with Directv and mine was out this morning as well. Directv said that Extra Innings doesn't start until March 30th because that is when the baseball season starts..although we all know that is untrue. Directv is so good that they even offered HD package to me for free...even though I do not have an HD box. When I told them I do not have an HD box the response back was "now you can't say you weren't offered anything" great customer service they have.

    Posted by Alician March 25, 08 09:24 AM
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  1. Turned on my DirecTV - only can get about half the channels - and I thought it was me and my new TV and my new DirecTV HD receiver - until I read this site. What a drag! YIKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKES! GO SOX!

    Posted by NewSalem Jack March 25, 08 09:24 AM
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  1. typical. First MLB sticks it to us fans, and now Direct TV and NESN

    Posted by Boutch March 25, 08 09:24 AM
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  1. This is crap. If it isn't the signal, it's the equipment. I got DirecTv because it was supposed to be better than cable (and has the NFL package). Thanksfully only one more year of this garbage. Hopefully FIOS will be available in Danvers by then!

    Posted by Mark March 25, 08 09:47 AM
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  1. (referring to comment #74) If you have Comcast, try bypassing the cable box and plugging the cable directly in to your TV - somehow, that works for channels 2-55.

    Posted by Smilin'Stan March 25, 08 09:47 AM
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  1. Hey, don't know how many of you this would help, but I'm able to watch NESN on Directv and I don't normally get to, will have the mlb package but that hasn't started yet. check your NESN the game is on there right now!

    Posted by A's fan in Alaska March 25, 08 09:48 AM
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  1. What is going on today?

    No sound for Nesn on Charter (cental mass.) on TV with box, but fine on other TV. (thanks for the suggestion above.)

    Telegram.com - Worcester's newspaper site is down

    Cant post on this blog.

    Posted by chris March 25, 08 09:49 AM
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  1. Hey, don't know how many of you this would help, but I'm able to watch NESN on Directv and I don't normally get to, will have the mlb package but that hasn't started yet. check your NESN the game is on there right now!

    Posted by A's fan in Alaska March 25, 08 09:51 AM
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  1. I'm in New York and the DirecTV for my school was out and is still out for half the channels we get. Inexcusable and a total drag, especially since the game was so good!!!

    Posted by Brittany DeLillo March 25, 08 09:55 AM
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  1. The channels are all back now. I blame MLB more than anyone for scheduling a game at 6am in the morning. Oh well, compared to the routine outages I used to get with Comcast, this was nothing. You couldn't pay me to switch back to that crap.

    Posted by Rob March 25, 08 09:56 AM
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  1. I'm in New York and the DirecTV for my school was out and is still out for half the channels we get including ESPN2. Inexcusable and a total drag, especially since the game was so good!!!

    Posted by Brittany DeLillo March 25, 08 09:56 AM
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  1. I called last night to ensure that I would get the game. They said that I would. When I got up at 4:00 a.m. to watch the game . . . nothing. I called Direct TV this morning and they said that I would be compensated when service was back up. I have my fingers crossed . . .

    Posted by Bob March 25, 08 09:57 AM
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  1. Scott:

    Wish I could move back to Boston (orig. from Eastie) ... but work obligations are here. When we retire, we'll be back!

    Believe me, we miss it and all the devoted fans ...

    Posted by corkface March 25, 08 09:57 AM
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  1. I sometimes think about moving back to New England -- and being able to watch games on NESN without any of this BS is one of the reasons why.

    That said, I have two options for TV: direcTV, or Comcast. I don't care if DirecTV sends people over to my house to engage in sexual relations with my cats, there's no way I would go back to Comcast. I have no other option than Comcast for Internet (save dial-up), which I hate. People less than a mile away have FIOS, but not here. :(

    Can you get the Extra Innings package with FIOS?

    Posted by kr March 25, 08 09:57 AM
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  1. I got up at 5AM to watch the pre-game and spent an hour outside checking my dish and connections. I tried the telephone support but could not get through.

    At least I was able to listen on gameday audio.

    Posted by CPO March 25, 08 09:59 AM
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