MLS Direct Kick

bordelais7 · 02-12-2005, 01:35 PM

Can someone give me some basic info about Direct Kick, or point me in the right direction?

- How much does it cost?
- How is the quality of the broadcast?
- Would there be any black-outs of local home games?

Arelius · 02-12-2005, 01:54 PM

Wait for a few days before you sign up. SoccerPrime has been hinting that the away games will be televised.

Neil · 02-12-2005, 08:41 PM

This is what I could find. It appears that last season Direct Kick was $69.

MLS:
http://www.mlsnet.com/MLS/schedule/tv.jsp
Dish Network:
http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/programming/ppv/sports_events/soccer/index.shtml
DirecTV:
http://www.directvsports.com/Packages/MLSDirectKick/

Hope this helps.

Lucky13 · 02-13-2005, 03:23 AM

I've been a subscriber since DirecTV first offered it.
Broadcast quality varies substantially, as production at each location seems to be independent of MLS and DTV. The package distributes regional broadcasts to subscribers. There are usually 3-4 games each Saturday. The broadcasts are live, so even though the starting times are staggered, you do have to pick and choose as they overlap.

All in all, I'd give it a B+. Most broadcasts are well done. There is often "dead time" at the half, while the locals get to watch commercials. During some of these times, you can listen to the audio from the guys calling the games as they seem totally unaware the feed is still live. Camera placement is an issue in some venues, but again, all in all . . .

The 69.00 is billed in three installments of 23.00.
I have no idea how the blackout rule might work.

Rover · 02-13-2005, 11:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lucky13

All in all, I'd give it a B+. Most broadcasts are well done.

Concur with all. We had it on DISH for years, and thought it was a good product for the money. You don't get every MLS game since not all teams have full coverage on local stations (Crapids and the Wiz are notorious for this).

I was in the San Jose and DC areas when I had the package, and as a rule they didn't black out the games. I guess they figured it wouldn't hurt the gate anyway, and it's better to be on local TV in the long run. I have no idea how RSL will approach it.

I recommend it if you're interested in watching the full lineup of MLS games each week. My family does just that, and it's been great for us.

If you just want to watch RSL road games, I'd wait and see what SCP/Sports West comes up with locally.