Your Guide to Pay Per View and Sports on TV
Watching the big game or fight on a 50" plasma television is a dream of many sports enthusiasts. With Pay Per View (PPV), it is possible catch every crucial match without having to leave your house. PPV is convenient for those who don't want to wait in line, prefer to avoid crowds or traffic and wish to enjoy the game in the comfort and privacy of their own homes.
How to Download Pay Per View Events
PPV is available in a variety of different forms. One cable company, for example, may offer PPV services that you can buy for a single game or packages that include all games in an entire tournament. Likewise, prices vary depending on the type of package you get. While lower-end PPV services can start as low as $10, packages for game series can cost upwards of hundreds of dollars.
Some of the factors that can affect the prices of PPV services include:
- the popularity of the event
- the type of sport you want to see
- your residence area.
Most packages and event purchases are non-refundable, so be sure you are buying something you definitely want to see.
Day packages are also available in the form of the "all day ticket." These allow the customer to watch their purchased event anytime within a 24-hour period. Listings are available online and on your television. Look for the Pay Per View guide channel or find it on your cable service provider's Web site. Downloading Pay Per View events is a fast and easy process that can be done through:
- phone
- Internet
- television remote.
When purchasing Pay Per View events by phone, all you have to do is call your cable provider and ask for the game or package you want. The charge will go on your monthly bill. To see a list of options and phone numbers, visit your cable provider's Web site.
Spanish audio is also available for no extra charge for many sporting events, like boxing and wrestling. You can activate the Spanish audio by pressing "SAP" or "ALT AUDIO" on your remote control.
Season Packages
DISH Pay Per View and DIRECTV offer sport TV packages in the form of "season tickets." Choose from sports like soccer, hockey or basketball and get up to 40 games. These packages are enticing because they can include games not available in your regional area, select playoff games and high-definition broadcasting.
If you cannot decide on just one sport, a broader "sports pack" may be the thing for you. Sports packs can include over 30 specialty and regional sports channels and begin for only an additional $12 a month. Some channels included in these cable sports packs include:
- College Sports Television (CSTV), also known as the CBS College Sports Network
- Fox Sports Network (FSN)
- Madison Square Garden Channel (MSG)
- NBA TV
- Outdoor Channel.
Sunday Fun-Day
Another popular package is the NFL Sunday Ticket. This package costs less than $300 and offers 14 games every Sunday, while only four are available through regular cable packages. Additional perks to the Sunday Ticket include a player statistics tracker, enhanced games and highlights on-demand.
Be wary that some extras, such as HD viewing and on-demand options, require additional equipment, such as a digital video recorder (DVR) or a special dish. Make sure you have these available or are willing to pay extra to get them.
ESPN, FOX and CBS are the most popular channels broadcasting Sunday games and sports for regular cable. CBS Sports also has an interactive Web site with sport TV schedules, videos and breaking news.
Beware of Blackouts
"Blackout games" are those games you thought you paid for but are not being shown. On your sports package carrier's Web site, you should find an up-to-date schedule of blackout days and games. The package carrier will try to compensate for blacked out games by making them available on a local channel or a regional sports network. Either way, PPV and sport TV packages are a great way to get in on sports action without leaving the comfort of your home.
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