More Cuts at ESPN

I'm talking as a consumer.

 

I think the major cable companies like ESPN are screwed if things go a la carte. Honestly, I don't think consumers would like it either, once they realized what it really means.

Short version: those a la carte prices will be crazy high.

Longer version: as of a couple of years ago, at least, you were paying a little more than $6 a month for ESPN. That wouldn't be the a la carte price. There's an analysis that suggested that only about 16% of cable subscribers would take ESPN if it were offered a la carte. To maintain the existing profit margin, ESPN would then have to charge $36 a la carte. TNT is $1.50; a la carte it would be $9. Nickelodeon is only 68 cents right now, but would go up to $5.

Basically, you can get a minimal package on cable systems for, what, $60? You can get one on Playstation Vue for $30. If you go a la carte, $60 may get you five channels.

 

That's pretty doable.

To do it, you'd need a playstation. If you don't, Amazon has them for $200-$250 if you want the older model or $400 if you want the newer model. With that, you can get Vue for 30 a month, which means FSI, BTN (and some ESPNs as a bonus). Networks mean a $40ish digital antenna. Netflix is what, $9 a month? Prime comes out to $8.33 a month.

So you're talking $47 or so a month (give or take fees), plus $40 and maybe the investment in a Playstation, unless the kid already has one. And you're not dropping the total cable bill, unless that's not bundled with internet, so you're saving the difference there minus $47 a month. Could be some solid savings depending on what you have now (BTW, this was shamelessly cribbed off a Steven Godfrey article on SBNation)

 

Plus, if you shop for other stuff on Amazon, Prime easily pays for itself with free shipping.

 

This was my thought as well. In the end, things that are bundled end up providing moderate value.

Shoot, everyone likes Netflix, but all that is is a more reasonable bundle. You won't watch one percent of what you pay for, but chances are it's better than buying la carte.

 

I was gung ho to cut the cord and switch to Playstation Vue last year. Tried it for a week, and the picture just wasn't good enough. It was really clear but glitched every few seconds. That could just be my setup, but it was a deal breaker for me.

 

It's too bad there isn't a system that allows you to connect a device to some sort of equipment that receives a satellite or digital signal. I bet something like that would be a great viewing experience.

 

You need a life, fanboy.

 

Proper style is fanboi.

 

I cut the cord almost two years ago. After about a year of relying on the kindness of others (or watching at the office) to keep up with favorite cable shows, I signed up for SlingTV on my Roku. $20 a month, I get just about everything I want except ESPN. I could get a different package, which DOES include ESPN, for $25. But I'd give up a lot of other channels, including Fox Sports regional. Both packages together go for $40. I don't think either offers BTN, though I might be wrong. I know mine does not.

BTW, I've sampled Vue (also on Roku) and DirecTV Now (on tablet, not yet available for Roku). Without question, I find Sling to be the superior product. Also, I recommend the Roku over all the other options. You can get a stick Roku for as little as $40, though I recommend the Roku 3.

 

I used to utilize a stick Roku combination during recess.

 

Haven't tried Vue to compare, but Sling is great. You are correct, no BTN.