As I'm leaving New Zealand in early january and heading to Cali's central coast for the forseeable future can any of the Americans tell me what sattelite or cable provider I need to get in the apartment to watch the live games. Also how much will it set me back?

Cheers

Alan

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Answers

Well Alan son you will probably need to get AT&T Broadband digital cable. Costs me around $50 month, although I am in chicago.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

If you've got a clear view in whatever direction is needed for satellite in CA, get DirecTV. Not sure about the west coast, but there are so many specials on dishes in Maryland that you can usually find a deal giving you free installation, and often a free dish! When I looked into it last year, I think it would have cost $50- 60/month for basic service plus the sports package that includes Fox Sports World(for most televised premiership matches).

As for cable companies, you're not likely to have alot of choice. So far I haven't heard of an area with more than 2 cable companies, many only have 1. I think west coast companies are a little more enlightened re FSW, so you may be in luck there. I have friends in LA and Seattle who get it through their cable provider. YOu'd probably need digital service to receive FSW, which also runs around $50/month. Syme mentioned AT&T cable, which I think might be the only company routinely carrying FSW anymore. (Wonder how I can convince them to set up shop in central Maryland????)

Also...find yourself a good footie pub for the Setanta matches (FAC, and Saturday live broadcast). Those generally are not available for home viewing(though you might get ppv on the Sat league matches on satellite service)

Must have web addy's for the viewing schedules...
www.setanta.com/sport/
www.soccertv.com - lists all televised soccer in the US and Canada (except the Setanta matches)

BTW, for World Cup, it looks like Univision will broadcast most matches live...however commentary is in Spanish. Univision seems to be available on most cable/satellite services. ESPN(available on all cable/satellite svcs) has English language rights, but there's been no word on what they plan to do yet. If past experience is any indication, the matches will be tape delayed to 1pm on a weekday afternoon...unless they're pre-empted for live coverage of the world knitting championships. ;-))

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Oh...and the ppv matches (the live ones) are $14.95/match. If there's a pub nearby, they usually only charge $5 admission, so much better deal.

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001

Thanks Syme and Ciara - I've saved your advice so when I get on the phone to the rental people I know what to ask about!

Cheers

-- Anonymous, December 11, 2001