Why you can't watch Bally Sports on cable? How to watch sports on DirecTV Stream on iPhone, Android, AppleTV or Roku

The DirecTV Stream app is awesome because it lets you watch live TV on your phone, tablet, or computer. It's like having an antenna on your phone.

The app works by connecting to the internet so you can stream live television through your home Wi-Fi network or cellular data plan. This means that as long as there's an internet connection available (even if it's slow), then you should be able to watch whatever show you want at any time.

As someone who has spent too much time watching terrible commercials while waiting for a sports game to come back on after a commercial break, this sounds like heaven to me! No more missing half of my favorite shows just because I couldn't find parking in front of Best Buy during football season!

I'm not sure what kind of technical wizardry goes into making this work but I'm guessing it involves an algorithm that figures out which commercials are going to air during each show and then stops them from playing until after their respective breaks expire before resuming playback."

What is Bally Sports?

Bally Sports West is an American regional sports network that is owned as a joint venture between Sinclair Broadcast Group and Diamond Sports Group. The channel broadcasts regional coverage of sports events throughout Southern California, featuring professional, collegiate, and high school sports events.

Bally's Sports is a national American cable and satellite television channel that is owned by Bally Sports Net, LLC, a joint venture between the Fox Corporation and Diamond Sports Group. The network is based in Los Angeles, California. The channel was previously known as Fox Sports Net, Fox Sports Net West, and Fox Sports Net West 2.

Where can you watch Bally Sports network?

If you want to watch Bally Sports on cable, you can use a live TV streaming service. These services let you watch the channels that are in your area without having to pay for them. You can then stream this content through an app on your phone, tablet, or computer.

Here are some of the best streaming services:

• DirecTV Now

• PlayStation Vue

• Hulu with Live TV

• YouTube TV

Watching sports is one of the biggest reasons people sign up with these options because they offer a large selection of sports channels like Fox Sports 1 and ESPN 2

Why you can't watch the LA Kings on Fox Sports West anymore?

Watch Blacked Out NHL, NBA, MLB Games Using a Free VPN

With a VPN, Get Around The Blackout

There are many reasons for individual users to block certain streaming service content. In certain parts of the world, professional sports blackout local teams. Services such as Netflix prohibit content from viewing depending on which country you are located in. Geo-blocking is called this process.

Technologies such as Smart DNS or a VPN can get around geo-blocking and make your machine or smart device appear to be located in another country or state. If you fly abroad by having access to content, you can usually view it at home. This can help. It can also actually make it look like anywhere else you live.

A VPN service like IPVanish allows you to join a Virtual Network in another part of the country or world. The VPN makes it appear as your computer is in that part of the world as well. A VPN also adds security benefits not available from a Smart DNS.

For instance, if you live in Canada, using a VPN based in the U.S. will allow you to view the U.S. version of Netflix, which has more content available than in Canada. For more information, check out this article where I explain what a VPN is and why everyone should use one.

This form of service is often used to bypass blackouts of sports networks or simply to hide your identity from would-be identity thieves online. Of course, review the terms of service of your content provider to ensure that you do not breach any end-user contracts. IPVanish is something we like to use for getting around Geo-Blocking. In our analysis of IPVanish, we covered their operation.

How to bypass blackouts: a quick guide

The simplest way to beat MLB.com, NHL.com and ESPN+ blackouts is to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), Here’s a quick guide to unblocking NHL games with a VPN:

Start by signing up for a suitable free VPN. 

Install the VPN software, making sure to get the right app for your operating system, and log in.

Log in to your ESPN+ or NHL.tv account. You should find that you can now access games that were previously subject to a blackout.

If you are not able to figure out a VPN you can also sign up and watch on streaming services AT&T TV. 

How To Stream AT&T / DirecTV Red Zone?

Switch to DIRECTV with NFL SUNDAY TICKET and enjoy every live out-of-market game every Sunday.  SUBSCRIBE NOW. 

NFL SUNDAY TICKET MAX for exclusive access to the RED ZONE CHANNEL® and DIRECTV FANTASY ZONE® channel.

You'll get all the games on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network with AT&T TV NOW (formerly DIRECTV NOW). No way to subscribe to NFL RedZone is provided by AT&T TV NOW.

This means you’ll get your local Sunday afternoon games, Football Night in America, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football.

You must either be a DirecTV subscriber to buy Sunday Ticket, or you might be able to get the streaming edition of the service if you live in "select areas in different metropolitan cities," if you can't get satellite TV, or if you're a college student if you don't subscribe to the satellite TV service.

Over the last few years, the company has quietly sold the Sunday Ticket online-only edition more commonly than previously thought. It seems clear that AT&T wouldn't want to advertise the idea that without paying for DirecTV, you can subscribe to the costly Sunday Ticket package since the company would still encourage customers to buy the pay-TV bundle.

Last year, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the league planned to extend in addition to DirecTV, the delivery of Sunday Tickets to online outlets, which would have ended the exclusive rights of the satcaster on the out-of-market games kit. But it did not happen.

Nflsundayticket.tv is available only to non-DirecTV customers who live in select multi-dwelling unit buildings (apartments, condos, etc.) nationally in the U.S. where DirecTV service is not available, live in select areas within various metropolitan cities, live in a residence that has been checked as unable to access DirecTV satellite TV service due to obstruction

Frontier Verizon Fios Takeover & Customers Are Suffering

Frontier Communications Takeover of Verizon Fios

Frontier Fios Availability Map

Former Verizon Fios customers are suffering big time as Frontier Communications has just destroyed the customer experience Verizon Fios customers once had.  3 weeks to install and 45 minute hold times on the phone have seems to be the common theme on social media.  Customers in Florida, Texas, and California apparently are going to be suffering for a while unless things improve fast.  Please comment below if you are experiencing the same issues.

People will be moving to Direct TV and Time Warner without a doubt in these markets.  

The customer service experience of #Frontier since Verizon #FIOS sold is horrendous @FrontierCorp @verizonfios Time Warner will benefit

— DeadZones.com (@DeadZones) May 23, 2016

@DeadZones Is there something that my team can assist you with today? ^EGS

— Ask Frontier (@AskFrontier) May 23, 2016

@DeadZones If you need assistance setting up service, please DM me the details here so I can see what's possible. Thanks -LB

— Ask Frontier (@AskFrontier) May 23, 2016

What is Zero Rating?

Zero rating has become the center of the net neutrality debate. Toll free data or sponsored data is the practice of mobile network operators (MNO), mobile virtual network operators (MVNO), and Internet service providers (ISP) who do not to charge customers for data used by specific applications or internet services through their network or is limited or metered.

Zero rating plans exempt particular data from counting against a user's data cap, or from accruing any excess usage charges.  A zero rating may provide an unfair advantage to the provider of the content that is zero rated, compared to other content providers or potential new entrants. 

India recently decided to reject zero rating plans such as Facebook's Free Basics, while in the United States carriers push boundaries with zero rating experiments such as T-Mobile's Binge-On plan, as well as AT&T's Sponsored Data, Verizon's FreeBee, and Comcast's Stream TV.  Read more. 

The nation’s two largest wireless carriers have told the FCC to ease up on its probe of zero-rated mobile data policies. But the issue may soon be moot anyway under President-elect Donald Trump’s administration. The commission recently sent letters to both Verizon and AT&T warning that their policies for zero-rated content could harm competition and consumers. The model enables users to consume specific types of video and other content on mobile devices without incurring wireless data charges.  AT&T zero-rates content from its recently launched DirecTV Now for its wireless customers; Verizon does the same with its Go90 offering.  Read more.

Critics claim zero-rated data policies violate net neutrality principles because they give some content providers an advantage over others. The issue has become increasingly contentious as wireless carriers expand into media, enabling them to offer their own content to customers at no cost.

Will Verizon Try & Buy SiriusXM?

Will Verizon Try & Buy SiriusXM?

I have this sneaking suspicion that Verizon might try and buy SiirusXM. Why? So they can charge you for more data on their cell networks.  SiriusXM seems to be struggling to maintain their satellite network quality and more customers are streaming radio content on their phones through wifi and cellular networks.

SiriusXM customers have been experience a lot of dropped signal issues and I suspect that without any competitors that SiriusXM is not going to invest much in the network to maintain service levels. Satellite networks must be very expensive to maintain and wireless carriers are probably looking at becoming at the premium radio subscription business as way to keep customers.

 AT&T purchased direct TV and now has a satellite company.  Verizon continues to look buying content companies and satellite subscription radio seems like a good fit.

See SiriusXM's Coverage Map.  

Does MagicJack Work?

Our Review of the Walt Mossberg Review of Magic Jack (DCZ)

By Walt Mossberg When I see a high-tech product (DCZ: with good PR people who get it to you first) that's advertised mainly via frequent hard-sell TV ads as if it were a diet pill, I tend to assume it can't be very good (DCZ: your late to the game if 4M people have purchased?), especially if its price is absurdly low. So, I haven't paid much attention to a product called magicJack, a small $40 adapter for your computer that claims to let you make unlimited domestic phone calls over the Internet with your home telephone free for a whole year—and for just $20 a year thereafter. (DCZ:  because it wasn't originally sold through mainstream retail and was hated by the big carriers?)

But after receiving reader requests to review magicJack (DCZ: Why?), I decided to do so. To my surprise, it worked pretty much as advertised. It has a few drawbacks, and extra fees for added services, such as vanity phone numbers. But I found magicJack easy to set up and easy to use, and it yielded decent, if not pristine, call quality. I even tested customer support—a source of complaints online—and found it friendly, fast, and responsive.

Magic Jack is a new device and service that allows you to make cheap phone calls through your computer. Overall, the product works as advertised, Walt Mossberg found. MagicJack looks like an oversized USB flash drive. On one end is a standard USB connector for the PC; on the other is a standard phone jack to plug in a phone. It's compatible with PCs running Windows XP, Vista, and Windows 7, as well as with all Intel-based Macs. It works with both corded and cordless phones, and comes with software for dialing, though you can also dial directly from a connected phone.

The low annual fee covers calls to and from any phone on any telephone network—landline or cellphone—not just phones connected to computers or to other magicJack. The only restriction is that the numbers called must be in the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands. You can also buy low-cost prepaid international minutes, or take your magicJack abroad to make free calls home. You can move it among different computers and locations.

MagicJack can also be used without a phone handset, via a computer headset or the computer's built-in microphone and speakers.  There's nothing new about Internet (DCZ: VoIP) phone calls. Companies like Vonage and Skype have been doing it for years. But magicJack is different. It emphasizes calling to and from phones on regular wired and wireless phone networks, and its prices for calls to and from such non-Internet-connected phones are much lower.  (DCZ: MagicJack is 2X larger than Vonage with 2M customers and would be curious to see what the service quality performance record is compared to Skype)

For instance, the lowest plan advertised on Vonage's Web site for calling regular phones in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico is $17.99 a month, or about $216 a year, versus magicJack's $20. And Vonage gives you only 500 minutes a month, while magicJack sets no limit. Skype charges per minute or monthly fees for calls to regular phones and an added fee to receive incoming calls.  (DCZ: What about Google Voice?)

The maker of magicJack says its low prices are possible because the product is produced by a privately held Florida company called YMAX, which is also a phone carrier (DCZ:  also known as a CLEC). The company also runs ads inside its software. You can buy the device at a wide variety of stores, even drugstores and convenience stores. (DCZ: Do you think they might actually make more money off of location-based advertising eventually?)

I tested magicJack on both a PC and a Mac. The software resides inside the magicJack itself and installs each time you connect it.  In my tests, I made and received calls on both computers, using a single landline phone and using a cordless-phone system in my house after plugging its base station into the magicJack. In the latter case, I could make and receive calls from cordless phones all over my house. I exchanged calls with both landline phones and cellphones from the magicJack.  The call quality was good, except for a few times when the connection got scratchy for a second or two. Most of the people I called said they couldn't tell I wasn't on a regular call. The system offers voice mail, call forwarding, and conference calls, and you can save contacts.  A couple of times I didn't get an immediate dial tone and had to hang up and try again.

The biggest downside of the magicJack compared with regular phone service is that you have to be running an Internet-connected computer, with a magicJack installed anytime you want to make or receive calls.  (DCZ:  It also works with WiFi?) Also, as with all Internet phone systems, you have to register your address with 911 emergency systems.   With magicJack, you get a new phone number. The company says it is working on allowing you to port your existing landline number. You can keep your landline number for use on some phones or when you're not using magicJack.

I found magicJack worked better on Windows than on the Mac. (DCZ:  Not a shocker) At one point, magicJack customer support had to send me software to patch the Mac version. But the company claims it is fixing that with a new Mac version coming soon.

YMAX also says it plans to roll out this year a Skype-like service that won't require any magicJack hardware, just a PC or an iPhone. It also plans a new version of magicJack to turn cellphones into wireless magicJack handsets. (DCZ:  This is going to be called the Femto Jack)

I don't know if those diet pills in the TV ads work. (DCZ:  Direct response marketing works) But magicJack does.

Pandora vs Sirius XM: Which is Best?

I recently had an epiphany on two recent two hour road trips that made me start to rethink my assumption that Satellite radio is more reliable than 3G / 4G radio.  I drove from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara on the 101 Freeway along the coast that notoriously has poor cell reception.  I also drove from Los Angeles to Palm Springs during rush hour and a heavy usage period.

I tested both Pandora streaming on my HSPA+ G2 Android phone and Sirius Satellite radio that comes with a factory installed radio inside my Volvo XC90.  Which did you think dropped fewer signals and had the best streaming audio experience?  Your intuition would make you think the Satellite performed better but you would be wrong.  T-Mobile's 3G HSPA+ network worked excellent the entire way along the coast and on the 10 Freeway without stuttering a song once.

So, why is Sirius XM starting to lose signal in areas that you would least expect.  Sirius also loses a signal in an area you would expect under bridges and in areas blocked by buildings or a parking structure.  Its can be annoying at times when listening to Howard Stern who has funny punch line every few minutes. Is it their terrestrial repeater network that is being congested?  Do their satellites need an upgrade or is it interference?

My speculation is that Pandora does a better job of downloading more content and caching songs ahead of time.  Pandora caches songs so when you enter areas of poor cellular strength you have radio content to stream.  Sirius on the other hand only caches a few seconds of the song or show and therefor if you lose signal you are likely going to lose some of the content.

I also tried something new using my cars new Bluetooth streaming feature that sends audio from my phone into my car stereo speakers.  I used the Pandora app on my G2 T-Mobile phone and it work great.  Keep in mind I have an unlimited data plan with T-Mobile so I am not worried about going over my data plan.  Pandora streaming doesn't use as much data as you'd think so it begs the question, how much data does Pandora use on cell phone?

In conclusion, I think that 3G / 4G / 5G streaming in the car radio has a lot of promise in the future as more consumers realize its pretty easy to do.  However, carriers are going to have to be more lenient and transparent about data caps and usage for customer in order to not scare people off.  Fore those who have unlimited data plans enjoy your Sirius or Spotify mobile apps as much as you want.  The experience is going to have to be cheap for the masses to use it.  Therefore, other services will have to be embedded into the car radio like Direct TV, Navigation or OnStar emergency services in order for consumers to pay a premium.  

LightSquared Satellite 4G LTE Network

LightSquared’s is a new high speed data only wireless company with a mission to revolutionize the U.S. wireless industry. Light Squared has created the first-ever, wholesale-only nationwide 4G-LTE network integrated with satellite coverage.  ightSquared offers customers the speed, value and reliability of universal broadband connectivity, wherever they are in the United States. Placing calls over satellites is expensive and impractical compared with using cell towers, so the FCC allows spectrum holders to back up satellite coverage with towers. That gives LightSquared a "back door" to building out a conventional ground-based network of cell towers. Its integrated LTE-satellite network will serve critical public sector needs such as emergency preparedness and seamless communications in times of crisis.

The key competitive advance for Light Squared is its satellite coverage. LightSquared's satellite network (Boeing) was launched into geostationary orbit over North America in November 2010. Among the largest and most powerful commercial satellites ever launched, this space-based network will provide coverage to users when they are out of cellular range. LightSquared's next generation satellite with its 22-meter-diameter reflector will allow for connectivity to mobile devices without penalizing form factor, battery life, or performance. Other cellular providers are limited to offering wireless and mobile broadband services to customers strictly via cell phone towers or limited satellite connections. By integrating a national LTE network with ubiquitous satellite coverage, LightSquared will not only offer its partners a new wholesale revenue platform, but will also provide end users with a reliable and fast experience, regardless of where they are in the United States.  Don't be surprised to see Direct TV (NYSE: DTV) as one of the first re-sellers of Light Squared's 4G/LTE service.

The LightSquared network is designed to support present-day and emerging wireless devices without restrictions or the hassle of buying a new phone locked to a specific network. Its open wireless ecosystem removes existing barriers to the development of innovative applications and services in the mobile Internet space. As a wholesale-only operator, LightSquared will deploy an open 4G network to be used by existing and new service providers to sell their own devices, applications and services, at a competitive cost and without retail competition from LightSquared. Mobile phone consumers will not buy 4G/LTE data service directly from LightSquared. Instead, it will wholesale to other companies like cable, regional phone companies and broadband providers that can resell it to consumers.

LightSquared plans to start selling the service in the second half of 2011 in Las Vegas, Phoenix, Denver and Baltimore. The deployment and operation of LightSquared’s network represent more than $14 billion of private investment from Harbinger over the next eight years to cover 92% of the U.S. popluation. For more information about LightSquared, please go to LightSquared.com, facebook.com/LightSquared and twitter.com/LightSquared.

Where Did ESPN 3D Go?

Watching the National Championship game with a 3D TV in my home and I can't watch it in 3D. When are the Verizon FiOS 3D channels coming?  I am tired of waiting for the 3D content after paying a premium for a new 3D TV from Samsung earlier this year from Best Buy.  Verizon FiOS was heavily promoting the content at CES in Las Vegas as well but yet they have nothing but marketing hype to back it up.

List of 3D Channels

ESPN 3D - DirecTV Channel 106 & Time Warner Channel 1306 

N3D - Direct TV 103 - New content as it becomes available from CBS, Fox & NBC

On Demand 3D - DirecTV Channel 105

Pay Per View 3D - DirecTV Channel 104

3D channels were introduced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, aiming to provide a three-dimensional viewing experience for television content. However, due to various factors, including limited consumer demand and production challenges, many 3D channels have ceased their operations or reduced their offerings.

One of the major reasons for the decline of 3D channels was the lack of widespread adoption by consumers. While 3D movies gained some popularity in theaters, the demand for 3D content at home did not reach the same level. Many viewers found the use of special glasses uncomfortable or cumbersome, and the limited availability of 3D content further contributed to the diminished interest.

As a result, several broadcasters and cable/satellite providers gradually discontinued their 3D channels. Instead, they shifted their focus to other technologies and content formats that gained more popularity, such as high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD (4K) programming. These formats offered improved picture quality without the need for specialized glasses.

While it's possible that some 3D channels may still be available in certain regions or through specialized providers, the overall availability of 3D channels has significantly declined in recent years. The emphasis has shifted towards other technologies and content formats that offer enhanced viewing experiences.

Where Did The 3D Channels Go?

Where are the 3D channels consumers were promised this year on cable TV?  Cable subscribers of Verizon FiOS, Cablevision, Cox, Time Warner, Comcast, and AT&T U-verse are still waiting patiently for their channels. According to this blog, Direct TV has 4 3D channels, Time Warner has ESPN 3D while the other cable operators have 0. HDTV's success can be attributed to content and now 3D could draw the same road map. It is likely that nearly 1 million 3D TVs have been sold in the US and the number is growing by 50% per year and Samsung owns the majority of this market share.

ESPN broadcasted 3D programming on a dedicated channel for the World Cup Soccer but that is about it for content. Comcast subscribers were able to see the Masters golf Tournament in 3D.  I will admit that some sports are better than others for watching in 3D and stadium events might not be that compelling unless you are watching a camera from the sideline. 3D content is still lacking and ESPN will likely be the driver of more sports programming content with hopefully some more NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and college football games. Why isn't Fox carrying the Super Bowl at Cowboy Stadium in 3D? Golf to me is one of the greatest 3D viewing experiences having viewed the Maui open on a DVD at the store.

Sony, Discovery, and IMAX announced a 3D venture for programming this week to launch the first 24/7, fully programmed 3D television network in the U.S. Content includes a collection of 3D content including natural history, documentary, action/adventure, hard travel, history, hyper-reality, concerts, movies, scripted series and more.  So why isn't Samsung sponsoring more sporting events to get more people interested in buying 3D HD TVs?

3D channels were introduced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, aiming to provide a three-dimensional viewing experience for television content. However, due to various factors, including limited consumer demand and production challenges, many 3D channels have ceased their operations or reduced their offerings.

One of the major reasons for the decline of 3D channels was the lack of widespread adoption by consumers. While 3D movies gained some popularity in theaters, the demand for 3D content at home did not reach the same level. Many viewers found the use of special glasses uncomfortable or cumbersome, and the limited availability of 3D content further contributed to the diminished interest.

As a result, several broadcasters and cable/satellite providers gradually discontinued their 3D channels. Instead, they shifted their focus to other technologies and content formats that gained more popularity, such as high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD (4K) programming. These formats offered improved picture quality without the need for specialized glasses.

While it's possible that some 3D channels may still be available in certain regions or through specialized providers, the overall availability of 3D channels has significantly declined in recent years. The emphasis has shifted towards other technologies and content formats that offer enhanced viewing experiences.

Google TV Sony Logitech Demo at Best Buy

Google TV Logitech, Sony Blue-Ray are on display at Best Buy showing off the capabilities on Sony TVs. I really like the concept and the fact you can use your TV display to surf the internet and watch YouTube vides but its not compelling enough for me to buy.  Sony was the first manufacturer to jump onto the tidal wave of Google Internet TV and now indications are that Samsung will be the second.  I just purchased a Samsung 3D TV and love the idea of having applications directly on the TV and having a display directly connected to the internet.  Its great to see technology finally trying to disrupt cable monopolies who control video content distribution.

The capabilities on display at Best Buy demonstrates some nice functionality but nothing too complicated that couldn't be accomplished in a applications similar to Pandora or Hulu.  However, I really don't want to have another device like a Logitech keyword to do it.  I would prefer having the capability to control the Google TV app with my laptop or iPad that is directly connected through my wireless network to the TV.  That is the holy grail of being able to use a huge plasma, LCD or LED to surf the internet.  Let's hope that some is working on it because I don't see lots of consumers buying this product in its current form.

Will Verizon's $720M NFL Deal Pay Off?

Verizon is spending $180M per year with the NFL over four years totaling $720M for their FiOS RedZone channel. NFL fans will get touchdowns and other important plays from the live games taking place on Sunday. When a team goes inside its opponent’s 20-yard line, fans will see the plays as they happen. The channel will switch from game to game with live look-ins and highlights. NFL RedZone is a subscription channel that costs $49.99 for the season. It will be available on FiOS TV in both HD (channel 835) and SD (channel 335).  Live sports appears to be the remaining last straw helping to retain cable subscribers.

This NFL deal with Verizon is worth about 50% more than the NFL's previous mobile distribution deal with Sprint, which was valued at $120 million. Last year, the NFL signed a new four-year deal with satellite television provider DirecTV worth $1 billion annually, or 40% more than its previous contract. DirecTV has exclusive rights to Sunday Ticket, which allows fans to watch every NFL game on Sundays. Extensions of existing deals with deals with Fox, CBS and General Electric Co.'s NBC Universal unit included increases of less than 5%. Read more in WSJ

You also may have notice these commercials on NBC's Sunday night football (see video below) and for the average person who  knows what it means to be on the "most advance network in the world"?   After all the US is embarrassingly five years behind the rest of the world and I wouldn't promote this fact because TeliaSonera is actually the largest 4G LTE  network in the world.  Verizon has also wasted an entire NFL season promoting a 4G LTE network that is not even available yet and phones are not expected to launch until 2011.  Is January and February a good time to promote the launch of your new phones after the Holiday?  Another Verizon Wireless dirty little secret is that your current 3G Verizon phone will not work on the new network.

Verizon is launching 4G LTE services in 38 markets and 62 Verizon 4G LTE airport locations covering 33% of the population or 100 million potential customers at the end of 2011.  Verizon says they plan to increase their 4G LTE coverage to 200 million people by the end of 2012 and 285 by 2013 which is basically their currently 3G network that has less than 750 kbps speeds. Verizon Wireless has said their 4G network will provide downlink speeds of between 5-12 mbps using the carrier’s 700 MHz spectrum holdings.  The average person doesn't realize yet that at these speeds LTE competes with free broadband WiFi that is typically faster.  Will consumers spend the extra $200 - $400 for year for data services that are most often free over Wifi?  The reality is Wifi hotspots are growing 25X faster than LTE cell phone towers and this is growing at a rate of 40% per year vs 8% for new cell towers.  I think Verizon is starting to look a lot like the Federal Reserve and a bit over optimistic about the amount of customers that will be using their expensive 4G LTE network.  If its free its me and if I have to pay now way!

Google TV Will Disrupt the Cable Distribution Monopoly

It's great to see networks like Fox starting to pull their programming from Google TV.  This only means one thing!  Networks who believe in programming and cable companies who believe in paid distribution feel threatened.   Google TV is a disruptive technology platform that seeks to destroy a monopolistic distribution model of content and companies like Comcast denies Google TV as a competitor. The cable distribution monopoly and give consumers what they want.  Programming is about to become a thing of the past as more and more consumers just consume what they want when they want.  Not only do they select their programming on-demand but they are not doing it on multiple devices like the iPhone, iPad and Android.  Cable operators have leverage because they are in the broadband access business and starting to get into the wireless broadband access business.  The only thing I think that will begin to protect their business in the short term is to emphasize 3D TV channels which provide a tremendously cool viewing experience (only at night). 

For the longest time cable companies like Comcast, Cablevision, Cox, Time Warner have made most of their money charging networks carriage rights.  The FCC knows consumers are getting screwed and has not disrupted this shady business practice and networks have been getting away with it making money hand over fist.   Well, this is all about to change if you can now consumer your programming directly over the internet.  You don't need a cable line any longer when you can download the programming over your neighbors shared WiFi network or your wireless carrier 4G, LTE or Wimax network.   The chart below shows you how the cable companies are losing leverage for the distribution of their content.  They used to own almost 50% of the channels and now they own only 15% as the number of channels have increased and the content has become more specialized.  Great examples of this include the NBA, NFL and MLB who have started their own networks and don't rely on CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox for all of their content distribution. 

When are Verizon FiOS 3D Channels Coming?

Verizon FiOS TV customers are waiting patiently for their 3D channels and programming as the NFL 2010 Football season is now in session.  But who has 3D channels?   Watching sports on a 3D TV is pretty close to being at the stadium or on the golf course.  Seeing the depth gives you a whole new perspective of what the athletes and fans at the stadium are seeing.  It's a brand new experience is quite similar to what HD was back in early 2000.  Many executives downplayed the significance of HDTV back then and continue to do the same with 3D.  However, I think 3D is going to revolutionize TV once again just like HD.  It is impossible these days to watch any programming in a regular TV format or analog. 

I had my first 3D aha moment at Best Buy the other day while shopping for a new Samsung 3D plasma TV.  I was watching the Maui Open Golf Tournament on tape with 3D glasses and was absolutely amazed at the different viewing experiences it provides.  I thought I was actually on the green with the golfer reading the put while looking at the ocean in the background.  Then watching the golf ball come off the tee and travel down the fairway was incredible.   I was sold and in the process of purchasing 2 3D TVs for my house.

3D channels were introduced in the late 2000s and early 2010s, aiming to provide a three-dimensional viewing experience for television content. However, due to various factors, including limited consumer demand and production challenges, many 3D channels have ceased their operations or reduced their offerings.

One of the major reasons for the decline of 3D channels was the lack of widespread adoption by consumers. While 3D movies gained some popularity in theaters, the demand for 3D content at home did not reach the same level. Many viewers found the use of special glasses uncomfortable or cumbersome, and the limited availability of 3D content further contributed to the diminished interest.

As a result, several broadcasters and cable/satellite providers gradually discontinued their 3D channels. Instead, they shifted their focus to other technologies and content formats that gained more popularity, such as high-definition (HD) and Ultra HD (4K) programming. These formats offered improved picture quality without the need for specialized glasses.

While it's possible that some 3D channels may still be available in certain regions or through specialized providers, the overall availability of 3D channels has significantly declined in recent years. The emphasis has shifted towards other technologies and content formats that offer enhanced viewing experiences.

Android Phones: Samsung Vibrant vs HTC G2

Are you a keyboard person or can't live without it or can you train yourself to use the new Swype digital keyboard?  Do you want the faster HSPA+ download speeds or do you primarily use your phone on Wi-Fi and can live with 3G?  Do you need the fastest processor?   Do you use your phone to read, look at photos and take video?  We try and answer these questions below . . .

I have been a long time T-Mobile G1 Android Phone user for the last two years.  I have been waiting patiently for the release of the new Android G2 which has a faster processor and refined hardware features.  However, when I walked into the T-Mobile store the other day to get a repair for my G1 something hit me.  The Samsung Vibrant Android Phone screen was beautiful and look strikingly similar to the iPhone.  However, when I picked it up it seems to be about half of the weight of an iPhone 4 which seems heavy.

The Samsung Vibrant comes a 1GHz processor that runs very fast. The G2 will be running on an 800 MHz processor. In day-to-day activities such as web browsing or checking email, the difference in power between the two devices won’t be significantly noticeable but may make a difference for power users.

The T-Mobile G2 offers connectivity to T-Mobile’s next-generation HSPA+ network, allowing the device to reach faster download speeds approaching or exceeding 4G speeds (3 – 6 Mbps average). The Samsung Vibrant is limited to standard 3G connectivity. You need to ask yourself if you are mostly going to be connecting via Wi-Fi or 3G. 4G or 3G HSPA+ is just not available in that many areas currently.

The G2 has a slide-out keyboard and the Vibrant does not.  However, it features the Swype keyboard or the Android digital keyboard options.  The screen on the Vibrant is so large that the fat finger problem does not seem to be an issue.

After a few weeks of using the G2, we have noticed some issues with the G2 SD card mounting read-only.  So far there doesn't appear to be any solutions to fix the problem and we will keep you posted.  We have tried 2 different micro SD cards from SanDisk and the problem keeps occurring when trying to use the camera.  It appears to be an Android issue and we are being sent our 2nd phone.

One feature the Samsung Vibrant is lacking is the tight integration with Google Maps and comes preloaded with TeleNav.  One feature I liked on the G1 was the ability to click on the location of a calendar item and Google Maps would automatically open up.  I suspect that this feature will be fixed in future updates.

Samsung has a great networking feature Allshare if you have a Samsung TV or other DLNA devices. DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) technology enables the Vibrant to wirelessly act as a media server and sends video content from your phone to other devices, such as TVs, monitors, and laptops.

The Samsung Vibrant is running Android 2.1 with an upgrade to Android 2.2 approaching while the T-Mobile G2 will be shipping with Android 2.2.  I have downloaded many of the Google applications that I used on the G1 like Google Voice, Google Places, Google Maps Navigation, Google Voice Navigation, Google Fast Flip, Google News, Google Reader, and Google Finance.

The Samsung Vibrant has a beautiful 4″ display which is one of the best displays I have ever seen. The G2 has a 3.7″ display which is similar to the Google Nexus One. Both displays will reduce their power consumption and reflection when in direct sunlight.

Avatar pre-installed on the Vibrant and it can be watched on any Samsung TV using their AllShare application sharing on a home network.

Both phones have a 5MP photo and HD video camera. However, the G2 will be equipped with an LED flash. The Samsung records video in 720p HD and has various camera settings which include night mode and panoramic capturing. The Vibrant also has an amazing panoramic mode which takes incredible pictures. The G2 will also come with 720p HD video recording as well.

One nice feature on the Vibrant is the 16GB internal storage which comes with a pre-installed 2GB microSD card. The T-Mobile G2 has 4GB internal storage and similar storage on the SD card.

Samsung is launching a Media Hub for renting or buying TV shows and Movies.  This feature currently does not work as says "coming soon" when you try and open it.

Samsung Vibrant also uses a proprietary charging device that looks a lot like a USB but it's not.  You can charge it with their own USB cord but it's a smaller dongle that fits into the fun.  Unfortunately, you cannot use your old USB or phone chargers.

The Samsung Vibrant comes preloaded with a number of unique applications like Avatar, TeleNav, AllShare, Facebook, GoGo, Kindle, MiniDiary, Mobi TV, The Sims 3, MobiTV & ThinkFree Office.

Related Post:
T-Mobile 4G Phones: G2 & MyTouch Compared
Why All Android Phones Are Not The Same

Nielsen Buys Telephia

I thought that Telephia was in the business of selling mobile data back to the carriers to help them improve coverage? Obviously this business model wasn't sustainable due to the consolidation of carriers from 8 to 4. Sometimes I question the future lifespan of a company like Nielsen in our "on-demand" world of Tivo's and real data downloads? Extrapolating viewer numbers based on sample data and surveys like Comscore, Alexa, Compete and Nielsen TV Set Top boxes is a scam. Actually, numbers from relevant consumers is the new model in my opinion.

Drive testing and surveying a few thousand mobile users by making direct phone calls to customers seems like another customer survey methodology that is expensive and lacks relevancy. Why don't survey companies source more qualified panelists through web sites like DeadCellZones.com where customers are actually qualified to give feedback. Most survey companies motivate panelists by giving them a reward for taking a survey. If you were a carrier concerned with buying quality customer service data would you rather purchase information from a customer that was angry or one that just wanted a reward.

Micro-targeting customers is possible with the internet and big companies still have a hard time thinking on a smaller scale. Is that a qualified or relevant customer that is worth? The fact that companies like JD Power and Telephia are the current "industry standard" for customer satisfaction is pretty scary. There are hundreds of millions of mobile customers and the fact that these companies only survey may be less than 100,000 users per year is ridiculous. My advice is to survey customers who actually have problems to help prioritize network improvements.