There has never really been a shortage of sports programming on cable and satellite television, but there is something new being offered. NFLN or the NFL Network is currently being broadcast on Dish Network and Direct TV. If you’re a sports lover and want this channel, but have a cable service instead of satellite, you’ll be in for a letdown. This is a source of major contention for football fans and the NFL alike. NFLN has even requested that Time Warner cable submit to binding arbitration for what the NFL calls unfair practices.

However, subscribers to satellite services have no such problem and can watch NFL programming 24 hours per day. While many may think that NFLN simply plays a regurgitation of greatest games and memorable moments, combined with commentary, the channel actually shows live NFL games. NFLN shows eight prime time games, live on the channel through the season. Add to this the ability to watch some of the greatest games in history and you have a good combination for any football fan.

The network also offers a number of great shows, geared to let fans get to know their favorite (or least favorite) players in intimate detail. There are shows that discuss player’s foibles, coach’s faux pas and blatant blunders, as well as dedicated to the discussion and promotion of many of the bowl games, from the Pro Bowl to the Texas Bowl and most others. This is a great channel for a football fanatic, giving them the ability to get their sports fix whenever they need it.

In addition to the talk shows and live games, there are other offerings, as well. Have a hankering to relive the glory Super Bowls? Well, now you can. Super Bowl Classics give fans the chance to watch some of the hardest fought Super Bowl battles in history, complete with original announcers and graphics. What better way to recapture the feeling those original games gave than to watch them as they were?

Another great aspect of the NFL Network is the fact that it is now available in HD. Both Direct TV and Dish Network offer this great option, though you’ll have to add the channel to most packages. Now you can watch live games, famous competitions and everything else on NFLN in blazing high definition. If you don’t have an HDTV and subscription package, now is the time to get it because the NFL Network in HD is absolutely amazing.

Why isn’t NFLN carried on most cable companies? Well, it has to do with the packaging in which the cable companies want to deliver the network. For instance, Time Warner wants to add NFLN to its sports package, but not offer it as a basic channel. NFLN strictly does not want this. They have asked the cable companies to make them part of the basic lineup, so that more football fans can have access to their offerings. The continuing battle isn’t going to end any time soon, with the cable companies simply wanting more money from subscribers to access NFLN.

Whitney Alen is a Direct TV expert and has over 10 years experience in the satellite TV industry.

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