I find Holmoe's "switch to DirecTV" solution to be overly simplistic. What about everyone who already has a contract with another service provider? Should they all just pay for 2-services and add DirecTV? Is the BYU athletic director encouraging members of the LDS Church to go into debt in order to watch BYU sports? Is debt to watch BYU sports now considered acceptable debt within the Church despite regular counsel from the First Presidency to avoid debt? Can I deduct the subscription from my tithing check as a sort of "tithing credit".

I would like an explanation on this from Holmoe, but suspect he is afraid to tackle these questions. In Arizona where I grew up, college sports were on local network TV, but I assume BYU is not really concerned about their fan base that much.

Who pays Tom Holmoe? BYU or DirecTV? Thanks for the commercial buddy!

You're joking, right?

Dear "Debt for sports"

If you need to go into debt to watch TV, you need to get another job. So now you will be working and won't have a chance to watch TV, so you have solved one of your problems twice. For another of your problems, I doubt if there is a solution.

I think you're missing the point buddy. The debt thing is an analogy. You have to read between the lines, rather than take the story literally; you know kind of like a parable.

The point is that Holmoe should be spending his time and effort to provide what the fans want, rather than trying to get the fans to clean up his mess.

Enough with the whole trying to get the fans to call into Directv, or switch, or pay more, etc., etc. How about spending your time fixing this thing.

I can see every single BYU game all the way from Virginia! If I wasn't already a member, I'd join the church right now!
Thanks BYU for thinking of those of us who have had to settle for watching half of the games or less, broadcasted with ESPN commentators who could care less.
I just wish there was a way to get the sportscasters from KSL into the mix. They have always run a classy operation with great commentary on both BYU and the teams they play.
If you can't budget an extra twenty or thirty bucks a month during football season(No, a contract is not required for directTV) then you probably wouldn't watch all 12 games if they were free... or buy season tickets... or contribute to the cougar club...
DirectTV is a decent company, which is more than can be said for Comcast. I Challenge comcast customers to compare what they originally planned their cable bill to be, to what they currently are paying. Then compare that to what DirectTV charges. I think you'll find that Comcast is adept at getting you to agree to pay more after they sign you up.

Debt for sports, here's an explanation; GET A JOB. My parents warned me about people like you. He's an AD, not the Prophet.

I have had DirecTV for 12 years as of this coming October. I refused to switch to Comcast because of Craig Thompson's stupidity.

Now Holmoe is offering a commonsense solution. DirecTV has the MTN, Dish does not. If you want to watch BYU play, go to who has the programming.

It's not as much a commercial for DirecTV as it is just the way things are, and he says DISH isn't in the mix, their own choice.

I wouldn't go into debt for any pay-TV. You shouldn't either. If you have to go into debt to get DirecTV, or buy nachos on a credit card to watch during the game, take that money, pay for night school classes, and in 6 years you will have a job and be able to afford pay TV.

Oh, and about writing DirecTV off as tithing, that's between you and the Lord... Also check with your Tax Accountant, not the Des News Board for tax advice.

DirecTV is the best solution for the BYU fan base, that's just the way it is. Pay for a ticket, or pay to watch the game on TV.

Everyone has their own opportunity now...

Make your own decision....

I am personally withholding all donations to BYU as an Alumnus because of this decision. When they call and ask for more money I tell them why. I encourage all those who contribute to do the same.

How much are you withholding?

I'll kick in the $10 to cover your share. (If you were a real donor, with real money, this would be good news, not something to get upset about).

BTW, what exactly makes you upset anyway? When you "tell them why", what is the why?

Thank You DirecTV for making the games availible out of state.

If something like this can make you "withold all donations to BYU" then you probably weren't donating in the first place. Are you mad that the Mtn wasn't picked up by anyone other than DirectTV? Or do you feel like BYU conspired to get you to buy another tv subscription for filthy lucre? 1) its football, pay to watch it just like ticket holders do, 2) it was probably an off handed remark that demonstrates the athletic director's exuberance to have more byu games televised (I share the excitement), 3) stop acting like you actually donate to BYU; you don't. 4) it was a comment made to 100 people... you made a much more ridiculous comment to many more when you posted your blather.

To George, "rather than trying to get the fans to clean up his mess". Get a clue. We wouldn't even have the mtn. on DirecTV if it wasn't for the efforts of Tom Holmoe and some of the other ADs. Once again, get a clue.

As soon as I saw the headline for this story (Holmoe says switch to Direct TV) I KNEW someone would post a stupid comment about it. Buddy you need to get some serious help. Yours is one of the more wacked comments I've read.

Many of you guys don't get it. DirecTV costs money, and when I asked, they told me I had to sign a contract, yes a contract,to get free installation and equipment, otherwise that is an extra charge. And if you already have Dish, you probably have a contract with them. this being the case you cannot simply switch to DirecTV and stop paying Dish. You must pay for both until your DISH contract is up.
I am happy for all of you who can afford to pay 2-cable companies each month while your contract is in force, likely equally over $100/month. I could too, but find that to be wasteful, something I feel the Lord would frown upon. The money would be better spent as Fast offerings. And I do have a very good, very well paying job.
What portion of Utahns can afford 2-cable bills?

9:28- Actually all tithing payers donate to BYU. Church funds help support the University, meaning most LDS members do give to the school. Think before you blog.

The Real problem is the Mtn network, which never should have been awarded rights to the game. There are many other networks that would be better.

Yeah I am a "small time" contributer but I also enjoy watching the games, which could all be found streamed on the internet until this agreement with DirecTv. I have been a fan and will be a fan for many years to come but if I don't agree with what they are doing with the pittance I contribute then I have the right to withhold it.

Me holding back won't change anything and neither will "flaming" people on the internet. All I am saying is to those who disagree with the decision then act accordingly, if you support it then get the dish if not then don't. There are obviously enough people willing to spend extra (the extra I could have sent BYU) to make it lucrative for both parties.

Don't get the Dish, it doesn't have the games.

Get DirecTV.

Second, you keep saying you are angry, and we should all tell them why.

Why are we angry again? Because we can get the games now, you know, for the first time. What did you want them to do, fly you in on Monson's Jet and let you sit up front?

This conversation thread, article, and the very thought of crying about paying to see a football game is stupid!

If you want to pay for your TV, do... If you don't, don't... But don't cry about it. It is what it is.

BYU football is not so important that anybody should HAVE to pay for it. Many choose to, though, and there's nothing wrong with that. I personally do not. I like Dish, do not like Direct TV, and therefore will live without BYU football games in my house. Nobody will see me crying about it. It's a CHOICE!

Quit your bellyaching over such a dumb issue!

Why are official Church channels and organizations promoting a TV service that sells porn?

Let me start by saying that I'm not happy about the MTN however now that it is on DirecTV I will be better off. Back when BYU was on ESPN we were able to see some of the games but most of those where on ESPN GAMEPLAN which would cost me $20 a game to watch. Now I get to watch them for $12 a month (yes I live outside of the MTN area) and I will get to see all of them. It will be better for me. DISH is the problem now. They have the same offer as DirecTV. It is their right to sign or not sign. That is fine. It is my right to leave. I have left after 8 years with Dish. I'm not happy about it but as they say "it is only business". I suppose no matter what happens someone will always complain.

You signed a contract with Dish to save a few extra bucks up front and now Dish will charge you a penalty breaking the contract- Tom's fault?

You won't sign with DirectTV unless you can save a few more extra bucks by signing another contract- Still Tom's fault

Thinking your only two options are to keep paying Dish and not get what you want or pay for two dish contracts at the same time- Your elementary school teacher's fault.

Who is Mr. Holmoe...couldn't coach, couldn't play and BYU got him and now since Mendenhall has turned things around he takes credit...come on....stay in the back ground where you need to be...not taking credit for something you have not been a part of...

All you buffoons who think getting access to the MTN is going to put you in heaven are going to be sadly disappointed when you realize that even when you have the MTN, like we do here in Boise, they only show a fraction of BYU games. You'll settle in for an apparant BYU football game, only to find out that they're showing the SD State vs. Air Force game instead that day. The Cougars won't even be on...unless you're into late night re-runs.

The MTN isn't a BYU channel...it's a Mountain West Conference channel and they show more of the other guys than they do BYU football and Basketball.

BYU needs it's own network because the MTN sucks.

And to Mr. "Debt" your first post talks about going into debt to get DirectTV and your next post says you have plenty of money to get it. It isn't debt if you can afford it. Get a life.

First off, Debt for Sport: don't preach your mumbo jumbo, you sound rediculous. Your church assumbedly pays tiths and fasts to help those in need. Paying for the service to watch BYU games (yes I'm non-mormon BYU eastcoast fan) is a small price for those of us who before now were not able to watch but a few games a year. You are sounding like a child at store crying because he doesn't get what he wants. Besides, you were the morn that bought satellite service with Dish anyway... that was your fault not BYU's.

As for Wallet Voter: Stop complaining, suck it up, and be a man. You to sound like a baby who isn't getting what only suits them. You're the Mormon, shouldn't you be thinking of others before yourself. Though it may have been a small inconvenience to you, the Mtn and new deal with Direct Tv has been a major joy to the vast majority of BYU fans who don't live in Utah or MTN area. Take your $10 and use it for DTV, I will cover your small donation to BYU (Which I am not an Aulumn).

You both sound like Babies...

If the local TV stations could offer the MWC a package deal, they would...but they can't offer what a national satellite provider can offer. The conference will take the best deal. ESPN kept moving games to Thursdays--had the MWC stayed with them, 2/3 of the season would be spent on Thursday nights. No thank you.

Overlooked fact: The MWC is interesting to the western region of the US, but not at all interesting to the other areas of the country as much as the ACC, SEC, Big Ten, Big 12, Big East, and PAC-10. More TV channel changers switch to larger and more prominent games. QUIT COMPLAINING AND ENJOY THE OPPORTUNITY OF DIRECTV.

I can't realistically imagine a better situation for BYU to be in.
We're in a conference where we call the shots- see Pac10 and Sunday play.
We have a TV deal that allows anyone to watch all of the games, pays more than anyone else was willing to pay and we get to play when we want- see WAC and ESPN; WAC and Mon, Tues, Wed, Sun Play.

The Mountain West is getting better- BYU, UTAH and TCU would be competitive in any BCS conference this year. CSU and Sandiego State should improve dramatically in the coming years. I think we're on the cusp of having two teams ranked at the beginning of each season.
Sorry Utah, if BYU continues it's success or improves, recruiting could get pretty rough...

I think your comments are spot on. It was my recollection last year that the games that were on the MTN had the quality of high school camera coverage, with horrible announcers to boot. Secondarily, we will NOT be able to see every game, hence the name of the channel, it is a MWC channel.

There is an issue with strapping on a second dish to the house just to pick up one channel...If you can afford it, great, if not...to bad. You can pick up a 2nd cell provider just the same if you with, there are contract implications there as well...DirecTV isn't stupid, they want to lock us in for a couple years...not just a few months.

At any rate, the quality of the programming needs a huge upgrade to make it watchable.

Why don't they put the games on BYUTV, it's offered in a lot basic packages. I'm here in TX with no hope of watching any games this year. We get Versus though!

I wouldn't have DirectTV if it were the last provider on earth. Expensive and the worst customer service of any company I've ever dealt with. No football game is worth dealing with those scammers.

Is there a mountain behind you're house?
If BYU decided to go it alone, they still wouldn't put all of their games on BYUTV. They would be with ESPN and probably get payed well for it.
The current deal is the best way to get visibility for the Y and take care of the other schools.
The MTN definitely had some frustrating problems and shortcomings, but the shows they make and play midweek to tide fans over until the weekend are fun and much better than watching for a five second mention on sportscenter every week.
I expect big improvements form the Mountain this year because DirectTV obviously made some stipulations about the programming before they signed on. The most visible of these is that BYU plays more games on the MTN than in previous years. I'm guessing that added revenue for the DirectTV deal won't hurt either.
I think it would be wise to hold judgement on the MTN until we see what changes have been made this year.

They can't put games on any channel because it would break the contract agreement with The Mtn. The Mtn. holds the rights to every MWC vs MWC game.

Re: reDebt for Sports.
So you are saying it was not acceptable to swtich to comcast because it's stupidity by Craig Thompson, but it's a common sense solution by Tom Holmoe to switch to DirecTV? Did that statement make anyone else go "Huh?"

There is no way that DirectTV is worse than Comcast. It just isn't possible.

What a bunch of cry babies. These are the same fans that are predicting that BYU will go undefeated and will have Broncos head if we go 11-1 or 10-2 again. True Cougar fans that are fully invested will be glad to pay for direct TV. It was a happy day in Boise that I could switch to Direct TV from Cable One and now get all of the BYU games!!! Get a better job, stop eating out every meal, stop going to the movies, get your priorities strait, and please stop crying you sound like a bunch of crying baby yewet fans!

I only have one question. Why in the world did I waste the time to read all of this?

The drive 250 miles to and 250 miles from a game costs me more in gas for one game than Direct TV costs for a month (4 games). It seems Holmoe's job is thankless to some, but to others it is an improvement on anything else to come along for a long time. Everyone's circumstances vary and some can afford it and others can't. Whatever hand you're dealt, try to make the best of it. Ever heard of going to the home of a friend who has Direct TV to watch a game? There are lots of options for all of us. I'm just tickled to be able to catch a game or two.

I would get DirecTV, but the MTN telecasts are TERRIBLE. To be honest, I'd rather listen to the games streaming internet KSL. When the MTN/Versus/CSTV improve the telecasts, I'll watch the games.

I'd rather know that I just won't be seeing any of the plays instead of waiting and waiting for that replay which will never happen because they only have one camera angle. Or, worse, repeated replays of the same angle which doesn't provide definitive information.

I have spent the last couple of years taking my son to a resturaunt up the road from my house to watch the football games and some of the basketball games I want to catch as well. Yeah it's officially a sports bar but you know the type - the bar is sectioned off just like in any other resturaunt you take your family to and the rest has tv's all over and clean family dining. I almost always meet up with a couple other cougar fans with their families and it ends up being a lot of fun. A chance to get off the couch, have a nice lunch or dinner with family and other fans while watching the game on the big screen. Of course, by the time you calculated the bill for gas and food all season you could have gotten DirectTV a few times over. But, like most of you, BYU sports is my entertainment and I don't expect someone to just hand it to me for free. Go Cougs. Although I am afraid BYU is going to go 11-1 and lose a close one to the Utes.

Now that I have officially graduated and moved out of Utah I have to say that I am quite pleased with the deal that Thompson made to start The MTN network. Growing up in Oregon I had the opportunity to see BYU play maybe two or three times a year on ESPN. I hear a lot of chatter from BYU fans in Utah about carrying the games on local television. The only problem with that is it excludes every other fan in the country living outside of Utah. Directv has now made it possible for each BYU fan in the country to enjoy EVERY SINGLE BYU game. My father and I have both made the switch and we couldn't be more excited. So don't knock The Mtn anymore. It is doing what it is suppose to, bringing Mountain West Conference athletics to a nationwide fan base. Easily worth over $100 per month if you are still in contract with another company.

MTN? and RE The MTN? ... First, if you get DirecTV you do get all the BYU football games. Some of them are on the MTN, the others are on CSTV (or whatever it is called these days) or Versus. If you are still watching the MTN on cableone, you will not get all the games. As a DirecTV subscriber, I am thrilled to watch every game BYU plays...live.

Second, and I realize I am in the minority on this, I do not think the MTN coverage is that bad. It is a new network and they have their challenges, but I have never felt like their production quality caused me to miss any of the action in a game.

I agree. Until I have the "MTN HD" listed on my programming docket, I refuse to watch that horrible transmission. You can't even read names on jerseys. I would rather watch any HD game on ESPN or a national carrier than BYU on the Mountain. And what is said above is true. Just because you have the Mountain doesn't mean you are going to see every BYU or Utah game. It just means you get a Mountain West game.

I love BYU, but I have to say that I am frequently embarressed by some of the comments from fellow BYU fans on these BLOGs and forums. A few years ago, everyone outside of “happy valley Utah” was whining that they couldn’t get more than 1 or 2 games per year on TV. Now that we can get EVERY game, you are all looking for something else to complain about. And for those in “happy valley Utah” who already got all the games. Shut up and get seasons tickets already, you live close enough. Get out there and support your team, and wear BLUE!!!!!

In basketball you miss some byu games but in football you get them all. And for those tech wizards who don't get it the mountain coverage, cameras, talent and production are superior to the big ten network. comparing it to the quality of abc or espn is not a fair comparison

Call Cannon Satellite to order the MTN from DIRECTV 1-888-800-8592.

Nationwide installations for any BYU or MTN fan anywhere in the country.

From a few of the comments on here you would think that the mtn is a major network (like ABC or CBS) with several different feeds and chooses to broadcast some games to some areas of the country and others to other areas. Someone said something like, "just because you have the Mtn doesn't mean you'll get to see BYU play, they might show another MW game instead. Actually no. The Mtn only has one feed and If BYU is playing another MWC team they have the rights to the game and it will always be automatically broadcast on the Mtn. There are not multiple MW games scheduled, some broadcast to one area and one to somewhere else. All the Mtn West conference games are sceduled at different times and broadcast. Those that don't involve a Mtn West team may not be broadcast on The Mtn, but every BYU game, not broadcast on the Mtn is available on another channel on the DirecTV dial, i.e. Vs., CSTV, ESPN (for bowl games), etc.

So stop complaining and switch to DirecTV if you care about the games. What's the problem? Its cheaper than cable anyway! Geez.......

- Mike

So if the mtn has only one feed how do you propose that the mtn can broadcast multiple games? They are not played at different times. The majority of teams reside in the Mtn time zone, and the standard time for kickoffs is 1:00pm.

So if SDSU vs AF is on at the same time as BYU vs CSU, who will get shown? They have to pick one game and show it live. There's no other way around it.

My issue is the quality of the signal that is used by the mtn, as well as the number of camera angles they actually provide. Hopefully we will see an upgrade in overall quality...we can always wish right.

hey tommy holmoe how about getting COX to provide coverage in az like las vegas and sandiego

There is one point that's missed here.

The AUDIO version of BYU Football and Basketball is on the "BYU Radio" network. This network is on
the internet and on "THE DISH Network" satellite service at Channel 980. It's done by the KSL
announcers.

Now it's realized that it's better to watch than just hear it, but Hey if you want both the video and audio from the KSL (BYU Home) announcers,
then get the video from Direct TV and listen to the audio from Dish Network (or from the internet for
BYU radio). That's the BEST of BOTH worlds and still cheaper than for a family set of tickets to actually be there.

I am a High Definition DISH subscriber with a DVR that has been described by satellite reviewers as being better than what DirectTV offers. DISH will have 150 Hi-def channels by the end of the year. I have a two year contract for the recent upgraded equipment. Friends have DirectTV, so I have been able to compare and contrast the two systems, and the bottom line is that I prefer DISH for several reasons that I won't get into now. I have been hoping that DISH would pick up the MTN, but obviously, it aint happening!
Furthermore, I purchased a big C-BAND Satellite system over 15 years ago, just so I could watch BYU football.

This long-winded diatribe just goes to show that there are a lot of BYU fans that already have DISH and don't want to change just for this one channel.

That being said, I have actually looked into adding DirectTV, getting the minimum package + Sports package, which I would cancel after football season. Then I found out I would have to sign a 2-year contract. Has anyone checked if month to month is available, even if at a higher subscription rate (plus equipment)?

I am sorry but I have had DirectV for several years and never had problem with it or DVR use. I wouldn't go back to cable if they gave it to me.

I used to live in Utah. How do you watch all BYU games for only $12/month while living in Georgia, Scott?

DIRECTV continues its dominance of the HD landscape with over 130 channels in HD. I have been with them for 12 years and have had no problems. That's the most HD channels available anywhere. Period. I have three DVR's given me by DIRECTV, installed and upgraded for free (with a contract, but can be cancelled for a fee) and love ther service.

DISH currently has over 100 channels at this time, and does not carry tne mtn, by DISH Networks own choice.

Both services continue to add HD, but currently it is obvious DIRECTV is more aggresive in the HD market. DISH is losing customers and money, and things don't look better.

Just like dr28, I would not take cable if it was offered for free, and my friends that have DISH are always complaining that they don't get the channels that I do. Their decision not to carry the mtn emphacizes the point.

Bottom line, like who you want, but DIRECTV gave BYU fans all over the country to watch the games. Don't complain about Holmoe, BYU or the church, blame DISH. Theres no whining in Football (except at the U of U).

Sooooo, make a choice.