Some Kings fans had trouble finding the first two games of the season broadcast on Comcast SportsNet California.
After a bit of sleuthing Wednesday – including talking to colleagues who subscribe to Dish Network and DirecTV, plus talking with Kings and CSNCA officials – we've uncovered some facts. We admit we don't fully understand or agree with a change made by CSNCA, and we're perplexed why CSNCA or the Kings didn't tell anyone of the change before the season.
Citing NBA territory-rights guidelines, CSNCA now televises games to satellite customers – Dish, DirecTV and AT&T – on its CSNCA-Plus channel, generally used only when the Kings and Sharks are scheduled at the same time, instead of the traditional CSNCA channel.
Cable subscribers – primarily Comcast, SureWest and Wave – can still watch Kings games on the main CSNCA channel.
Sounds complicated, right? It is, but then so is TV these days.
Here are the channels (HD in parenthesis) where you can find games on the major TV providers in our region:
• Comcast Cable: 34 (721)
• SureWest: 99 (699)
• Wave: 23 (723) in Placer County, 63 (798) in West Sacramento
• AT&T: 768 (1768)
• DirecTV: 699 (699-1)
• Dish: It's not so easy … CSNCA-Plus airs on a range of channels (444-478 and 9514-9519 for HD) and the specific channel varies from game to game. The best advice for Dish subscribers: use your on-screen guide to search through the alternate sports channels.
What to watch
NBA, Chicago at Kings, 7 p.m., CSNCA: If you're watching at your favorite watering hole, you now know what channel to ask the bartender to tune in.
Today's poll
Should the 49ers' Alex Smith have been selected for the Pro Bowl?
• Yes • No
Vote above or leave your comments in the comment field; Or, go to www.sacbee.com/sports
Wednesday's results
Which is the Bay Area's best Pro Bowl kicker/punter tandem?
• Janikowski/Lechler, Raiders: 65%
• Akers/Lee, 49ers: 35%
Total votes: 451
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