It sounds like a good PR move by Cablevision. They can do whatever they can to “cover” the broadcast and when people are inevitably upset about the situation, they can point toward Disney with blame, then say something about how Cablevision gave them free movies.

I would like to see the Best Pictures tonight for free!

I feel bad that people will lose ABC7 in NYC but I could care less about the Oscars. These awards shows and peoples infatuation with the celebrities who are “honored” are what is wrong with this country and one of the reasons we are lagging so far behind in math and science. Maybe if we worshiped something like NGOs instead of people whose sense of self-entitlement is already inflamed we could accomplish something because then people would be informed on the issues a little better.

Unfortunately the free movie offer is essentially B.S. I’ve been trying to watch a movie since 5:00pm this evening and can’t do it because of error “DIV 211″. Of course, Customer Service is off the hook. Frankly, I don’t like Disney and rarely watch ABC. But when you offer something and then don’t deliver (the free movies), that kind of bothers me. Enough to drop Cablevision? Maybe. Definitely enough to start me shopping for an alternative…

@doug67: I’m pretty much married to my cable because it’s the only way I can get sufficiently fast internet, so I have no real world experience with this family’s plan, even though I’ll occasionally outline it in casual conversation… http://www.cancelcable.com/

@Magister: Thanks for the reference. I’ve read that before, not sure where. I’m onboard for the internet as well, not so much for the TV. Anyway, I’m not foaming at the mouth or anything, just bothered is all. Take care.

etaylor1983 says:
March 7, 2010 at 6:51 pm

You win the award for awesomeness. 100% agree.

“Oh, you just made 18 million dollars on this movie… and now, here’s a brass paperweight for you!” Yippee.

You know what, instead of spending all this money and *gasp* increasing the carbon footprint… why not cancel the event as a media spectacle. Instead, send out emails identifying the winners, and let them link to their website where they can babble on a YouTube video about how great the caterer was. Forget about all this flying around the country to get to the show, and spending millions upon millions to produce, dress, and party with the “stars.” Instead, how about you donate that money to a worthy cause… you know, kinda how you like to complain and that the rest of the world should do.

Ugh… over hyped trash, if you ask me.

Free movies? What free movies? Well it would have been a bone, but like others I get get a movie to play. I just get :

“Unable to play video. Please try again later.”( VID 113)

How much later? CableVision’s got to go. I just hate them.

HELLO!

We are talking Cablevision?

Owned by the Dolans?

Who own MSG and the Knicks & The Rangers?

Just a question: While Cablevision is fighting with ABC7 and ABC7 is off the cable lineup. Will Cablevision be offering any refunds?

This is the Dolans, they probably timed this, wanted to have problems with ABC7, run free Movies. And then get suckers to pay more down the road.

Does anybody remember when the Yankees started the YES Network? The Dolans wouldn’t clear space on their cable systems for a year because the Yankees starting their own Network meant them leaving the MSG network. The Dolans wanted more money from the Yankees and they wanted to put the YES Network on a pay tier while the Yankees wanted to be on a basic tier. Hence, No Yankees for a year.

And let’s not forget The Dolans and ‘The Food Network’ fight. While the Food Network was down, did anybody get a refund?

The Dolans strike again!

doug67 says:
March 7, 2010 at 7:00 pm

“Customer Service is off the hook.”

At Cablevision that is standard procedure.

I think it’s back. Momma INB just called from northern NJ to say she’s seeing ABC7 again.

@doug67: Well, if you were to jump, you might want to consider it sooner rather than later because reportedly, the difference between streaming and rental rights may make the NetFlix part of their equation less of an option.