Bright House Networks recently launched Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Time Warner Cable Deportes in Southern California markets, bringing Los Angeles Lakers, Galaxy, and Sparks games to customers in those areas. The channels are available in both Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) for subscribers with Standard or Digital Variety service. Time Warner Cable SportsNet can be found on channels 113 (SD) and 1113 (HD), while Time Warner Cable Deportes can be found on channel 631 and 1631 (HD). Bright House says Time Warner Cable SportsNet will also be available to non-digital (analog) customers beginning Oct. 30 on on channel 23.
The launch of the channels on Bright House comes amidst troublesome distribution of Los Angeles Lakers, Galaxy and Sparks games evidently prompted by high carriage fees demanded by Time Warner Cable. The LA Times reports that as of now Lakers games may not be available to watch in the “majority of Los Angeles households.” Fueling the fire, the Lakers debut last night with new point guard Steve Nash in an exhibition game was unavailable to most Angelenos who could not find the event in their channel guides.
AT&T, DirecTV, Charter, Dish, Cox, and Verizon are among the TV providers who are not yet carrying Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Time Warner Cable Deportes.
Time Warner Cable SportsNet in Southern California includes programs such as “Access SportsNet,” “Access SportsNet: Lakers” and “Access SportsNet: Galaxy.” Original ‘SportsNet’ programming includes “Backstage: Lakers” (titled “Lakers Confidencial” on Time Warner Cable Deportes), and and “Laker Girls” — a five part reality series. For Spanish-speaking customers, Time Warner Cable Deportes programming includes “Lakers En Vivo” pre-game show and “Somos Lakers” post-game show, “Somos Lakers éné-bé-a,” and “Encuentro Deportivo” among other shows.
Time Warner Cable SportsNet and Time Warner Cable Deportes launched on Oct. 1, 2012 with plans to broadcast at least 150 live events per year.
