View Full Version : NHL Playoffs on Versus in HD
mtm2649
04-11-07, 06:04 PM
Does anyone now if Directv plans on putting the NHL Playoffs on Versus in HD. They did it all year on Channel 95 but now my guide is showing baseball on Channel 95 instead of the NHL Playoffs. I am sick of Directv.
cariera
04-11-07, 07:25 PM
Does anyone now if Directv plans on putting the NHL Playoffs on Versus in HD. They did it all year on Channel 95 but now my guide is showing baseball on Channel 95 instead of the NHL Playoffs. I am sick of Directv.
It looks like the Stars v. Canucks game is scheduled tonight at 10p est on channnel 95.
eengert
04-11-07, 07:31 PM
Does anyone now if Directv plans on putting the NHL Playoffs on Versus in HD. They did it all year on Channel 95 but now my guide is showing baseball on Channel 95 instead of the NHL Playoffs. I am sick of Directv.
I'm not sure, but it's pretty embarrassing how unaware D* seems to be. I emailed them today about it and also asked about blackout rules for MSG (627) for the Sabres during the playoffs. Their ridiculous response was that I no longer receive MSG as an RSN. I responded letting them know that I was currently watching MSG, so they should be more careful in their responses so as not to lose all credibility. Needless to say, I didn't get an intelligent answer on the Versus HD question. But judging from the guide, it doesn't appear that they will be carrying any NHL games in HD at least during the first round. That decision is unbelievable to me, especially since they carried all the Versus HD regular season games. Now when the games really count they're going to drop the HD feed for the first week of baseball! There's 150+ games remaining in the MLB season, for crying out loud! How could these early season games possibly be more meaningful than playoff hockey?! I wish someone with more sense were making these decisions. It's very painful waiting through these few years while D* bumbles it's way through getting more meaningful HD content to our TVs. Let's hope they get their act together at least by the start of the second round.
It is on Channel 95 now but I get the "Channel No Purchased" screen. I have a CI subscription, but I think the game is via VS.
UPDATE: They just turned it on.
mtm2649
04-11-07, 09:22 PM
I'm not sure, but it's pretty embarrassing how unaware D* seems to be. I emailed them today about it and also asked about blackout rules for MSG (627) for the Sabres during the playoffs. Their ridiculous response was that I no longer receive MSG as an RSN. I responded letting them know that I was currently watching MSG, so they should be more careful in their responses so as not to lose all credibility. Needless to say, I didn't get an intelligent answer on the Versus HD question. But judging from the guide, it doesn't appear that they will be carrying any NHL games in HD at least during the first round. That decision is unbelievable to me, especially since they carried all the Versus HD regular season games. Now when the games really count they're going to drop the HD feed for the first week of baseball! There's 150+ games remaining in the MLB season, for crying out loud! How could these early season games possibly be more meaningful than playoff hockey?! I wish someone with more sense were making these decisions. It's very painful waiting through these few years while D* bumbles it's way through getting more meaningful HD content to our TVs. Let's hope they get their act together at least by the start of the second round.
I called them using the retention number. They said that with their new HD baseball content that it takes priority over the NHL playoffs. When their is not a HD baseball game on, there will be NHL hockey on Channel 95. The pittsburgh game was not on 95, but the Dallas game is currently on 95. Also, tomorrow the guide is showing that the Detroit game will be on channel 95. For us SABRES fans, it looks like we get screwed on Saturday as the Atlanta Braves games in on channel 95 when we play. So at looks like a hit or miss. The said part is that the baseball game that they were showing was also available on Channel 731 even if you don't have the MLB extra innings cause it was the New York Mets and we get them locally. With the little space that they have for HD content, you think they wouldn't waste it by doubling up the same game. The guy did put a email through for me to that department and he asked them why they do not just show the Versus HD on 96 when they show baseball on 95. I am just as disappointed as you are with the lack of knowledge that Directv seems to have about the situation especially when all the regular season games were in HD when available. Watched the sabres twice in the last two weeks against Pittsburgh on 95 and the quality was excellent. Hopefully we get some NBC games in the next round or maybe game 3, 4, 5, or 6 will get showed on channel 95. GO SABRES!
purtman
04-11-07, 11:20 PM
The Stars-Canucks game came on, albeit late. I called and the kid tried to tell me something about being blacked out and not having the Center Ice package. Then he switched me to a tech who told me they did not have the game on 95. She said she would go check. As soon as she put me on hold, the game came on. She then came back and said that there are no games on 95. I told her I was now watching it.
howcouldthey
04-12-07, 12:28 AM
There is a hockey game on channel 99 right now. 1:26 AM Eastern time. I had purchased a HD movie online but when I went to watch it this was on. Called talked to cust support who sent me to tech 2 who claimed I would need to "call back tomorrow" because they didn't know what was going on. I just have to laugh at these people. I go from being furious with them to just shaking my head with disbelief.
packfan909
04-12-07, 12:36 AM
Apparently overtime is not included in their coverage either. No baseball on right now. I guess the crappiest baseball game gets more priority than playoff hockey. I can not wait for D10 to go up. If D* doesn't show later rounds or dare I say the conference and Stanley Cup finals in HD I will feel cheated. Hey does HDNet show playoff hockey?
pf
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 01:22 AM
There is a hockey game on channel 99 right now. 1:26 AM Eastern time. I had purchased a HD movie online but when I went to watch it this was on. Called talked to cust support who sent me to tech 2 who claimed I would need to "call back tomorrow" because they didn't know what was going on. I just have to laugh at these people. I go from being furious with them to just shaking my head with disbelief.
Its still on! Its the OT of the Dallas Vs Vancouver game. 3rd OT.
cforrest
04-12-07, 01:52 AM
Make that the 4th OT!
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 01:57 AM
Make that the 4th OT!
I know great game isnt it?!!
cforrest
04-12-07, 02:02 AM
Amazing game, Dallas had the first 2 OT periods & VAN looked great this 3rd OT period. Looking forward to the 4th!
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 02:03 AM
Glad Im retired or Id be dragging going into work in the morning. :D
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 02:13 AM
Helluva ending!!!
howcouldthey
04-12-07, 06:55 AM
Didn't bother me that it was on. Bothered me that they didn't know what was going on and claim I "couldn't be" seeing what I was seeing.
I was on the phone with them, and they told me they were aware of something was wrong and were working on it. He then put me on hold, to check something, and just as he came back, on the phone, it came on.
I am sleepy today, wow, 3:30 finish. But the end result was what I wanted to see. Worth staying up for.
drinkjack
04-12-07, 12:32 PM
Anyone else flip out when the game switched off at about 12:15 and there was some sort of countdown for a PPV movie. If I wasn't so tired I might of called directv. Instead just switched over to 608.
There is nothing like playoff hockey, just an incredible game last night.
keep amonte
04-12-07, 04:32 PM
Count me in as one of the "The guide is full of SHI! for all Center Ice and any HD related hockey games" frustrated viewers. Last night was another prime example of the left not knowing what the right is doing. I fear it will be much more of the same for the playoffs!
God I miss the NHL on ESPN and NHL2night!
anastasio24
04-12-07, 06:13 PM
Once again they have screwed up. I am watching the Detroit vs. Calgary game on Vs. It is also listed on channel 95 in HD. Of course they are not showing it. Instead they are showing...nothing on 95.
What a joke. Can't wait until my contract is up.
The next time D*'s CSRs get there stories right, and Ch 95 actually carries what is listed on the EPG, will be the first.
mtalhelm
04-12-07, 06:25 PM
I am on the phone with a technician about 95
People need to call in for it to be a known issue so it can work through the system and get someone to turn 95 back on for hockey hd - I think someone fell asleep.
When I tuned to 95 at 7pm - it was lpga golf in sd and then went to the logo
anastasio24
04-12-07, 06:26 PM
I saw the golf too. I too on on hold with them while they investigate.
mtalhelm
04-12-07, 06:28 PM
I saw the golf too. I too on on hold with them while they investigate.
My guy actually said he was talking to another csr that was having the same discussion with another person = thats pretty cool
Anyway - he said there had to be 5 people to call in with this issue in order for it to be a known issue for them to get to work on it
mtalhelm
04-12-07, 06:34 PM
According to CSR - this is a Versus issue with Hd on 95
Trying to contact versus now
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 06:34 PM
http://www.dbstalk.com/showthread.php?p=908912#post908912
Posted here that its not showing up on some cable systems as well. Possible bigger problem.
anastasio24
04-12-07, 06:38 PM
My genius CSR told me that even thought Vs. is a national channel and I can get the SD feed and I have the CI package that I can't get the game in HD because Detroit is not in my local market. Of course this hasn't stopped me from getting the HD feed all year and last year.
They really have no clue over there do they?
So much for being "A" list.
Sounds like I need to find a way to get a Star Choice dish...
mtalhelm
04-12-07, 06:51 PM
UPDATE - Just got off the phone with Versus rep - D* decided not to play the game in HD tonight - it will be tomorrow night and Versus will post the correct scheduling on there web site
Wish D would tell there CSR's so they can tell us
Thanks for the update, I wish it were better news. I would have liked to see Detroit in HD tonight on 95.
Go Wings!!!
mtalhelm
04-12-07, 06:57 PM
Same here - was looking forward to HD RedWings style - glad I was home because I had it switched to record while watching the Tigers play
anastasio24
04-12-07, 06:59 PM
Can anyone explain how this is good for DirecTV and why they might make such a decision? I could possibly understand if they were showing anything else on 95. As a hockey fan, I am all too aware that the ratings stink. I could even deal with this just a little bit if they were showing baseball instead. But showing nothing in place of a game they could show in HD and likely show for no additional cost?
How does this make sense?
Can anyone tell me if this on HD on Comcast, Dish Network or any other US system?
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 07:03 PM
It was mentioned on the other thread that neither D* OR E* are carrying Vs HD Hockey tonight or tomorrow.
anastasio24
04-12-07, 07:09 PM
It was mentioned on the other thread that neither D* OR E* are carrying Vs HD Hockey tonight or tomorrow.
Anyone know if Comcast is showing this game in HD?
purtman
04-12-07, 07:20 PM
I just got off the phone with a CSR. She said that the HD programming in D* was cancelled. Last night the first game started late (because of the overlap from the MLB game) and tonight it was a cancellation of the NHL game, even though nothing else is on. Let's all make a lot of calls so that they get it straightened out. The more calls and more demands, the sooner they will start getting this correct.
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 07:26 PM
I just got off the phone with a CSR. She said that the HD programming in D* was cancelled. Last night the first game started late (because of the overlap from the MLB game) and tonight it was a cancellation of the NHL game, even though nothing else is on. Let's all make a lot of calls so that they get it straightened out. The more calls and more demands, the sooner they will start getting this correct.
They're not even showing baseball tonight in HD apparently.
bonscott87
04-12-07, 07:34 PM
Not DirecTV's fault at all.
VsGolf is the HD channel for Versus. They are showing Golf instead of the hockey game.
This was an issue with *all* providers. Dish, DirecTV and cable. They can't show the hockey game if the stupid channel is showing golf.
InHD *is* showing the Wings game in HD on some cable systems.
Not DirecTV's fault at all.
VsGolf is the HD channel for Versus. They are showing Golf instead of the hockey game.
What is VsGolf Channel? Never heard of that one before. Seen The Golf Channel and Versus, but not VsGolf. Don't even see anything on their web site about it.
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 09:26 PM
What is VsGolf Channel? Never heard of that one before. Seen The Golf Channel and Versus, but not VsGolf. Don't even see anything on their web site about it.
Its a new channel only a few months old...During the Day hours it will have golf programming. Past 7pm it will have Versus programming. It will be an HD channel. D* has an agreement to carry it after the birds go up.
Its a new channel only a few months old...During the Day hours it will have golf programming. Past 7pm it will have Versus programming. It will be an HD channel. D* has an agreement to carry it after the birds go up.
Great, looking forward to that one.
islesfan
04-12-07, 10:14 PM
Might be some, but they will always have to give for baseball, unfortunately. Tonight, they had a nice D* logo complete with elevator music for the Vs. HD game on 95. I think the logo was in HD, though.
Might be some, but they will always have to give for baseball, unfortunately. Tonight, they had a nice D* logo complete with elevator music for the Vs. HD game on 95. I think the logo was in HD, though.
Guess we will have to suffer, without much HD hockey playoff games, this year. I am sure once the two new birds are flying, bandwidth is not going to be an issue, for next year. I got both CI and EI, but would like to see more CI HD this time of the year. After Lord Stanley's Cup has been presented, then I will switch into baseball mode.
DCSholtis
04-12-07, 11:03 PM
Great, looking forward to that one.
http://www.tvpredictions.com/comcastversus011607.htm
Comcast owns both The Golf Channel and Versus. But DIRECTV is expected to carry the new split HD channel at some point.
There is a press release around saying they signed a deal.
bwaldron
04-13-07, 12:29 AM
Might be some, but they will always have to give for baseball, unfortunately. Tonight, they had a nice D* logo complete with elevator music for the Vs. HD game on 95. I think the logo was in HD, though.
Yes, since they're charging extra for HD baseball, I'm not surprised it is getting priority.
This is the time of year I'm thankful that I have kept my Canadian (Star Choice) system -- have been watching lots of HD hockey on CBC and TSN the last few evenings.
keep amonte
04-13-07, 06:48 AM
Well this time last year I was watching crappy sd hockey on my old tv, so now I get to watch crappy sd hockey on my new bigger HD tv! Life is good! Hopefully next year I will be watching HD playoff hockey. One can only hope!
chris83
04-13-07, 07:58 AM
Customers who subscribe to the basic MLBEI package AND have MPEG-4 capability will get the games in HD on Channel 95; they don't need to have the "Superfan" for that. The games that are part of the "Superfan" HD package are those shown on 731, 732 and so on.
Steve0296
04-13-07, 08:13 AM
I emailed Directv about this, asking them to put HD games on channel 95. The response surprised me a little:
Thanks for writing about NHL Center Ice. I understand that getting NHL games in HD is important to you .Please be advised that you may get some NHL games in high definition (HD) on Ch. 90-99. For example, when Versus broadcasts a game in HD, we may carry the HD feed on Ch. 96. However, NHL Center Ice subscription does not include games in HD.
I feel sure I've seen games on 95 this year other than Versus - local Fox Sports broadcasts. Am I imagining this?
The year before the lockout, when the NHL was on ESPN, I recall getting quite a few playoff games in HD. It's disappointing 3 years later to have things moving backward when HD technology has advanced so much. The NHL needs to get back on a real sports network.
bwaldron
04-13-07, 09:58 AM
Customers who subscribe to the basic MLBEI package AND have MPEG-4 capability will get the games in HD on Channel 95; they don't need to have the "Superfan" for that. The games that are part of the "Superfan" HD package are those shown on 731, 732 and so on.
95 is not an MPEG4 channel. It is MPEG2. As is 94 which has provided some games recently. 730 and 731 are simply remappings of 94 and 95 to a second portion of the guide (with some guide filtering apparently applied). The games that are seen on 95 are seen on 731; the games on 94 are seen on 730.
MPEG4 is required for HD games from local RSN(s) on channels 96 and/or 97, if available to you (and your RSN is not a full-time HD channel like NESN).
I think it was a vs. problem, my buddy with cable said his HD feed was out. Bottom line, until the new capacity gets up, no sports fan will be satisfied with happens.
mtsz52784
04-14-07, 11:16 AM
So last night i got pissed because i thought the sabres would be on in HD tonight so i looked through all the HD channels and there was nothing... so i was thinking of calling this morning but to my surprise it will be on CH 94 tonight... which is an MLB channel.
pens vs sens game isn't in the guide yet (6pm game i think).... i didn't get the watch much of this game yesterday b/c i was watching the rangers v thrashers game and was hoping to catch the HD feed of the pens game this afternoon... hopefully they throw us a bone at the last minute.
mtsz52784
04-15-07, 02:28 PM
well based on this http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/17462/?tf=NHLArticleWrapper.tpl
it should be on versus so hopefully it will be on 93 or 94... and im really pissed b/c MSG decided to pick the game up last night so i got to watch the SABRES in sh!tty SD. They should really allow an HD channel if the "local" is only in SD
pens vs sens game isn't in the guide yet (6pm game i think).... i didn't get the watch much of this game yesterday b/c i was watching the rangers v thrashers game and was hoping to catch the HD feed of the pens game this afternoon... hopefully they throw us a bone at the last minute.
It doesn't look like it will be. If you go to Versus web site and look at their HD schedule, it doesn't show either game tonight in HD. It doesn't show any Versus HD games, on their schedule, until Tuesday night.
thats weak... versus is a joke.
what schedule are you referring to loudo?
nhl.com says versus is doing HD (link (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Schedule))
what schedule are you referring to loudo?
nhl.com says versus is doing HD (link (http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?service=page&page=Schedule))
The HD page on the Versus web site: http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/27854/?tf=nwArticle.tpl
its on there.... the comcast morons that designed the site just have it hidden with black font on a dark grey background.
HD Schedule for Today:
11:30 pm PBR From Auburn Hills SUN 4/15/07
7:30 am On The Water with Hank Parker
8:00 am The Bass Edge
8:30 am Elk Country Journal
10:00 am Expedition Safari
10:30 am Escape To The Wild
11:30 am Toyota Texas Bass Classic
6:00 pm NHL Quarterfinals: Senators vs. Pittsburgh
vollmey
04-15-07, 03:29 PM
its on there.... the comcast morons that designed the site just have it hidden with black font on a dark grey background.
HD Schedule for Today:
11:30 pm PBR From Auburn Hills SUN 4/15/07
7:30 am On The Water with Hank Parker
8:00 am The Bass Edge
8:30 am Elk Country Journal
10:00 am Expedition Safari
10:30 am Escape To The Wild
11:30 am Toyota Texas Bass Classic
6:00 pm NHL Quarterfinals: Senators vs. Pittsburgh
Where in HD though, not showing up in the guide anywhere.
Where in HD though, not showing up in the guide anywhere.
thats the $8million dollar question.... is D* going to step up and provide us the HD feed? Who knows. My fingers are crossed.
its on there.... the comcast morons that designed the site just have it hidden with black font on a dark grey background.
HD Schedule for Today:
11:30 pm PBR From Auburn Hills SUN 4/15/07
7:30 am On The Water with Hank Parker
8:00 am The Bass Edge
8:30 am Elk Country Journal
10:00 am Expedition Safari
10:30 am Escape To The Wild
11:30 am Toyota Texas Bass Classic
6:00 pm NHL Quarterfinals: Senators vs. Pittsburgh
That is funny, rocket science web design. Nothing like proofing your work. They must want to keep it a secret. :uglyhamme
vollmey
04-15-07, 03:47 PM
thats the $8million dollar question.... is D* going to step up and provide us the HD feed? Who knows. My fingers are crossed.
Mine too, that Pitt - Ott series is a good one.
That is funny, rocket science web design. They must want to keep it a secret. :uglyhamme
i guess their secret is out.... low cost web design is how they keep their programming costs so low for their customers. :D
D* needs to get their act together regarding HD sports in the Guide. The current guide can't be relied on due to it changing all of the time.
this is what kills me..... YES-HD is being shown on 622HD for MPEG4 people and also 95 for MPEG2 people. why does D* continue to coddle the MPEG2 crowd? if they keep doing this crap people have no reason to switch out their equipment for MPEG4 capable stuff. dump the friggin yankees game and put on Versus HD. In addition... why televise a RSN broadcast (wild vs ducks) that maybe 1-3% of the customers can watch instead of showing the VersusHD game that EVERYONE can watch?!?!? incredible.
It looks like by me (Coleman, Michigan) the VS. game at 6pm is not is HD which is the Senators @ Penguins.
But the Ducks @ Wild game at 8pm is in HD on Channel 95
I can't wait until everything is in HD!!! :)
austen0316
04-15-07, 05:19 PM
all games on versus is in hd, but direct is not carrying them tonight. only ducks game for tonight.
vollmey
04-15-07, 05:21 PM
this is what kills me..... YES-HD is being shown on 622HD for MPEG4 people and also 95 for MPEG2 people. why does D* continue to coddle the MPEG2 crowd? if they keep doing this crap people have no reason to switch out their equipment for MPEG4 capable stuff. dump the friggin yankees game and put on Versus HD. In addition... why televise a RSN broadcast (wild vs ducks) that maybe 1-3% of the customers can watch instead of showing the VersusHD game that EVERYONE can watch?!?!? incredible.
Incredible indeed!! :(
all games on versus is in hd, but direct is not carrying them tonight. only ducks game for tonight.
well thats great for the one market in the friggin country that can watch it.
mtsz52784
04-15-07, 05:27 PM
Yeah im trying to b!tch at D* now because at the top of versus website http://www.versus.com/nw/article/view/17462/?tf=NHLArticleWrapper.tpl
it says that all games on VS are on HD
good luck.. they don't really seem to care. they just do what they feel like, no rhyme or reason to it.
mtsz52784
04-15-07, 05:40 PM
He gave me the reason that there is not enough bandwidth, so we all get to suffer and he admitted that D* selectively chooses what will be shown in HD because they are waiting for the sat. to go up
He gave me the reason that there is not enough bandwidth, so we all get to suffer and he admitted that D* selectively chooses what will be shown in HD because they are waiting for the sat. to go up
its just mind boggling to me that they would choose a regional game over a nationally televised game.... they must just flip a coin. granted, i will get to watch both because i'm an CI subscriber, but i would much rather watch pens vs sens in HD... i don't really care about watching ducks v wild.
Pittsburgh/Ottawa is on Channel 94 (The guide says To Be Announced, but it is there)
nice. thanks for the tip... they must have been waiting on the friggin yankees game to end.
Steve0296
04-15-07, 09:19 PM
all games on versus is in hd, but direct is not carrying them tonight. only ducks game for tonight.
Not getting the Ducks game on 95 - not available in my area. My only option is to watch SD on Fox Sports. The NHL, individual teams, Directv, etc. need to get their act together. Hold on to the fans they have and make it easy for new ones to watch, rather than putting up stupid barriers like this.
Not getting the Ducks game on 95 - not available in my area. My only option is to watch SD on Fox Sports. The NHL, individual teams, Directv, etc. need to get their act together. Hold on to the fans they have and make it easy for new ones to watch, rather than putting up stupid barriers like this.
You are not getting it because it is the telecast of FSN North (Minnesota). Do to NHL blackout restrictions, you have to watch the telecast from your local RSN, which may not be in HD. If it is you would see it on channel 96 or 97. This has nothing to do with DirecTV, the restrictions are made by the NHL and the teams.
mtsz52784
04-15-07, 09:37 PM
How come i dont get it then... here in buffalo it says channel not purchased yet all my HD's are working?
How come i dont get it then... here in buffalo it says channel not purchased yet all my HD's are working?
You have to be a subscriber to Center Ice to receive it outside of the Wild or Ducks RSN area. It is a RSN game, not a Versus game.
mtm2649
04-15-07, 10:07 PM
Yeah looks like they are now putting the Versus games in HD on channel 94. They must have figured it out that we were pissed when so many people were calling them. I called tonight and they said that if there is a baseball game on channel 95 to look on channel 94 even if it doesn't say NHL Hockey in the guide. Also, does anyone know if I am going to get YesHD in my area. I live in Salamanca, NY 14779 which is about 50 miles south of Buffalo. It is stupid that they are only giving it to some people.
Not getting the Ducks game on 95 - not available in my area. My only option is to watch SD on Fox Sports. The NHL, individual teams, Directv, etc. need to get their act together. Hold on to the fans they have and make it easy for new ones to watch, rather than putting up stupid barriers like this.
Good point. I guess one advantage Dish Network has over DirecTV is they usually offer both feeds (if avail) of each televised hockey game giving customers the option of which one to view. I never understood why DirecTV continues to offer only one feed. If they *did* get their act together, which wont likely happen, you'd be able to watch the Minnesota's HD feed regardless of where you live. Frustrating.
Steve0296
04-16-07, 12:31 AM
You are not getting it because it is the telecast of FSN North (Minnesota). Do to NHL blackout restrictions, you have to watch the telecast from your local RSN, which may not be in HD. If it is you would see it on channel 96 or 97. This has nothing to do with DirecTV, the restrictions are made by the NHL and the teams.
Agreed, it's not Directv's fault in this case given the blackout rules. I was trying to make a general point that they and the league should collectively do better if they want to attract more fans. Do the blackout restrictions make sense for a league struggling to stay on the radar screen? Would it really have been so bad if I watched the HD Fox Sports feed from Minnesota instead of the low def Fox Sports feed from LA? Was it worth pissing me off.
For DTV's part they could carry more HD games for Center Ice subscribers on the 9x channels, like they did tonight with the Minnesota feed. That's been pretty rare this season. It's kind of frustrating on nights where nothing's being carried on any of the 9x channels, and you know that certain games are being broadcast locally in HD, that the HD feed isn't picked up by Directv. I expected more HD hockey this year.
Steve0296
04-16-07, 12:54 AM
Good point. I guess one advantage Dish Network has over DirecTV is they usually offer both feeds (if avail) of each televised hockey game giving customers the option of which one to view. I never understood why DirecTV continues to offer only one feed. If they *did* get their act together, which wont likely happen, you'd be able to watch the Minnesota's HD feed regardless of where you live. Frustrating.
That's interesting. It would be a big plus to be able to choose between the two feeds, HD or no HD. If I have to hear Terry Crisp call it the "bad boys box" one more time...
Go Sharks!!!!!
Agreed, it's not DirecTV fault in this case given the blackout rules. I was trying to make a general point that they and the league should collectively do better if they want to attract more fans. Do the blackout restrictions make sense for a league struggling to stay on the radar screen? Would it really have been so bad if I watched the HD Fox Sports feed from Minnesota instead of the low def Fox Sports feed from LA? Was it worth pissing me off.
The issue is not the fact of you or me being able to watch a certain feed, but a money issue. The local businesses pay for advertising during games and expect the local fans to be watching their local RSN, not one from sometimes thousands of miles away. As much as it makes us mad, if you look at it from you being the person paying for the advertising, it does make sense. If I own a car dealership in Dallas and people who live in Dallas are watching the Vancouver feed, because it is in HD, I am loosing out on people seeing my ad. Also, as a local RSN owner, I can't get as much for my ad time if people are allowed to watch the game from other RSN feeds.
For DTV's part they could carry more HD games for Center Ice subscribers on the 9x channels, like they did tonight with the Minnesota feed. That's been pretty rare this season. It's kind of frustrating on nights where nothing's being carried on any of the 9x channels, and you know that certain games are being broadcast locally in HD, that the HD feed isn't picked up by DirecTV. I expected more HD hockey this year.
When I called D* about getting blacked out of a game, one night, they told me that the choice of games is not their decision, but the games are feed to them from the NHL. That game I called about was a CI HD game, between two west coast teams, and I wasn't getting it. They told me that the reason no one was getting it was it had been mistakenly coded as a PPV game instead of a CI game.
Do you ask for someone in particular to get this information? The CSR's I've
spoken to haven't had a clue in regards to hockey or blackout questions...
Is it luck-of-the-draw?
bonscott87
04-16-07, 10:36 AM
Also, does anyone know if I am going to get YesHD in my area. I live in Salamanca, NY 14779 which is about 50 miles south of Buffalo. It is stupid that they are only giving it to some people.
YESHD is available to:
1) Those that live in the New York market
2) Available with the MPEG4 HD locals on spotbeam.
If you aren't both of those then no, you aren't getting it. Just like I don't get Fox Sports Detroit in HD despite it being my RSN. It's because FSD is only on the Detroit spotbeam for those with the Detroit MPEG4 HD locals.
Once the new sats go up and the RSNs in HD go on the national beams we'll just have to wait (or hope they put them up on more spotbeams).
islesfan
04-16-07, 12:38 PM
Don't count on Vs. HD on D*. Tonight's Isles v. Sabres game is covered by Vs., but not in HD on D*!
islesfan
04-16-07, 12:42 PM
Good point. I guess one advantage Dish Network has over DirecTV is they usually offer both feeds (if avail) of each televised hockey game giving customers the option of which one to view. I never understood why DirecTV continues to offer only one feed. If they *did* get their act together, which wont likely happen, you'd be able to watch the Minnesota's HD feed regardless of where you live. Frustrating.
Not only would this be a boon to us subscribers, but it would solve the CIR/autorecord issue too! After all, all you have to do is open up both feeds, and you should never have to worry about recording a channel you don't receive. The games would all be in the 600's (or on 95) and you would actually get every game recorded! The only drawback, of course, would occur once in a while when your favorite team plays your local team, and the HR20 tries to record the foreign feed. Nevertheless, this would be a vast improvement over manually setting every recording and babysitting the ToDo list, while keeping a TiVO as a backup.
Do you ask for someone in particular to get this information? The CSR's I've
spoken to haven't had a clue in regards to hockey or blackout questions...
Is it luck-of-the-draw?
What happened was I called when a game I should have had, was blacked out. The CSR checked and told me I should be receiving it. She couldn't find out why so I kept getting transfered from person to person, and finally I ended up with a person who actually knew and understood blackout rules. He was very knowledgeable about it and explained things to me while they were researching the problem. He also was the one that discovered the program had been miss coded or assigned as a PPV program, instead of part of the CI package. Because of all the transfers during the process, I really don't even know what department he worked for.
bonscott87
04-16-07, 02:24 PM
Don't count on Vs. HD on D*. Tonight's Isles v. Sabres game is covered by Vs., but not in HD on D*!
Right now D* has Devils/Lightning scheduled on channel 95. Could always change. The problem tonight is not that they aren't carrying NHL in HD, but that they don't have the bandwidth to carry multiple games.
Next year....hopefully...will be different with the new sats.
Right now D* has Devils/Lightning scheduled on channel 95. Could always change. The problem tonight is not that they aren't carrying NHL in HD, but that they don't have the bandwidth to carry multiple games.
Next year....hopefully...will be different with the new sats.
Here in the central Florida market, we have it shown to be on 95 & 96.
islesfan
04-16-07, 02:57 PM
Right now D* has Devils/Lightning scheduled on channel 95. Could always change.
That's just the problem right there! Since CIR/autorecord does not work, I can set the game to record on 608, or on 95 if it shows up there, but if they change it while I am at work, I'm screwed. Fortunately, I also have a DVR (TiVo) to handle these channel changes.
bonscott87
04-16-07, 04:16 PM
Here in the central Florida market, we have it shown to be on 95 & 96.
That means that you have your RSNs feed in HD on channel 96 in MPEG4 on your spotbeam.
Again, 95 is a national channel that is a "best of". If the game tonight is on Versus then 95 will most likely be the national Versus feed whereas 96 is your local RSNs feed.
And you can't trust 95 to be accurate until the game actually started.
bonscott87
04-16-07, 04:20 PM
That's just the problem right there! Since CIR/autorecord does not work, I can set the game to record on 608, or on 95 if it shows up there, but if they change it while I am at work, I'm screwed. Fortunately, I also have a DVR (TiVo) to handle these channel changes.
Well, to be fair, last minute changes to 95 may flub up a Tivo as well if it doesn't get the updated guide data processed in time. :D There have been a few times where Tivo sends out messages on the Tivo to warn people about last minute changes since it might no process the guide data in time (half a day or so lead time needed). I remember one for Friends and one for Survivor before.
Until they get the new sats up so they can have dedicated HD feeds for all games we're stuck with what we have in channel 95. I for one have been grateful to get about a dozen (or more) games of my team in HD this year on 95. More then the 3 I had last season. And next year I should have them all on the new sats. Progress at least.
That means that you have your RSNs feed in HD on channel 96 in MPEG4 on your spotbeam.
Again, 95 is a national channel that is a "best of". If the game tonight is on Versus then 95 will most likely be the national Versus feed whereas 96 is your local RSNs feed.
And you can't trust 95 to be accurate until the game actually started.
Just came on, 95 = Versus and 96 = Sun Sports. 95 is backed out here, just get Sun Sports (96).
austen0316
04-16-07, 06:26 PM
is anyone getting the devils vs lighting on chan 95? looks like they havn't turned the feed on yet.
is anyone getting the devils vs lighting on chan 95? looks like they havn't turned the feed on yet.
No. It is showing on my guide but it is just the Directv logo screen. Game has already started.
paranoos
04-16-07, 06:34 PM
I was really hoping I could get the Sabres/Islanders game in HD on DTV. 95 is just that stupid DTV logo though :(
Oh, it just changed to the message "program not available in your area" on 95
No. It is showing on my guide but it is just the Directv logo screen. Game has already started.
1-0 Lightning, 6 minutes left in the first period.
Now Buffalo/LI coming on 95. Program guide says Lightning/Sabres.
Now Buffalo/LI coming on 95. Program guide says Lightning/Sabres.
Yep, and my guide data just changed as well. How difficult is it for D* to get their act together on this.
paranoos
04-16-07, 06:54 PM
Now Buffalo/LI coming on 95. Program guide says Lightning/Sabres.
its saying lightning@sabres, but we're playing islanders, lol...
its saying lightning@sabres, but we're playing islanders, lol...
Ok, they are slowly it right. Guide now says Sabres@Islanders, but the description still says Lightning.
mtsz52784
04-16-07, 08:34 PM
Yeah but it sucks for us here in Buffalo because F'ing MSG has to show the game in cr@ppy SD... so we get screwed out of HD content that we are paying for.
gator5000e
04-16-07, 09:57 PM
Why can't VS get HD camera's in the studio?? It is lame to watch the game in HD but watch the 4x3 picture in the studio. God I hate VS. Bring back ESPN and ESPNII - At least all the games would be in HD. At least there is a chance this year as this is the last year of the contract. Either side has an option to terminate without penalty. Come on ESPN, get hockey back and make Barry Melrose happy!!
jrodfoo
04-16-07, 10:23 PM
Why can't VS get HD camera's in the studio?? It is lame to watch the game in HD but watch the 4x3 picture in the studio. God I hate VS. Bring back ESPN and ESPNII - At least all the games would be in HD. At least there is a chance this year as this is the last year of the contract. Either side has an option to terminate without penalty. Come on ESPN, get hockey back and make Barry Melrose happy!!
I saw the last few minutes of the game was 4:3 for me. hmm, odd things happening tonight! pixelation, channels going out for me, In central PA, damn winds...
Why can't VS get HD camera's in the studio?? It is lame to watch the game in HD but watch the 4x3 picture in the studio. God I hate VS. Bring back ESPN and ESPNII - At least all the games would be in HD.
Good point. At the time OLN/Versus took over, I didn't think much about the HD affect. Now that I see 2 ESPN channels in HD 24/7, I'd rather have ESPN covering most games. Never was a huge fan of ESPN NHL broadcasts but I'd take 'em right now. Tonight I (we) ran into a problem where the Islanders/Sabres game was dwindling down while the SJ game started. The only coverage I have of both games is on Versus, so I missed the first 5 minutes or so of the Sharks/Preds game. This is not a big deal, BUT if the Isles game went into OT, we could have missed most of the SJ game since Versus has no alt channel. At least with ESPN, at times when a game went into OT they'd start the delayed game on ESPN2. However, this problem could have also been solved if DirecTV had Dish Networks same policy of allowing Center Ice users to choose which feed they want to watch as the Sharks/Preds game is also on Channel 654.
keep amonte
04-17-07, 07:11 AM
Double header in HD last night! I agree, studio VS. HD feed needed. Correct guide data would be nice. But most of all, put the games on and I will find them, just glad I am not depending on recording anything in advance because that would be potlock!
Why can't VS get HD camera's in the studio?? It is lame to watch the game in HD but watch the 4x3 picture in the studio. God I hate VS. Bring back ESPN and ESPNII - At least all the games would be in HD. At least there is a chance this year as this is the last year of the contract. Either side has an option to terminate without penalty. Come on ESPN, get hockey back and make Barry Melrose happy!!
ESPN has more important programing to cover, things like car auctions, boring poker games, or hot dog eating contests. They could improve their lineup if they added grass growing and paint drying, to it. Their programing has really gone down hill over the past few years. I used to watch ESPN a lot, but now I watch, on their network, is an occasional pro football or baseball game.
I am sure that you will see a lot more HD, in studio and out in the field, soon. If they are limited with HD cameras, I would rather have them at the actual sporting event and not in the studio.
It was nice in this market, last night. Between Versus and Sun Sports we had all 3 playoff games in HD.
Isn't the VS. NHL contract over after this season? I haven't heard anything new regarding if NBC will re-up for carry the games on VS. and NBC. Would be very nice to go back to ESPN, but now they have MLB, NFL, NBC and everything else you can think of. ESPN may not have enough available programming slots to carry many NHL games. Didn't they used to have hockey on at least 3 nights a week, and just about everynight for the playoffs? That was before HD..awww..would be nice!
islesfan
04-17-07, 04:38 PM
Doesn't anyone remember how ESPN got the rights to National Boredom Association games a few years ago, so they severely cut back on their NHL coverage? Then Gary Bettman had his little press comference where he said that it was a GOOD thing for the NHL that their prime network was cutting them out?
Sorry, but on ESPN, regardless of the nice HD, always treated the NHL as the red-headed step child of sports. They would show college softball before NHL! With Vs., the NHL is THE DRAW. For most of the Vs. audience, then NHL is the only reason people know where to find the channel. The NHL is the first class citizen of Vs. Sure, their coverage was shaky at first, but they are growing quickly. Hopefully, with the new sats, we can get a full time Vs. HD feed. Not only that, but leveraging the interest of NHL fans, Vs. has added the NLL too. All in all, I watch Vs. a lot, and I hardly even notice that ESPN is still there.
One caveat: Since ESPN got the rights to Major League Lacrosse, and they will be broadcasting the games in HD this year, I will be spending much more time with ESPN this summer.
keep amonte
04-17-07, 10:35 PM
Sorry, but on ESPN, regardless of the nice HD, always treated the NHL as the red-headed step child of sports
I don't know about you, and I didn't have HD back then, but ESPN's NHL coverage was AWESOME! NHL2night was the best. There was at least one game per night on the average on ESPN2 and Clement and Thorne were in my opinion " TOP SHELF".
I would gladly welcome the addition of the NHL back to ESPN anyday!
bwaldron
04-17-07, 10:42 PM
I don't know about you, and I didn't have HD back then, but ESPN's NHL coverage was AWESOME! NHL2night was the best. There was at least one game per night on the average on ESPN2 and Clement and Thorne were in my opinion " TOP SHELF".
I would gladly welcome the addition of the NHL back to ESPN anyday!
Reasonable people can disagree. And I do. Though I have no problem with Bill Clement and Gary Thorne, I don't care for ESPN's presentation of any major sport these days, and agree with those who though that hockey was being treated rather poorly by ESPN.
dkgoalie
04-18-07, 12:59 PM
Reasonable people can disagree. And I do. Though I have no problem with Bill Clement and Gary Thorne, I don't care for ESPN's presentation of any major sport these days, and agree with those who though that hockey was being treated rather poorly by ESPN.
If only D* could/would put up the CBC or TSN in their lineup, it would help.
So... after the satellites are launched will the RSNs be in HD, and if so, will us Center Ice'ers get some/most games in HD? Or will it be an add on to the package?
Regards...
- dk
If only D* could/would put up the CBC or TSN in their lineup, it would help.
I would like to see CBC. I don't really understand why they haven't added it. They have programing from all over the world and none from Canada. Canada sure have enough of our programing, on their cable and satellite services. When I had my C-Band system I used to watch a lot of shows from CBC and CTV.
So... after the satellites are launched will the RSNs be in HD, and if so, will us Center Ice'ers get some/most games in HD? Or will it be an add on to the package?
Nothing has been announced about their future plans for CI.
bwaldron
04-18-07, 02:53 PM
If only D* could/would put up the CBC or TSN in their lineup, it would help.
Definitely. I keep my Canadian (Star Choice) system installed and subscribed basically for HD hockey via CBC and TSN. Were D* to make those games available, I could drop that monthly expense.
I would imagine it will be possible the Canadian HD game broadcasts will be available in the future, since Center Ice has shown them before in SD. The channels themselves won't be added due to rights issues.
In a perfect world, once the CONUS birds are operational, we would get all available HD games -- and without having to purchase a "superfan" package.
Time will tell.
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