NFL Supercast

[2Guysfootball]

I get an Error trying to launch Supercast.

I get this on IE and Firefox

Anyone else??

[philly33flyers]

I am also getting an error stating that I am already logged in. Of course I am logged into the Directv website so that I can use my account and everything, but it seems like they want you to log in again to use the supercast and that's what is creating the multiple log-in. I tried to log out of my account and then login again just the supercast and still had the same problem.

[compnurd]

I am also getting an error stating that I am already logged in. Of course I am logged into the Directv website so that I can use my account and everything, but it seems like they want you to log in again to use the supercast and that's what is creating the multiple log-in. I tried to log out of my account and then login again just the supercast and still had the same problem.

I dont believe it will work until 1 EST

[philly33flyers]

it says it's available starting at 9am pst which is 12pm est

[compnurd]

I just tried it now and it works fine

[cnmsales]

FYI apparently you have to use IE for supercast, also dont try logging in with FF because it wont work, and even better they dont have a LOG OUT opition on the site so when you try to log in with IE it will tell you you are already logged in.

[mellow1442]

It is up, but nothing is showing. It has the list for games and the rzc. I got rid of the "error" by logging out and clicking on the supercast logo on the D* homepage and logging in when asked by supercast.

[philly33flyers]

Still having problems here. Using firefox I keep getting a Mysql error page. Using Internet Explorer, the page won't load after logging in and i get a cannot find server error page.

[shing]

IE (6 or 7) is the only browser supported according to the website.

I am unable to connect--getting mySQL errors. Using IE7.

[mellow1442]

RZC is now streaming. Using IE, when I got the mysql error, just hit the refresh button and that cleared up that problem for me.

[iowaberg]

Should all ST subs be able to get it this weekend, since SF is free this weekend?

[philly33flyers]

I guess the site is getting hammered right now. Poor testing all around on this one.

[mnbulldog]

If you are getting the "already logged in error" try closing ALL browser windows (it appears to be saving a cookie somewhere) and then opening it again. That worked for me.

Working great so far - but is first weekend and chances of problems are probably high.

[shing]

IE (6 or 7) is the only browser supported according to the website.

I am unable to connect--getting mySQL errors. Using IE7.

Was able to get past the login but it only loaded about half of the content. Now IE is locked up.

I agree, this wasn't tested very well for the server load they had to anticipate.

[Machpelah]

Was able to get past the login but it only loaded about half of the content. Now IE is locked up.

I agree, this wasn't tested very well for the server load they had to anticipate.

I'm getting the same "MYSQL" error or the page times out. Why the HECK didn't DirecTV demo this new function?? Give users a chance to beta test this, so you don't have problems like this on game day? :bang

Wow! I just got an error saying that DirecTV is having trouble with Supercast. At least DirecTV knows it is a problem!

[markman07]

supercast still down...getting some mysql error.

now this --We appologize as we are experiencing problems bringing you Supercast. Please check back in a few minutes.

[texasmoose]

Mine is not working either got the same mySQL error or socket error. I should've figured this application wouldn't be bug free! Another surprise!

[binkatl]

now this --We appologize as we are experiencing problems bringing you Supercast. Please check back in a few minutes.

Same thing here. I got Superfan for free, so I guess I can't really call and ask for my money back :nono2:

[gazzie4]

I am so glad I decided to upgrade to superfan to watch a blank sql error screen. I have not seen so much exciting football since the last superbowl...come on D* get your act together

[binkatl]

Second quarter and still no Supercast. Unbelievable. This is a great new feature D* came up with.

[Machpelah]

Hey DirecTV, two words: BETA TEST!!! :lol:

This is so typical. They tout a "great new service for 2007", then the whole thing crashes on game day. :nono2:

By the way, I DID pay for SF. I'm not expecting a refund either. :nono:

[flashfast]

FYI apparently you have to use IE for supercast, also dont try logging in with FF because it wont work, and even better they dont have a LOG OUT opition on the site so when you try to log in with IE it will tell you you are already logged in.

I find these issues stupid (a word I hate) and now the site is telling me the service is temporarily unavailable. Is anyone else seeing this?

[Wildcat]

One heck of day for them...no way in the world to beta-test this.

I think I'll cut them some slack.

I'm watching the Chiefs in HD, so I'm happy.

[fliptheflop]

Yeah its says the same thing for me.

[jazzyd971fm]

I got past the login page, now trying to refresh page every couple minutes, let's see what happens !!!!!!!!

[Machpelah]

One heck of day for them...no way in the world to beta-test this.

I think I'll cut them some slack.

I'm watching the Chiefs in HD, so I'm happy.


Program much? :sure: Oh yes, there is a way to beta test. You don't nationally release applications without it. Unless you're DirecTV :rolleyes:

Your slack-cutting & financial contribution is greatly appreciated by DirecTv's CFO! :lol:

[Rocker07]

Yeah its says the same thing for me.

Same here, wish D* would get their $#@& together.

[jaybertx]

This is freaking ridiculous... :mad:

[orrelse]

Unbelievable.

[jcurrier31]

This has just become the official SuperCast is a Bust thread!!!!!!!!!!!

[saxon2000]

Yeah its says the same thing for me.

I had the red zone channel for about five minutes and it looked great. I tried to open a single game but could not. Then freeze city, and unable to connect. I must admit, I was kind of expecting it.

[stevenjr]

No go here...mySQL error, already logged in error

[jcurrier31]

Did someone forget to call the NBA and MLB and ask how they did it.

I think this just really puts a black eye on Slingmedia. Did they think that they could just set a Slingbox up at the shop and let 1 million people log in to it?

Great thinking D*

[flashfast]

Same here, wish D* would get their $#@& together.

I am willing to give them some slack being this is the first time they've had the service; but lets get real here, make the service worth the effort it takes to use it.

[oenophile]

Couple of helpful comments:
FIRST - Be sure to use Explorer, not Firefox. I first tried it on Firefox and got some of the MySQL errors and other junk. It didn't tell me I should use explorer. On, like, the fifth try it had an official message which said I must use Explorer. So, it may not be designed to work with Firefox. Safest approach is to use explorer. (I hate that BTW.)

SECOND - Note that I did successfully have supercast working fine for about 20 minutes. Eventually it had errors and stopped working like everyone else here. It *did* work originally, doesn't now. Hopefully will work later.

THIRD - Wow, can't believe they didn't even bother calling this a Beta test. It still would suck to have it down but the PR problem wouldn't be present. Fer goodness sakes, Y!'s mail program has been beta for over a year.....why wouldn't they just call this a beta unless they were sure it would work.

FOURTH - I noticed that this appears to be a slingbox operation. (Site is something.slingmedia.com.) Find it sort of funny that when it was working it said slingbox everwhere. But when it gives you the error (try back in a few minutes) screen, it hides the slingbox affiliation. I'm so sure that D* is happy with Slingmedia right about now....yeah, right.

[Wildcat]

Program much? :sure: Oh yes, there is a way to beta test. You don't nationally release applications without it. Unless you're DirecTV :rolleyes:

Your slack-cutting & financial contribution is greatly appreciated by DirecTv's CFO! :lol:

Actually, I don't program....but I'm curious how one tests hundreds of thousands (potentially) customers hitting a server all at once.

I didn't pay for it, and don't really need it, so I'm not too worried about it.

I'd rather have locals in HD.

[ITrot]

I get the errors too... this sucks.

[Wildcat]

Couple of helpful comments:
FIRST - Be sure to use Explorer, not Firefox. I first tried it on Firefox and got some of the MySQL errors and other junk. It didn't tell me I should use explorer. On, like, the fifth try it had an official message which said I must use Explorer. So, it may not be designed to work with Firefox. Safest approach is to use explorer. (I hate that BTW.)

SECOND - Note that I did successfully have supercast working fine for about 20 minutes. Eventually it had errors and stopped working like everyone else here. It *did* work originally, doesn't now. Hopefully will work later.

THIRD - Wow, can't believe they didn't even bother calling this a Beta test. It still would suck to have it down but the PR problem wouldn't be present. Fer goodness sakes, Y!'s mail program has been beta for over a year.....why wouldn't they just call this a beta unless they were sure it would work.

FOURTH - I noticed that this appears to be a slingbox operation. (Site is something.slingmedia.com.) Find it sort of funny that when it was working it said slingbox everwhere. But when it gives you the error (try back in a few minutes) screen, it hides the slingbox affiliation. I'm so sure that D* is happy with Slingmedia right about now....yeah, right.

You appear to be FAR too rational. :)

[gazzie4]

on phone with D* and they say they have no real eta on getting this fixed. I am thinking it will be ready for the 2009-2010 season. Once the technology is way outdated.

[iowaberg]

so is this available this weekend for all subs since superfan is free this weekend?

[jaybertx]

Actually, I don't program....but I'm curious how one tests hundreds of thousands (potentially) customers hitting a server all at once.

Obviously it's a tough thing to do but I think what they should have done was advertise it as a *beta* through email or bills and give it to ALL ST subs for this season... they shouldn't have advertised it as a "great new feature" of SF and then have it bomb like this...

[Tom Robertson]

I too am having problems, and I've been a ST and SF sub forever. :)

That said, I also know how hard it is to test a massive and sudden load of users. It can be done and should have been, but is very hard nonetheless.

Cheers,
Tom

[Rosco]

They could have let us try it earlier by just broadcasting the NFL network as a trial so they could trouble shoot instead of flying by the seat of their pants like they are now. It's just slingbox that they are using.

[oenophile]

...I also know how hard it is to test a massive and sudden load of users. It can be done and should have been, but is very hard nonetheless.I agree that it is hard. I can't believe, though, that they didn't just call it a BETA. Everyone would have realized that it might not work and no-one could complain that they paid for Superfan counting on this. Right about now, I sense "pro-rata refund" might not be out of the question. Really dumb of them not to call it a Beta.

[Rocker07]

I am willing to give them some slack being this is the first time they've had the service; but lets get real here, make the service worth the effort it takes to use it.

Maybe you're right, but this is a major company and reliability should be a little better. This isn't a bunch of college kids trying to stream a feed over the internet.

[jcurrier31]

Let there be LIGHT!!!!!!!!!

[Machpelah]

They could have let us try it earlier by just broadcasting the NFL network as a trial so they could trouble shoot instead of flying by the seat of their pants like they are now. It's just slingbox that they are using.

Exactly!

Beta Testing means you open up the service to everyone weeks/months prior to game day and let them test it enmass. DirecTV/Slingbox fumbled the ball big time.:nono2:

Just like they do with the toilets in a new stadium. You bring in the fans and let everyone flush at once to see if the pipes can handle the load. Otherwise, you get a plumbing catasrophy. Yes, this is a true story. :p

Oh by the way, Supercast is up, but the video is dead. :hurah:

[binkatl]

Yep, I got it too but no video. It actually looks pretty cool, now that I see what it will (eventually) offer.

[RAD]

Tried a number of times to get it, kept getting page can't be displayed, sent an e-mail to D* about it.

Decided to try it one more time and got it, started playing the RedZone channel, switched to the GB/Philly game, which happens to be on our local FOX station, said due to blackouts I can't view it. Hope they don't do that when I'm on the road and it's not on the local FOX station where I'm at vs. what's on back home.

Anyway, tried to switch to another channel and screen went blank and never came back. Tried to signout, nothing, can't even close browser, time to visit Task Manager I guess.

[jazzyd971fm]

They could have let us try it earlier by just broadcasting the NFL network as a trial so they could trouble shoot instead of flying by the seat of their pants like they are now. It's just slingbox that they are using.

Totally agree, this should have been done during preseason. Finally got to main screen, no response at all, lost connection, logged back in, still no response:mad: ::confused:

[djanis3]

Everybody needs to settle down.

I'm sure Earl will be along shortly to tell you that you are lucky DirecTV lets you have an internet browser at all. Remember, DirecTV can do no wrong.

[browningt]

Same here. I had RZC for a few minutes. Tried to watch another game and it locked up. Silly me, as soon as i had it i should not have touched another button or link right!?!

:rolleyes:

[Tom Robertson]

My update: Was able to get in, no video showed at any point, then IE locked. :(

Tom

[jcurrier31]

It worked earlier for about 2 minutes but has been locked up ever since

[Tom Robertson]

Eventually, IE responded to the close button without having to kill the task.

Cheers,
Tom

[dbmaven]

I too am having problems, and I've been a ST and SF sub forever. :)

That said, I also know how hard it is to test a massive and sudden load of users. It can be done and should have been, but is very hard nonetheless.

Cheers,
Tom


It is not hard - expensive, yes. But not hard.

There are tools available which allow you to "script" a user session using an application, then "play it back" - with a selection for how many users you want to test. It will allow multiple scripts to simulate a variety of options, and "stagger" the selections so it is more realistic.

No - in this day and age there's no excuse for not load testing an application.

After many tries, I finally got it to work - but I'm afraid to switch away from the RZC - I suspect it will freeze up again.

:nono2:

[Tom Robertson]

Everybody needs to settle down.

I'm sure Earl will be along shortly to tell you that you are lucky DirecTV lets you have an internet browser at all. Remember, DirecTV can do no wrong.

Take the bitter pills this morning? Ouch. :)

This afternoon, perhaps you might consider taking the chill pill that you're prescribing to everyone else. :D

Cheers,
Tom

[oenophile]

My Update: Was in, was watching...for about 1 minute. Locked up. Restarted, now not working.

[Rocker07]

Everybody needs to settle down.

I'm sure Earl will be along shortly to tell you that you are lucky DirecTV lets you have an internet browser at all. Remember, DirecTV can do no wrong.

Now that's funny right there......I'm sure we'll also get the usual if "you don't like it switch providers" bunch also.

[Matt G.]

I'm in! I just got a "Loading Page" an I see Red Zone Channel. The only problem is no video :(.

[oenophile]

If all of you would just stop using the site, maybe I could get in and watch the friggin games. So, please, just stop trying so I can use it. Thanks. :D

[oenophile]

Thanks guys. I am in and watching. (Seriously, I am watching now. Ha!)

[Tom Robertson]

It is not hard - expensive, yes. But not hard.

There are tools available which allow you to "script" a user session using an application, then "play it back" - with a selection for how many users you want to test. It will allow multiple scripts to simulate a variety of options, and "stagger" the selections so it is more realistic.

No - in this day and age there's no excuse for not load testing an application.

After many tries, I finally got it to work - but I'm afraid to switch away from the RZC - I suspect it will freeze up again.

:nono2:

Testing up to 1 to 2 million potential users from around the world is not just expensive, it is hard, very hard. And the bulk come on within a 30 minute window.

And, since this is a streaming video application, you need more advanced user simulation tools. Again, available, more expensive, and possible.

Perhaps DIRECTV relied on sling for the load testing, since it seems to be their site and service. (And looks bad on both of them right now.)

Cheers,
Tom

[jazzyd971fm]

Lost connection again, logged back in, waited 5 minutes, got the red zone channel!!!!!!!!!!! tried to change channels (bad ideal!!)

[dbmaven]

Tried to switch to an actual game from RZC - sure enough it locked up.

Great advertising for Slingbox - even if I was interested in it there's no way I'd buy it now..... :nono:

[Wildcat]

I'd like to know how many bitching actually NEED this service TODAY.

Some are acting like children.

[flashfast]

When I do manage to log in I only get the 'Frankenstein' version that looks as though they mashed something together in just one minute so they would have something to give us. No ability to change games or settings, nothing except the RZ channel. I will give them credit for giving us a great looking picture.

[flashfast]

I'd like to know how many bitching actually NEED this service TODAY.

Some are acting like children.

Not nice. We do pay a lot of money for these services.

[browningt]

Alright, I have RZC and i am not touching a thing!

[Rocker07]

I'd like to know how many bitching actually NEED this service TODAY.

Some are acting like children.

With the lack of DLB's, yes i need this service TODAY!

[Wildcat]

Not nice. We do pay a lot of money for these services.


Agreed...some of us do.

Many get SF for free and don't even "need" to access it from their computers.

[djanis3]

Take the bitter pills this morning? Ouch. :)

This afternoon, perhaps you might consider taking the chill pill that you're prescribing to everyone else. :D

Cheers,
Tom

I'm just giving Earl some grief. I love DirecTV and wouldn't switch for anything, but with that said, they are human and make mistakes from time to time.

[markman07]

I'd like to know how many bitching actually NEED this service TODAY.

Some are acting like children.


HEY! Keep my kids out of this :p

yes I have seen the red zone work a few times but no other games

[RAD]

I'd like to know how many bitching actually NEED this service TODAY.

Some are acting like children.

Actually, wife hits the road today on business trip, wa hoping she could use it, guess not.

[saxon2000]

Tried to switch to an actual game from RZC - sure enough it locked up.

Great advertising for Slingbox - even if I was interested in it there's no way I'd buy it now..... :nono:

Id SCAST open to everyone next week? I might just give up and wait until then.
What is one seventeenth of $99?

:confused:

[tomlinson.inc]

I'm in Ireland on business :)

[Machpelah]

I'd like to know how many bitching actually NEED this service TODAY.

Some are acting like children.


Keep trying, eventually you might get an arguement that will hold water... :lol:

If a company offers a service, it would be nice if they would actually provide it.... Is that mature enough for ya? :rolleyes:

[Baldmaga]

Anyone else tried this yet? I brought it up and it isn't firefox compatible. Then when trying to switch to high quality it froze up. Restarted my browser and tried to switch games and I froze up again. Just looking for some feedback

[Wildcat]

It appears to me they are having trouble. Hopefully, they fix the problem sooner than later...

I guess we could all switch to all the cable companies and other satellite companies that offer this service.

:)

Personally, I'd like to see them perfect the services they have up and running (or have promised for the last year) before worrying about bringing new stuff, but that's me.

I'd probably be more upset if this was something I "needed", but it's still just a football game in the end...even if I do really enjoy watching it.

[Rocker07]

Anyone else tried this yet? I brought it up and it isn't firefox compatible. Then when trying to switch to high quality it froze up. Restarted my browser and tried to switch games and I froze up again. Just looking for some feedback

Yea, I give up. Finally got in and saw about 10 seconds of video then nothing......thank D*

[Rocker07]

It appears to me they are having trouble. Hopefully, they fix the problem sooner than later...

I guess we could all switch to all the cable companies and other satellite companies that offer this service.

:)

Personally, I'd like to see them perfect the services they have up and running (or have promised for the last year) before worrying about bringing new stuff, but that's me.

I'd probably be more upset if this was something I "needed", but it's still just a football game in the end...even if I do really enjoy watching it.

You're right, how dare I expect D* to deliver on something right out of the box....I'm sure this Supercast thing will work great sometime around 2010......D*, number one in customer satisfaction.

[iowaberg]

Could someone please answer whether or not you must be a SF subscriber to view Supercast today? I thought since all of Superfan features were on a 'free trial' today I'd be able to view it. But the site keeps telling me I must subscribe to SF to view.

[chrisfowler99]

Best I've gotten is the RZC. Never actually got another game feed.

[SoCool]

Actually, the Green Bay - Philly game looks real good on free Fox channel. Best picture I have seen in a while.:lol:

[RoundRockJohn]

Yea, I give up. Finally got in and saw about 10 seconds of video then nothing......thank D*

"We apologize for the inconvenience, but SUPERCAST" is currently experiencing overwhelming demand. Please try again later. "

Dammit.

[chrisfowler99]

Are the scores/games/times updating for anyone?

Mine are stuck back in the late third, early fourth for all games. 4:15 games aren't showing as active yet...

[Rocker07]

"We apologize for the inconvenience, but SUPERCAST" is currently experiencing overwhelming demand. Please try again later. "

Dammit.

It probably works great......when there aren't any FREAKIN' GAMES ON!!!

[topcats69]

yea I'm glad I didn't have pay extra for superfan or I would be bitchin.

[Machpelah]

I got the RZC to simicast on SuperCast for about an hour, but it kept dying. However, I didn't dare to try and connect to any other simicast feeds. I was able to activate the Full Screen option and it worked great. When SC did work, I noticed that the scores did not update.

I guess we were the beta testers....groan.:nono2:

I see that DirecTv has locked us all out of SuperCast. :confused:
What a fiasco... :nono:

[chrisfowler99]

Now I can tune to any game, as long as I want to watch the RZC...'cause that's what they're all showing.

[chrisfowler99]

Streams are working very well now. Score updates are not.

[markman07]

The streams might be working if I could get to them. I get the same message as listed above "high demand bla bla".

[Draconis]

Guess we melted SlingMedia's servers. :D

Please tell me that I am not the only one who paid attaention to the URL...

[JDubbs413]

Guess we melted SlingMedia's servers. :D

Please tell me that I am not the only one who paid attaention to the URL...

Yeah LOL the error I get when I even attempt to login is: "We apologize for the inconvenience, but SUPERCAST" is currently experiencing overwhelming demand. Please try again later."

I don't even think I get SuperCast, but I figured I'd try it out. I am a new subscriber with the Premier package free with NFL ST. We get the HD games too which is sweet. I just wonder if we get SuperCast?

[chrisfowler99]

I've been watching a high quality stream without interruption or hiccup since around 3:30 Central time.

But I'm afraid to try to switch games. I might lose it. :)

[2Guysfootball]

After trying all day I never did see anything on the Supercast.

I had a great day watching all the other games.
This would have been icing on the cake.

I am not really killing D* over this it would be a nice bonus but hopefully it'll be up and running next week.

[Tom Robertson]

Threads merged

[chopperjc]

Tried several times to get on. Never could. Not ready for primetime for sure.

[chrisfowler99]

Looks like they've got serious scalability issues.

When I was in and watching this afternoon it worked great.

I had one game running on the laptop and one running on the TV. :icon_cool

[RoundRockJohn]

I still can't get into view any content.

Disappointing.

[jeffwltrs]

Anyone else tried this yet? I brought it up and it isn't firefox compatible. Then when trying to switch to high quality it froze up. Restarted my browser and tried to switch games and I froze up again. Just looking for some feedback

My computer froze up three times before I sent an e-mail to D* and told them it was a joke.

[*AJ*]

There were some big problems at the beginning but I went back in the afternoon and it was working pretty well. They even have all the highlights from the game you're watching!

I say give 'em a break for this week - this is one of the biggest sports to stream.

[oenophile]

Repeating myself - but - this was clearly a beta test. Should have been advertised as such.

[pyro383]

I sent an email expressing my disappointment, their reply stated how to use the computer to access it and said since I get superfan for free, I should be happy even if their products don't work.

If it fails for a second week and the stat tracker also has issues I will demand a refund and move to another company.

Also they are supposed to have football scores, stats and highlights avail. on cell phones according to their website.

You would think that the 1st week of football you would want everything to be in place in order to retain your existing members and make others switch in order to pay off that big price tag paid to have the NFL.

[chopperjc]

I know I read somewhere that they had capacity for 40-50K viewership for this. First I wonder what the subscrition base for superfan really is? Second, did they not expect everyone to try it out? Third, if you are doing a beta test then maybe you should not advertise a exciting new feature.


Overall I thought the first week of football on D* was poor. Interactive features were not working properly at times. HD pictures had pixelation on every game. I am truely looking for some positives and all I can up with at least I was able to see the games. For 350 a year (list price) is that enough?

[RAD]

One thing I found out from D* was that blackouts will be enforced. They will use the service address for the D* account to determine if the game would be blacked out or not, so if you're on the road and want to watch a game what would be aired where you're at but blacked out at home it will be blacked out. Bummer. :mad:

[Machpelah]

I sent an email expressing my disappointment, their reply stated how to use the computer to access it and said since I get superfan for free, I should be happy even if their products don't work.

If it fails for a second week and the stat tracker also has issues I will demand a refund and move to another company.

Also they are supposed to have football scores, stats and highlights avail. on cell phones according to their website.

You would think that the 1st week of football you would want everything to be in place in order to retain your existing members and make others switch in order to pay off that big price tag paid to have the NFL.

I sent DirecTV an Email about SuperCast too. Naturally, I get a reply that says the problem is with my computer setup. What a crock! :mad: What is it with big corporations these days? Why can't they admit when their service crashes? :nono2:

I'm all for giving DirecTV a break concerning SuperCast, but trust me, if these new HD channels start off pixilating and having audio dropouts, this forum will light-up like Times Square on New Years Eve. Earl will be starting all kinds of new threads to handle the load of gripes! :lol:

To put it another way, would your boss cut you slack if your project crashed and burned on its debut? I didn't think so...;)