NHL Center Ice

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

This is my third year with NHL Center Ice and up until this season, I've experienced absolutely zero problems with the servcie. This year however, I'm ready to \burn both the CI On Demand company as well as Time Warner to the ground.

So far this *young* season I've lost the feed on 3 seperate occasions for days on end, and I've had enough of it. Initially about 3 weeks into the season all my channels kept showing a blue screen that said "Initializing, Please Wait" but it never would. It just stayed on that screen as long as the channel was on. You could tell something wasn't right because when I went to the Digital Guide it just showed 2-hour time blocks that were titled "NHL Center Ice" rather than listing the game that was being played on that particular channel.

Then the NHL network started pulling games from CI and I called Time Warner to inquire about it. They said it wasn't part of their sports teirs yet, but were hoping it would be by the new year. As a result, they offered me free hardware for a year (which is a total discount of $96.00).

About 2 weeks later, all of a sudden the screen would play for a minute or two and than freeze up until I changed the channel. Then I would flip back and it would be hit or miss for it to restart, but each time it did restart within a minute it would freeze up again. I called Time Warner and they said that they were experiencing difficulties with NHL Center Ice and the NBA package. They then gave me another $25.00 discount.

Over the last week the initial scenario I posted has happened again, and I missed Saturday's game as a result. Needless to say, I got Monday's game due to it being on Versus, but I spent 50 minutes on the phone with Time Warner last night only for them to say they don't know whats wrong. They are sending a repair person tonight to hopefully get this fixed for good.

As a result, I'm going to end up only paying $29 for Center Ice for the entire season due to all the problems, but like I've told the employees at Time Warner, I'd rather pay $150.00 and see every game, then miss a handful of games and only pay $29.00. I gladly pay $150.00 a season with the understanding that I get to watch *all* of my Red Wings games plus a good chunk of the other games I want to see. I don't want their discount, I want my games.

Has anyone else had any problems similar to mine this season with CI? Please share your story, and what you've done to resolve it.

Edited December 19, 2007 by Never Forget Mac #25

[dgodzina 0]

Have you considered trying Center Ice Online? It's excellent for anyone with a high speed internet connection. The main disadvantage is that you don't have the luxury of watching games in your living room. The base price is cheaper than the cable price and they also offer a discount to those who have purchased it on cable. I had to get the online version because WOW pulled Center Ice from their service this year.

[puckloo39 5,686]

Hey, Mac. My stories are similar to yours. I just assumed it was because I live in hockey-hell here in central Texas, and the cable company just doesn't care since there may be only a dozen or so of us who buy the CI package. As it turns out, they really don't care. They offer no discount or pro-rated cost, and have no plans to ever offer NHL Network - not that I would pay extra for it on top of CI, even if they did.

The blue screen of death happened here earlier in the season. I rebooted my digital box a couple of times, and that seemed to help. You could try that, but it's frustrating when you know the game is on and you're having to mess with equipment that "should" work. I get a lot of "stutter" and pixilation here (where the feed freezes and the image is chopped up in little squares) but I think it's the digital feed to my sector. Most of my channels do that at times. I've traded out digital boxes twice since October, still does it, so I assume it's in the route and there's nothing I can do here to correct it. I've asked for a system check many times, but the problem continues off and on.

By far the worst thing about Center Ice is having NHLN steal games we paid for already. That is something the cable franchises can't do anything about. As they say, accurately, we are just the conduit, we don't control the programming. I've called Center Ice, directly, and they at first told me that they didn't even know NHLN was cherry-picking games from the schedule. I think they know it now, but apparently it's the NHL and the franchises who are being shown on the new network who are culpable.

I expect there will be some sort of adjustment next season as to which network shows what teams/games. As long as I know I am getting only a partial schedule next season, and that half the Wings games will be blacked out, I can decide if I want to pay a fortune for it, or not. My gripe is that the CI package was already paid for, in good faith, and then after the fact, I find out I get to miss 4-6 games a month, mostly Wings games? Sounds like broadcast fraud to me. So far, the FCC hasn't answered my request that they investigate this, perhaps because the commissioners there are not hockey fans?

I guess this is part of the NHL's plan to attract new fans? By making it impossible for existing fans like myself to access games, no matter what we do? Yay, Bettman!!

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

Thanks for the thorough response Puckloo....its appreciated.

As for the blue screen of death, I did hard boot the digital box and that worked the first time I had the problem. Since then however, it hasn't worked and I've tried hard booting a good handful of times.

I'm in total agreement with you on the NHL Network pulling games. It pisses me off that you pay for something in good faith and they add something after the fact that pulls games you've already paid for. To top it off, NHLN always pulls the best games of the night, meaning bye-bye Red Wings!

Have you considered trying Center Ice Online? It's excellent for anyone with a high speed internet connection. The main disadvantage is that you don't have the luxury of watching games in your living room. The base price is cheaper than the cable price and they also offer a discount to those who have purchased it on cable. I had to get the online version because WOW pulled Center Ice from their service this year.

Thanks for your reply, but I really don't want Center Ice Online. I spent good money on a 44" Panasonic LCD HDTV a couple years ago and I enjoy watching the games on that rather than a computer screen. While I appreicated the advice, I just don't want to go the online route, when I could be watching it on a much bigger (and clearer) screen. That being said, I suppose I could always hook my computer up to my TV. That's always an option, but then again I'd rather not fuss around with it. At the end of the day, I just want to go home and watch the Wings with my wife.

[puckloo39 5,686]

Thanks for the thorough response Puckloo....its appreciated.

At the end of the day, I just want to go home and watch the Wings with my wife.

no problem. I don't like being ripped off, and this situation is just that.

I understand, after a long day battling for my clients' rights vs. Giant Three-Initial Companies, all I want to do is go home and watch my Wings kick somebody's butt. I hate Bettman for taking that away from me, for oh, so many, reasons (not just NHLN).

[dgodzina 0]

Thanks for your reply, but I really don't want Center Ice Online. I spent good money on a 44" Panasonic LCD HDTV a couple years ago and I enjoy watching the games on that rather than a computer screen. While I appreicated the advice, I just don't want to go the online route, when I could be watching it on a much bigger (and clearer) screen. That being said, I suppose I could always hook my computer up to my TV. That's always an option, but then again I'd rather not fuss around with it. At the end of the day, I just want to go home and watch the Wings with my wife.

I felt the same way, so I went ahead and got a 32 inch VGA computer screen before subscribing.

[Lidstromrules16 7]

well, the biggest problem I had was fighting with my bro over who was gonna watch their game. Wings or Caps.............eh, I dont mind seeing Ovechkin every once in a while.

However, I do believe it is complete bulls*** that the NHL Network decides to take games from Center Ice. If it is on the NHL Network, you cant watch it on Center Ice online either. I mean if they are gonna do that, they might as well make sure NHL Network is free, or atleast available everywhere.

[D-D-D-DINO 0]

It's been a long time since I've posted but I'm in the same situation as you Mac and I'm about to go ape "poop" on both Center Ice and Time Warner. I think if I remember correctly you're from Green Bay Mac, well I'm in Racine, WI so I'm pretty much dealing with the same Time Warner service as you. I can't trust my DVR to record a game, the box freezes up all the time, and I can't stand waiting on hold for an hour to talk to someone. It's hard to justify all the disappointment, wasted time, and frustration that Time Warner has caused me for the amount of money I pay them every month.

And then there is Center Ice...my beloved center ice that makes me feel like I'm back home for (what used to be) almost 50% of the games (ah...just hearing Mickey's voice). Well, WTF happened? Now some other network that I can't even get can just pick whatever game it wants within a months time and air it...exclusively? This is worse than Versus, I mean how can you expect to make any profit on a network that isn't available to what seems to be a large majority of cable subscriber? Are there really that many more people in Canada (NHL network started out in Canada) watching hockey than in the U.S.? I already paid for Center Ice to show me these games...weren't they going to air them if the NHL network didn't swipe them away? Of course they were, and when I wrote the check for their service I expected to get every game that was not shown on Versus or NBC during the regular season. Even when a game is on HDNET, Center Ice still broadcasts it.

If the NHL Network was smart, they would of allowed Center Ice to show the NHL Network feed this season so that they can sell their network to die hard hockey fans for next season.

[NeverForgetMac25 483]

It's been a long time since I've posted but I'm in the same situation as you Mac and I'm about to go ape "poop" on both Center Ice and Time Warner. I think if I remember correctly you're from Green Bay Mac, well I'm in Racine, WI so I'm pretty much dealing with the same Time Warner service as you. I can't trust my DVR to record a game, the box freezes up all the time, and I can't stand waiting on hold for an hour to talk to someone. It's hard to justify all the disappointment, wasted time, and frustration that Time Warner has caused me for the amount of money I pay them every month.

And then there is Center Ice...my beloved center ice that makes me feel like I'm back home for (what used to be) almost 50% of the games (ah...just hearing Mickey's voice). Well, WTF happened? Now some other network that I can't even get can just pick whatever game it wants within a months time and air it...exclusively? This is worse than Versus, I mean how can you expect to make any profit on a network that isn't available to what seems to be a large majority of cable subscriber? Are there really that many more people in Canada (NHL network started out in Canada) watching hockey than in the U.S.? I already paid for Center Ice to show me these games...weren't they going to air them if the NHL network didn't swipe them away? Of course they were, and when I wrote the check for their service I expected to get every game that was not shown on Versus or NBC during the regular season. Even when a game is on HDNET, Center Ice still broadcasts it.

If the NHL Network was smart, they would of allowed Center Ice to show the NHL Network feed this season so that they can sell their network to die hard hockey fans for next season.

Now that would make entirely too much sense. That being said, you know the legalities and big wigs wouldn't make it that easy though seeing as that there is much more to it than just "letting" Center Ice carry their feeds.

[yankeebaddabing 0]

I agree completely, Center ice has been great up to this year, when this whole nhlntwrk came about. No one I know can get this channel and the fact that they take it from CI is bulls***.......

I have had similiar issues with TW in the past, they finally sent out a line guy to repair the main box in my neighborhood.

He said it had something to do with the texas heat and problems with it getting cold in the winter.

It was just my CI channels giving me problems but again this was 2 years ago, Yeah and i got CI for really cheap that year but missed a great deal of games.. I too would rather just pay full price and get what i have paid for...

So my suggestion would be to keep complaining to them until it gets fixed. I had like 3-4 repair guys come before they said it was a line problem, then they replaced the main box in the neighborhood before it was fixed.. Good Luck

So what do we have to do to get our games back from NHLN, Please keep me posted PUCKLOO on what we can do to help you out, it sounds like your just as mad about it as me, and really I am ready to blow something up over being robbed by CI, so please let me know, thanks

[Donaldjr2448 43]

I agree completely, Center ice has been great up to this year, when this whole nhlntwrk came about. No one I know can get this channel and the fact that they take it from CI is bulls***.......

I have had similiar issues with TW in the past, they finally sent out a line guy to repair the main box in my neighborhood.

He said it had something to do with the texas heat and problems with it getting cold in the winter.

It was just my CI channels giving me problems but again this was 2 years ago, Yeah and i got CI for really cheap that year but missed a great deal of games.. I too would rather just pay full price and get what i have paid for...

So my suggestion would be to keep complaining to them until it gets fixed. I had like 3-4 repair guys come before they said it was a line problem, then they replaced the main box in the neighborhood before it was fixed.. Good Luck

So what do we have to do to get our games back from NHLN, Please keep me posted PUCKLOO on what we can do to help you out, it sounds like your just as mad about it as me, and really I am ready to blow something up over being robbed by CI, so please let me know, thanks

I have the same problem with CI, I have the online version, which is awesome. But I am pissed that the NHL Network takes the games from me, My mom has Direct TV and they carry the NHL Network, so I just go over there to see those games. I'm still pissed that I already paid for games I'm not getting!! Maybe we should all petition to the NHL Network and CI and lets get something done. Victory in Numbers, I Think if enough pissed off people start ringing their phones off the hook, then maybe, just maybe they'll do something. I have the same beef with the Big Ten Network. Hell alls the NHL Network has to do is offer there games online,like the NFL network does, and I would be satisfied. But I'm sick and damn tired of these cable companies screwing people, and they wonder why people steel there over priced crap!!

[auxlepli 17]

When I had DirecTV I thought about buying Center Ice, but never did. Another option was buying the sports package. That would get me all the regional Fox Sports Nets. Many NHL teams have contracts with those FSN's. I thought that was a good way to go instead of Center Ice. Is receiving the FSN's an option for any of you?

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

I had NHL Center Ice problems at the beginning of the season that seemed like it was a common theme nationwide, but I've had absolutely zippo problems since then once I got it resolved with the cable company. They are sometimes a pain in the rear to deal with, but with regards to Center Ice these past two seasons and whenever I've had to get Internet issues resolved, they have been solid overall. I have Cox New Orleans Digital right now, and thankfully they have the NHL Network in that package. They recently added NHL Network and NBA TV and College Sports TV (or CSTV as it's more commonly known as) a few months ago. Not sure if these added channels were included or consistent throughout other Cox carriers in the country.

Tonight though the Kings game isn't showing for whatever reason (and NHL Network fizzed out right before face off, go figure ). I called my parents up and it's showing on Direct TV without problems there. Versus also goofed up for a day last season for Cox and I had to watch a Wings-Flames playoff game at a sports bar, but it fixed itself. Supposedly their main HQ is "working on it" as well (the customer rep I talked to said the station wasn't appearing in her office either, can't really whine at her as she's just trying to do her best and relaying info and stuff). As long as the problem isn't consistent/frequent, I'm generally understanding and patient with regards to customer service. Glitches happen every now and then. If it doesn't get resolved after a day or two, I'll prod again. Worst comes to worst, there's only about 3 or 4 more Wings games solely on NHL Network, I know of a sports bar that usually is cool with putting whatever you want on as long as you are specific with them (and LSU/the Saints aren't on at the same time), I can deal with that. So, hopefully this will get taken care of sooner rather than later.

I'm also in a unique living situation resulting from Hurricane Katrina (which I won't go too in depth about since it's way off topic) which resulted in my parents buying a second residential property where they stay at more often than not, and I stay at and maintain their other one right now. So, I'm usually living here on my own, but every now and then they have business/personal things they have to or want to do that are closer to where I am staying, so every now and then they stay or spend the night where I am. So, infrequently there's TV watching conflicts so I ordered and watch games on NHL Center Ice Online every now and then. Definitely not like watching it on TV, but for watching it on a laptop, it's still pretty solid on a nearly full screen or completely full screen view, and you can watch four games at one time (although on very tiny screens). NHL Network/Versus games are blacked out on Center Ice Online.

While I understand the frustration with NHL Network/Center Ice dilemma, this is exactly the same thing that happens with Versus. Nothing new unfortunately. I doubt that a resolution to fix that with one station will be any quicker that the other.

I'm bouncing on the idea though of moving into a new house or townhome in the not-immediate, but not-so-distant future so if I'm living somewhere else by next season, I'm just going to plan to buy Direct TV in all likelihood, will save me the trouble of potentially getting cancelled out by a local provider in a non-traditional hockey market if Cox New Orleans doesn't offer NHL Center Ice next season, plus Direct TV would offer NHL Network and other sports channels as well that I'd enjoy (i.e. Fox Sports package). If this all happens, I would probably not get Center Ice Online next year. One personal downfall to this is if I move to one possible location closer to my work that I am considering in a more rural area closer with Direct TV, I'll probably miss a boatload of New Orleans Hornets games. I like hockey and the Red Wings a lot more than the NBA, but you got to watch and support the local teams, but I am starting to digress.

Can't have everything I guess. I'm just glad to be fortunate to have NHL Center Ice and NHL Network on a regular/consistent basis that rarely craps out (even though tonight is an exception, hopefully the only time).

[JoePuckster 4]

I sent the following email to Gary Bettman at gbettman@nhl.com and also through a contact form on the NHL.com web site. Everyone should copy it and edit it to your liking, and email Bettman and the NHL!!!! Here it is:

-----

Dear Gary,

At the beginning of this year's NHL season, I paid an additional $145 to my cable provider to receive the NHL Center Ice package... which was advertised as allowing me to be able to watch every NHL game this season. It has been great, and I really love being able to watch so much hockey... especially my favorite team, the Detroit Red Wings, since I no longer live in Michigan and cannot get the local television feeds.

However, over the past couple months since the NHL Network has been introduced in the United States, there have been games that I have not been able to watch on the Center Ice Package... because they are only being shown on the NHL Network. I called my cable provider (Time Warner), and the friendly customer service representative told me that they do not offer the NHL Network to their subscribers yet. Even if they did -as I assume based on the way it is with the cable/satellite providers that do offer the NHL Network- it would cost me an additional monthly amount to subscribe to the NHL Network.

This does not make sense at all to me and I think it is ridiculous, and ultimately, going to hurt the NHL fan base. Why should I have to pay more money than I have already paid, to watch NHL games, when I had already been told that I would be able to watch them all? Why isn't the NHL Network part of the Center Ice package??? Or why aren't the games shown on the NHL Network also shown on Center Ice??? Even if I could subscribe to the NHL Network, I wouldn't, because I feel like I am being completely ripped off. I am a huge hockey and NHL fan, and this whole TV debacle really makes me think twice about giving any more of my money to the NHL... to television subscriptions, to tickets to games, to apparel, or to anything NHL related. I know that many other fans are starting to think the same way. Look at a lot of the popular hockey markets... Detroit, Chicago, New Jersey, New York, etc... attendance is down this year because the game is just getting to be too expensive to be a fan of. These ridiculous bait and switch tactics with your television contracts is only making the situation worse. Your average hockey fan just can't afford to spend this much money, just to be able to watch the games at home on their television!!

Wake up!! It really turns people off when you rip them off by pulling a bait and switch and not providing them with a product that was promised, and then to make them pay more for what they originally thought they would get.

Every hockey fan would truly appreciate any and every effort you could make to straighten this situation out and let fans watch the games that they were promised...

Sincerely,

A very concerned and upset hockey fan...

and maybe not one if this injustice to the fans continues

[Noomrise22 0]

I have had the luxury of dealing with this situation twice. Two years ago I had cox cable and they do not get vs, and of course the only cable company i can get in my area is cox. So i move and get time warner and last year everything is fine. Now this year i am running into it again with this nhlnet bulls***. The first night i realized that i was missing games because of this channel i damn near drove to CI headquarters to take out those responsible. This is a god damn joke and the best part is there aint' much we can do. Everyone has to call and complain. So whoever it was that said they called CI could you please post the number I will try my hand at it

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

Well, NHL Network got fixed on my end, overnight I guess while I was sleeping. Hopefully this is just a one-time problem. I'll channel surf tonight during the Wings-Blues game and days after to see if this keeps working or if they cancel out games for whatever reason. I doubt that's the case though, I just think it was a goof-up glitch. Wander what could've triggered it? Again, I'm cool and expect things to not be 100% functional 100% of the time (I work for a software development company and stuff does break or go offline unintentionally at times) and am willing to be patient more often than not as long as it's a rarity.

I think last night, December 19th, was just the night pre-declared as "Nothing works for SouthernWingsFan Night". NHL Network didn't work, I was having problems with my TV monitor even coming on, and I keep getting blue screens of death on my laptop having to fix that as well, when of course no files are going to get corrupt and I don't have any viruses (have had this happen before to me).

I think this is god's way of messing with me for past sins I've done perhaps, I guess he has to have his playtime as well

Edited December 20, 2007 by SouthernWingsFan

[Oh Captain_My Captain 19 0]

One word (or is it two?)...DirecTV. I've had the Center Ice package since it first came out (approaching 10 years now)and have never had a problem once. At the start of this season DTV added the NHL network and just recently I noticed I get an NHL stats channel that has live updates on scores and scrolls a ton of hockey related info for the true puckhead.

I love the NHL network as they air a ton of the vintage games of the past. Too much fun to see the oldtimers in their prime out on the ice.

[thedisappearer 291]

When I had DirecTV I thought about buying Center Ice, but never did. Another option was buying the sports package. That would get me all the regional Fox Sports Nets. Many NHL teams have contracts with those FSN's. I thought that was a good way to go instead of Center Ice. Is receiving the FSN's an option for any of you?

Don't do it- read the fine print. If you buy the FSN package, they will still block out ALL programming that is sold in another package, like Center Ice or whatever they call their NBA package. You won't get games, only the other stuff.

That said, I have had a excellent time with DirecTv and Center Ice. Not sure what the complaints about the NHLN are... I haven't lost a game to it- usually they show the Detroit feed so after i switch the channel, it's all good, and I love the old games shown in their entireity.

[WingsZR2 1]

I emailed CI last night since I was blacked out. While I love their scripted response that turns into a plug for NHLN the situations listed don’t apply to me, my team is not in my local area. Hence my subscription..

Generally, you are blacked out of games on NHL Center Ice based on a

number of factors, including: 1. Your local team is televising on a

local

over-the-air station and you are located within that station’s

signal. 2.

Your local team is televising on a local regional sports network and

your

cable or satellite system falls within the distribution for that local

regional sports network (regardless of whether your cable or satellite

system actually carries that regional sports network). 3. There is no

local television coverage of your local team. 4. The game is being

televised nationally on NBC or Versus.

The NHL Network in the U.S. will telecast 50 live regular-season games

this season, in addition to classic games, documentaries, instructional

shows, highlights and more. Based on previously-announced carriage

arrangements with Cablevision, Comcast, Cox Communications, Charter,

DIRECTV, DISH Network, Time Warner Cable and others, NHL Network is

accessible to 80 million homes.

Please be advised that this is not being put on by Direct TV alone. All

of the Providers listed above are now going to be able to provide this

Network. If you need to watch these games you will need to purchase

this

network.

You can also get more information at our website, www.nhl.com

Thank You

The NHL Center Ice Online Support Team

[auxlepli 17]

Don't do it- read the fine print. If you buy the FSN package, they will still block out ALL programming that is sold in another package, like Center Ice or whatever they call their NBA package. You won't get games, only the other stuff.

Wow, that sucks.

[Guest DetroitIan]

I have Comast Digital Cable. And Im usually complaining about it because of one reason or another(singals skipping, channels being out, ondemand not working, ect, ect). But the one thing that seams to never malfunction is my NHL Center Ice, and my NBA leaguepass. Thank God. Cause I would be quite irrate to miss the games I paid for. Comcast has been great for my sports packages, but sometimes sucks with other stuff. But luckily for me, the other stuff isn't near as important as sports. lol

[HoustonWingsFan 0]

To be honest, I don't understand why this is happening. The NHL network sounds like a great idea. I would watch it for a couple hours a day if I could get it. But why on earth would you shut out the hardcore fans who pay $150 a year to watch their teams? You can still start your channel and not hurt your most loyal cash paying fans, No?

Anyway, It seems like all my posts this year have been on this subject and I am sick of it. I will quit complaining now. Next year if I decide that 65-70 Wings games are worth the money, I will buy the package again.

But at least I will know what I am buying.

[SouthernWingsFan 854]

One word (or is it two?)...DirecTV. I've had the Center Ice package since it first came out (approaching 10 years now)and have never had a problem once. At the start of this season DTV added the NHL network and just recently I noticed I get an NHL stats channel that has live updates on scores and scrolls a ton of hockey related info for the true puckhead.

I love the NHL network as they air a ton of the vintage games of the past. Too much fun to see the oldtimers in their prime out on the ice.

Oh, the NHL Network is great. I don't watch it religiously, but I'll tune into it with Wings games on obviously, a few other games, and usually some mornings for recaps, and it's awesome, they really go in-depth with highlights, not just 30 seconds/minute recaps of games.

It just crapped out on me a few nights ago during the Wings-Kings game for unknown reasons (didn't show the game after that one either). All is well now with NHL Network on my cable provider though it seems, probably/hopefully was just a one-time problem, which sucks that it was the Wings game obviously but these things happen infrequently so I can live with it as long as it's not continuous.

Edited December 21, 2007 by SouthernWingsFan