New NBC sports network for 2012?

[Carols]

NBC Sports (versus) = TdF +++
Univesral Sports = Giro/Veulta +++

yes right now Universal is only available on DirecTV...to get NBC Sports (versus) + Universal need to get DirecTV Choice Extra+Sports Package=~$65 per month for first year then ~$100 per month

I still haven't decided what I will do. Only thing I know is I will NOT miss the Giro and Vuelta

 

[avanti]

I hope to watch any races not on NBC Sports (Versus) at my local sports bar if they are open during broadcast time and not too busy.

 

[Swede1]

So UniversalSports has their live/on demand coverage for sale now. Its called spring season and has like 5 races for $40. This seems insane. We get like Strade, Tirreno, Sanremo, Basque country, and Giro. I don't think this is worth it. Does anyone know of another website that offers cycling coverage that has an on demand option and not just live streams?

 

[mewmewmew13]

So UniversalSports has their live/on demand coverage for sale now. Its called spring season and has like 5 races for $40. This seems insane. We get like Strade, Tirreno, Sanremo, Basque country, and Giro. I don't think this is worth it. Does anyone know of another website that offers cycling coverage that has an on demand option and not just live streams?

?? That is ridiculous
I know of cycling.tv but have no experience with it.

I've been getting by on the internet streams.

 

[Carols]

So UniversalSports has their live/on demand coverage for sale now. Its called spring season and has like 5 races for $40. This seems insane. We get like Strade, Tirreno, Sanremo, Basque country, and Giro. I don't think this is worth it. Does anyone know of another website that offers cycling coverage that has an on demand option and not just live streams?

I put up my $42(with tax) as I need on demand and refuse to miss the races.....I'm just not available for live streams all the time.

 

[CatsNK]

I'm with Carols. I'll be buying it. I can't watch during the day - I was always able to watch at 8pm EST with Universal Sports - but I'm willing to pay the $40 to watch in the evening.

 

[AntonioRossi]

$40 for 5 races is ridiculous. This is so bad..

 

[cawright1375]

I've used Universalsports.com for the Giro and other races the last few years. Last year, they made you pay for everything, whereas previous years most races were free except for the Giro/ Vuelta and Worlds and maybe MSR & Lombardy. What I like about the package they offer is that you have it in your library for continous watching whenever you want. Also while they only have events up to the Giro listed, that was what they listed last year and as the year progressed, the Vuelta, Worlds & Lombardy was added.

Last year was our first full year sans Cable and I saw more races via steephill.tv than I had when I watched Versus. PLUS on the weekends during the Classics watching a race meant that by 11am or so the race was over and I was pysched to go out and ride. I purchased the Tour package that NBC offered last year and that was good too. Our laptop has an HDMI port, so I can connect it to the flat screen and get it blown up too.

 

[Carols]

$40 for 5 races is ridiculous. This is so bad..

$85 per year (I'm assuming the 2nd half of the season will be the same price) seems a small enough price to pay to get my cycling fix. Alas the USA doesn't have that many options

$42 for 46 stages (spring package) makes it seem less onerous and I can watch whenever it suits me and as many times as I like!

 

[Carols]

I also have HDMI connection, computer to TV, so it's almost like watching dvr to tv just have to use the computer buttons to pause/rewind/ff etc. plus no commercials

 

[DirtyWorks]

I also have HDMI connection, computer to TV, so it's almost like watching dvr to tv just have to use the computer buttons to pause/rewind/ff etc. plus no commercials

I have a couple of questions on this package because their website is pitifully vague when it comes to specifics.

Is the software player Microsoft's silverlight runtime?

The list of races is really Strade, Tirreno, Sanremo, Basque country, and Giro? No Belgian one-days? Paris-Roubaix, Het Volk is done, but I think one gets the idea I'm looking for the events where terrain and road condition plays into the results.

How much are they showing? 2 hours?

I can generally do without the commentary, but they identify the riders far quicker than I can. So, commentary or just empty like their 'cross coverage?

 

[Angliru]

I put up my $42(with tax) as I need on demand and refuse to miss the races.....I'm just not available for live streams all the time.

Same here. Better to have the option of setting it to record in case something unexpected happens.

 

[Angliru]

$40 for 5 races is ridiculous. This is so bad..

I figure it's comparable to paying to watch a heavyweight championship fight on pay-per-view. For my schedule I figure it's worth it.

 

[Swede1]

I've used Universalsports.com for the Giro and other races the last few years. Last year, they made you pay for everything, whereas previous years most races were free except for the Giro/ Vuelta and Worlds and maybe MSR & Lombardy. What I like about the package they offer is that you have it in your library for continous watching whenever you want. Also while they only have events up to the Giro listed, that was what they listed last year and as the year progressed, the Vuelta, Worlds & Lombardy was added.

Last year was our first full year sans Cable and I saw more races via steephill.tv than I had when I watched Versus. PLUS on the weekends during the Classics watching a race meant that by 11am or so the race was over and I was pysched to go out and ride. I purchased the Tour package that NBC offered last year and that was good too. Our laptop has an HDMI port, so I can connect it to the flat screen and get it blown up too.

Oh so they added the Vuelta and stuff to the "spring" package last year? Then it might make it worthwhile. By the way NBCsports's website says they will be showing Flanders and Roubaix starting at 830 and 9 am! Hopefully that means finally live coverage.

 

[orangerider]

I'll gladly pay as I'm never available for live streaming. The only problem I've had with Universal in the past is how they either have a banner showing who won the race, or the video thumbnail shows who the winner is with their hands in the air... that just kills it for me.

 

[Swede1]

I'll gladly pay as I'm never available for live streaming. The only problem I've had with Universal in the past is how they either have a banner showing who won the race, or the video thumbnail shows who the winner is with their hands in the air... that just kills it for me.

Over time you will learn exactly where those pictures are on the screen and then just cover them with your hand when you go to the page to start the race.

So is cyclingtv garbage?

 

[Carols]

I have a couple of questions on this package because their website is pitifully vague when it comes to specifics.

Is the software player Microsoft's silverlight runtime?

The list of races is really Strade, Tirreno, Sanremo, Basque country, and Giro? No Belgian one-days? Paris-Roubaix, Het Volk is done, but I think one gets the idea I'm looking for the events where terrain and road condition plays into the results.

How much are they showing? 2 hours?

I can generally do without the commentary, but they identify the riders far quicker than I can. So, commentary or just empty like their 'cross coverage?

Hey you forgot MSR I want to see that!

Live stream is MS Media Player, on demand is Silverlight. You can test it by watching one of the 'free' ones that is currently there; Tour of Bejing is up for free.

PR is on Versus(NBC Sports Network) I get that with my cable. Universal is the one my cable dropped and I had to buy the package.

Normal show is 2 hours with commentary. Steve Slanger and Gogo (I like him, Steve drives me mad) but still beats Phil and Paul. LOL you get Phil on Bejing, just a warning.

Between Versus and Universal it's all 3 GTS (Giro and Vuelta on Universal)quite a few 1 day races and shorter stage races plus the world championships. Flanders, PR, LBL, FW are on Versus.

Hope that answers all your questions!

 

[BillytheKid]

Hey you forgot MSR
Live stream is MS Media Player, on demand is Silverlight. You can test it by watching one of the 'free' ones that is currently there; Tour of Bejing is up for free.

I've had trouble with Silverlight working on my last Mac. I have knew one now. Anyone running it on a Mac?

 

[AntonioRossi]

So two races have been added to the package. Gent Wevelgem and 3 days de Panne

 

[Carols]

So two races have been added to the package. Gent Wevelgem and 3 days de Panne

Totally cool

 

[BroDeal]

I've had trouble with Silverlight working on my last Mac. I have knew one now. Anyone running it on a Mac?

Homey don't do Silverlight. I'll use streams instead.

 

[Carols]

I watched Strade Bianche live this AM via Universal Sports on line package.

Web coverage started at 50,6 kms (Italian call) until the US commentators came on around 35km to go. Commercials reverted to Italian call so nothing was missed as would have been on TV. Watched it on my HD tv, great picture, decent sound as I can't use my surround sound system via HDMI.

Pleased so far and should be worth the $42 I shelled out. Only thing I can't do is record, but can replay at will. Replay has crappy music playing instead of the Italian race call so will try to watch live if I can.

I spent 2 days in Siene. Check out the gorgeous white and black cathedral, I spent 3/4 of a day there---Michelangelo scuptures, Rahael paintings, illuminated manuscripts in the gorgeous library and a breathtaking etched marble floor. Notice the hugh 14th century tower in Piazzo del Campo, that I climbed....Great to see some of Siene again, I'd love to go back!

All in all Happy with the Universal Sports online package so far

 

[Carols]

I've had trouble with Silverlight working on my last Mac. I have knew one now.

There are instructions on the US tech site: http://www.universalsports.com/premium/premium-video-faq.html on Mac usage or contact their support.

If you don't want to know who won when you play on-demand...Bookmark the http://www.universalsports.com/cycling/viewers-guide/index.html and go right there. You can login from there, no need to go to the main US page. Scroll down only until the race you want to see and play it. You'll have no idea who won

DON'T scroll past the list of races or you'll see a thumbnail of the winner in the video box. Just do it from the list

 

[Swede1]

So two races have been added to the package. Gent Wevelgem and 3 days de Panne

Hopefully they keep this up and add another 10 races.

I ended up caving and getting it. I just never seem to be available to watch live streams at 10 am. Certainly not on weekdays at least.

 

[mewmewmew13]

I watched Strade Bianche live this AM via Universal Sports on line package.

Web coverage started at 50,6 kms (Italian call) until the US commentators came on around 35km to go. Commercials reverted to Italian call so nothing was missed as would have been on TV. Watched it on my HD tv, great picture, decent sound as I can't use my surround sound system via HDMI.

Pleased so far and should be worth the $42 I shelled out. Only thing I can't do is record, but can replay at will. Replay has crappy music playing instead of the Italian race call so will try to watch live if I can.

I spent 2 days in Siene. Check out the gorgeous white and black cathedral, I spent 3/4 of a day there---Michelangelo scuptures, Rahael paintings, illuminated manuscripts in the gorgeous library and a breathtaking etched marble floor. Notice the hugh 14th century tower in Piazzo del Campo, that I climbed....Great to see some of Siene again, I'd love to go back!

All in all Happy with the Universal Sports online package so far

This is interesting carols. I went to US to see if they had a replay, I haven't purchased the cycling pkg, and I found that for $4.99 you could watch the entire vid...but I'm wondering if that would be the crappy music and no commentary.

I'm still not convinced that I want to shell out the big $ if this is the standard....

thanx for the info