Universal Sports TV Availability

[DirtyWorks]

Are you using a Linux distro?

I've got one of everything pretty much. Powerpc, ARM, i686. The only device that would work is the i686 laptop. I can boot to OSX but use Debian everyday. Look up the system requirements for silverlight. You have to stay very current on a Mac for silverlight to function.

 

[Bala Verde]

good to see the Comcast CEO only makes 31million dollars

And his net worth is in the 100s of millions.

He is struggling to get by, so evidently they had to tighten the belt at Comcast. Trickle up very much?

Thanks Comcast. Looking forward to the bachelorette, the kardashians and jersey shore...

 

[GWAR79]

good to see the Comcast CEO only makes 31million dollars

And his net worth is in the 100s of millions.

He is struggling to get by, so evidently they had to tighten the belt at Comcast. Trickle up very much?

Thanks Comcast. Looking forward to the bachelorette, the kardashians and jersey shore...

no more posts like this bala, im so angry as it is... still, you crack me up

 

[Bala Verde]

no more posts like this bala, im so angry as it is... still, you crack me up

I was checking cyclocross races today, if I should record some upcoming events... And I noticed universal was gone, I thought they had moved the channel to a different location.

Not.

I was fuming.

So I sent a comment via the universal site. That'll show them...

 

[Oldman]

I was checking cyclocross races today, if I should record some upcoming events... And I noticed universal was gone, I thought they had moved the channel to a different location.

Not.

I was fuming.

So I sent a comment via the universal site. That'll show them...

You probably won't even get the polite "on one's home" return email. It's NBC we should be hatin' but it is about the 4th tier of sport broadcasting profitability. That NBC/Vs/Root still broadcasts more Bull n' Bass than anything else tells you where cycling fits in the grand scheme. I knew we were dorks following a childish sport; I'm mad that it's been validated-again.

 

[Bala Verde]

Some more info in the LA times 2 days ago

Universal Sports channel didn't disappear, it just seems that way

Now,*Universal Sports wants to be paid by distributors for carriage and is being offered as a stand-alone cable network. So far, satellite broadcaster DirecTV is the only multichannel video program distributor to have cut a deal with the channel, but its*officers say they are confident that they'll be in 15 million to 20 million homes by the end of 2012. Previously, the channel was available in about 40 million homes

And this on the versus-NBC channel:

The change came at the same time as NBC's rebranding of its Versus channel as NBC Sports Network. The acquisition of Versus came as a part of a NBC's $30 million merger with Comcast Corp. last year.

The new network is branding itself as a 24/7 sports programming provider and has immediate plans to focus on the National Hockey League, Major League Soccer and the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The NHL stands to benefit from the increased coverage, with the 10-year exclusive rights deal that was signed in 2011 guaranteeing 100 games annually on NBC or NBC Sports Network.

Source

That means we get bad soccer, NHL, indynracing and one tour.

 

[Tyre Byter]

Sky Angel has a $33/mo pkg that has the "new" Versus,
UniversalSports, and the Tennis channel. Anybody have any
Experience with them?

 

[mewmewmew13]

We are switching.
DirectTV has an offer of $19.99/month to AAA members for new subscribers in the U.S. for a 20-month contract.

They have Universal AND TCM at their lowest-level pkg which is good for us....

soon we won't need a cable co at all....I hope

edit: I think I made a mistake....no Universal is listed...da**!
oh well....not DirecTV either then.

 

[Tyre Byter]

We are switching.
DirectTV has an offer of $19.99/month to AAA members for new subscribers in the U.S. for a 20-month contract.

They have Universal AND TCM at their lowest-level pkg which is good for us....

soon we won't need a cable co at all....I hope

edit: I think I made a mistake....no Universal is listed...da**!
oh well....not DirecTV either then.

That sounds great! Gotta check into that.

 

[mewmewmew13]

As of now they are not listing Universal on their list on the website, but the previous post says that DirecTV was cutting a deal with US....
so not sure what is happening..

Oh wait...it says 'Coming to' DirecTV on the website..so MAYBE..info is not really clear

 

[mewmewmew13]

I'M MAD AS H*** AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203550304577138841278154700.html


We are shutting off the cable on Monday.
Goodbye Comcast

 

[ElChingon]

I'M MAD AS H*** AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE!!

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203550304577138841278154700.html


We are shutting off the cable on Monday.
Goodbye Comcast

You are finally going off of cable , did it back in 2008 when my trial cable went blank, we won't go into how long the trial was for.

I think instead of most of those devices listed except maybe the antenna can be had through a computer. Most of the other devices are also computers but limit what you can watch, whereas the average computer puts no limit on what you can watch because it is not going through one branded box. Even the TV they list is limited because I know for a fact it does not do Amazon video feeds.

Its all on the internet these days and if not will be, dump the cable, satalite, or what ever and get with the 21st century. The sooner everyone dumps the cable, satalite or what ever the sooner everything will be on the computer, so everyone dump it!

 

[mewmewmew13]

You are finally going off of cable , did it back in 2008 when my trial cable went blank, we won't go into how long the trial was for.

I think instead of most of those devices listed except maybe the antenna can be had through a computer. Most of the other devices are also computers but limit what you can watch, whereas the average computer puts no limit on what you can watch because it is not going through one branded box. Even the TV they list is limited because I know for a fact it does not do Amazon video feeds.

Its all on the internet these days and if not will be, dump the cable, satalite, or what ever and get with the 21st century. The sooner everyone dumps the cable, satalite or what ever the sooner everything will be on the computer, so everyone dump it!

You are right. For most I think it is a matter of just getting around to doing something about the status quo.
It would be simple to just have a dedicated laptop next to your tv, or just use your own.

We don't actually watch much tv, our two boys (teens) prefer to do their own thing on their computers but occasionally look at the History CH, Disc, which is online anyway.

I can catch the news, which is awful anyway, online. I don't like anything 'reality' on tv and mostly everything is cra*. Cycling is the only thing that I can think of but the last couple of years I watch online as Versus has far too many ads and I refuse to turn on that channel.

Done.


btw in my 'youth' I also free-lance hooked up some cable that worked great for a long time...

 

[KEEP US]

Hello, I work with Universal Sports and I took some time to read through this thread to hear what you have to say. I’d like to help clarify a few discussion topics while also providing some additional information.

In regards to Comcast: NBC Universal owns a non-controlling minority interest in Universal Sports. The network is operated independently of NBC Universal and its parent Comcast, therefore, we have to negotiate with Comcast as we would any other television distributor.

Addressing the switch from Over the Air: Universal Sports Network has been available to TV providers for free since 2008. Sports content is expensive and in order to sustain our network long term, we needed to switch to the cable, satellite and telco business model so that we can continue to provide the world class offerings our fans have become accustomed to.

The concern you all have shown is truly appreciated and we understand this issue has been frustrating to many. You can still access Universal Sports Cycling Programming by going to http://www.universalsports.com/cycling/viewers-guide/index.html. Our Road Cycling Spring package, includes upcoming cycling events, such as the Cyclocross World Championships, Tirreno d’Adriatico, Milan San Remo, Giro d’Italia and other races. We are currently in negotiations with a variety of TV providers and hope to make some distribution announcements in the near future. It is important that the TV providers recognize the value of Universal Sports Network's world-class sports offerings so we can finalize agreements that will allow more viewers to have access to our network. While we are doing what we can to help move along this business transition, it is the fans like you that can really make a difference.

Please continue to call 1-800-55-GET-US and go to http://unisports.tv/gfepVd. Then, spread the word that you want Universal Sports! You can post 1-800-55-GET-US and http://unisports.tv/gfepVd on your Facebook page and tweet it out on Twitter. Also post on forums for your TV providers and any groups you are in as well.

Thank you for your loyalty.

 

[mewmewmew13]

hello KEEP US.

Thanks for providing some direct feedback. As you can see we are all cycling fans that care very much about access to viewing cycling races and events.

I think most of us here would also pay for viewing, if the content and availability is reasonable.

I ,for one, am concerned that viewing options from NBC or whatever 'versus' it has morphed into are so limited and a joke. They seem to be distilling an entire race into a 30 minute piece that is shown at some off-the-wall time, usually hours after it was live.

If you could guarantee most of the important races and/or spring classics I am sure you would be taken very seriously by avid cycling fans.

Keep us posted, and hopefully those here on the clinic will notice this update as well as pose some programming questions and desires.

Thank you,
mew

 

[Mr.DNA]

Hello KEEP US,

I used to watch your channel over the air on KNBC 4-4. Most of the time I even sat through the commercials! I'll bet most of your DirecTV subscribers can't say that.

I don't really miss you though. I found other ways to stay busy.

---Cable- and Dish-free since 2009

 

[DirtyWorks]

Universal Sports troll, we need the ASO/RCS hours-long live feed. The epic scale of most cycling events (ex. Paris-Roubaix) is entirely lost in a 30/60 minute wrap-up.

Most in the U.S. will simply continue to get a feed from some other part of the world and turn down the voice-over until the live feed is brought to the U.S.

 

[Carols]

Well all this still leaves me up the creek without Universal.....live feeds mostly don't work for me, I'm not home. When it's on TV I can easily record it and watch it later.

I won't mind buying the Season package but that still leaves me with replays that can be less then functional or viewable, I know from watching some of last years.... and no easy way to create an 'excerpts' dvd for future viewing years later.

DirecTV may be my only solution, but I had satellite for one year way back and it sucked everytime it rained or snowed

They just make it more and more difficult for us cycling fans to get our fix...

 

[mewmewmew13]

Hello, I work with Universal Sports and I took some time to read through this thread to hear what you have to say. I’d like to help clarify a few discussion topics while also providing some additional information.

In regards to Comcast: NBC Universal owns a non-controlling minority interest in Universal Sports. The network is operated independently of NBC Universal and its parent Comcast, therefore, we have to negotiate with Comcast as we would any other television distributor.

Addressing the switch from Over the Air: Universal Sports Network has been available to TV providers for free since 2008. Sports content is expensive and in order to sustain our network long term, we needed to switch to the cable, satellite and telco business model so that we can continue to provide the world class offerings our fans have become accustomed to.

The concern you all have shown is truly appreciated and we understand this issue has been frustrating to many. You can still access Universal Sports Cycling Programming by going to http://www.universalsports.com/cycling/viewers-guide/index.html. Our Road Cycling Spring package, includes upcoming cycling events, such as the Cyclocross World Championships, Tirreno d’Adriatico, Milan San Remo, Giro d’Italia and other races. We are currently in negotiations with a variety of TV providers and hope to make some distribution announcements in the near future. It is important that the TV providers recognize the value of Universal Sports Network's world-class sports offerings so we can finalize agreements that will allow more viewers to have access to our network. While we are doing what we can to help move along this business transition, it is the fans like you that can really make a difference.

Please continue to call 1-800-55-GET-US and go to http://unisports.tv/gfepVd. Then, spread the word that you want Universal Sports! You can post 1-800-55-GET-US and http://unisports.tv/gfepVd on your Facebook page and tweet it out on Twitter. Also post on forums for your TV providers and any groups you are in as well.

Thank you for your loyalty.

This is what I am not seeing from Universal anymore. Up-front answers.
when I try to get a comprehensive look at EXACTLY what I would be buying if I were to purchase the 'Road Racing Package' ....
you have mentioned 'some' of what races would be included...and I understand that you may still be in negotiations with feeds, etc, , but I am not going to pay for a 'highlights' package of most of these races.

I will watch online live feeds as much as I can and which cover most or all of the entire race.

 

[ElChingon]

Maybe we should be petitioning EuroSport instead? We'd get ALL the races not just some of the races, well for those of us who want it all anyway. Then if I'm paying I want it all not just a 30 or 60 minute recap and of course live.

Imagine watching the upcoming Super Bowl in a 30 or 60 minute recap, yea, that would blow big time so for the real cycling fans the 30 or 60 minute recaps blow just as much.

 

[Carols]

Maybe we should be petitioning EuroSport instead? We'd get ALL the races not just some of the races, well for those of us who want it all anyway. Then if I'm paying I want it all not just a 30 or 60 minute recap and of course live.

Imagine watching the upcoming Super Bowl in a 30 or 60 minute recap, yea, that would blow big time so for the real cycling fans the 30 or 60 minute recaps blow just as much.

From past experience I can tell you that Universal showed Live Giro/Vuelta as soon as the feed came on until the end of the stage. Often didn't stick around for the podiums but the race was there.

Some of the other races were tape delayed but were NOT recaps like versus...it was the race!

Actually I was very pleased with the channel for many years now and haven't given up trying to acquire it. I do want to see the full 2012 cycling schedule before I either switch to DirecTV or purchase the on line package though.

If Eurosport offered a better on line package I'd be happy with that also...even More coverage But I live in the USA and often hit region restrictions on Eurosport

 

[nowhereman]

From past experience I can tell you that Universal showed Live Giro/Vuelta as soon as the feed came on until the end of the stage. Often didn't stick around for the podiums but the race was there.

Some of the other races were tape delayed but were NOT recaps like versus...it was the race!

Actually I was very pleased with the channel for many years now and haven't given up trying to acquire it. I do want to see the full 2012 cycling schedule before I either switch to DirecTV or purchase the on line package though.

If Eurosport offered a better on line package I'd be happy with that also...even More coverage But I live in the USA and often hit region restrictions on Eurosport

CyclingFans.com does a pretty decent job, along with Steephill.tv. I buy the package from Universal for ski racing and cycling. But I still think they are a bunch of greedy Basturds, that didn't have the numbers that validated a better deal with most of the service providers they were with. So now they're gone from the air. We just have to be resourceful, or just go out, and stop spectating, and just Ride.

 

[Carols]

CyclingFans.com does a pretty decent job, along with Steephill.tv. I buy the package from Universal for ski racing and cycling. But I still think they are a bunch of greedy Basturds, that didn't have the numbers that validated a better deal with most of the service providers they were with. So now they're gone from the air. We just have to be resourceful, or just go out, and stop spectating, and just Ride.

Riding is one of the glories of recording it....I can watch the race after work and riding

Yes it seems they did indeed not have enough customers to make deals with providers

 

[mewmewmew13]

Gogo and Schlanger are gone!

I'm not paying until there are some proven offerings. I really enjoyed watching races on Universal but it seems changes are in the winds.

And this is a forum not a marketing tool.

 

[KEEP US]

This is what I am not seeing from Universal anymore. Up-front answers.
when I try to get a comprehensive look at EXACTLY what I would be buying if I were to purchase the 'Road Racing Package' ....
you have mentioned 'some' of what races would be included...and I understand that you may still be in negotiations with feeds, etc, , but I am not going to pay for a 'highlights' package of most of these races.

I will watch online live feeds as much as I can and which cover most or all of the entire race.

We are still finalizing our complete list of programs that you can watch by signing up for the Road Cycling Spring Package. The package will give you full coverage of the Cyclocross World Championships, Tirreno d’Adriatico, Milan San Remo, and Giro d’Italia. Other races that will be included in the package will be announced in the near future.