center ice package worth it?

i was hoping i could get a little feedback from you guys about the center ice package...i was mainly interested in the nhl network buuut it seems that you need either some sport package or the center ice package to get the one channel, which seems to be priced pretty high. i am also assuming that the package is seasonal; you pay the 120 no matter what point in the season(unless it is year-round?). do you pay that price up front, or is it a monthly thing?
worth the dough? thumbs up, or thumbs down?

sorry if this is off topic...

thanks!>>>
(growing slowly more and more tired of sportscenter)

i was hoping i could get a little feedback from you guys about the center ice package...i was mainly interested in the nhl network buuut it seems that you need either some sport package or the center ice package to get the one channel, which seems to be priced pretty high. i am also assuming that the package is seasonal; you pay the 120 no matter what point in the season(unless it is year-round?). do you pay that price up front, or is it a monthly thing?
worth the dough? thumbs up, or thumbs down?

sorry if this is off topic...

thanks!>>>
(growing slowly more and more tired of sportscenter)

Depends on what provider you have and at what point you buy. I have DishNetwork, the Center Ice package does not include the NHL network. That is only available with the HD package. You can normally buy the CI as an earlybird for $10 less than normal in September or early October. I think it is normally $149 or $159, I am pretty sure they pro-rate the fee around this time of year. Although i havent seen an add for it yet. They normally start running an add for $49 for the stretch run soon.

You can pay the fee all at once, or they can spread it out over a bunch of payments. Do the leg work and call your provider as far as prices and all that other stuff...

I would also say that the Sports package for $5 more a month is worth it. Tons of channels from across the country (if you have Satelite) college hockey is sweet. It normally blacks out all the games, but you will get the local Pre/Postgame, and also some random hockey shows on from Fox Sports Detroit, NESN and all that. Screw ESPN and the basketball filled SC. Final Score on FSN is better, so is MSG/SNY for local sports.

Yes it is worth it... you can watch any game every day. Especially worth it if you live outside of your favorite teams Market.

I have Direct TV and the Center Ice is well worth the $$$. Its nice to be able to watch other games out of market for players you dont get to see alot. And the NHL Network is awesome.

Well it depends on what you want. If you just want the NHL Network I would get the sports pack as for most providers that only cost about 5 dollars a month. Now if you want all the games then I would highly recommend Center Ice if it's in your budget. As a Devils fan who no longer lives in New Jersey it is great. Been able to watch every Devils game this year and in addition in up watching some game most other nights. I think I may have ended up watching more Center Ice games than I thought I would when I bought the package.

Also the only provider that I know that includes the NHL Netowrk with Center Ice is Directv.

For any Canadian Devils fans (like myself), Bell ExpressVu is offering Centre Ice for the last month of the season at a cost of $49. Can't wait to see the Devils crush the Rags!

i have optimum, but i also do have hd capabilities which im hoping are available for the optimum center ice package.

anyone know if the center ice channels play anything after the season is done?

I think it's worth it. Always a game on pretty much.

i have optimum, but i also do have hd capabilities which im hoping are available for the optimum center ice package.

anyone know if the center ice channels play anything after the season is done?

Most cable companies change the Center Ice channels to MLB Extra Innings channel after hockey but you have to pay for it. I don't know if Optimum has HD for Center Ice. I know Directv has a select number of games available in HD but I don't believe any cable provider does. Also if you want the NHL Network I would look into if it is included with Center Ice. Like I said before the only provider which I have heard that includes the NHL Network with Center Ice is Directv. Most cable companies do not package them together.

Whatever you do just don't get Center Ice Online. The product is totally crap. The thing is hit or miss most of the time. Several problems already happened during the year that caused me to miss a few games here and there and only catch part of games on some other days. I wish they had offered Center Ice here at the beginning of the season. They do offer it now and I'll definitely switch to that next season instead.

Center Ice is a must for a hockey fan - especially those of us following our team long distance! You can probably find a special offer this late in the season, where if you sign up for next year, they throw in the remainder of this season at no extra cost. (at least they've done that in the past)...

If you're not using cable, I'd highly suggest DISH over DirecTV unless you're an NFL Sunday ticket purchaser. DISH offers multiple feeds of most games (both home & away broadcasts) so you can select which commentators you want to hear. (I've only not been able to select the Devils local feed once this entire season when it was being covered). They also have promised more HD than DirecTV, although from looking at the schedule this season quite a bit - they appear about even on that service. NHL Network comes standard with DISH on any package of America's top 150 or higher and is also part of the Center Ice package.

*self serving side note*

If anyone is looking into getting DISH - PM me, I have offer coupons for referrals that will get you an extra $50 off your first bill in addition to the free installation ($50 value) they normally run, and I also get $50 credited - so we both save. ;) This is good in addition to any specials they run so no reason not to use the referral.

I'd say it's worth it, although I get NHL Network separately. It's only terrible when we're playing the Canadian or WC teams and the quality is bad. I also dislike that they block out local games, but not much to do about that.

thanks for all the great info! you guys have been alot of help...

Very much so.

Center Ice is a must for a hockey fan - especially those of us following our team long distance! You can probably find a special offer this late in the season, where if you sign up for next year, they throw in the remainder of this season at no extra cost. (at least they've done that in the past)...

If you're not using cable, I'd highly suggest DISH over DirecTV unless you're an NFL Sunday ticket purchaser. DISH offers multiple feeds of most games (both home & away broadcasts) so you can select which commentators you want to hear. (I've only not been able to select the Devils local feed once this entire season when it was being covered). They also have promised more HD than DirecTV, although from looking at the schedule this season quite a bit - they appear about even on that service. NHL Network comes standard with DISH on any package of America's top 150 or higher and is also part of the Center Ice package.

*self serving side note*

If anyone is looking into getting DISH - PM me, I have offer coupons for referrals that will get you an extra $50 off your first bill in addition to the free installation ($50 value) they normally run, and I also get $50 credited - so we both save. ;) This is good in addition to any specials they run so no reason not to use the referral.

RG, i do not get the NHL Network on Dish, I was told it was only with HD. I have the 250+ Sports pkg. What channel do you have it on Dish, so i can check it tonight?

RG, i do not get the NHL Network on Dish, I was told it was only with HD. I have the 250+ Sports pkg. What channel do you have it on Dish, so i can check it tonight?

Hmmm - I have to look when I get home. It's the channel right before the NHL Center Ice channels - 403 according to THIS (http://affiliate.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCGrid.do?lineupId=DISH542%3A-&setMyPreference=false&method=decideFwdForLineup&zipcode=45449#219).
You can plug in your own zipcode and check - as different regions have different channels according to spot beam rules/blackouts.

When it came out I already had the Center Ice Package, but from reading this thread (http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/110120-nhl-network-actual-discussion.html) it was supposedly offered to anyone getting the higher level packages.

*ah-ha moment - I just realized - it's only offered in HD - as you inquired (missed that initially) There's a ton of griping going on about that in that forum post...

Most cable companies change the Center Ice channels to MLB Extra Innings channel after hockey but you have to pay for it. I don't know if Optimum has HD for Center Ice. I know Directv has a select number of games available in HD but I don't believe any cable provider does. Also if you want the NHL Network I would look into if it is included with Center Ice. Like I said before the only provider which I have heard that includes the NHL Network with Center Ice is Directv. Most cable companies do not package them together.

CI channels "go to sleep" a couple of days after the end of the second round, depending on whether your provider is paying attention or not.

So, you get around 6 weeks of "free" Extra Innings, since the two services share channels on alot of cable systems. You don't get all the baseball games, though, you get a limited schedule.

Hmmm - I have to look when I get home. It's the channel right before the NHL Center Ice channels - 403 according to THIS (http://affiliate.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCGrid.do?lineupId=DISH542%3A-&setMyPreference=false&method=decideFwdForLineup&zipcode=45449#219).
You can plug in your own zipcode and check - as different regions have different channels according to spot beam rules/blackouts.

When it came out I already had the Center Ice Package, but from reading this thread (http://www.satelliteguys.us/dish-network-forum/110120-nhl-network-actual-discussion.html) it was supposedly offered to anyone getting the higher level packages.

*ah-ha moment - I just realized - it's only offered in HD - as you inquired (missed that initially) There's a ton of griping going on about that in that forum post...


Thats what i thought. Otherwise i would be really pissed. 403 is not on my dial, i have checked before. Didnt want to spend the extra money on HD until they put more NHL in HD. Plus my big screen is in the basement, and i do not watch on it all that often. Horrible I know, but its Friesen down there.

Really wish they would just put it on the regular 250 package or something.

Horrible I know, but its Friesen down there.


:biglaugh:

It may or may not appeal to you - but I have the 722 DVR unit (LINK (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/receivers/vip722dvr/index.shtml)) which lets you control 2 televisions - 1 HD, 1 SD from the same unit. Hence, I can watch the HD programming on my SD set (just hit stretch/partial zoom to get the correct aspect ratio). Thus, I watch NHL Network on my 2nd television upstairs in SD as well as any other HD channels. Being able to record a ton of movies/games and watch from either television is also nice - which could justify the extra $20 a month...

I believe you can upgrade to this DVR with an 18 month commitment for free. (what I did) ;) As a bonus - you can also do the split screen/ PIP if not recording 2 programs already thanks to the dual tuner built-in.

Here's to all the NHL games being in HD next year! :crossfing

bruins fan here...not that it matters. but we have comcast or charter in my area. Charter does not even offer it. The free preview had 0 HD games. Maybe some are offered but never saw any. Also out here comcast has motion blur. But only when It changes from a graphic to actual video. very weird. So if you want to watch devils bruins and you get the nesn feed it may be blurry.

:biglaugh:

It may or may not appeal to you - but I have the 722 DVR unit (LINK (http://www.dishnetwork.com/content/our_products/dish_hd/receivers/vip722dvr/index.shtml)) which lets you control 2 televisions - 1 HD, 1 SD from the same unit. Hence, I can watch the HD programming on my SD set (just hit stretch/partial zoom to get the correct aspect ratio). Thus, I watch NHL Network on my 2nd television upstairs in SD as well as any other HD channels. Being able to record a ton of movies/games and watch from either television is also nice - which could justify the extra $20 a month...

I believe you can upgrade to this DVR with an 18 month commitment for free. (what I did) ;) As a bonus - you can also do the split screen/ PIP if not recording 2 programs already thanks to the dual tuner built-in.

Here's to all the NHL games being in HD next year! :crossfing


Sounds like you may be in the same boat as me. Havent tried the Split screen or PIP yet thopugh, havent really played with the big TV much, and i have had it over a year. The 722 looks pretty sweet. Now if I can somehow justify it to the wife, who already thinks the 250 package is too much. I tried to explain that Cable or Direct Tv are nearly double what i pay per month.

I think it's worth it. Always a game on pretty much.

Yep it's great cause there is always something to watch everynight. If you consider yourself more than just a casual hockey fan it's well worth the price.

Whatever you do just don't get Center Ice Online. The product is totally crap. The thing is hit or miss most of the time. Several problems already happened during the year that caused me to miss a few games here and there and only catch part of games on some other days. I wish they had offered Center Ice here at the beginning of the season. They do offer it now and I'll definitely switch to that next season instead.

I havn't had a big problem with it at all. The free preview week they gave in the beginning sucked since it was so overloaded, and I had a problem getting it set up (originally said I wasn't in Boston, when I was, so it refused to connect me). Other than the pain of having to reset my IP through customer service everytime my wireless modem shuts off (or my internet gets turned off by Verizon), I havn't had a problem.

Watching the game on a computer isn't the same as sitting in front of the TV, but the video quality isn't bad.

I havn't had a big problem with it at all. The free preview week they gave in the beginning sucked since it was so overloaded, and I had a problem getting it set up (originally said I wasn't in Boston, when I was, so it refused to connect me). Other than the pain of having to reset my IP through customer service everytime my wireless modem shuts off (or my internet gets turned off by Verizon), I havn't had a problem.

Watching the game on a computer isn't the same as sitting in front of the TV, but the video quality isn't bad.

The problem isn't when it is working. The problem is when it is not working. Unlike Center Ice, Center Ice online could be not working and nobody would notice. I've had half the game go by before they fixed the feed to the devil's game. Then theres the connection, any time theres a major problem on the internet you will have problems streaming the game. During the free preview the thing was almost unwatchable as there were too many people and there was not enough bandwidth.

I've had a problem with my Center Ice on Optimum since I got it. This is the first year I have it, and every night, there are certain games that do not come in. I get an error message saying "Channel Not Available. This channel is currently not available. Please try again later. Return to previous channel." I called about 7-8 times and had 2 techs come out here and it still is a problem. I was fed some bs that its a problem with the bandwith and something that the hockey is broadcasted a certain way by optimum and there are bandwith issues, but mlb is broadcasted in a different way and it doesn't experience that problem...my buddy is having the same problem...

When the damn this actually works, its totally worth it. I love watching the Kings and Sharks, and watching the wings hoping that the other team will score a crapload of goals. (so Marty gets the jennins)

The problem isn't when it is working. The problem is when it is not working. Unlike Center Ice, Center Ice online could be not working and nobody would notice. I've had half the game go by before they fixed the feed to the devil's game. Then theres the connection, any time theres a major problem on the internet you will have problems streaming the game. During the free preview the thing was almost unwatchable as there were too many people and there was not enough bandwidth.

Yea, the entire season besides the preview, I havn't had any problems with it not working.

Couldnt survive without it.

Got the early bird special this year. Getting this package is pretty much the best upgrade since I upgraded to cable from 56K. Worth it if you get it in the beginning and subsequently loses value and the season moves on. Granted Optimum had delays in their deal this year and delayed it like 2 months, still it's the channels I watch the most. Nothing beats going home to relax, put on NHL Network, or just a random hockey game.

Got the early bird special this year. Getting this package is pretty much the best upgrade since I upgraded to cable from 56K. Worth it if you get it in the beginning and subsequently loses value and the season moves on. Granted Optimum had delays in their deal this year and delayed it like 2 months, still it's the channels I watch the most. Nothing beats going home to relax, put on NHL Network, or just a random hockey game.

When mine actually works, ditto! I love getting home around 1 and being able to see the end of a sharks or canucks game.

When mine actually works, ditto! I love getting home around 1 and being able to see the end of a sharks or canucks game.

A lot of times, after calling tech support enough, I've found that this is not on the cable provider's end, but on their provider's end who provides them with the TV feeds(in my case, INDemand). If not, call tech support and reset the box with them. Most tech supports for cable TV can monitor your signal strength while your on the phone. IDK if satellite does it, cause I've avoided it at all costs.

A lot of times, after calling tech support enough, I've found that this is not on the cable provider's end, but on their provider's end who provides them with the TV feeds(in my case, INDemand). If not, call tech support and reset the box with them. Most tech supports for cable TV can monitor your signal strength while your on the phone. IDK if satellite does it, cause I've avoided it at all costs.

I called 8 times and had someone from a different office call me. Its a bandwith issue supposedly, and only a certain number of people in the area can view those channels at a given time. I went nuts!

I called 8 times and had someone from a different office call me. Its a bandwith issue supposedly, and only a certain number of people in the area can view those channels at a given time. I went nuts!

What's your provider? Bandwidth issues tend to happen a lot in NJ, you're definitely not the only one.

Optimum...

I absolutely love it and couldn't imagine life without it.

I have comcast and don't get the NHL network with it, that is a part of a separate package.

I called 8 times and had someone from a different office call me. Its a bandwith issue supposedly, and only a certain number of people in the area can view those channels at a given time. I went nuts!

Are you talking about the screen freezing? I have that problem on busy nights, usually the late night games.

Not as bad as last year, though, and I haven't had an outage yet, I had 3 or 4 that lasted a couple of days last season. Fingers crossed.

I was planning on getting Center Ice Online since I'm at college and obviously can't get Center Ice on my TV here, but about 20 minutes before I was going to sign up, I found a certain European website that has links to certain things possibly including hockey games. It's funny because I've been using that site for soccer for 3 years but never noticed that there was a link for hockey as well. :D

A friend who lives in my dorm bought the Online thing and it's pretty cool but I don't know that it's worth the money it costs, considering that I'm not paying but am still watching all the games. I had a week trial a month or two ago and it was definitely convenient being able to watch 4 games at a time, but when there's a Devils game on, I really only watch that.

I have Center Ice and the NHL Network at my house and love it on the TV, and I'd say that it's worth it. The Online, however, I don't think is worth it.

i called up today, its still at $120 for the rest of the season. that's a little rough for only 3-4 months. oh well i guess next year...!

Like I said before the only provider which I have heard that includes the NHL Network with Center Ice is Directv. Most cable companies do not package them together.

Well this I know isnt true, because I have Time Warner in Manhattan and they bundled the NHL Network with the package. I believe quite a few providers went that route (at least in the USA).

i called up today, its still at $120 for the rest of the season. that's a little rough for only 3-4 months. oh well i guess next year...!

Actually only 2 month. It only covers the 1st two rounds of the playoffs since the ECF/WCF and SCF are national. Center Ice is an ABSOLUTE MUST for the 1st two rounds of the playoffs though!! :teach: