Half way through year 1. Everyone's thoughts of Sportsnets "Monopoly"?

[Street Pharmacist]

Originally Posted by driveway

I watch hockey exclusively on international NHL Gamecenter and I find myself avoiding the Sportsnet broadcasts like the plague. Originally it started because I prefer to hear what the other team's announcers have to say about the Flames, but as I've watched more and more games of other teams, I find myself steering clear of Sportsnet pretty much completely.

A couple of reasons for this: I don't know what it is, but Sportsnet broadcasts are the ones that are the most buggy on Gamecenter, the most likely to freeze, enter into buffering hell, etc. Also, I don't know what the hell they are doing but the sound is garbage with SN. Either they do something, or they FAIL to do something to the crowd noise that NBC does, but games on NBC sound so much better, regardless of the building or the game situation.

It's shameful that games in New Jersey sound like the crowd is bigger and more engaged than games in Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver. Well, actually, hearing the dead silence in Rexall is pretty awesome.
NBC has become an excellent hockey broadcaster, I'm always stoked to watch one of their broadcasts.

And, for the record I watch at least one, if not two complete games everyday and the "condensed" game for everything else, so I'm watching piles and piles of hockey. I'm seriously glad I have the international gamecenter. If I moved back to Canada, I'd keep it and route my browser through a VPN just to avoid Sportsnet.

Why is the international game center better??? I watched condensed games on the Canadian one and can always watch the non Sportsnet version if I chose

[driveway]

It's just that I've never used Rogers gamecenter and I wasn't sure if you could avoid the SN broadcasts.

[Joborule]

Originally Posted by Beatle17

Maybe the ratings were off because it was a crap display of hockey and nobody wanted to watch. You may be able to sell non-hockey fans in different markets the hype but Canadian fans usually won't watch that garbage. I don't think it had anything to do with the RSN broadcast itself.

Agreed. It wasn't Rogers themselves (and the game wasn't even on Sportsnet, it was on CBC, as it always has been), but the game itself wasn't appealing to many. NHL should be concerned with the lack of effort and provide incentives to amp up the intensity a bit.

Originally Posted by driveway

A couple of reasons for this: I don't know what it is, but Sportsnet broadcasts are the ones that are the most buggy on Gamecenter, the most likely to freeze, enter into buffering hell, etc. Also, I don't know what the hell they are doing but the sound is garbage with SN. Either they do something, or they FAIL to do something to the crowd noise that NBC does, but games on NBC sound so much better, regardless of the building or the game situation.

It's shameful that games in New Jersey sound like the crowd is bigger and more engaged than games in Calgary, Edmonton, or Vancouver. Well, actually, hearing the dead silence in Rexall is pretty awesome.
NBC has become an excellent hockey broadcaster, I'm always stoked to watch one of their broadcasts.

This is why if I ever have the opportunity to watch the NBC feed over Sportsnet/CBC feed, I'll always watch NBC, because the in-venue sounds is much, much better than what Rodgers feeds provide. I'm not sure why they think it's a bright idea to neuter the on ice and crowd sound so much.

[Resolute 14]

^ FWIW, CBC games are Rogers. CBC has no independent control over the broadcasts anymore. They just provide the air time for Rogers.

[PugnaciousIntern]

As the OP of the "Let's do something about Sportsnet" thread, I'm pleased with how this season has progressed. There's a few things on my wishlist (taking Healy off camera, enhancing audio/video quality, more bearable intermission/weekday panels) but I'm enjoying actually watching play without broadcasting distractions. If there were no more changes, I wouldn't get too worked up.

[darthma]

As an out-of-market fan (in Vancouver) I actually get more Flames games on my TV than before. I'm also signed up for Rogers Game Centre. I don't mind any of the 'technical' stuff. I'm just happy that I get to watch a lot more hockey. Less blackout restrictions than before, and now Game Centre carries through the playoffs! That's a win for me.

My one complaint is that Hrudey can be too much of a Flames homer sometimes. I typically love the homerism from the colour guy, but there have been a few times where it's been too much. However, I wouldn't trade the new PBP team for past teams... ever.

[heep223]

Hey! It seems like they've turned up the mics on the ice! Can hear the players, boards and skates way better this game.

[Joborule]

The audio definitely sounded noticeably louder. Much better.

[hwy19man]

Originally Posted by heep223

Hey! It seems like they've turned up the mics on the ice! Can hear the players, boards and skates way better this game.

Originally Posted by Joborule

The audio definitely sounded noticeably louder. Much better.

This shows that the relentless complaints work!

[hwy19man]

The CEO of Rogers, Guy Laurence, is interviewed by the Globe and Mail on Sportsnet's first year as the sole national broadcaster of the NHL.
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/rogers-hockey-guy-laurence/article24702297/

Towards the end of the article, it is mentioned that Ron MacLean will be continuing his role, but, there will be a change for the Sunday night hockey games. City will not be televising them and will be on Sportsnet instead. This is a major improvement and a wise decision in my opinion.