Cycling on tv in the US: ch ch ch changes

[ny biker]

So, they've changed Versus to the NBC Sports Network. It appears to be just a name change, since Comcast/NBC/Universal took them over last year. Paul Sherwen said on twitter that cycling coverage would not be affected. Tour Down Under coverage starts soon with 30 minute shows each day. They might also cover Paris Roubaix live.

Looking at my on-screen guide, it's the same channel number as Versus.

Apparently unrelated to this is the disappearance of Universal Sports. A friend in NJ mentioned it had disappeared from his cable lineup; I checked and found the channel had also vanished from mine (literally -- channel 207 no longer exists at all). According to this article, the people who run it decided to change the way it's distributed, which has resulted in its disappearance. They think this is temporary as cable systems add them to their lineup packages. Currently they only have a deal with Direct TV.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2012/01/universal-sports-didnt-disappear-it-just-seems-that-way.html

If NBC Sports covers the same races as last year, various spring classics, the TdF, and the Tour of California should all be on tv to some extent. However it looks like many of us won't see the Giro or Vuelta.

This is the website for Universal Sports. It looks like you can watch some races online for a fee, or possibly for free after the race is over.

http://www.universalsports.com/cycling/index.html

Anyway, looking forward to the Tour Down Under!!

[Catrin]

This is interesting, especially since it WAS available via rabbit ears in the Indianapolis region until recently. I just checked my tv and the NBC affiliate has replaced it with some other station. I hadn't noticed that it had disappeared, sad...

[jessmarimba]

I'm so upset that NBC Universal is gone. It WAS available via antenna here until January 1st, and I only discovered it was free about a month ago!

[ny biker]

I'm so upset that NBC Universal is gone. It WAS available via antenna here until January 1st, and I only discovered it was free about a month ago!

Exactly. They don't want to be a free channel anymore.

You kinda have to wonder how they are selling any advertising, since their audience has dropped so much. I guess they figure they're willing to take a short-term loss while they rebuild.

[channlluv]

This might sound nitpicky, but we found it really hard to watch races on Universal because they were not in HD. Yeah, I know, how spoiled are we, right? But the grainy coverage of races in Spain and Italy, for instance, was just hard to watch. You couldn't tell some of the teams apart if their jerseys were at all similar in color or design, and I couldn't tell the riders apart, and you couldn't really make out the expressions on their faces.

I do prefer Fabian and Thor in HD.

Roxy

[radacrider]

We just have basic cable and, yep, we no got Universal anymore. :( poo

[AppleTree]

This might sound nitpicky, but we found it really hard to watch races on Universal because they were not in HD. Yeah, I know, how spoiled are we, right? But the grainy coverage of races in Spain and Italy, for instance, was just hard to watch. You couldn't tell some of the teams apart if their jerseys were at all similar in color or design, and I couldn't tell the riders apart, and you couldn't really make out the expressions on their faces.

I do prefer Fabian and Thor in HD.

Roxy

+1 on the HD. Not only that, but we miss Paul and Phil when Universal covered the bike races. Although I kinda like Gogo, I was glad they included him in the TdF coverage last summer.

I haven't looked to see if we still have the Universal channel here...just looked, yep we still have it here on Comcast cable. Wonder for how long?

[Crankin]

Ach, we are giving up cable at the end of the month. DH got fed up with the constant increase in fees, and we have no second option, since our town told Verizon that they would have to bury all of their lines if they wanted in.
So, we have a nice HD antenna for over the air HD sitting outside, all tested, ready to go. We're keeping the internet (VOip) phone and internet, though.
I am not happy about how I am going to watch cycling. DH says we'll be able to get it on line and then hook up to the TV, and we don't mind paying for the Tour to do this. But, I like watching the Spring classics, too.
I do agree about watching cycling on Universal. I stopped because the quality of the picture was so bad. Yes, we are spoiled, but what's the point if you can't even tell which team is which. And the announcers weren't that good, either.

[ny biker]

I definitely prefer to see the races in HD, and will always like Phil and Paul the best. But Steve and Todd certainly knew their stuff and they started to grow on me. And low-def if better than no def at all!

Plus sometimes I would watch other sports, like diving competitions, when nothing else was on and I was in a couch potato mood.

[Koronin]

Universal was never on Dish Network so I had no idea it just vanished. On the other hand I did notice Versus was replaced by NBCsports on the same channel number and it looks to be the same programming for the most part. Then again I only really ever watched Versus for cycling and hockey.

[pll]

I am totally bummed the Universal disappeared form Comcast. I do not have HD of any kind, so I would not know the difference, but I loved watching the Giro and the Vuelta. Most days, I like the narration by Paul and Phil, but the do get obsessed with particular riders and become unbearably repetitive, so some variety in comment is refreshing. I really wish more of the Spring classics where shown on TV, as well as some of the shorter stage races.

When I watch some races live, I tend to look for audio feeds from different countries (Eurosport, RTVE from Spain, and a little Italian during the Giro), which can be quite interesting because of the focus on different riders, discussion of strategies, etc.

[Blueberry]

I loved Universal Sports over the air - and I really, really miss it! It was my go-to trainer channel. Loved the skiing, and particularly the occasional ironman coverage:D:D

We don't have cable or dish, and haven't for a very long time. There is no way I would pay for TV to get this channel (don't even know if that is an option). So - I'm one of the people who will just fall off of their viewing audience permanently.

PS - We now have a "weather channel" in its place - it shows the radar and 7 day forecast continually. What a waste!

[ny biker]

PS - We now have a "weather channel" in its place - it shows the radar and 7 day forecast continually. What a waste!

Not if you're on your way out for a ride and you want to know if there's a storm nearby!!

[Owlie]

PS - We now have a "weather channel" in its place - it shows the radar and 7 day forecast continually. What a waste!

We have one of those. It's actually pretty handy for when the local news isn't covering weather and I really want to ride! (Or if I suspect there's a lot of very nasty weather coming...)

[Blueberry]

Not if you're on your way out for a ride and you want to know if there's a storm nearby!!

That's what my internet connection is for:D:D

[ny biker]

This was not easy to find, so I'll post it here for anyone who's looking for it.

NBC Sports Network cycling schedule for 2012:

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42453562/ns/sports-cycling/

TdU pre-race show is this Sunday afternoon at 3 pm Eastern. Stage coverage is 5:00/5:30 (most stages are shown a second time the next day; e.g., Monday is stage 1 at 5:00, Tuesday is stage 1 at 5:00 and stage 2 at 5:30) with a recap show at the end.

[pll]

Thank you! <I will have to add those dates to my calendar!>

[SheFly]

FYI Universal is also owned by NBC. I don't think it's a coincidence that all of these changes happened at the same time.

I LOVED Universal. We've been watching all the cyclocross world cups, BMX racing, MTB world cups as well as road racing. They also had good coverage of nordic skiing (Tour de Ski) and biathlon. I hardly think that the new NBC/Versus lineup will include these kinds of events.

I did get a note from Verizon stating that Universal decided not to renew their contract. From the advertising on Universal prior to Jan 1, I was led to believe that the providers were dropping them - not the other way around.

I'm really going to miss it.

SheFly

[awm03]

I love Todd Gogolski & Steve Schlanger. GoGo made a point of talking to the teams every day so he could be up on the latest news. They're just so much more informative & on the ball than P&P. Any cost to get Universal's coverage over the web is money well spent. I will die if I can't see the Giro.

Can't stand Phil & Paul & their permanent Lance love. I'm so ready for them to retire.

[ny biker]

Just announced -- NBC Sports will cover the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix live.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42453562/ns/sports-cycling/

[bluebug32]

I love Todd Gogolski & Steve Schlanger. GoGo made a point of talking to the teams every day so he could be up on the latest news. They're just so much more informative & on the ball than P&P. Any cost to get Universal's coverage over the web is money well spent. I will die if I can't see the Giro.

Can't stand Phil & Paul & their permanent Lance love. I'm so ready for them to retire.

Yeah, Phil and Paul have gone a touch senile with mixing up racers and other details. But I'll always love their crazy phrases like "suitcase of courage" and racing "like scalded cats." Ha!

[pll]

Just announced -- NBC Sports will cover the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix live.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42453562/ns/sports-cycling/

Oh, so exciting! In past years I have caught a Belgian webcast... Good to see the race, but miss understanding the commentary!

[redrhodie]

Oh, man, those are on late! I hope they'll rerun them on the following Sunday.

Thanks for posting the schedule, NYB.

[emily_in_nc]

Just announced -- NBC Sports will cover the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix live.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42453562/ns/sports-cycling/

Thanks ny biker! We actually get the station down here in Belize, so we'll be watching! :D

[malkin]

Just announced -- NBC Sports will cover the Tour of Flanders and Paris Roubaix live.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42453562/ns/sports-cycling/

Those times are Eastern, right?

[redrhodie]

NBC Sports showed Fleche Wallonne last night at 1am. Tonight at 11:00 is Liege-Bastone-Liege. Tuesday at 5pm is the Tour of Romandie. Forgive any mispellings. I was up until 2:30am watching bike racing. :)

[Cynedra]

Loved the races and I think goodness for the DVR.

[ny biker]

This is the schedule for cycling on NBC Sports. I bookmarked it because it wasn't the easiest thing to find.

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/42453562/ns/sports-cycling/

[pll]

Has anyone subscribed to the online service by Universal Sports? I want to watch the Giro, but I do not know if the stages are available for viewing later, after the stage is completed. As much as I would like, I cannot stay home and watch a complete stage. I have to work! I have sent the question to their customer support, but I suspect I will not get an answer. Their FAQ and web site is pretty bad.

[Marquise]

Has anyone subscribed to the online service by Universal Sports? I want to watch the Giro, but I do not know if the stages are available for viewing later, after the stage is completed. As much as I would like, I cannot stay home and watch a complete stage. I have to work! I have sent the question to their customer support, but I suspect I will not get an answer. Their FAQ and web site is pretty bad.

I bought Universal's 2012 Spring cycling package, watched a couple of races, then missed the next couple and when I went to watch them, they'd re-done their website (poorly) and no longer have an archive available for what I missed. :mad: The Giro (last race of the package) is still supposed to be available to me, including archives for later viewing, according to recent e-mail exchange, but I'm feeling less confident than in years past, and not happy with their new set up. In my experience, they do respond to e-mail and I've received a refund over a mix up in the past.

If you order, be aware that often when you download a race or stage after it's over (not live), there's a lot of dead time on their feed so you may think it's not working. But if you advance say a half hour forward, you'll probably find the start of the race or stage after all. Very frustrating if you don't know that's how it works. Also be aware that they make it very hard to avoid seeing who won a stage/race if you don't watch it live; the winner is typically splashed all over their site.

The Giro so far has not been in HD so it's not like watching the TdF but I love watching cycling in Italy so it's well worth it to me!

[pll]

Thanks Marquise! I may give them a try. They did answer my question (sort of, after a lot of text assuming I do not know how to log in to a web site):


To watch your live event, please log on to universalsports.com at the time your live event is scheduled to begin (or while it is underway). Find and click on your event in the ‘Watch Live’ section of the site to begin viewing your live stream. Please note that archive video for live events taking place prior to April 3rd, 2012 are not available online. All live events occurring after April 3rd will have a corresponding archive video available online unless otherwise noted on the site. As always, please visit www.UniversalSports.com for the latest event information.

Never mind that the site does not note much of anything. I find it very annoying that the description of their package to view the Giro does not mention what it include. I would take that to be the contract. Oh, well.

[ny biker]

Hockey has delayed the cycling coverage on nbc sports AGAIN. I hate hockey.

I think this could be a problem with the Tour of Romandie coverage this week, too.

[redrhodie]

I don't mind them delaying for a game, but delaying for a post game wrap up show is annoying. I fell asleep right before the win. :(

[Cynedra]

I don't like it when they delay for hockey either, but almost understand, but also agree that it is worse when it is for a post game wrap up especially as they tend (except for the TDF) not to extend the cycling programming for even the presentations sometimes. That being said, I do make try to remember to extend my recording to an hour or so past the time the cycling is scheduled to end.

[roguedog]

warning: do NOT purchase the online viewing "package" thru universal. i have in years past and enjoyed it.

they changed the website so you can't find the videos.
you click on the link and it says to find videos in your library (link) but library link goes nowhere.
the confirmation email doesn't tell you where to go find the real-time videos
i can no longer easily find or maybe they don't save the videos if i couldn't cath the real-time one
the site seems to keep logging me out..

and they won't refund my money. they've been "actively researching how to refund" for 3 weeks!! :mad::mad: i requested refund same day or next day cuz i missed the paris roubaix and wanted to watch in my free time...

ergh.. suckage dude.

nope, don't have cable.

[PinkBike]

its a little difficult on universalsports.com to find your races. but they are there. seems like you go to your library then you have to go to the bottom and select it again, i know its tricky.
like marquis said, you gotta forward thru the dead air to get the race, sometimes its like a half hour or so.
sometimes there's no commentary.
but i'll still pay to see the ones i cant get through nbcsports or cycling.tv or steephill.
but i do like the hd on nbcsports tho im very tired of phil and paul and gogo and schlanger and even the brits on cycling.tv. tho i do like brian smith. i like the european guys on sky or eurosport in english (you can find thru steephill.tv).
it's just so cool to have all the cycling available!

[roguedog]

pink bike, how do I get to said library? Sad I have to ask you..when they didn't answer me.. :mad: I H.A.T.E supporting companies w/ crapola support.

I'd rather have tried cyclingtv with my dough..

Thank you, btw

[pll]

Anyone has tried cycling.tv? They are more expensive, but I think I may give them a try. They are covering a lot of races (http://www.cycling.tv/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=20300&DB_OEM_ID=20300&ATCLID=205275824#NA).

[roguedog]

Pll, did a search on cycling TV and found negative comments. Looks like another case of nice marketing, bad (horrible) execution.

Thread, if you're interested. http://forums.roadbikereview.com/showthread.php?p=3739602#poststop

Sigh..looks like its back to the mercy of steep hill and cycling fans,.

[pll]

Oh, no. I decided to sign up for one year, then to visit TE... I am trying to cancel now. If that goes through, I may get the quarterly package to check them out myself (and post a review here). If customer support is not responsive, I will get a new card number.

[pll]

I ended up going with Universal Sports, and, thus far, it is working for me. The signal is not high definition, but it gets the job done. I am currently watching the replay of stage 2 of the Giro. It was not hard to find -- attached are two screenshots. The replays are found under the "Watch Live" menu at the top. This open a screen where they list the events, and the entry for the Giro includes a link for each stage:

[ny biker]

For anyone who's planning to set the DVR for the Tour of California next week -- note that they're broadcasting NHL playoff games on most nights before they show cycling. I think it's safe to assume that the hockey will run late every night.

[Norse]

For anyone who's planning to set the DVR for the Tour of California next week -- note that they're broadcasting NHL playoff games on most nights before they show cycling. I think it's safe to assume that the hockey will run late every night.

Thanks for the tip! Even though I actually like hockey, more than once have I been p.o'd to miss the very end of the day's stage because, although I alway add an extra 15 minutes for bike racing, they had to blather on and on with their post-game analysis.

[ny biker]

I think they have to do the full post-game show because of sponsor obligations. But it is beyond annoying!!! Why can't they just allot extra time to the game in the first place so their schedule won't be off???

Same for NFL games -- they always run long, just plan for it already!!!

[PinkBike]

i'm watching the Giro every day (replay of the stage) on universalsports.com. Yes you do go to "live events" and then click on "watch replay."

I love the early announcers, Carlton Kirby and Daniel Lloyd. They are so knowledgeable about every little aspect of the race and the riders. Then after an hour you get switched over to Steve and Todd who, like Bob Roll, adds NOTHING to the commentary. Really, listen to Bob Roll sometime and tell me if you hear anything new or refreshing or insightful. For that matter, if i hear Paul Sherwen tell me one more time that the rider can use 30% less energy by drafting I will, i dunno, do something drastic, I'm sure. But they (P&P) were very nice at the Tour of California when I talked with them as they were waiting for Graham Watson to do dinner with them.

I also do cycling.tv but (--dont tell 'em--) I have not paid for a long time and still have access. I sent them many many nastygrams years ago when they just plain svckt and they refused to refund anything so maybe they are making up for it now.

Love the HD from NBCSports!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pll]

I like hearing the comments by Daniel Lloyd, but Kirby... like the accent, but today he was clueless. When Amador was raising his hand for the team car, Kirby was convinced he was saluting people on the side of the road.