BHN and Sunshine Network

[Slimbo1977]

Don't know if you guys already knew abut the deal between Brighthouse Networks and the Sunshine Network to broadcast Orlando Magic and TampaBay Lighting games in HD. This could be the reason for them changing the digits on the digital boxes from 3 to 4 digits. Here is the link to read up on more HD coming our way.

http://tampabay.mybrighthouse.com/bh/index.cfm?pageID=E1B9BCEC-FD44-4714-9708526553B04DB6

Let's hope for NBC and ESPN in HD soon

[bubblehd647]

Cool! Now if they could get the rest of the local Tampa DTV channels.

[Viremia]

Well, that definitely is good news. And I agree, let's hope NBC (at least) and ESPNHD are not too far off.

I've seen one hockey game in HD and it really is spectacular. You can see much more of the ice and it's a bit easier to keep up with the puck, with it not being as fuzzy.

[supajef]

Nice. So I guess that explains why there have been no Magic or Lightning games in HD on INHD yet. INHD has been a waste of $7 for me so far. There was supposed to be a NBA game in HD last night and suprise it was anothe 1982 movie I have never heard or nor had any interest in watching. Too bad they had to bother getting INHD, I would pay $7 a month to get in NBC and ESPNHD.

[ThomasSampson]

That first Magic game is scheduled to air in HD tonight, any idea what channel it will be on? I can't seem to find it?

[supajef]

The funny thing out of watching the Magic games in HD is that they really suck this year. Hopefully the Lightining will start winning some games again soon too, will be nice to see them play in HD.

[supajef]

I just called BHN to get more info about this. Of course this info is coming from CSR so who knows if its really true but she said she was reading it from an email.
The Magic game tonight will be dual covered on 540 and 704 (INHD). I asked her why do I need INHD if you are going to cover these games for free on 540 through Sunshine. She said that not all of the games will be dual covered and some of these games you will need INHD to watch. That isn't quite what the press release mentioned though. Anyhow going by the schedule there wont be anymore games on until January. Here are next few games according to the schedule from the BHN page.

Orlando Magic
-----------------------
Dec 5 8:00PM
San Antonio @ Orlando
Jan 16 7:00PM
Boston @ Orlando
Feb 11 7:00PM
Miami @ Orlando

Tampa Bay Lightning
---------------------------
Jan 2 3:00PM
Columbus @ Tampa Bay
Jan 15 7:00PM
Carolina @ Tampa Bay
Feb 12 7:00PM
Montreal @ Tampa Bay
Feb 14 7:30PM
Florida @ Tampa Bay

[gmclaughlin]

Part of the confusion comes from how these games are being sourced...

While it's all NBA basketball in HD, they're coming from two different programmers:

1) Sunshine (really Fox digital sports networks) -- this includes the hockey games

2) NBA TV -- BHN will carry some of their HD broadcasts

Because neither has the ability to fill a channel, or to distribute their HD broadcasts, they've contracted with inDemand to deliver them.

I know its confusing, but that's the world of HD programming. BHN could just not show any of it and keep it nice and simple, but what fun would that be?

[supajef]

Ok so really besides tonight, the only way to get these games is to have INHD then? If that the case then I am fine with that and will keep INHD, b/c that is really the on reason I got it.

[ThomasSampson]

I watched the game on 540, it wasn't dualed covered on INHD for me at least. Does anyone know if Sunshine HD is a permanent channel? I noticed its still there this morning, but without any programming. It's kinda annoying that its so far apart from the other HD channels.

ps- The game looked good, although the Magic looked quite bad, lol.

[HIMEY]

Day Late Dollar Short...I watched the game on TNT not knowing it was in HD on 540...I have been a Magic fan from the start so this losing streak does suck but I thaught they played half way decent last night against the champs.

[ThomasSampson]

Thats true, many of the Magic's games have been decided by just a few points. It's very similar to the Buc's situation actually, a couple points here and there can be the difference between a losing season and being a division leader.