OT: Hockeystreams vs Gamecenter

[SilverSeven]

Get the **** out. WHY DID I NOT HEAR ABOUT THIS.

Btw, what VPN you talking about? Cause I try the free VPN's and they are RIDICULOUSLY slow if I try to watch games on em.

That means it would cost around $140 (unblock us at $5 a month). Hockeystreams is $110 for a calendar year. They also allow you to freeze your account so you don't need to waste membership time during the summer months. Basically you get a season (including preseason games) and then up to around December of another season.
Price was a big factor in my decision.

You really dont need to pay for a VPN. Game center only requires you to be logged into a VPN when you connect. As soon as you are on the stream, you can disconnect from the VPN...meaning you can use the slowest free VPN to connect.

 

[ReginKarlssonLehner]

You really dont need to pay for a VPN. Game center only requires you to be logged into a VPN when you connect. As soon as you are on the stream, you can disconnect from the VPN...meaning you can use the slowest free VPN to connect.

Say word, cuzzy. I'ma try that immediately.

Only reason I never did is cause I was afraid that they'd realize my IP on one account changed within a minute and ban my account.

 

[ErikNorrisson]

You really dont need to pay for a VPN. Game center only requires you to be logged into a VPN when you connect. As soon as you are on the stream, you can disconnect from the VPN...meaning you can use the slowest free VPN to connect.

Trust me, I've spent enough time trying to use stealthy while refreshing and waiting for the stream to load. I don't trust Hotspot Shield. Hola wasn't around when I had a sub to GCL though.

 

[HavlatMach9]

Only reason I never did is cause I was afraid that they'd realize my IP on one account changed within a minute and ban my account.

they could, but NHL is very lenient. They could restrict based on the location of billing info, but instead, they allow you to watch wherever you are in the world.

i'd do hockeystreams for about a month, i think you'll get the olympics, and if it's not good enough,

go with GCL and figure out vpn, probably more of a hassle if you want to get it to work on devices other than a computer.

only some devices (not eve a computer can) allow you to access the 4500k 60fps feed, you'll have to research about that, and GCL on computer/browser is flashed based so it's not perfectly smooth like a tv would be

 

[Cat Herder]

If you are going to sign up for GCL use a VPN that says you are in Europe to sign up. IIRC the price in Europe is the same as Hockeystreams is

 

[Busboy]

I'm in Ottawa and I use GCL and unblock-us together. I paid the American price which was about half.

I watch all Sens games on either my computer, through my xbox or on my ipad with very little issues. I definitely never have a problem with blacked out games. I would recommend this setup to anybody.

 

[Smash88]

Had gamecenter last year and was impressed by the quality.

When the price went back up this year, I decided to give HS a try. Got the 1 month subscription to start and although the first few days of the season were a bit wonky, it has been just as good if not better than what I had with GCL last year.

I watch on a projector and all games have been in crystal clear HD this year.

Either way they are both good for watching a live game. It's a matter of preference.

 

[SenzZen]

First year with Hockeystreams after many years of GCL.

Won't be switching back. Way better product, imo, and indisputably better customer service.

Also, I was able to watch the Super Bowl last night on HS. They carry UFC stuff too, but I'm not a fan.

I've heard that you can freeze your account as well- so I'll be looking into that when the season ends. Theoretically when you sign up for 12 months, you can freeze your account over the summer and then resume when the season starts again without losing any of your subscription time.

 

[Busboy]

First year with Hockeystreams after many years of GCL.

Won't be switching back. Way better product, imo, and indisputably better customer service.

Also, I was able to watch the Super Bowl last night on HS. They carry UFC stuff too, but I'm not a fan.

I've heard that you can freeze your account as well- so I'll be looking into that when the season ends. Theoretically when you sign up for 12 months, you can freeze your account over the summer and then resume when the season starts again without losing any of your subscription time.

Can you elaborate on how it's a better product? I'm very happy with GCL but am curious if it's worth making the switch.

What does HS do better?

 

[ErikNorrisson]

Can you elaborate on how it's a better product? I'm very happy with GCL but am curious if it's worth making the switch.

What does HS do better?

I'm just going to chime in with my 2 cents if you don't mind. HockeyStreams has more available (Olympics, Jrs, Hockey Documentaries, etc). Each stream has a chat with an admin mod who you can seek support from immediately. Quality is a touch lower than GCL but the frame rate is much smoother.

 

[Senafan]

Yeah, HS has a way better framerate...GCL needs to implement this as it feels much more like an OTA broadcast.

Had GCL last year, was alright, but the blackouts and price this year pushed me towards HS...would consider it next year after finding out they don't ban you for using a VPN.

 

[Caje]

First time I've heard of hockeystreams, but it sounds great. Anyone know how fast they get back to you with the invite? Public registration is still closed...

Edit: Nevermind, the answer is like 5 minutes.

 

[Busboy]

I'm just going to chime in with my 2 cents if you don't mind. HockeyStreams has more available (Olympics, Jrs, Hockey Documentaries, etc). Each stream has a chat with an admin mod who you can seek support from immediately. Quality is a touch lower than GCL but the frame rate is much smoother.

Thanks for the info. The frame rate is the only aspect of GCL that bothers me, except the blackouts but that's such an easy fix.

My only question now is whether HockeyStreams is just ripping off the NHL and NHLPA? I have no problem stealing TV shows but I'd feel bad for giving my money to rip off artists instead of the NHL and players.

 

[kbuzz]

Why is is that GCL doesn't offer 4500kbs in their web player?

It's the main reason why I switched to HS. No point in paying more for the same quality with fewer leagues, fewer supported platforms, and the dreaded blackouts.

After watching 4500kbs on pirated gcl feeds, it's tough to go back to 3200kbs, but it's certainly watchable.

 

[Busboy]

Why is is that GCL doesn't offer 4500kbs in their web player?

It's the main reason why I switched to HS. No point in paying more for the same quality with fewer leagues, fewer supported platforms, and the dreaded blackouts.

After watching 4500kbs on pirated gcl feeds, it's tough to go back to 3200kbs, but it's certainly watchable.

I think a main point could be not supporting a website that steals revenue from the NHL, Sens and NHL players.

It's easy for HS to offer more when everything they're offering is stolen...

 

[Smash88]

I think a main point could be not supporting a website that steals revenue from the NHL, Sens and NHL players.

It's easy for HS to offer more when everything they're offering is stolen...

I don't feel too bad.. They sure didn't for me last year.

 

[OgieO]

I watch the Bingo games on HS. I find that a HUGE plus. I have no issues with quality of the HS stream. Yes, GSL is a higher quality but HS is certainly not poor quality. If you are in Ottawa, I'd say the blackout issue should drive you to HS. Its a very solid product, I enjoy it immensely.

 

[Lenny the Lynx]

Those of you with HS - what do you watch it on, laptop?

The thing I like about GCL is I can use it on (non-jailbroken) Apple TV, iPad, etc. But maybe I'm missing obvious options?

 

[Smash88]

Those of you with HS - what do you watch it on, laptop?

The thing I like about GCL is I can use it on (non-jailbroken) Apple TV, iPad, etc. But maybe I'm missing obvious options?

Yeah i run it through my laptop and hook up the HDMI to my projector or TV.

Watching on my Iphone/Ipad is very easy too, not sure if it would be the same on Apple TV or not?

I know HS can be played on gaming systems but it's trickier than GCL

 

[SenzZen]

I watch it on Apple TV from my iPad.

Previously laptop--> HDMI--> TV

 

[Lenny the Lynx]

I watch it on Apple TV from my iPad.

Previously laptop--> HDMI--> TV

If you are just trying to write a post to brag about how many devices and cables you own well done, we are all so impressed.


I do think I'd do all that if I wasn't in Toronto and/or so lazy. Through Apple TV is just so easy.
I also use unblock-us but I would have it anyway due to US netflix

 

[SenzZen]

If you are just trying to write a post to brag about how many devices and cables you own well done, we are all so impressed.

Seriously? Weren't you the one asking the question?

 

[Smash88]

If you are just trying to write a post to brag about how many devices and cables you own well done, we are all so impressed.


I do think I'd do all that if I wasn't in Toronto and/or so lazy. Through Apple TV is just so easy.
I also use unblock-us but I would have it anyway due to US netflix

? You ask a question about devices and he answers..

I don't think it's too uncommon for people to have a TV, Ipad and Apple TV these days.. LOL

 

[Lenny the Lynx]

Its called a joke people

 

[PoutineSp00nZ]

SO i bought a month of hockeystreams to check it out, figure this way I'll be able to watch the Olympics and everything while I decide what I want to do going forward.

Checked out a couple of the on demand streams and the quality isn't bad at all. Still working on getting it set up to stream to my TV through my ps3, but it all looks promising.

It looks like they're going to have the Olympic hockey games on a demand service, so that's good to know. I can wake up whenever and watch Canada play without having to worry about Spoilers.

Just wanted to thank everyone again for all their input. I'll let anyone who is interested know what I think once I get feeds streaming to my tv when it comes to quality.