The NHL is now joining Major League Baseball by getting on the PS3. Sony and the National Hockey League (NHL) today announced that NHL GameCenter LIVE, an online service offering streaming video of live games, is available now on the PlayStation 3.
This is an exclusive offer for PS3 users making it the first and only gaming console to stream live hockey games in High Definition. NHL GameCenter LIVE subscribers who enjoy free access to PlayStation Network and its variety of online content, can now stream live out-of-market regular season and select playoff game broadcasts in HD by downloading the NHL GameCenter application on the PS3 system.
In addition to offering live hockey games, NHL GameCenter LIVE also allows subscribers to watch full-length and condensed replays of the current season games they missed (48 hours after they air, no blackouts) and relive NHL history with unlimited access to over 500 classic games from NHL Vault.
PS3 users that do not have a subscription to NHL GameCenter LIVE will still have access to a wide range of NHL content through the NHL GameCenter application. Fans will have access to features such as post-game highlights, team schedules, standings, player stats and profiles, and full NHL scoreboard.
“PlayStation Network has become an innovative and all-in-one destination for PS3 users to enjoy a comprehensive, customizable on-demand entertainment experience. The addition of streaming NHL content continues the expansion of our library of movies and TV shows, original programming, music, live sports and access to social networks,” said Peter Dille, senior vice president, marketing and PlayStation Network, SCEA. “Through our partnership with the NHL, we are giving our customers another important choice to access and stream the content they want, when and how they want it.”
Price
Customers that have an annual subscription to NHL GameCenter LIVE ($169 U.S.) and a free PlayStation Network account can download the NHL application for a one-time $9.99 (U.S.) fee and access it under the “Video” icon on the XMB (XrossMediaBar) menu. PlayStation Plus subscribers can download the NHL GameCenter application for free.
Additional Features of NHL GameCenter LIVE
- Select from home and away broadcasts available in HD to follow your favorite team(s), even while they are on the road
- Follow the action from around the league with game updates in the live scoreboard and plan what games to watch using the full season calendar
- Make the most of your viewing experience with live stats, standings, player bios, and post-game highlights for all 2010-11 games
- Pause, fast-forward, rewind or simply jump to key points of interest for 2010-11 games using event data indicators displayed on-screen
- Easily flip between live video and browsing other NHL GameCenter application features, while the video still plays in the background
Additional features of NHL Vault
- Classic Games: Relive historic hockey moments from classic games dating back to the 1960s
- Condensed Games: Catch up on games you missed with 10-12 minute extended highlights
- Game Archive: Watch full length replays of all games since the 2008-2009 season
