DirecTV's GameSearch feature seeks blacked-out games

For folks frustrated by those annoying game blackouts, DirecTV has unveiled a new feature that will certainly brighten those sports-filled days ahead. The GameSearch technology, which will be provided gratis, recognizes if a user tunes to a channel in which the game it carries is blacked-out, and if so, it automatically searches to find the tilt on another channel. Once the search concludes, it will give the viewer an option to catch the matchup on a different network if that option is available, and if no alternative is found, they'll be notified of that as well. GameSearch is reportedly now available on the HR20 and HR21, while users of the R22, R15, R16, H20 and H21 set-top-boxes will get gifted later this year or next.

[Image courtesy of Home Theater Mag]

[(Unverified) Posted May 22nd 2008 3:46PM]

actually the services is available on all those receivers as well. i was searching around and found a website for a lead tech from dtv. he has a blog with alot of info directv has not released. the site is directv360.blogspot.com, he has an email address as well and know a lot about the service.

[(Unverified) Posted May 22nd 2008 5:02PM]

He has an email address?!? Wow, he must important at DTV.

[(Unverified) Posted May 22nd 2008 6:05PM]

New features are always welcome. But this is one I will never use.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2008 12:03AM]

The GameSearch sounds awesome.
I wish they had a similar way of seeking games in HD over SD. I cannot figure out a way to have my DVR record a game in HD vs (the same game in) SD. I can't eliminate the channel from my lineup because some of the only SD games are broadcast on it. (Example: Channel 630 vs 630-1).

[spin cycle Posted May 23rd 2008 12:13AM]

It's been around a bit already. It saved my butt once.

However, it doesn't prioritize HD over SD. They should work on that.