ESPN3.com / WatchESPN - Why can't this ever work properly?

[Chris55812]

Trying to access ESPN's online streaming product through Comcast/Xfinity has become absolutely infuriating.

Why is it that Comcast/Xfinity can't seem to get the ESPN3.com or WatchESPN to set up properly or consistently?

Please note, WatchESPN is touted as a feature of Comcast/Xfinity.  After months of not being available... recently, it was announced that it was.

It works through the mobile app, but not on the desktop... which makes no sense.

When you go to ESPN3.com, you are redirected now to WatchESPN.

When you attempt to watch a program, you are asked to identify your cable service provider.

Comcast is not among the options.

Selecting "Not Found", you are asked to enter your zip code and pick from a list of cable providers.

Only then is Comcast shown.

BUT... ESPN then directs you to log in directly through Comcast/Xfinity

So, you go do that, and the only connection you get when you click on ESPN3.com through Comcast/Xfinity's page is a blog listing of the schedule.  

There is no apparent way to access ESPN3.com through Comcast... DESPITE THE FACT THAT'S WHAT ESPN'S OWN PAGE INSTRUCTS YOU TO DO.

There are direct links to ESPN, ESPN2 and ESPNU but clicking on ESPN3.com only takes you to a schedule listing... with no way to access ESPN3.com.

The process to get to, and the availabilty of, ESPN's online products on Comcast/Xfinity has changed seemingly month-tomonth over the last couple years.

...that's despite their constant advertising that it's available.

This is infuriating.

Anyone with Comcast care to comment or assist... for a change?

Am I missing something?

Help, for once?

(Note: I tried to post screenshots of each step along the way, but this interface won't let me.  Yet another technical disaster brought to you by Comcast/Xfinity).

 

[ComcastJoe]

Chris55812,

Once you log-in at XFINITYTV.com, you should not have to log-in at ESPN3.com again. Try going to XFINITYTV.com first and then try going to ESPN3.com and try playing a video.

Let me know the results.

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
Twitter: @XfinityTVJoe

[psclavos]

I have had this exact same issue.  I tried CoomcastJoe's fix and it still isn't working.  There seems to be no way to log into Comcast on espn3.com.  Is there something we are missing?

[ComcastJoe]

---

@psclavos wrote:

I have had this exact same issue.  I tried CoomcastJoe's fix and it still isn't working.  There seems to be no way to log into Comcast on espn3.com.  Is there something we are missing?

---

What error message are you getting when trying to sign in at ESPN3.com?

Are you getting the "Email Address and password were not found. Please try again." message by any chance?

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
@TWITTER: @XfinityTVJoe

[Kenny2838]

What happens is when you click the "click here to watch" link for espn3  from this page

http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/specials/sports

it redictects you to the espn3 schedule which is this page

http://xfinity.comcast.net/blogs/sports/category/espn/

However the "click here to watch" links work for espn and espn2.

Also the menu near the top of the link above only allows you to "watch live" espn espn2 and espnu. with the espn3 only allows you to "view schedule" Also, I have tried this at multiple times for multiple programs that are airing on espn3.

[ComcastJoe]

---

@Kenny2838 wrote:

What happens is when you click the "click here to watch" link for espn3  from this page

http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/specials/sports

it redictects you to the espn3 schedule which is this page

http://xfinity.comcast.net/blogs/sports/category/espn/

However the "click here to watch" links work for espn and espn2.

Also the menu near the top of the link above only allows you to "watch live" espn espn2 and espnu. with the espn3 only allows you to "view schedule" Also, I have tried this at multiple times for multiple programs that are airing on espn3.

---

So the ESPN3 button takes you here now:

http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/source/espn3/

ESPN3 is not a network you find on your TV like ESPN, ESPN2, or ESPNU. ESPN3 will have everything that's available on ESPN and ESPN2 but it will also have some games that are not televised anywhere else. You may not see this now but once college football starts for example, there will be many games available just on ESPN3.

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
@TWITTER: @XfinityTVJoe

[PT1512]

Joe, 

Even though the link takes you to ESPN3 now, the site still does not work for Comcast subscribers because Comcast is not listed in the dropdown menu of providers to pick from when you try to watch a game.

[ComcastJoe]

---

@PT1512 wrote:

Joe, 

Even though the link takes you to ESPN3 now, the site still does not work for Comcast subscribers because Comcast is not listed in the dropdown menu of providers to pick from when you try to watch a game.

---

Try signing in at XFINITYTV.com with your Comcast credentials and then try watching ESPN3 content and let me know the results. You should not be prompted to sign in at ESPN3 again.

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
@TWITTER: @XfinityTVJoe

[storm2k]

Does the remote access feature of ESPN3 no longer work? I used to be able to sign into ESPN3 with my Comcast credentials from anywhere and watch it, but now when I try to do this, Comcast is not listed as an option. This works fine when I'm home and I connected to my Xfinity Internet but I like to be able to take my laptop with me to other places and watch also. I tried logging into xfinitytv.com first but that didn't help.

[PT1512]

Joe - I think my issue is the same as storm2k.  I was able to connect to espn3 last night at home but am never able to connect when I am traveling.

[ComcastJoe]

Storm2k & PT1512,

Try deleting your cookies and cache and please try again.

Let me know the results.

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
Twitter: @XfinityTVJoe

[PT1512]

Joe,

I deleted cookies and cache from chrome and firefox, but am still prompted with "Get Remote Access to WatchESPN" when I am attempt to watch at any location other than at home.  I was able to log-in last night from home, so has Comcast just disabled the ability to connect remotely when you aren't on your own connection (i.e at work or airport)?

Thanks. 

[ComcastJoe]

---

@PT1512 wrote:

Joe,

I deleted cookies and cache from chrome and firefox, but am still prompted with "Get Remote Access to WatchESPN" when I am attempt to watch at any location other than at home.  I was able to log-in last night from home, so has Comcast just disabled the ability to connect remotely when you aren't on your own connection (i.e at work or airport)?

Thanks. 

---

Are you trying to access ESPN from XFINITYTV.com or through Watchespn.com?

I ask because I want you to go to XFINITYTV.com and sign in and then try going to Watchespn.com and try again. Hopefully, you will be able to bypass the sign in screen at ESPN.

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
@TWITTER: @XfinityTVJoe

[PT1512]

This is what I have been attempting:

1.  I am going to http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/ and logging into my Comcast account

2.  Clicking the picture for ESPN3 in the "Watch Live Now on XFINITY TV" section which routes me to http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/source/espn3/

3.  Clicking the specific ESPN3 content I want to watch and get this message accompanied by a dropdown box:

Get Remote Access to WatchESPN

 In order to access WatchESPN, you must receive your Internet service or, in some instances, your television service through one of the providers listed below.

Your current network falls outside of these categories. Please select your provider from the list. If you can't find your provider, select "Not Found" at the bottom.

4.  In the drop down box, Comcast Xfinity is not an option to select as a provider. 

This only happens when I am attempting to access remotely, and does not occur when I am at home.

Thanks.

[ComcastJoe]

Try going directly to these links and let me know if they work:

http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/live/network/espn

http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/live/network/espn2

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
Twitter: @XfinityTVJoe

[PT1512]

Yes, those links for ESPN and ESPN2 are working fine.  

[ispivey]

ComcastJoe, same problem here.  When I go to WatchESPN and click on ESPN3, I'm prompted to select my cable provider.  Comcast is not in the list of cable providers, so it won't let me watch the stream.

The link below is to is a screenshot of my list of cable providers.  Comcast isn't in it.  I've tried a number of times.  I'm trying to watch from work, not home.

http://cl.ly/142m101d3h0j3h3d1L0Z

[blodgett_waxwin]

UPDATE!

even better beta for y'all...

here's a simpler process:

1. sing in on xfinitytv.com

2. google "watchespn"

3. select the "streaming online" subheading on the result

4. a pop up box should activate giving you access, just do a search for what you are looking for and you are home free my friends!

agreed that this is a huuuge hassle and the service should not be this clunky for remote access given the price we are paying! comcast is definitely not winning any plaudits for ease of use!  but there is a way.......

[bwlucas]

I've tried everything listed here. Nothing works. Fix this awful user experience Comcast. Xfinity or Comcast should be listed in that drop down... ridiculous. 

[firestoneberr]

---

@blodgett_waxwin wrote:

UPDATE!

even better beta for y'all...

here's a simpler process:

1. sing in on xfinitytv.com

2. google "watchespn"

3. select the "streaming online" subheading on the result

4. a pop up box should activate giving you access, just do a search for what you are looking for and you are home free my friends!

agreed that this is a huuuge hassle and the service should not be this clunky for remote access given the price we are paying! comcast is definitely not winning any plaudits for ease of use!  but there is a way.......

---

Thanks, this method worked great.  Follow this method.  Even though Comcast is now missing from the drop down, if you do what is said here, after logging into xfinity you will open up the stream, and from there you can choose what you want to watch.  Thanks again!

[PT1512]

Joe,

Any updates? 

Thanks.

[ComcastJoe]

Hi all,

Our team is currently looking into this. I will update this thread when I learn more.

Thanks,
Joe
XfinityTV.com/Xfinity.com Support
Twitter: @XfinityTVJoe

[ComcastEric]

Hi,

I've been told that this issue should be resolved.  Can those of you that were having the issue please try again and let us know if you're still having the issue?

If you're still having an issue, can you please let me know if you are a Video only customer or if you receive Video and High Speed Data service?

thanks!

Eric

[#24]

I am still having an issue when trying to watch remotely on my laptop.  I receive both TV and internet service from Comcast.  The ESPN site does not provide Comcast as an option.  Ipad works fine

[ComcastEric]

Thanks for responding.  So that we can further troubleshoot the issue with ESPN, can you click this link and copy and paste the results:

http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/computer

thanks,

Eric

[#26]

Here you go.  FYI, this is my travel computer, and I am trying to connect from a internet source in Chicago today:

My Device Information My Zip Code: 60043 My Cable Provider: Comcast Highland Park Digital My myDVR Manager Status: activated My Set Top Box Names: 3rd Floor, Basement, Sunroom My Queue setup: False Facebook Queue Syncing: false Facebook Connect: False My public IP address: 137.169.21.1 My operating system: Windows - Windows NT 5.1 My web browser: Explorer 8 - Mozilla/4.0 (compatible; MSIE 8.0; Windows NT 5.1; Trident/4.0; .NET CLR 2.0.50727; .NET CLR 3.0.04506.30; .NET CLR 1.1.4322; .NET CLR 3.0.4506.2152; .NET CLR 3.5.30729; .NET4.0C; .NET4.0E) My system type: Desktop computer or other device My Move player version: Not Installed My Silverlight version: 5.1.10411.0 My flash version: 10.2 r159 Javascript: enabled Cookies: enabled

My Account Information Primary Account: False Provider Codes: bw, s, d, al, ci, bi, bj, bh, a, y, bq, bx, ce, bb, bc, cd, cf, by, bu, at, bs, cb, ch, ar, aw, cg, bz, bm, au, bl, bv, b, u, bp, br, bo, bt, cc, f, m, h, ad, bn Internet Subscriber: True Cable TV Subscriber: True Voice Subscriber: False

<:footer>

[ComcastEric]

Can you try logging in with your primary account to see if that works?

thanks,

Eric

[#28]

Logged into Comcast with my user name and password.  Then tried to log into ESPN3.  Comcast still not listed among the providers in the drop down menu "Select your internet service provider"  at the ESPN 3 site.  By the way, this worked fine on my computer until Comcast added the "Watch ESPN" feature for ipads/iphones

[ComcastEric]

Yes, but from the information you provided it says that you are not logging in with your primary account.  Can you try logging in with the primary account associated with your Comcast account to see if that makes a difference?

thanks.

[#30]

Just did so.  No luck.  Still no Comcast among provider list.  I get the exact same thing that post 14 above got

[ComcastEric]

ok, thanks for trying.  We're looking into it.  I'll let you know what we find out.

[jabberer]

Just signed in as primary user, ESPN 3 worked for me (live), the player opened in a pop up window....

[ComcastEric]

jabberer, were you previously having an issue?  are you on a Comcast internet connection?

thanks,

Eric

[jabberer]

Yes on Comcast connection, I was getting same as above, until I signed in as Primary....

Ooops! I see this is about remote connection, but proves it works on Comcast at least.....

Here's where it takes me, when I press watch live:

http://espn.go.com/watchespn/player/_/source/espn3/id/509589/size/condensed/

[ComcastEric]

jabberer, thanks for your response.  Glad to hear its working for you!

Can the other customers that are still having issues please verify that you're using the primary account?  Also, please log out first, clear your browsers cache and restart your browser before trying again with the primary account.

thanks!

[mpf]

Tried again with primary account.  Still no luck.  Suspect it is working for Jabberer because he is logging in from home, not remotely

[ComcastEric]

mpf and any other customers still having problems accessing ESPN3,

I've been told now that it shouldn't make a difference whether or not you're using the primary account.  I just wanted to make sure I eliminated that as a possible cause, so thanks for trying.  The issue appears to be on the ESPN so side, so the most effective way to resolve this may be for you to contact their Customer Support line at 888-549-ESPN so they can troubleshoot your issue directly.

If you'd prefer not to call, please answer these questions and I'll pass iton to ESPN:

• What are the exact step by step sequence of events including where you clicked and you see?
• Are you already logged in?  If so, do you have a Comcast logo in the top right corner of the ESPN index page?

thanks,

Eric

[geeitup]

I am having the same difficulties as everyone else.  Either no popup at all on ESPN3, or Comcast isn't listed.  Tried clearing cache, etc.  

But firestoneberr sequence above worked like a champ.  Don't know why, but it did.  Thanks, firestoneberr

[rossluzz]

I am having the same problem as everyone else. Remote access to ESPN3 does not work. There is no option to select Comcast from the dropdown list. I've tried everything and it won't work.

[krisfnbs]

Same problem as everyone as well. I can log in from home, but not remotely. This is very annoying. Yet another comcast problem. Seriously about to switch to dish. Not only do I have to deal with this, they change my bill pricing EVERY month. Iv'e never seen a company try and squeeze every single dollar out of their customers like comcast.....maybe pepco as well.

[ComcastEric]

Please see my email above if you're having issues with ESPN3.  ESPN believes this issue is on their side, so they've suggested for customers to contact their Customer Support line at 888-549-ESPN so they can troubleshoot the issue directly.

If you'd prefer not to call, please answer these questions and I'll pass it on to ESPN:

• What are the exact step by step sequence of events including where you clicked and you see?
• Are you already logged in?  If so, do you have a Comcast logo in the top right corner of the ESPN index page?

thanks,

Eric

[rossluzzz]

• What are the exact step by step sequence of events including where you clicked and you see?

I go to http://xfinity.comcast.net/ and sign in with my primary account: *******@comcast.net

Once signed in it brings me back to the xfinity home page where there is a search bar. I type in "watch espn3" and press enter. It brings a results page where there is a link to http://espn.go.com/watchespn/index/_/channel/espn3  I click on that link and it brings me to the ESPN3 page. I sign in on that page. Once logged in I try to click on either "Watch Now" or "Remote Access". Clicking on either one of those pops up a window that says:

                  Get Remote Access to WatchESPN

In order to access WatchESPN, you must receive your Internet service or, in some instances, your television service through one of the providers listed below.

Your current network falls outside of these categories. Please select your provider from the list. If you can't find your provider, select "Not Found" at the bottom.

There is a drop down box with a list of about 300 service providers, but Comcast IS NOT ON THE LIST, so there is no option to choose Comcast. I think this is part of the problem, there is no option to select Comcast. When you select the "Not Found" option it gives this message:

"Switch to an WatchESPN affiliated internet service provider or to contact your internet service provider and request WatchESPN. Click here to enter your ZIP code and find out which providers in your area carry offer WatchESPN"

So it suggests to switch to a WatchESPN affilitated ISP, but Comcast IS a WatchESPN affilitated ISP!

When you click on the "Click here to enter your ZIP code and find out which providers in your area carry offer WatchESPN" you are taken to a window where you can enter in your zip. I enter in my zip code and select Comcast as my provider. Then this funny messages comes up: "Great News--with Comcast you can watch live sports on ESPN3.com"

• Are you already logged in?  If so, do you have a Comcast logo in the top right corner of the ESPN index page?

Yes I am already logged in, no I do not see a Comcast logo

I will also add that ESPN3 works perfectly at home through my Xbox, computer, and Ipad when I am on my Comcast internet at my house. It doesn't work when I am at my friend's house, work, hotel room, restraunt, or anywhere else I've tried.

[ComcastEric]

rossluzzz, thanks for the details about the issue.  I've forwarded on to ESPN and they're looking into it.  I'll let you know when I hear back.

Eric

[ComcastEric]

ESPN already reached back out to let me know what they believe they've fixed the issue based on rossluzzz's feedback.  Can everyone please try accessing ESPN3 again and let me know if the issue is resolved?

thanks,

Eric

[rossluzz]

It's working yay! Thank you for quickly relaying the information to ESPN and helping fix the problem.

[ComcastEric]

That's great!  Glad its working now and sorry for the inconvenience.

Eric

[ddddaaaa]

I have the same problem. I login at Xfinity comcast.net website. Then I click to "Watch live Sports Events and Espn.....". It brings me to the ESPN watch site. I click on the "watch live" box, nothing happens. I click on the "replay" tab, and then click on any title. Nothing happen

[ComcastEric]

ddddaaaa, can you go to this page and try watchingthe ESPN live streams?  ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPNU will all stream directly on XfinityTV.com from the links on this page:

http://xfinitytv.comcast.net/specials/sports

If you want to watch ESPN3, that will open a new window on WatchESPN.  Make sure you don't have a pop-up blocker turned on or else that might not open.

Eric

[ax1977]

remote access to espn3 is still not working for me.  If i try to watch remotely on my laptop after having watched from home I get a "Check access" message and another window pops up with the address http://espn.go.com/watchespn/adobepass/login?mvpd=Comcast_Disney but the page is blank and nothing happens.  If i try again nothing happens when i click on an event unless I go into my task manager and stop the Flashplayer process.  After stopping it I click again on an event and I get the box to pick my provider but comcast is not in the list.  This was working just fine 2 weeks ago.

[ComcastEric]

ax1977, are you already logged in to XfinityTV before going to the WatchESPN site?  If so, do you have a Comcast logo in the top right corner of the ESPN index page?

thanks,

Eric