194 replies to this topic

[bowdog]

Any special reason why I should pony up the cash to get signed up on mlb.tv now instead of when the season starts?

[graffam198]

Any special reason why I should pony up the cash to get signed up on mlb.tv now instead of when the season starts?

If you sign up now you get to watch/listen to spring training games. Other than that, not really. It is pretty awesome though, even if it keeps going up in price. Also, if you sign up now, you get the package for like 20 bucks a month instead of paying 25 per month if you go month to month.

[Synovia]

Its a cool toy, but frankly, its only worht it if MLB can keep it working a lot more than they did last year. "HD" probably only worked 40% of the time, and a good 20% of the time I had to listen to the gameday audio because the video was down.

[bowdog]

I had it since 04, just had a feeling that year... But yeah, the HD is amazing, when it works, and not worth it if you miss seeing the ball hit up the middle due to delay/jitter. I guess that was the question I had, are they showing the spring games. I remember one game last year I had to listen to the audio on mlb and the video from justin.tv...might have been a blacked out game here in Ohio for me...

Anyways I'm just trying to get back in the swing, I'll get back to lurking.

Is Jerry Remy back at it? [I know, google is my friend...]

[cromulence]

Since they ditched Silverlight MLB.tv worked extremely well for me last year - didn't experience the issues you guys are talking about (a good computer and fast internet helps). That said, it's not worth it to sign up till the season starts.

[Spacemans Bong]

If you sign up now you get to watch/listen to spring training games. Other than that, not really. It is pretty awesome though, even if it keeps going up in price. Also, if you sign up now, you get the package for like 20 bucks a month instead of paying 25 per month if you go month to month.

I'm pretty sure it went down in price this year, and I'm certain it went down in price last year. What are you talking about?

Edit: Just saw it's $10 more expensive this year. My bad. Still, it's not like they're screwing you with that kind of price rise. They've just bought it up to 2008 levels.

And yeah, I am with cromulence that half the time it is your internet connection and your PC and not MLB.TV's fault. HD and NexDef suck up a ton of juice on your computer (especially if you use firefox - I basically keep IE around for MLB.TV now) and most broadband companies are full of shit when they tell you about 50 mbps or whatever speed - the bandwidth you get is really nowhere near that much.

It ain't perfect (though most problems can be fixed by just refreshing/logging in again) but I bet you won't find me a better bargain on the Internet.

Edited by Spacemans Bong, 01 March 2010 - 05:32 PM.

[Commander Shears]

Its a cool toy, but frankly, its only worht it if MLB can keep it working a lot more than they did last year. "HD" probably only worked 40% of the time, and a good 20% of the time I had to listen to the gameday audio because the video was down.

They're actually trying pretty hard to avoid that sort of thing this year. The teams of monitors and specialists have been expanded in an attempt to recognize problems far more quickly, so hopefully it will work out a little better this time. The issues from last season did not go unnoticed or unaddressed.

[bowdog]

and even though I used it all of about 1 time, out at the grill - MLB.TV is dam handy with an itouch. The one game I had it on there was a bench clearing brawl, I think Youk got hit

[sheshistory]

Is Jerry Remy back at it? [I know, google is my friend...]

Yeah he is - full time. He posted on Twitter that he will be commentating for every game this season.

[sheshistory]

If you sign up now you get to watch/listen to spring training games. Other than that, not really. It is pretty awesome though, even if it keeps going up in price. Also, if you sign up now, you get the package for like 20 bucks a month instead of paying 25 per month if you go month to month.

I wasn't aware they broadcast Spring Training games. The website says "over 150 Spring Training games" but I was wondering if you could provide more insight as to breadth of their Spring Training coverage - are there certain teams they show more than others, etc?

Thank you!

[SoxScout]

I wasn't aware they broadcast Spring Training games. The website says "over 150 Spring Training games" but I was wondering if you could provide more insight as to breadth of their Spring Training coverage - are there certain teams they show more than others, etc? Thank you!

They broadcast those games that networks cover. So Red Sox games that will be on are the ones covered by NESN and the ones the opposition are broadcasting.

Here is the preliminary schedule for the first few days:

March 3rd 1:05 PM Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Yankees
March 3rd 6:05 PM Boston College Eagles @ Boston Red Sox (ss)
March 5th 1:05 PM Tampa Bay Rays @ New York Yankees
March 6th 1:05 PM Toronto Blue Jays @ New York Yankees
March 6th 3:05 PM Chicago White Sox (ss) @ Chicago Cubs
March 6th 3:05 PM Chicago White Sox (ss) @ Los Angeles Dodgers
March 7th 1:05 PM Boston Red Sox @ Baltimore Orioles
March 7th 3:05 PM Chicago Cubs (ss) @ Chicago White Sox
March 8th 1:05 PM Philadelphia Phillies @ New York Yankees (ss)
March 8th 3:05 PM Seattle Mariners (ss) @ Milwaukee Brewers
March 9th 1:05 PM Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Yankees
March 9th 3:05 PM Colorado Rockies @ Los Angeles Dodgers
March 10th 3:05 PM Arizona Diamondbacks @ Los Angeles Dodgers
March 10th 3:05 PM San Diego Padres (ss) @ Cleveland Indians

They will be added to this schedule within the next day or so: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/schedule/

[cromulence]

and even though I used it all of about 1 time, out at the grill - MLB.TV is dam handy with an itouch. The one game I had it on there was a bench clearing brawl, I think Youk got hit

The MLB iPhone app is seriously awesome. They need to bring that shit to Android ASAP.

[InsideTheParker]

They broadcast those games that networks cover. So Red Sox games that will be on are the ones covered by NESN and the ones the opposition are broadcasting.

Here is the preliminary schedule for the first few days:

March 3rd 1:05 PM Pittsburgh Pirates @ New York Yankees
March 3rd 6:05 PM Boston College Eagles @ Boston Red Sox (ss)

NESN isn't carrying the Eagles game. Does this mean Northeastern has a feed that mlb is picking up?

[JulE6]

NESN isn't carrying the Eagles game.

Yes it is.

[InsideTheParker]

Yes it is.

I guess I'm going blind, because all I can see is the BC game at 6 pm, which the Boofer is scheduled to start.

p.s. I see I erred, using "Eagles," when what I meant to say is the Northeastern game, which Kelly is starting at 1 pm, and which is scheduled for mlb.tv but not on NESN.

Edited by InsideTheParker, 02 March 2010 - 10:25 AM.

[graffam198]

I wasn't aware they broadcast Spring Training games. The website says "over 150 Spring Training games" but I was wondering if you could provide more insight as to breadth of their Spring Training coverage - are there certain teams they show more than others, etc?

Thank you!

I think someone below addressed the scheduling but pretty much it is a crapshoot as to what they are going to broadcast. And I think, if memory serves, that they start picking up more games as the season approaches. The 25 bucks a month is a pretty good deal, I remember when it was 15, but I am not complaining. It is a hell of a lot cheaper than extra innings. The DVR functioning is a little bit lame, in the sense that it can really hose up what you are watching. Also, the HD is a good 30 seconds behind live so if you are watching via internet and reading gamethreads, give yourself a page or so buffer.

I personally like to listen to the radio at work and switch over to video if something awesome happens b/c as mentioned above, I have about 30 seconds to do so.

Another great feature is you can "share" your account sometimes. If you are on a network, you can have multiple computers running multiple games.

[SoxScout]

the Northeastern game, which Kelly is starting at 1 pm, and which is scheduled for mlb.tv but not on NESN.

The 1PM game tomorrow with Casey Kelly is not on TV, radio or MLB.tv.

The 6PM game tomorrow with Boof Bonser is on NESN and MLB.tv

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

It it always flaky early in the season. But generally if you want to catch some of the interesting games around the league, or if you miss the Sox game and want to catch up it is still a bargain.

If you are looking to pick it up for the year why not buy in earlier and use it to catch some Spring Training? Help shake off the Winter.

[InsideTheParker]

The 1PM game tomorrow with Casey Kelly is not on TV, radio or MLB.tv.

The 6PM game tomorrow with Boof Bonser is on NESN and MLB.tv

Yeah. I was confused because the Kelly game is listed here and I jumped to the conclusion that meant mlb.com was carrying the game.

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

I don't care who is playing, it sure is nice to see some live baseball. Mr. Bay is taking a few swings.

[bowdog]

I'm going to try and scrounge up some cash and get the whole season. Years past I've gone month to month, told the foolish web site NOT to re-up me and it seems to always snag another 20 out of the bank on me. Burned me a few times.

I think the MLB iPhone app was like 10 bucks for the whole season, on top of the mlb.tv cost. I tell you what I might even go out and get another itouch just for the sox.


I forget the deal with MLB iPhone app, you had to watch while the game was live i think...

edit, just signed up, dam that felt good, the braves, mets game isn't coming up, but thats ok

Edited by bowdog, 02 March 2010 - 02:23 PM.

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

IIRC the iPod app has the archived games too, at least the condensed games. The iPod app is the best thing about the whole package and well worth the cost. Just remember, there is an AtBat 2010 app coming out, don't grab 2009!

[BoSoxFink]

I think with the MLB Iphone App you can purchase single games to watch as well, for like 2 bucks I think too. So if you are not signed up for MLB.TV you can still watch games with the app by buying them on a single game basis.

[Reverend]

It's also worth mentioning that just in case anyone had MLB.TV last year and did not want to renew this year, if you didn't check the mystery box at the very end of the process, you probably just got automatically re-subscribed today. And no, they do not necessarily send you an e-mail telling you this occurred.

If you don't want it, you have five days to cancel the subscription. Link

I was wondering if there shouldn't be a thread up somewhere on the site where more people would see it as I imagine a few people might not want to re-subscribe for whatever reasons (moved back to Boston, got cable, etc.) but I couldn't think of where to put it.

[johnmd20]

It's also worth mentioning that just in case anyone had MLB.TV last year and did not want to renew this year, if you didn't check the mystery box at the very end of the process, you probably just got automatically re-subscribed today. And no, they do not necessarily send you an e-mail telling you this occurred.

If you don't want it, you have five days to cancel the subscription. Link

I was wondering if there shouldn't be a thread up somewhere on the site where more people would see it as I imagine a few people might not want to re-subscribe for whatever reasons (moved back to Boston, got cable, etc.) but I couldn't think of where to put it.

Yeah, I must not have clicked the box to "not renew automatically" because I was renewed automatically. That's ok, I was trying to register anyway, but I didn't realize it was automatic. They got their hooks into me, it seems.

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

And to think, if you had a sub to Microsoft Network a few years back , they threw in MLB.tv for free.

They even had a deal where your first four months of MSN were free, and you could cancel at any time. Ended up costing like $20 for the entire season.

[BBombers85]

I just bought the At-Bat app for the iPhone. It's great when you're on the go and in general to keep track of out-of-market action.

[Scott Cooper's Grand Slam]

I just bought the At-Bat app for the iPhone. It's great when you're on the go and in general to keep track of out-of-market action.

Isn't that the point of MLB.TV, though? Beyond the (admittedly strong) appeal of listening to Gameday Audio on the sly while at work, why should one spent $9.99-$14.99 on top of the MLB.TV subscription fee? The At Bat app doesn't give you anything you couldn't get using a laptop or netbook, right?

The price is reasonable, but the service seems redundant. Tell me otherwise.

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

Isn't that the point of MLB.TV, though? Beyond the (admittedly strong) appeal of listening to Gameday Audio on the sly while at work, why should one spent $9.99-$14.99 on top of the MLB.TV subscription fee? The At Bat app doesn't give you anything you couldn't get using a laptop or netbook, right?

The price is reasonable, but the service seems redundant. Tell me otherwise.

You don't always have the NetBook with you. Ever get stuck shopping with the lady? Being able to watch a game, any game, live during a trip like that is a godsend.

[loshjott]

Isn't that the point of MLB.TV, though? Beyond the (admittedly strong) appeal of listening to Gameday Audio on the sly while at work, why should one spent $9.99-$14.99 on top of the MLB.TV subscription fee? The At Bat app doesn't give you anything you couldn't get using a laptop or netbook, right?

The price is reasonable, but the service seems redundant. Tell me otherwise.

I was confused about this also. I just bought MLB.tv. I have MLB at bat lite on my iPhone. But in order to watch live games via MLB.tv on my iPhone, I have to shell out additional cash for the full version of MLB At Bat. Is that right?

[JeffFryesStartingJob]

Last year Chevrolet ran a promotion online, you took some virtual tour of one of their green-friendly models, answered a couple questions and they gave you 1 free year of mlb.tv. It only lasted like 8 or 9 hours before it got pulled so I dont know if they'll do something like that again, but worth keeping an eye out for better deals than full price.

[cromulence]

The MLB iPhone app is seriously awesome. They need to bring that shit to Android ASAP.

And they just did. But no live video yet Really want that soon but I still had to buy it for my Droid...can't resist live audio wherever I go.

[Adirondack jack]

It's also worth mentioning that just in case anyone had MLB.TV last year and did not want to renew this year, if you didn't check the mystery box at the very end of the process, you probably just got automatically re-subscribed today. And no, they do not necessarily send you an e-mail telling you this occurred.

If you don't want it, you have five days to cancel the subscription. Link

I was wondering if there shouldn't be a thread up somewhere on the site where more people would see it as I imagine a few people might not want to re-subscribe for whatever reasons (moved back to Boston, got cable, etc.) but I couldn't think of where to put it.

Five days is aggressive, geez. Plenty of prior year patrons could easily pay without the slightest knowledge of having the service. Especially if they're doing the billing during spring training. Makes sense, for them.

I've tried logging on using my account from last year a couple different times recently and both times it has kicked me over to the page that displays their prices and what not. I am assuming that I would have been charged now. Hopefully these shysters don't try and charge again after breaking down and grabbing the intermittent spring training coverage.

I was confused about this also. I just bought MLB.tv. I have MLB at bat lite on my iPhone. But in order to watch live games via MLB.tv on my iPhone, I have to shell out additional cash for the full version of MLB At Bat. Is that right?

Yeah must be. Last year they were separate charges and I am pretty sure they charge for the video and the radio feed. Having the radio feature on the phone is nice, but watching baseball on a computer screen is bad enough. Watching on a phone for any substantial amount of time is just too much. The free app provides scores and I think maybe some highlight clips though.


Question to someone who has had the mlb.tv service before and already re-subscribed and caught a game: Have they improved the DVR feature? That seems like a weak point along with the growing presence of commercials and it being a CPU hog. Overall it ain't bad.

[Todd Benzinger]

Five days is aggressive, geez. Plenty of prior year patrons could easily pay without the slightest knowledge of having the service. Especially if they're doing the billing during spring training. Makes sense, for them.

The auto re-up is a bit slimy, but they do bill you at the prior year's rate, so you save a bit if you let them do it...

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

Question to someone who has had the mlb.tv service before and already re-subscribed and caught a game: Have they improved the DVR feature? That seems like a weak point along with the growing presence of commercials and it being a CPU hog. Overall it ain't bad.

DVR is not active yet. (Not active yet is the key term for most things right now.) No HD feeds either. Last year DVR was garbage.

[Omar's Wacky Neighbor]

http://mlb.mlb.com/m...p?product=boxee

You supposedly need a Boxee to get this price. Yes, the wording is ambiguous, but a number of deal hunters have signed up without Boxee and have confirmed the $19.95/year price:

Alert to New Boxee Customers: If you would like to watch LIVE Baseball this season, please purchase an MLB.TV Premium subscription by choosing one of the packages here.


2010 MLB.TV Premium Yearly Subscription

Watch every 2010 regular season out-of-market game LIVE or on-demand in HD Quality Picture (where available). Multi-game viewing options let you watch up to four games at once, or pause and rewind live games with DVR functionality. Choose from home or away feeds, and watch live out-of-market games on your TV, iPhone or iPod touch.

Only $19.95

Edited by Omar's Wacky Neighbor, 16 March 2010 - 10:27 AM.

[Senorec]

http://mlb.mlb.com/m...p?product=boxee

You supposedly need a Boxee to get this price. Yes, the wording is ambiguous, but a number of deal hunters have signed up without Boxee and have confirmed the $19.95/year price:

I just signed up through a link from slickdeals.net. It seems legit. Hopefully it is because that is a ridiculous savings

http://slickdeals.net/permadeal/31762

[dirtynine]

Dammit! That deal is dead now.

[Gambler7]

Signed up yesterday and it's been working fine today for me. I printed my receipt that said $20.00 bucks so I am assuming that's what I was charged.

[Yaz4Ever]

I wish they had tiered pricing for those who only want it on their iPhone. I'm not planning to sit in front of my computer to watch the games and I don't have a Boxee or Roku (yet). Is the quality decent on an iPhone?

[dirtynine]

It really is surprisingly good. The quality with steady 3G is as good as as any video you've watched on your iPhone.

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

Anybody notice an upgrade in the Web viewer? New icons, new splash screen...

[Tim Lollard]

The MLB.TV demo opens with Arod crushing a homer off Tazawa.

[czar]

Stupid question.

When I'm posting in game threads, I typically like the stream to be as close as possible to live-- at most maybe a pitch behind. SD (standard def) does a good job of this-- NextDef (while a better picture) is routinely about 30-60 seconds behind what people are getting on TV. Unfortunately, I can't find any way to toggle NextDef on/off inside the MLB.tv browser. Any way to do this?

The FAQ states, "You can disable NexDef within the media player by clicking on the Video Quality section on the bottom of the player. On the top of the pop up box that appears, click on "Normal". This will disable NexDef.

If you would like to re-enable NexDef, return to this section in the player and in the Video Quality pop up box, click on "NexDef"."

That option is not available to me.

Edited by czar, 01 April 2010 - 01:26 PM.

[DaveJstice]

The answer to this question, is NOT now if you're a Windows 7 user who watched in HD. Just had a blog up in the support forum about how now NexDef and Windows 7 are incompatible. Soo...no HD right now for Windows 7 users. Supposedly a fix is in the works, but who knows about it being ready for opening day.

[TheGreatHarryHooper]

Did anyone try watching the game last night using Roku? I was planning on signing up today, but their e-mail this morning said that their streaming service was starting in "mid-April."

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

Anyone else have mlb.com shitting the bed right now? Perhaps they should have tried that High Def in Spring Training first.

[SoxScout]

Yea, the mediacenter was there for a me a few minutes ago, now it's gone.

[SonsOfCharlieZink]

Every year, it is like deja vu all over again.

[DaveJstice]

Same, I'm getting an error message to call customer service to take care of an "issue". So not only can I not watch in HD, but now I can't even watch. Every year they suck me back in and every year it's this bullsh!t.