Let's Talk About MLBTV

[koufax32]

Never used it before but am seriously considering it for this year. I've read that there will be a single team option this year as well. I may go that route. I'd like to do most of my viewing on the iPad.

So what are your experiences with it? Problems or worries? How often can I expect blackouts? I live in Jacksonville so I get all/most Marlins and Rays game on TV.
It looks like the premium package last year was $130, correct?

Mods, if I missed this discussion elsewhere please move/delete.

 

[brs3]

It's a nice compliment if you have cable. If you don't, Sox vs Rays/Marlins games will be blacked out from MLB.tv. Sox games aired nationally will also likely be blacked out.

From a straight quality point of view, I experienced less of the typical issues(bad audio/video) last year than most years before.

 

[Back Bay]

You might want to check if your ISP has a cap on your usage. 3HOUR+ daily streaming in HD blows it pass really quick if you use other services (Netflix/Youtube/Hulu).

I liked MLBTV in the time I had it. There are some occasional issues, but you could always rewatch the games later. The most annoying thing I've experience is the 1-2 minute lag vs the TV broadcast. Screw it.

 

[Cumberland Blues]

You can just use a vpn to get around the blackouts. I live in VT and watch all the games this way as I do not have cable or satelite. The feed would slowdown on me from time to time which could be annoying if I was following the game thread, as I'd consistently be a few batters behind everyone else - but most of the time I didn't even notice.

 

[JoePoulson]

I've had it for several years now and love it. I, too, live in Florida (just outside of Orlando) and the Tampa game blackouts do blow, but like others have said, you can get around this by using a VPN (sometimes this doesn't work well with phones). There have been some stuttering issues at times and there will always be delays vs live TV, but I still think it's the best sports service ever. $130 for (almost) every MLB game is a steal.

 

[Just a bit outside]

I have had it for a few years and love it. It lags but that is not a problem for me. I also like that I can listen to the radio play by play when I am out of the house.

 

[johnnywayback]

I'm a huge fan.

For what you need (the ability to watch the Sox), it works fine. Occasional technical hiccups happen. The broadcast lags a bit behind TV. But well worth it just as a Sox delivery device.

Where the REAL value comes from, in my experience, is that you'll watch a lot more baseball than you ever have before. It's like a Kindle that way. Sox have an off day? There's probably a great pitching matchup somewhere. Up late? There's bound to be a good game in late innings. Pirates won eight in a row? See if they can make it nine. Stuff like that. After a while, you start to see the game from 30,000 feet -- you watch how different managers handle late-game strategy, you watch how different pitchers' curveballs break, you watch how different ballparks play. It's made me a better fan.

 

[DJnVa]

Has there been any more info on the team-specific stuff yet?

 

[brandonchristensen]

It's pretty amazing how advanced MLB is on the digital front of things. MLB.tv has been going for years and it continues to get better, but it was great in its first iteration, too.

 

[h8mfy]

I've had it for several years and plan to get it again - with interest in multiple EC teams out here in CA, it is well worth it. There are some technical glitches during the streaming itself but I watch on many different devices (roku, Samsung smartTV, desktop, ipad and phones) and you get used to it not being like a broadcast.

The only thing I'd add is some kind of swap functionality so you could go between games more easily (now you have to go out to the daily games menu and pick the other one you want) and a way to preserve settings (eg, I always want the NESN feed - they do allow me to set Red Sox are a favorite team).

But for $129 it is a way better deal than the package through the cable company.

 

[koufax32]

Just actually court docs from a lawsuit from someone at fangraphs. On my phone so can't link. If someone else wants to attach links I'd appreciate it.
Poulsonator, if I understand correctly those Rays and Marlins blackouts will now go away due to the deal with MLB and Fox and the fact that both teams broadcast on FSNs. Am I right here?

 

[Cumberland Blues]

here's the article koufax32 mentioned...

http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/instagraphs/more-details-on-the-mlb-tv-lawsuit-settlement/

 

[pokey_reese]

Yeah, as someone who moved away from MA in 2010, I can't imagine what my life would be like without it. Aside from the very rare hiccup in service or blackout issues, it has been worth every penny and then some. I honestly can't think of many purchases where my $/hour of entertainment is lower. It comes down to less than a dollar per game, and it also gets you access to some spring training games (which is super fun) and the radio feeds, which I use at work and in the car a lot.

 

[EricFeczko]

The lawsuit enables two critical changes. First, MLB TV will be cheaper (109 I think instead of 130). Second, you will be able to purchase a team-only package for 85. The national blackouts were eliminated last year, so that is no longer an issue.
I'm not sure about local blackouts, however.
As a long time user and someone who abandoned cable years ago, I am very happy with MLB TV service. Especially since I'm saving about 1000 per year.

 

[Catcher Block]

Thanks to this thread, I remembered to cancel the auto-renewal from my 2015 subscription.

When I did, it mentioned that I would have been renewed at last year's rate (I'm unsure whether or not that's true, given the new rates/plans), but it's worth doing the same even if you're going to get it again for 2016. Unlike other leagues' services, there is zero incentive to maintain a subscription with MLB that I'm aware of.

Lastly, if you can hold out for a month, I've been purchasing it when a 50% discount rolls around in early-May for the last few years.

 

[Mugsy's Jock]

The lawsuit enables two critical changes. First, MLB TV will be cheaper (109 I think instead of 130). Second, you will be able to purchase a team-only package for 85. The national blackouts were eliminated last year, so that is no longer an issue.
I'm not sure about local blackouts, however.
As a long time user and someone who abandoned cable years ago, I am very happy with MLB TV service. Especially since I'm saving about 1000 per year.

I believe the local blackouts go away in 2017;

 

[koufax32]

Catcher, is this a rite of May 1st thing or is that 50% discount only from last year? I'd hate to hold back for April only to find my savings was only $10-15.

EricF, what's your source for new pricing? Not doubting you. I just haven't found anything myself.

 

[Just a bit outside]

I started my first year with the 50% off deal sometime in May. I assume they will do it again this year. I think they discount again on Father's Day.

 

[Gdiguy]

I'm a huge fan.

For what you need (the ability to watch the Sox), it works fine. Occasional technical hiccups happen. The broadcast lags a bit behind TV. But well worth it just as a Sox delivery device.

Where the REAL value comes from, in my experience, is that you'll watch a lot more baseball than you ever have before. It's like a Kindle that way. Sox have an off day? There's probably a great pitching matchup somewhere. Up late? There's bound to be a good game in late innings. Pirates won eight in a row? See if they can make it nine. Stuff like that. After a while, you start to see the game from 30,000 feet -- you watch how different managers handle late-game strategy, you watch how different pitchers' curveballs break, you watch how different ballparks play. It's made me a better fan.

Cannot agree with the last part more - I've managed to catch the last couple innings of more than half of the no-hitters in the past 5 years, which is one of the most fun experiences to see live.

It's obviously a bit expensive, but as a non-local fan it works quite well (and I've been willing to shell out for premium in order to watch the Mets/SNY broadcasters over the crap of most other broadcast teams). I haven't fully followed the blackout changes - in the past the further away you are from your home the better (i.e., in California there have probably been 6 Mets games blacked out per year for the local blackout rule). The FOX ones were more annoying, but ESPN broadcasts have been on WatchESPN for a couple years now, so that only effects you if you've cut the cable cord.

I haven't had as much quality problems as others, though to be honest I'm usually watching on a 5 inch screen while working... maybe full-TV sized causes more problems

 

[Catcher Block]

Catcher, is this a rite of May 1st thing or is that 50% discount only from last year? I'd hate to hold back for April only to find my savings was only $10-15.

Not sure how long it's been going. I noticed the discount for the first time 2 years ago, and have done it since then.

The first year I saw the discount, it was advertised as a Mother's Day weekend deal. Last year it was a pop-up for folks who watched the Free Game of the Day. I keep checking the deal websites (Slickdeals, most notably) around that time for something to pop up.

 

[simplicio]

Yeah, completely essential if you're out of market. Can't wait for the blackouts to go away so I never have to listen to another Yankees announcer again. I've mainly been using it on a PS3 for the last few years, and the app has improved there. Used the android apps too last year and they were fine. I have it on a tivo roamio too, but while it works there for viewing it also crashes and reboots the unit every time you quit, which is a known problem they simply didn't bother to fix. Maybe this year?

 

[DJnVa]

Cannot agree with the last part more - I've managed to catch the last couple innings of more than half of the no-hitters in the past 5 years, which is one of the most fun experiences to see live.

FWIW with MLB Network you'll never miss the end of a no-hitter.

 

[glennhoffmania]

I get MLBEI every year and when they started including MLB.tv to the subscription I tried it out. It's great when I'm not near a tv and can watch on my phone. Personally I prefer EI if that's an option but obviously you need cable/satellite for that.

 

[koufax32]

Glenn, ever negotiate a discounted price? I think last year was $200, iirc. Getting it under $150 might be worth it as it gives the option to watch on TV or computer via mlb tv.

 

[canderson]

If you have DirecTV they have a combo where you get both Extra Innings and MLBTV for a pretty good price IMO.

 

[glennhoffmania]

Glenn, ever negotiate a discounted price? I think last year was $200, iirc. Getting it under $150 might be worth it as it gives the option to watch on TV or computer via mlb tv.

The only discount I've ever gotten was the early bird discount, which now may be zero because I don't bother checking and I always sign up the first day it's available. TWC has never been willing or able to give a discount. Even at $200 I think it's worth it. Adding the option to watch on my phone/tablet was really just a bonus since I always paid about that just for EI anyway.

 

[EricFeczko]

Catcher, is this a rite of May 1st thing or is that 50% discount only from last year? I'd hate to hold back for April only to find my savings was only $10-15.

EricF, what's your source for new pricing? Not doubting you. I just haven't found anything myself.

The fangraphs article references the new pricing. Other posters have mentioned that the price drops after may 1st. Over the years I've had MLB.tv, the price drop occurs every season. If you can hold out April games, I definitely recommend waiting until the price drops. Just make sure that you cancel the subscription after the season ends.

I haven't had as much quality problems as others, though to be honest I'm usually watching on a 5 inch screen while working... maybe full-TV sized causes more problems

Over the last two years, I've watched games on a 1920x1080 TV (connected to a lenovo yoga laptop via HDMI) with few problems. Like with netflix, there are fewer problems with using a browser than the app.

EDIT: I've used MLB.TV since I moved from Massachusetts in 2007. Sorry I didn't include that information prior to the edit. It has been so long that I couldn't recall when I started using it.
Also, MLB.tv will typically have a free game frequently, so you can try the service before using it.

 

[Monbo Jumbo]

I started my first year with the 50% off deal sometime in May. I assume they will do it again this year. I think they discount again on Father's Day.

It's 50% off Fathers Day week every year.

 

[Comeback Kid]

The premium subscription along with the At Bat app on the iPhone/iPad is amazing, especially in a fantasy baseball context. You have the gameday portion with video clip highlights, or you can look in live on any game and add the gameday overlay to the video for any game you watch. Plus choice of video feeds, etc., and audio for when you're driving. All in all it is one of the best things ever for a baseball fan.

 

[Murderer's Crow]

Does anyone know how many devices can be logged on at the same time? I used to split this with a couple buddies but haven't done so in a couple of years.

Edit: Seems to be about 5. I'd be happy to put in my share if anyone wants to split with a couple people.

 

[Wingack]

The lawsuit enables two critical changes. First, MLB TV will be cheaper (109 I think instead of 130). Second, you will be able to purchase a team-only package for 85.

Thanks, I was looking for this info. I haven't had MLBTV or EI for a few years now, Yankees are on TV a lot in my area between the Orioles and national broadcasts, and if I am in the mood for baseball and the Yankees aren't on I just watch the Nats. But I still would like to have access to all the Yankee games I can watch and 85 is a nice price.

 

[Spacemans Bong]

I've had it since 2004. It is the greatest thing ever if you're out of market. EVER.

It can be a bit hiccupy at the start of the year, especially if they've changed things around on the back end, but they're always sorted out very quickly (IMO, a lot of the problems are often from the user's ISP or device being unable to handle the load rather than MLB.TV itself). They're hardly the only sport that has this problem, I remember when UK NFL fans practically revolted due to NFL GamePass being completely unusable for the first two weeks of the season a few years ago.

The apps on iPad and iPhone are amazing, being able to prop up my tablet while doing dishes and watch a game is fantastic. I actually watched the last few World Series on my Roku box even though I have an HD channel with MLB because the quality was even better. Lag on those devices is very uncommon.

I'd highly recommend getting the whole package, as noted you'll end up watching so much more baseball because you'll end up checking in on day games, no-hitters, this guy has 3 homers and it's the 7th inning type situations, whatever's on. It's just unbelievable for that - I think Keith Law once said he just scrolls down Twitter and monitors developing situations and then checks into that game. It's like RedZone except you're the director.

The only problem is blackouts. I don't get any in the UK and I can empathize with the cable situation because cable pays a lot of bills*. But goddamn, it was really annoying being in Vegas last year and being told I can't watch the Giants even though they are 100% not available on local cable, much less hotel room cable (I checked). I believe MLB.TV lets you plug in your ZIP to see what teams are blacked out - definitely worth checking if you might live in an area where there's multiple teams blacked out. In that sense, unless you're willing to go the VPN route or you 100% do not care about not being able to watch local games, it's really a complement to cable rather than an alternative.

* Back of the napkin calculation on why cable blackouts are never going away: NESN charges something like $6 a subscriber. That's $72 a year, 80% goes to the Sox (the Bruins have 20%). Plus they get ad money, which I think is another few bucks a month per subscriber. So let's say it's $8 a month in total. That's $96 a year to NESN thanks to you. MLB.TV is $120 a year and that has to be shared across 30 teams. Yeah.

 

[koufax32]

Crow, so how does that work then? Once you get the service you log on and it "registers" that device?

 

[glennhoffmania]

Snod (and others), I'm curious- if you have cable why not spend a little bit more per year to get EI, which comes with mlb.tv anyway? Is watching on a computer really comparable to watching on HDTV? I love that I can DVR games and watch on a big screen, but still have the option to watch on a phone or tablet if necessary.

 

[finnVT]

Snod (and others), I'm curious- if you have cable why not spend a little bit more per year to get EI, which comes with mlb.tv anyway? Is watching on a computer really comparable to watching on HDTV? I love that I can DVR games and watch on a big screen, but still have the option to watch on a phone or tablet if necessary.

It's mostly that the EI part is superfluous if you've got a device hooked up to your TV (Roku, chromecast, etc). The quality is generally as good as any HD feed and you have as many or more options (i.e., every game with either team's broadcast). There's just nothing that EI offers that you don't already get from mlb.tv.

If you don't have any good way of getting the games onto your TV, then I'd imagine the EI+mlb.tv route makes a lot of sense.

 

[glennhoffmania]

Can you DVR games through mlb.tv?

 

[finnVT]

You don't need to, every game is available as a replay. You can start watching at the beginning once the game has started, or after it has ended (I assume they're available instantly, since they're available even in game, but I can't recall having tried that).

edit: not sure I was clear. If the game is in progress, you can choose to watch it from the beginning, or pick it up live. After the game is over, you can re-watch on demand at any time.

 

[glennhoffmania]

Thanks. I wasn't sure how it works.

 

[Wingack]

It's mostly that the EI part is superfluous if you've got a device hooked up to your TV (Roku, chromecast, etc). The quality is generally as good as any HD feed and you have as many or more options (i.e., every game with either team's broadcast). There's just nothing that EI offers that you don't already get from mlb.tv.

If you don't have any good way of getting the games onto your TV, then I'd imagine the EI+mlb.tv route makes a lot of sense.

Is there a Roku app for MLBTV?

 

[Snodgrass'Muff]

Snod (and others), I'm curious- if you have cable why not spend a little bit more per year to get EI, which comes with mlb.tv anyway? Is watching on a computer really comparable to watching on HDTV? I love that I can DVR games and watch on a big screen, but still have the option to watch on a phone or tablet if necessary.

When I looked into it last year, it was more expensive to add EI than to pay for an MLB.TV subscription. On top of that, I split time with my wife on the TV so I want at least half of the games on my desktop or tablet anyway.

Is there a Roku app for MLBTV?

I'm not sure. Maybe @FarvinMoosey can answer that question.

Edit: The answer is yes. There is an Roku app.

 

[finnVT]

Is there a Roku app for MLBTV?

As Snod said, yes, there is. I haven't had any problems with it, and works well both live and replay (I usually start late, but play from the beginning and catch up, and works well for that). I think that if you plan to use a VPN to get around blackouts, though, it's considerably harder if using a roku.

 

[JoePoulson]

Yea you'd need to have traffic from the Roku device flow though a VPN, which would be controlled from the router side. Can be done, but considerably more difficult.

The MLB.tv app is great for Roku. Usually play the games through it, but also my phone or tablets. MLB.tv really is the best.

 

[hbk72777]

I've had MLBtv since I moved down to NC.

Look for deals. They usually have a free month early in the season, April or May, and then a yearly special for half price. While they did it on Father's Day the first several years, last year, they moved it up to Mother's Day.

I also got the first month of 2016 free during a MLB shop black friday sale. There was no minimum, I bought my new nephew a pair of embroidered Yankees booties for $6 and I got the month free.Check Slickdeal or Fatwallaet to keep abreast of the promotions.

As for this new "deal", it still isn't that good. As a Yankee fan, I get blacked out of Yankees games and have to watch MASN. I'd rather hear the local announcers, not because I like them, but for the news (injuries, transactions etc). As a Directv customer, I'd have to pay $14 a month for 6 months for the Sports Package, plus the $10 that MLB wants to watch the blacked out broadcasts.

 

[EricFeczko]

Way would you get blacked out of Yankees games in NC? That seems...odd.

 

[Yaz4Ever]

Way would you get blacked out of Yankees games in NC? That seems...odd.

I get blacked out of Sox games in NC whenever they play BAL, ATL, or WAS. With the closest of those being 6 hours away. Assuming he's in the same boat.

Dear MLB, please choose one team to be my local team, no matter how laughably far away they are from me. Three is a tad excessive.

 

[Flunky]

Just make sure you check your IP address location before you order - they have a link on their site. When they try to geolocate you, you might show up as somewhere else. For example, I am in Ffld County, the only New England county outside the Red Sox broadcast area. But my ISP (AT&T, now Frontier) was locating my IP address in Wallingford, CT so I was blacked out of Red Sox games. I have had this issue on AppleTV, Roku, PS3 and my laptop. The Ipad has additional geolocation software that can more accurately place you - even a non cell-enabled one.

MLB is pretty good about fixing this when you call them. They can manually set your IP address's location on your account. Issues arise if you are given a new address at some point later, you'd have to call back.

Anyway, I have switched back to Cablevision so I won't have this problem anymore.

 

[Murderer's Crow]

Crow, so how does that work then? Once you get the service you log on and it "registers" that device?

I think it's more about active IPs but information I've read is mixed. For example I would register my phone, iPad, and TV which is how Netflix works.

 

[Cumberland Blues]

Does anyone know how many devices can be logged on at the same time? I used to split this with a couple buddies but haven't done so in a couple of years.

Edit: Seems to be about 5. I'd be happy to put in my share if anyone wants to split with a couple people.

I share an account w/ my sister in NJ. Between us we probably have 7 or 8 devices registered - but it's rare that more than 2 would be in simultaneous use. But in Sept during the pennant races it isn't uncommon that I'd have a game on the PC cast to the TV, another on my phone and my kid would have another game or two on the ipod and/or kindle. I doubt my sister ever had more than one game going tho - she pretty much just watches the Sox.

 

[koufax32]

I share an account w/ my sister in NJ. Between us we probably have 7 or 8 devices registered - but it's rare that more than 2 would be in simultaneous use. But in Sept during the pennant races it isn't uncommon that I'd have a game on the PC cast to the TV, another on my phone and my kid would have another game or two on the ipod and/or kindle. I doubt my sister ever had more than one game going tho - she pretty much just watches the Sox.

So is it as simple as registering specific devices? My extremely limited understanding of internet technology doesn't fully understand Crow's response.

 

[hbk72777]

Here's the map showing the home teams for each area, if you see a team in your part of the state, then it will be blacked out on MLBtv. For some reason, only the western part of NC has the Reds and Brave as home teams.