Comments on: Reviewing the new MLB.TV: Yes, it’s a winner http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/ In-your-face baseball commentary Sat, 21 Nov 2009 16:48:13 -0600 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: GP http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-59462 GP Fri, 12 Jun 2009 01:38:26 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-59462 A winner?! Unless you consider 10th place ribbons a win (Focker), this service is a bigger bust than Tony Mandarich. They are still treating subscribers like garbage 2 1/2 months later, after most accepted the MLB apologies for the numerous April blunders (incorrectly blacked out games, high def problems, etc). Worst off, the most recent problem is not even technical in nature (i.e. difficult to resolve) - they simply changed their game policy and chose not to inform subscribers. MLB is not aligned with the fan base and chooses to not address the issues and concerns of the paying subscriber. http://www.mlbsupport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8439&start=30&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=45472298051076c838f643fff45d413a A winner?! Unless you consider 10th place ribbons a win (Focker), this service is a bigger bust than Tony Mandarich.

They are still treating subscribers like garbage 2 1/2 months later, after most accepted the MLB apologies for the numerous April blunders (incorrectly blacked out games, high def problems, etc). Worst off, the most recent problem is not even technical in nature (i.e. difficult to resolve) – they simply changed their game policy and chose not to inform subscribers.

MLB is not aligned with the fan base and chooses to not address the issues and concerns of the paying subscriber.

http://www.mlbsupport.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=11&t=8439&start=30&st=0&sk=t&sd=a&sid=45472298051076c838f643fff45d413a

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]]> By: Alejandro A. http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-59053 Alejandro A. Tue, 21 Apr 2009 18:28:21 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-59053 It certainly true that the service is far from perfect, and issues remain that need be addressed. Kensai's example is a bit worrysome, actually, but little surprising. These are, mind you, the very same new media goons that tried to shut out a huge chunk of their fan base. Should you go out and buy it? Well... I see no reason for there to be an expectation that the service will be shitty. So if you can afford it and you're online all the time, and obviously, you meet the system requirements, give it a try. It certainly true that the service is far from perfect, and issues remain that need be addressed.

Kensai’s example is a bit worrysome, actually, but little surprising. These are, mind you, the very same new media goons that tried to shut out a huge chunk of their fan base.

Should you go out and buy it? Well… I see no reason for there to be an expectation that the service will be shitty. So if you can afford it and you’re online all the time, and obviously, you meet the system requirements, give it a try.

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]]> By: Kenstee http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-59051 Kenstee Mon, 20 Apr 2009 21:32:57 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-59051 Alejandro, You're lucky. My speed is fine. My reception is horrible. Still lots of freezes and stuttering even at poor quality settings. I'm on a Mac that meets their stated requirements and have tried both Firefox and Safari browsers. My bandwidth - according to their own test - is over 3,000k. Well above their minimums. Even SwarmCast admits there are issues though. I paid for Premium and can get marginally viewable quality only with NexDef disabled which also disables all the Premium elements I paid extra for. Sweet deal huh. I'm not alone though. there are many, many complaints on the Net about this. I've saved the best for last. I have been banned permanently from their MLB Support Forums due to "negativity." Not just banned from posting mind you..but banned from even looking at it! It won't display in my browser. My IP address was banned. And this is the same MLB who doesn't ban players who have tested positive for steroids. Boggles the mind. So boys and girls all I can say is deal with these people at your own risk. If you feel you must have this service buy it only on a month to month basis AND disable auto-renew so you can cancel after one month. Better still, look into MLB Extra Innings if your cable/satellite company offers it. Me? I'm disputing this charge with my credit card company. MLB certainly has not delivered the product they promised and owe me a refund for non-compliance/non-performance. Oh, and be aware MLB states they will NOT give a refund after 5 or more days of their service. Luckily, consumer protection laws will trump this. Alejandro,

You’re lucky. My speed is fine. My reception is horrible. Still lots of freezes and stuttering even at poor quality settings. I’m on a Mac that meets their stated requirements and have tried both Firefox and Safari browsers.

My bandwidth – according to their own test – is over 3,000k. Well above their minimums. Even SwarmCast admits there are issues though. I paid for Premium and can get marginally viewable quality only with NexDef disabled which also disables all the Premium elements I paid extra for. Sweet deal huh. I’m not alone though. there are many, many complaints on the Net about this.

I’ve saved the best for last. I have been banned permanently from their MLB Support Forums due to “negativity.” Not just banned from posting mind you..but banned from even looking at it! It won’t display in my browser. My IP address was banned. And this is the same MLB who doesn’t ban players who have tested positive for steroids. Boggles the mind.

So boys and girls all I can say is deal with these people at your own risk. If you feel you must have this service buy it only on a month to month basis AND disable auto-renew so you can cancel after one month. Better still, look into MLB Extra Innings if your cable/satellite company offers it.

Me? I’m disputing this charge with my credit card company. MLB certainly has not delivered the product they promised and owe me a refund for non-compliance/non-performance. Oh, and be aware MLB states they will NOT give a refund after 5 or more days of their service. Luckily, consumer protection laws will trump this.

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]]> By: Alejandro A. Leal http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-59022 Alejandro A. Leal Fri, 17 Apr 2009 21:33:44 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-59022 Kenstee I don't doubt that people are having issues with it, but I've tested my account with three different setups and internet service providers and I can assure you, it is a night/day improvement over year's past. Considering the quality of the video if you subscribed to the Premium package. Keep in mind this service is totally dependent on the speed of your connection, so if you subscribe to any ISP that delivers less than 500k a second, you'll have a bad experience, no doubt. Two weeks into the season, and I have nothing but love for my MLB.TV. Kenstee

I don’t doubt that people are having issues with it, but I’ve tested my account with three different setups and internet service providers and I can assure you, it is a night/day improvement over year’s past. Considering the quality of the video if you subscribed to the Premium package.

Keep in mind this service is totally dependent on the speed of your connection, so if you subscribe to any ISP that delivers less than 500k a second, you’ll have a bad experience, no doubt.

Two weeks into the season, and I have nothing but love for my MLB.TV.

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]]> By: Kenstee http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-59004 Kenstee Fri, 17 Apr 2009 17:44:57 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-59004 MLB-TV service has been a dismal failure for many subscribers - including me. Lots of freezes and stuttering. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of complaints on their support boards. Here is a email I receoved from them.. "We have been working to help solve issues such as the one you are experiencing. The good news is, that it, more then likely, has nothing to do with your system. The bad news is that it is still a problem and it needs to be fixed. Please be patient and the problem will be solved as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding." I'd stay away from it. In fact, just canceled it and picked up Extra Innings. I'm a happy camper now! MLB-TV service has been a dismal failure for many subscribers – including me. Lots of freezes and stuttering. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of complaints on their support boards. Here is a email I receoved from them..

“We have been working to help solve issues such as the one you are experiencing. The good news is, that it, more then likely, has nothing to do with your system. The bad news is that it is still a problem and it needs to be fixed. Please be patient and the problem will be solved as soon as possible. Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.”

I’d stay away from it. In fact, just canceled it and picked up Extra Innings. I’m a happy camper now!

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]]> By: Sarah Green http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-58955 Sarah Green Mon, 13 Apr 2009 22:09:03 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-58955 I was about to go online to re-sign up for MLB.TV, when I thought I'd just pay my credit card bill first. Turns out, I've already been charged for two months of premium MLB.TV-age! I can't tell you whether they'll give me the refund for March that I asked for (which I didn't use at all because, obviously, I didn't realize that I was automatically resubscribed). But I can tell you that MLB.com has awesome hold music: the laid back tones of a steel-drum band. Seriously. I don't know if it's meant to calm the angry beast within every frustrated customer, but it worked. Also, the guy who helped me (Larry) sounded like he was completely stoned. So I went in all hot-headed and irate, and came out of the call thinking, "You know what? It's probably not a big deal. And for some reason, I feel the need to just go have a mai tai." Now *that's* service. I was about to go online to re-sign up for MLB.TV, when I thought I’d just pay my credit card bill first. Turns out, I’ve already been charged for two months of premium MLB.TV-age! I can’t tell you whether they’ll give me the refund for March that I asked for (which I didn’t use at all because, obviously, I didn’t realize that I was automatically resubscribed). But I can tell you that MLB.com has awesome hold music: the laid back tones of a steel-drum band. Seriously. I don’t know if it’s meant to calm the angry beast within every frustrated customer, but it worked. Also, the guy who helped me (Larry) sounded like he was completely stoned. So I went in all hot-headed and irate, and came out of the call thinking, “You know what? It’s probably not a big deal. And for some reason, I feel the need to just go have a mai tai.” Now *that’s* service.

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]]> By: yougabsports http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-58913 yougabsports Fri, 10 Apr 2009 23:57:47 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-58913 I've got to tell, I've been impressed with it thus far. The image is crisper, the new extras are solid, but there is still one major problem with it; I still can't get local blackout games. As a guy that has to rely on watching TV over the internet, the one thing I miss dearly about cable is being able to watch live baseball games from my local team, the Red Sox. I can still do the Gameday stream and listen to the radio broadcast, but its not the same. Still, if I wasn't so cheap, it wouldn't be an issue. Great post! I’ve got to tell, I’ve been impressed with it thus far. The image is crisper, the new extras are solid, but there is still one major problem with it; I still can’t get local blackout games. As a guy that has to rely on watching TV over the internet, the one thing I miss dearly about cable is being able to watch live baseball games from my local team, the Red Sox. I can still do the Gameday stream and listen to the radio broadcast, but its not the same. Still, if I wasn’t so cheap, it wouldn’t be an issue.

Great post!

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]]> By: Sean http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-58912 Sean Fri, 10 Apr 2009 22:27:15 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-58912 Thanks Alejandro - actually - MLB.TV is cheaper than extra innings, and if you have HDMI out on your laptop - you can stream it to your TV. It's not quite as turn key - but it seems MLB.TV is a better value than Extra Innings. Thanks Alejandro – actually – MLB.TV is cheaper than extra innings, and if you have HDMI out on your laptop – you can stream it to your TV. It’s not quite as turn key – but it seems MLB.TV is a better value than Extra Innings.

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]]> By: Alejandro Leal http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-58911 Alejandro Leal Fri, 10 Apr 2009 20:56:55 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-58911 Sean, I don't know what options this year's Extra Innings have to offer... I know that other leagues (like the NBA) used to offer web-tv service for subscribers, but I highly doubt that's the case with Selig and MLBAM. But mlb.tv does seem to carry plenty of near HD games, and with the premium package you get a choice of either home or away TV feeds. Sean, I don’t know what options this year’s Extra Innings have to offer… I know that other leagues (like the NBA) used to offer web-tv service for subscribers, but I highly doubt that’s the case with Selig and MLBAM.

But mlb.tv does seem to carry plenty of near HD games, and with the premium package you get a choice of either home or away TV feeds.

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]]> By: Sarah Green http://umpbump.com/press/2009/04/08/reviewing-the-new-mlbtv-yes-its-a-winner/comment-page-1/#comment-58901 Sarah Green Fri, 10 Apr 2009 03:00:15 +0000 http://umpbump.com/press/?p=5380#comment-58901 I wasn't going to go back to MLB.TV this year after downloading it appeared to infuriate my laptop last year. But if they are using flash now, I see no reason not to! (Now if only I could get Silverlight uninstalled...) You've convinced me. Another hundred clams heading in the direction of the new media goons. (Take another drink.) I wasn’t going to go back to MLB.TV this year after downloading it appeared to infuriate my laptop last year. But if they are using flash now, I see no reason not to! (Now if only I could get Silverlight uninstalled…)

You’ve convinced me. Another hundred clams heading in the direction of the new media goons. (Take another drink.)

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