FanPost

MLBtv on a TV

Howdy -

Like more than a few people here, I'm waiting to see if InDemand can work out a deal with MLB to carry the games this season. If you haven't been paying attention, talks are continuing well past the March 31 deadline.  This is good.

 

I took some time this afternoon to hook up a spare PC to my TV. I have a fast cable internet connection, a 50 inch DLP, and a PC using DVI out to the set.  I ordered the monthly premium package, which is rated at 700k. MLB is now offering a 5 day trial of sorts - you can cancel within 5 days of ordering and you won't be charged.  FWIW, the pricing scheme seems odd to me, as the yearly price ($120) is simply 6x the monthly price ($20).  What, exactly, is my motivation to buy it yearly?

The picture quality is quite good, even when blown up to full screen.  There is certainly a difference between the 400 and 700k streams, which you can toggle between.  The 400k doesn't look bad, but the resolution is certainly lower, bodies are a bit blockier, etc.  Spend the extra $5/month if you are going to do this.

I think the picture quality is about 80-90% of what a standard definition television signal looks like (which, of course, isn't great on a big HD set anyway).  In the past hour, there have been 2 times where the picture hesitated for a few seconds, but it recovered pretty quickly.  Much to my suprise, I could actually see myself watching games for a season this way, though I don't know that I will.

Anyway, I just thought I'd share my impressions for anybody in a similar situation. I'll take questions and I'd like to hear your experience as well.

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