mlb.tv

[Alloutwar]

So, blackouts. I think I get it. Don't compete with local cable/satellite coverage of the game. Sure. I don't have cable or satellite TV though - won't do it. So it's unfortunate that mlb.tv automatically has me 'blacked out' for Atlanta Braves games, even though I'm 3 or 4 hours away. No problem, that's one game out of 15 a day.

BUT then mlb.tv also blacks me out of both Washington and Baltimore markets. That makes sense - when I had cable, 3 years ago, I'd get MASN and be able to see those games. Still annoying in the internet age, when so many people are dumping cable...I can't get these channels on the bunny ears, and you'd think paying oodles to mlb.tv might be enough...but OK, fine, so 3 out of 15 games, or 20%, blacked out everyday. OK.

BUT WAIT - somehow here in Charlotte NC, I am restricted from watching REDS games?? From Cincinnatti? 7+ hours away?!? That makes no sense. No cable station ever carried Reds games here. Who the heck in the southern NC border is getting Cincinnati coverage as their local station?!? Bullsh!t.

4 out of 15 games a day, almost a third of the schedule, would be blacked out for me. So F you mlb.tv. I'll invest that money and be less invested in the sport.

[acetoolguy]

MLB is still waiting to see if this TV thing catches on.....

[MichelleWie]

I know nationally televised games on ESPN and FOX are blacked out along with your home market team games. The ESPN Sunday night game for example is always blacked out and a lot of Saturday games are blacked out because that is when FOX has their regional coverage. So that might be why the Reds game was blacked out. I have had it for a couple years and the only team in my market whose games are ALWAYS blocked are the Brewers.

[asianinvasion]

Just be glad you're not in Iowa. They're somehow blacked out of 6 teams (Cardinals, Royals, Cubs, White Sox, Brewers, Twins). Hawaii is blocked out of all of the west coast teams, which is the dumbest thing ever.

Luckily, there are workarounds.

[Alloutwar]

@ MichelleWie - actually, this is all BEFORE the national blackouts. Go here and put in your zip code:
http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/subscriptions/index.jsp#blackout

If you put in mine (28211) you find FOUR teams blacked out, 100% of the time. That's 26% of all MLB games (except the days those teams play each other, so maybe 24%). THEN you add in the Fox and ESPN games - you ever try to catch a game on one of those channels? Whenever I plan to watch the Sox or something, I go on and find they're broadcasting the Cardinals game instead. Random lotto. So I can't even WATCH the game I want to on cable, and yet mlb.tv blacks it out. wtf.

@ asian, I know about proxy servers - I tried VPN'ing into networks in CT and CA, but apparently I really have to go the full proxy route. Even then I still get the weekend national broadcast issues.

I just want mlb.tv to jump into this century, and realize they are hampering enjoyment of their sport. People are losing cable and satellite. FOX will do the regional switcheroo. People just want unfettered access through a single source to their games. If they think I'm going to pay hundreds just to be screwed out of 40% or so of games I want to see, they can F off. Especially when 3 minutes of googling will link you to a live free feed somewhere.

[MichelleWie]

Wow! That really does suck. I guess I am lucky I have only 1 team blacked out. That is BS. I am with you, no way I would pay that much with all those blackouts.