MLB.tv debuts killer iPhone app

MLB.tv on the iPhone

(Credit: James Martin/CNET News.com)

Baseball fans rejoice. MLB.tv has just debuted a killer iPhone application at WWDC 2008. The application provides live scoreboards, with individual box scores and pitch-by-pitch updates, along with current and constantly updated video highlights, minutes after the play happens.

This application is great for checking in on your team while you're on the go. Instead of being frustrated by not being able to see what your team is up to, MLB.tv's solution puts the whole baseball experience, not just the scores, in your pocket.

This iPhone application looks like it's the best in its class, as far as sports applications go. MLB.tv has been leading the way in streaming sporting events over the Internet. They are continuing their tradition of quality products here.

The development of rich sports applications like this one is nothing but great news for sports fans as others are likely to follow suit. This application is sure to drive more subscribers to MLB.tv's service.

[stevejluke]

Warning to anyone wanting to use the MLB.tv service - they recently changed their terms so that you can't watch archived games until 90 minutes after the game ends. As part of implementing this change - all 'live' games you are watching in less than real time (for example if you started watching an hour late, or used any part of their live-DVR functionality) immediately end when the real-time game ends, and you can not finish watching the game until 90 minutes later (at best).

A typical scenario for me (and this is why I bought the service) would be to come home from work at 8:30 and start watching a Phillies game (out of market for me). The game started at 7:05 so I am an hour behind. The game comes to an end an hour and a half later. In the past it wouldn't matter, I could finish watching the game to completion. With the new policy I am in the middle of the 5th inning and the game becomes un-available and I have to wait at least another 1.5 hours to finish watching the game (midnight - ish). In reality it takes 2.5 hours for some games to be available.

So be aware that if you do choose to buy their service the Premium Live-DVR functionality is not worth paying for, and unless you want to watch Live games in Real Time only, then their basic MLB.tv service is the better option.