Comments on: MLB scores a tech patent

Major League Baseball would be prevented from streaming games if not for a system that enables it to block video to subscribers located in "blacked out" areas.

[gopnick]

Ironically, this is precisely the reason (among others, cough, doping, cough) that Bud Selig should resign. MLB's archaic blackout restrictions make me want to quit following the game!

[groink_hi]

Just go to the game!

The purpose of the blackout is to promote the idea that you should actually watch the game LIVE! I live in Hawaii where we have NO MLB team. If we did, the season would be a sell-out! While we continue wishing, you guys HAVE the teams in your cities! And yet, you'd rather watch the game on TV than to see the game live.

Based on your attitude in your comment, I don't think MLB will miss you.

[funkyboot]

"Just go to the game!"

Ah, that's funny. Who [in the continental US] can afford to go to baseball games anymore?

Seriously, you wouldn't be suggesting that if you lived in the NYC region where ticket prices are out of control.

[Sam Papelbon]

what about the fact that you are PAYING for mlb tv? paying directly TO mlb. yet they still punish you for wanting to watch the game at home. many people don't want to spend $6 for a hot dog.

[kenstee]

The real irony is the amount of technical problems MLB has experienced trying to deliver the product they have promised their subscribers - smooth, high-quality HD videostreams. There are literally hundreds and hundreds of posts on their own support boards as well as the Net complaining about their amazingly shoddy, not ready for prime time product. Anyone who is considering this service would be much better off getting MLB Extra Innings via their cable or satellite company. A quick Google search will show you what I mean.

[Silverstar--2008]

They need to be EXPOSED!

I wish someone would bring to light this FRAUD that is taking place by MLB.tv. And don't bother going to their support forums to voice your opinions since they take down all the negative posts on a daily basis.

I purchased the Premium package on the morning of opening day only to cancel the day after (I received my refund weeks later I might add). The video quality was horrible and you couldn't watch any game without it stuttering, freezing, or locking up. I was promised features that they couldn't deliver.

The sad thing is if someone wanted to get a "feel" for the service that they were planning on buying they wouldn't have any idea since the support forums are useless. Poor Joe Schmoe would end up buying the service and get screwed............and have a hard time getting a refund.

[Freezeakus]

Yet another example of the TV and movie industry choking off technology just because it breaks into their profit margin.

[jaymangione]

groink - i'm sure you don't realize this scenario even exists but i live 8 hours away from the Mets home field and I am STILL blocked from seeing their games on MLB.com

Whoever said the blackouts were archaic was right on. They sucked me in once - never again.

[nemojack]

The last word of the article should be 'locale', not 'local'. 'local' cannot be used as a noun.