I signed up today for MLB.tv premium to use on my new Roku 2 XS. While the majority of the cool settings are not yet available (as it's only spring training), all I can say is WOW! The picture and sound quality are just spectacular!
Major League Baseball is making several spring training games available each day. Here's the schedule.
You guys know I live in the Dallas area, so until now, I've never had a way to watch every Brewers game. I looked into MLB Extra Innings, which would allow me to do so, but not every game is in full 1080p high definition. The MLB.tv Premium broadcasts every game in high def. And the features are incredible. For those of you that might not be familiar with this, you can choose the home or away TV broadcast. And per MLB.tv's website, Roku is the only hardware which offers audio overlay, meaning I can watch the home TV broadcast, and overlay WTMJ to hear Bob Uecker call the games. If you miss a game, you can go back and watch it. Every game has full DVR controls (available during live and archived games). You can also watch any game from the past two seasons).
If you choose to watch the games on a PC, you have mosaic view, where you can watch four games at once. You also have clickable linescores, and fantasy updates.
My setup isn't at all expensive. In my bedroom I have a 32" Sony Bravia HD TV (two years old, model is KDL 32BX420). I have Verizon FIOS high speed internet (60 Mbps download speed). I'm running a 24 AWG Cat 6 Ethernet cable, and a 24 AWG HDMI, both from monoprice.com. The Roku 2 XS is the only one of their 4 boxes which has an Ethernet connection, so there's no stuttering at all, and the picture quality is perfect the entire game).
I literally feel like I'm standing on second base right now as I'm watching the Mets play the Nationals.
The Roku only costs $99. MLB.tv Premium is $129.99, or $24.99 monthly (through and including October. I'll contact them tomorrow to confirm that month by month is more expensive).
If you are outside of the Brewer broadcast area, and want to watch them play, this is the only way to do it. I will see all but ten of the games (when the Crew play the Rangers or Astros in interleague play), and I can catch those on FOX Sports Southwest, so no biggie).
I can't wait for the season to get started!
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