Colour me impressed. Major League Baseball’s first foray into console video delivery is perhaps the best way to enjoy MLB.tv’s pioneering internet service.
Setup is easy for anyone who already has an MLB.tv account. After downloading and installing the app, you’ll see a short code displayed on the screen. Enter the code on a special PS3 MLB website using your computer’s browser, and you’re connected instantly. Very impressed Sony didn’t make me enter all my account information using the PS3 controller.
The app is free, but you’ll need a subscription to MLB.tv in order to use the service. Current prices are $99/$119 for the entire season or $20/$25 per month, depending on if you choose basic or premium service.
Selecting and switching between games is easy and visually stunning. Any current game being watched plays in the background as you toggle through any other games from that day. MLB.tv premium subscribers get to even choose if they want to watch the home or road broadcast.
Sony says playback is at 720p. While I find the video to be incredible for over-the-internet video, it doesn’t look like true HD. That being said, it’s definitely better than SD, and the video is smooth and does not stutter. It looks like TV, not streaming internet video.
The success of the PS3 and iPad/iPhone version of MLB.tv service highlights just how good things can be when you don’t have to use Adobe’s Flash. On a computer, it’s very easy to become frustrated with stuttering Flash playback using the Mac or PC.
As you can see in my video, MLB.tv does let you watch more than one platform at a time, I was able to watch a different game on my PS3, iPad, and Mac all at the same time with the same account.
I’m sure if I had to use the PS3 controller to change games I’d find it awkward, but luckily I can control my Playstation box with a Logitech remote. Aside from that, the only thing that sucks about MLB.tv’s service is the lack of Montreal Expos games.
MLB is apparently in talks with Microsoft to bring this service to the RedRingOfDeathBOX XBOX 360, but Sony has secured exclusive console rights until after the All-Star Break.
Elias Makos 
One reply on “MLB.tv hits grand slam with PS3 app, but still can’t show Montreal Expos games”
Hey Elias,
Great review. I assume that if you are able to control your PS3 (and MLB.tv app) with your logitech universal remote, we should be able to use our PS3 remote as well – correct?
I think back to your post about lousy HD TV options in Montreal, and all I can think is that if you’re a baseball fan, with MLB.tv, you can have a myriad of games throughout 8 months of the year for less than what one month of Bell ExpressVu HD would cost you. Brilliant! People always say that baseball is a thinkin’ man’s game. Well, it seems that the men behind the scenes have been doing some serious thinkin’ as well…