Hmm, when I first read this report I thought that it was going to be AppleTV+ exclusive at some point but it just seems it's through the AppleTV app according to this article. Interested in how they're going to monetize this as I see no way other way then to eventually make it aTV+ exclusive.
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Friday Night Baseball Coming to Apple TV+ on April 8
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Their viewership has less to do with the popularity of baseball (which is relatively high) and more to do with the abysmal blackout restrictions imposed on viewers by local broadcasters. I can have MLB.tv and pay $120/year for it, but if I'm located in Chicago, I'm going to be blacked out from watching any Cubs, White Sox, Brewers,
Edited for Cleveland's name change. My mistake.
No Red Sox games.
Thanks NESN, you have the monopoly on New England sports.
Thanks NESN, you have the monopoly on New England sports.
This is clearly apple dipping their toe in the water for live sports. It’s a proof of concept to let other sports know they can pull this off.
I bet during the last round of NFL talks, the lack of any live content experience was a big barrier preventing apple from being taken seriously.
Friday night baseball is probably the lowest rung of a major sport that apple was able to convince a league to let them stream.
I bet during the last round of NFL talks, the lack of any live content experience was a big barrier preventing apple from being taken seriously.
Friday night baseball is probably the lowest rung of a major sport that apple was able to convince a league to let them stream.
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Will these be in 4K with Dolby Vision? THAT would really set this offering apart And establish a new bar for sports broadcasting.
Guys, HiVolt isn't going to use this feature. Somebody please call Apple and have them cancel the contract with MLB. Additionally, please have all future ATV+ ideas ran through HiVolt.
According to this March 8 Apple press release.
"Fans will be able to watch marquee games on Friday nights, free from local broadcast restrictions, across devices where Apple TV+ can be found"
Apple and Major League Baseball to offer “Friday Night Baseball” - Apple
Did not see that, good catch. I emailed to ask about resolution. 4K would be amazing but I'm not holding my breath as MLB is still stuck in 2007 in that regard. 4k 60fps should be standard in 2022.
It's the second highest grossing sport in the US, only behind the NFL.
Not completely true, and MLB is a North American league. Apple is an American company. So.....
Unless you're an investor, I don't see what the problem is. You can quite easily ignore the mediocre content (to which I agree - it's nothing enticing) and still get quality products. The money spent on media/content is not detracting from their product R&D, I assure you.
Now, as an investor (like myself), I think it is a bit wasteful, but who knows; maybe in a few years Apple TV+ will be a decent competitor to Netflix and HBO Max. The library just isn't there yet.
Apple's Press Release also says:
“Friday Night Baseball” will be available on Apple TV+ — and, for a limited time, without the need for a subscription.
I already pay Xfinity for a level of service with sports and an additional sports programming fee. I have no desire to subscribe to Apple TV+.
For $10/month, I can now have all of baseball on TuneIn.
(Audio only)
“Friday Night Baseball” will be available on Apple TV+ — and, for a limited time, without the need for a subscription.
I already pay Xfinity for a level of service with sports and an additional sports programming fee. I have no desire to subscribe to Apple TV+.
For $10/month, I can now have all of baseball on TuneIn.
(Audio only)
really surprised how many of you are getting your baseball panties in a wad over this.
apple isn't offering this to get new subscribers.
as I said above, they're offering this to prove to the sports leagues that they can broadcast games. so next time there's streaming rights up for sale, they'll have this proof of concept to show. friday night games are probably traditionally the lowest rated of the week. this was the lowest hanging fruit, the sacrificial lamb...however you want to describe it...that MLB was willing to offer up to apple as a test.
apple isn't offering this to get new subscribers.
as I said above, they're offering this to prove to the sports leagues that they can broadcast games. so next time there's streaming rights up for sale, they'll have this proof of concept to show. friday night games are probably traditionally the lowest rated of the week. this was the lowest hanging fruit, the sacrificial lamb...however you want to describe it...that MLB was willing to offer up to apple as a test.
I would take that ANY DAY over what MLB.tv does with their "screensaver" and DEAD silence
Yes. Indeed, a blank silent screen with "commercial break in progress" like MLB.tv used to do would be preferential to commercials.
But in reality, there is plenty to look at between innings as evidenced by actually going to a game. Show shots of the crowd, show the players mingling in the dugouts, show replays from earlier, or whatever they have on the stadium jumbotron.
I actually miss this. I HATE the repetitive commercials they have on MLB.tv now.
That was my first question as well, but no mention of it being the case. Seems like an obvious step forward for Apple to bring to sports broadcasts. 4k sports exist but not often, and doesn't always work great or look great.