MLB.TV -- How do blackouts work?

Question

I know they use your zip code to determine if you can't watch a game, and I'm guessing they decide your zip code based soley on the zip code of the billing address of your credit card. Anybody know if this is correct?

The whole blackout thing is pretty dumb if you ask me. I just don't really see the standard TV broadcasts being harmed by people wathcing on the net. I don't know anyone who would rather watch a low-res tiny screen when they could watch on TV. In other words, the only people, for the most part, who are going to use the computer are ones who didn't have access to a TV anyway--like they are at work or whatever.

Answer 1

It's not decided on your billing address, but instead on where you are accessing the games from.

For example - I live in Canada, where all Jays games are blacked out on MLB.TV. However, when I travel to the US, I am able to watch the games with my account because the IP address is how they define the blackouts. So if I'm in Cincinnati for work, I can watch my Jays but will have Reds games blacked out.

As for the whole blackout idea, it's run its course. There was a point to it a long time ago - getting fans to go to the games - but blackouts no longer really have any relevant impact on attendance. From what I've read, I would guess that both the NFL and MLB will take a serious look at removing them in the next decade. And I agree - I'm not going to skip watching on my big TV so I can instead catch the game on my 17-inch monitor!

Answer 2

The purpose is to persuade people to buy tickets to games or to ensure that they watch the channels that have exclusive licenses for that team. It protects the rights of the team and those channels to make their money. FSN Florida and the Marlins, for example, can ensure that the only way floridians can watch the game is to go to it or on that channel. It makes sense, but starts to get complicated because they don't provide enough coverage. I live on the northwest tip of Florida. I can drive a few miles west and be in Alabama. The blackouts become an annoying problem because they are always there, even if that game doesn't come on FSN Florida. For example, my Mets are playing the Marlins, but FSN Florida is scheduled to air the Devil Rays and Red Sox. The blackout remains on the Marlins/Mets game on my mlb.tv account and the inDemand Extra Innings package. Basically the ONLY way I can watch that game is to drive for a day to Miami and catch it live! This pisses me off to no end.

One of the other annoying things is FOX's monopoly on Saturday afternoons. They blackout EVERYTHING on those days to make sure that you have to watch FOX's game of the week or no baseball at all.

Answer 3

I agree that the blackouts are stupid. I live in a hilly region, my cable (old Adelphia) won't be upgraded for years. I am 150 miles from Cleveland, Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, yet all those teams are blacked out for me on mlb.tv whether the games are home or away. In addition ESPN blocks the Indians games for me. So my choice is limited to mlb radio. Am I supposed to drive 150 miles to a sold out game and try to buy tickets from a scalper? I have asked ESPN, MLB and Time Warner. They all pass the buck saying it is the other persons fault. By the way, it is based on your IP address. They can tell. I got blocked on mlb radio because I reconnected after a power outage and they thought I gave my name and password out to friends. Too many paranoid people out there.

Answer 4

Yeah, its where you are online from. I have a Wisconsin Billing Address, one that is blacked-out for Brewers games, but I connect in MN, where I go to school. Because of this I have no problems.

It is set up this way so traveling businesmen and women are able to watch their favorite teams while on the road, and for college students who have accounts at their parents address but go to school out of state.