Baseball, often dubbed America’s pastime, generates a rich tapestry of coverage, especially with the rise of streaming services. Two popular services, MLB TV and Extra Innings, offer fans the ability to follow their favorite teams from anywhere. However, many fans are unsure about the critical differences between the two. In this article, we’ll explore what MLB TV and Extra Innings offer, their key features, pricing structures, and how each option suits different types of baseball fans. By the end, readers will have a comprehensive understanding of which service may be right for them.
An Overview of MLB TV and Extra Innings
Before diving into the differences, it’s essential to understand what each service provides.
What is MLB TV?
MLB TV is the official streaming service provided by Major League Baseball. This service allows fans to watch live out-of-market games on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers. It offers a seamless user experience with features designed for baseball aficionados.
What is Extra Innings?
Extra Innings is a cable subscription service offered by various cable providers. It allows viewers to watch out-of-market games on television. This service is perfect for those who prefer traditional cable viewing or those whose living situations do not support streaming options.
Key Features of Each Service
Both MLB TV and Extra Innings come with their own unique features. Below is a detailed comparison to help fans make an informed choice.
Live Game Coverage
One of the primary aspects that fans consider when choosing between these two services is live game coverage.
MLB TV
- Offers live streaming of over 1,700 out-of-market regular-season games.
- Provides access to postseason games, including the All-Star Game and playoffs, depending on local TV availability.
- Users can watch games live or on demand at their convenience.
Extra Innings
- Covers out-of-market games, with coverage of roughly 70-80 baseball contests per week.
- Mostly focuses on out-of-market games but does not provide access to postseason games.
- Requires a cable subscription, which may limit access for some users.
Device Compatibility
In an age of advanced technology, compatibility with various devices is crucial for accessing games.
MLB TV
- Available on multiple devices, including:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming devices (Roku, Apple TV)
- Game consoles (PlayStation, Xbox)
- Smartphones and tablets (iOS and Android)
- Allows for multi-device streaming, meaning you can watch games on different devices simultaneously.
Extra Innings
- Primarily available through your television and might require specific cable boxes or receivers.
- Limited mobile access via the cable provider’s app, depending on the service provider.
Pricing Structures
Price is often a pivotal factor when it comes to choosing between these services.
MLB TV
- Subscription pricing typically starts around $130 per season, with options for monthly payments.
- Offers discounts for MLB premium subscribers or by signing up during promotional periods.
- Provides free trials in the early season, allowing fans to test the service risk-free.
Extra Innings
- Pricing generally starts around $200 per season, but this can change based on your cable provider and any promotional deals they may be offering.
- Often billed as a standalone package, meaning you must subscribe alongside a base cable package, which can increase overall costs.
Accessibility and Regional Restrictions
Understanding how regional laws affect both services is vital for fans.
MLB TV Regional Restrictions
- MLB TV enforces blackout restrictions on games that are broadcast in your local area. This means that if you are located in the same area as a team’s regional sports network, you won’t be able to see those specific games live.
- However, MLB TV does provide options for fans to stream archived games after the live broadcast has finished.
Extra Innings Regional Restrictions
- Similar to MLB TV, Extra Innings also enforces blackout restrictions based on local broadcasts.
- Being tied to cable providers means that you might find fewer issues with regional restrictions. Additionally, if you live in a market where there are several teams, you may receive more games as part of your subscription.
Content and Extras
Both services offer more than just game coverage.
MLB TV Extras
- Provides full replays of games shortly after they conclude.
- Offers live radio broadcasts of all games, allowing fans to listen to games on the go.
- Access to exclusive off-the-field content, including original programming, classic games, and highlight reels.
Extra Innings Extras
- Generally, focuses more on live game coverage with fewer additional features.
- May offer some pre- or post-game shows, but fewer original productions compared to MLB TV.
How to Choose Between MLB TV and Extra Innings
Choosing the right service largely depends on individual preferences, lifestyle, and viewing habits.
Choose MLB TV if you…
- Prefer streaming content over cable.
- Enjoy watching archived games and highlights.
- Want to access games from anywhere with an internet connection.
- Are looking for the flexibility of watching on multiple devices.
Choose Extra Innings if you…
- Prefer a traditional cable setup.
- Want to watch games on a larger screen without worrying about buffering.
- Are already invested in a cable package and wish to add on more baseball content.
Conclusion
In conclusion, MLB TV and Extra Innings each offer distinctive ways for baseball fans to engage with their favorite teams.
MLB TV serves as a versatile and robust option for tech-savvy viewers who value flexibility and a wide variety of content. Its ability to stream live and archived games on multiple devices makes it appealing for those with busy lifestyles or who frequently travel.
On the other hand, Extra Innings is an excellent choice for fans who are still rooted in traditional television and prefer the reliability of cable. With its straightforward premise of simply tuning into games, it works well for those who may not be as comfortable with streaming technology.
For anyone serious about following Major League Baseball, understanding these differences will help make the right choice that fits your needs. Whether it’s the excitement of live broadcasts or the convenience of a rich library of games, both MLB TV and Extra Innings cater to a dedicated fanbase eager to support their favorite teams.
What is MLB TV and how does it differ from Extra Innings?
MLB TV is a subscription-based streaming service offered by Major League Baseball that allows fans to watch out-of-market games live and on-demand. Subscribers can access games from all MLB teams, as well as additional content such as highlights, classic games, and player interviews. The service is available on a variety of platforms, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and web browsers, making it a versatile option for fans who want to watch games from anywhere.
On the other hand, Extra Innings is primarily a package offered by cable and satellite providers that includes a selection of out-of-market games. Unlike MLB TV, which is focused on streaming, Extra Innings relies on traditional broadcasting methods. The availability of games can vary depending on your cable provider, and some games may not be accessible due to regional broadcasting rights. This difference in delivery method can influence a fan’s decision on which service to choose.
Can I watch local games with MLB TV?
MLB TV has restrictions on local games due to the league’s broadcasting rights agreements. If a user’s favorite team is playing a game that is considered local or is being broadcast on a regional sports network in their area, that game may be blacked out on MLB TV. This can be frustrating for fans who want to follow their home team but are unable to do so if they are outside the blackout region.
However, MLB TV subscribers have the option to watch archived local games the day after they air. This feature allows fans to catch up on games they couldn’t watch live, although it doesn’t provide the same immediate satisfaction as viewing a game in real time. Fans often have to weigh these blackout restrictions against the benefits of the service when considering their options.
Are there any additional costs associated with MLB TV or Extra Innings?
MLB TV typically requires an annual subscription fee, which can make it more costly for fans who prefer to watch only a handful of games. While MLB does occasionally provide discounts for new subscribers, the base subscription price can deter casual fans. It’s important to check for any promotions or bundle options that may be available, as those might offer some savings.
Extra Innings is usually bundled with your cable or satellite subscription, which means that it might seem less expensive upfront if you already have a cable package. However, additional fees may apply depending on your provider’s terms, especially if you want to include additional features or channels. Ultimately, fans need to consider their viewing preferences and budget to determine which option is more financially viable.
Can I watch MLB TV or Extra Innings on multiple devices?
Yes, MLB TV offers flexibility in terms of device compatibility. Subscribers can watch games on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs. There are also options for casting to larger screens, such as using Chromecast or Apple TV. This multi-device support allows fans to enjoy games wherever they are, whether at home or on the go.
Extra Innings, while it can be available on multiple television sets in a household, typically does not have the same level of cross-device streaming support as MLB TV. The focus remains on cable and satellite viewing, so the ability to watch games on mobile devices is limited. For fans who prioritize viewing flexibility, the accessibility of MLB TV across different platforms makes it a strong contender.
What kind of content and features does each service offer?
MLB TV provides subscribers with a variety of content beyond live game broadcasts. Fans can access game replays, team highlight packages, and exclusive interviews with players and coaches. Additionally, there is an extensive library of classic games, which is great for nostalgic fans looking to relive memorable moments in baseball history. The platform also includes features like pitch tracking and augmented reality displays to enhance the viewing experience.
Extra Innings, in contrast, primarily focuses on live game broadcasts without the additional layers of content that MLB TV offers. While it does provide access to numerous out-of-market games, it lacks the extensive on-demand content, highlights, and exclusive features that come with an MLB TV subscription. Fans who enjoy a comprehensive baseball experience may find themselves leaning towards MLB TV for its richer content offerings.
How do blackouts work with each service?
Blackouts can be a significant issue for both MLB TV and Extra Innings subscribers, but they operate under different rules. With MLB TV, games that are aired locally are subject to blackout restrictions based on your geographical location. This means if you are close to the home market of the team playing, you may not have access to those games through the MLB TV service, even if they are available to viewers outside that area.
Extra Innings also faces blackout rules, but these are generally tied to the specific cable or satellite provider and what local channels they offer. Viewers may find that even if they have Extra Innings, they still cannot access certain games due to local broadcasting rights. As a result, both services may leave fans with disappointments when it comes to viewing local games, highlighting the importance of checking blackout policies before choosing a subscription.