MLB Network Now Available To Chicago Comcast Subscribers
by Al Yellon on Dec 20, 2008 1:40 PM CST
Email
PrintIf you live in the city of Chicago and have Comcast Cable, the MLB Network showed up on digital channel 410 when I flipped to that channel this afternoon.
At this moment (1:40 pm CST Saturday) they are showing something about the Red Sox.
Don't know what they'll be showing between now and the official launch on January 1, but it's a good place to get a baseball fix on these cold, snowy days. Not sure if there's a HD version yet. Here's the MLB Network official site.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.
69 comments
|
1 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Is it free?
Or are they going to be like the NFL Network and pay a huge fee for it?
BCB Works Miracles: It saved my English grade!
It comes with your basic cable package
assuming that your cable company offers MLB Extra Innings.
There was kind of a big debate on this last off-season.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 20, 2008 2:09 PM CST up reply actions
Not exactly.
You have to buy the sports/entertainment tier on digital cable to get it.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Really?
I guess I might be confused on the definition of “Basic” cable but I was under the impression that cable systems had to carry it on their most commonly purchased tier if they wanted to carry EI.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 20, 2008 2:12 PM CST up reply actions
I remember the controversy as well.
In the Philadelphia, South Jersey and Northern Delaware area it IS on the basic digital tier. Basic digital is different than basic cable, which is analog.
From the MLB Network website:
MLB Network will be broadly distributed across 43 cable and satellite systems on expanded digital basic cable or the equivalent
They are saying it will be the biggest channel launch with 50 million homes able to receive it. Doubt that would be the case if a sports package were required to get it.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
Well...
… channel 410 on my digital box is on a sports tier, it’s not considered “basic”, I don’t think.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
I've got it on mine
and I don’t have the sports tier. Not sure if it’s free now and then they’ll charge for it when it goes “live” in January, but for the time being, I’m getting it as part of my basic digital package.
"Dad gum right this games gonna be played under protest. . . I guarantee this is gonna be one protest that's upheld." --Hawk Harrelson, 6/24/07
Well...
…..channel 280 is part of the regular digital tier on my cable box and is not part of any sports package, is part of the most “basic” DIGITAL package- don’t even have movie channels.
Sorry to contradict you- had no idea this was a sore spot for you.
It’ll never happen again.
"Baseball is like church- many attend, few understand." ~ Leo Durocher
Not a sore spot, just didn't know.
No worries.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
So Al,
if it is showing up now for me, does this mean I will have it when it finally goes full time?
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Dec 20, 2008 5:57 PM CST up reply actions
Assuming you have the same Comcast system that I do...
… yes.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Cool...
Kwa...Ki...Sur...Pee...Nee...Ku?
by Kinky Reggae on Dec 20, 2008 7:37 PM CST up reply actions
USA Today article
They might show minors and NPB games. Man, I hope so.
Unfortunately, they also talk about “Reality shows.” Now I’ve got no problem with something like Million Dollar Arm, that might be fun. What I please, please don’t want is anything like NESN’s “Sox Appeal” which is a dating show for Red Sox fans.
Of course, most of the programming will be old games and endless broadcasting of their version of “Baseball Tonight” which I believe they’re calling “MLB Tomight.” It’s completely different than “Baseball Tonight” because it has Harold Reynolds on it. Oh, waitaminute.
I do notice that Dan Plesac has been hired away by the MLB Network. Someone else will have to conduct the big blue train or whatever he was calling it.
The "MLB Tonight" show...
… will be on from 6 pm Eastern every night until the last game ends. This will be a perfect way of getting game updates without having to wait for BBTN.
If the production values are good, ESPN is in trouble.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Nah
ESPN will just show NFL Draft Preview, NFL Draft Review and NFL Training Camp Updates instead of Baseball Tonight. :-)
Seriously, although we’re pretty much all willing to throw “The Worldwide Leader” off the train because of their lousy baseball coverage, the NFL Network hasn’t had an impact on their NFL shows. They’ll still have an audience. But hopefully, the smart fans will be on MLB.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 20, 2008 2:50 PM CST up reply actions
Well, that was the point I was trying to make...
… and didn’t make it well. IF they have good production values — and it says below they might not — I would expect a lot of ESPN’s baseball viewers to switch over. Why wouldn’t you want to watch a show where you can get updates all night long rather than wait for an hour of BBTN?
Obviously, ESPN will survive. But I’ll watch the MLB Network if they’re any good at all.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Don't expect production values to be good
Perhaps because I know some of the producers over there :) (cockiness inside of me coming out).
To be honest, I don’t think they have people working there qualified to produce for a TV network. They didn’t really do too much hiring outside the company which means most of the video people on mlb.com just shifted over to the network.
That's not good news.
Either it means they’re cheap, or they just didn’t do too much looking.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Both
I don’t think it means they are cheap, I think it’s more they didn’t hunt outside of their resources. I am a producer at WWE (which I’m proud of and have shared on here) and I have contacts all over NY, CT and NJ and I don’t know a single person contacted to work for the network.
What I do know is people who worked for mlb.com were moved over to their network. No offense to the hard work at mlb.com but their production skills are not at the level of a TV network.
That being said, they might have brought in a producer or two who can train these PA’s and AP’s to do a good job. I just think the level they are capable of at this moment are not at the level what one would expect from a TV network.
It’s no secret I work for WWE and love or hate wrestling, production level is fantastic. We are 30 minutes from MLB and not a single person has been contacted to work there. Not only that, our TV studio is shared in the same building as YES network, A&E, Food Network and Versus to name a few. Not a single person there to my knowledge has been contacted by MLB for even an interview. They did contact and hired people who worked for the Mets scoreboard team. The problem is, those producers don’t edit. They produce 20 second vignettes when players take their first at bat for the tron (which is pretty good) and everything else that shows up in the scoreboard is stolen from VH1.
I hope I’m wrong but I really don’t have high hopes for the networks original programming.
They'll need directors who do live programming...
… if they’re really serious about producing a 6+ hour live show every night.
Whether they have such people or not, I don’t know. They won’t need anyone like that till April, so maybe they’re still looking.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
About directors
As of last week they were still looking to hire a director if that says anything.
Yeah, it does.
Not that I’d want to move there, but they need directors who have done live news shows before.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Agreed
Trust me, I’d just on the chance to work for MLB Networks if I were offered a position and it paid relatively well (which it probably doesn’t) but they seem to be bringing in 90% of their staff from in house.
Granted, they do a great job on shows like TWIB but the workload is so much heavier.
Remember
remember when we were talking about a 24 hour Cubs network?
The programming would be
Dancing with the Cubs : Cubs players dance with pro dancers like the ABC show.
The Closer: The life and times of whomeve the closer turns out to be.
Law and Order GM Crimes Unit getting to the bottom of the worst trades the Cubs ever made.
Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 20, 2008 6:16 PM CST up reply actions
Don't forget these other great shows!
Fishing Lake Michigan with Lou Piniella
Joey Gathright’s EXTREME WALKING (sponsored by Mountain Dew; Soriano co-hosts)
Dempster Diving (witness the zany exploits of Ryan and friends around Chicago!)
Let’s Make a Trade! (with your host, Jim Hendry)
Fukudome Super Energy Hour Go! (your guess is as good as mine)
Zambrano, P.I. (Carlos plays a street savvy investigator who brings the heat)
5-4-3 in the 3-1-2 (Aramis, DeRosa, and DLee talk sports; will be renamed 5-4-3 in the 7-7-3 beginning October 12, 1996)
Buy or Zell? (financial advice from the team owner)
Cajun Cooking (The Riot and LBR prepare their favorite dishes)
The 2009 Chicago All-City Spelling Bee, hosted by Jeff Samarj Samardzj Samardzija
Bleed Cubbie Blue: Like Drāno for your internet tubes.
You forgot
The little engine that couldn’t, starring Ronny Cedeno.
Well
I have Mediacom, who I am unhappy with already (and they don’t get a lot of channels right now as it is). I see DirectTV is getting MLB Network. I guess this cements my decision to switch over.
In another quote attributed to him while coaching for the 1962 Mets, Hornsby was asked how well he thought he could hit the current crop of pitchers if he were playing today, to which he replied "I guess I'd hit about .280 or .290". When asked why he'd hit for such a low average, Hornsby replied "Well, I'm 66 years old, what do you expect?"
Anyone have
a DirecTv channel number yet? I can’t seem to find a Channel Finder on the MLB Network site.
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Dec 20, 2008 2:46 PM CST reply actions
It's going to be Channel 213
Just after 212 NFL Network and just before the 215 NHL Network. I’m going to assume the NBA Network is going to lobby for Channel 214 in their next negotiations.
It’s not up yet. I checked. But if you have a DVR, you can watch the commercials on the showcases.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 20, 2008 2:52 PM CST up reply actions
Thanks
for the knowledge!
"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark
by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Dec 21, 2008 2:58 PM CST up reply actions
Cubs programming there in January
Just a heads up:
-There will be a special look back at the 1945 World Series.
-Also the 1969 classic extra innings game against the Phillies will be shown at some point.
Most of the programming is reairing old playoffs and a lot of focus is on the Red Sox. They have a few interesting programs. Go to MLBnetwork.com to read more.
But for the record, don’t expect epic programming here. I don’t think their producers are at the level most TV networks would expect them to be as of yet.
im kinda excited about that
Baseball all the time? I don’t know how that could be a bad thing and the studios look pretty cool..
I have ATT u-verse just checked and still not there for us yet.
"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."
exicited about this*** oops
n/t
"You must try to generate happiness within yourself. If you aren't happy in one place, chances are you won't be happy anyplace."
I've got Charter
(I live in Minnesota) and have a placeholder channel now showing up on 790. I’m a bit worried because the 700’s are reserved for HD channels, and I don’t have HD service yet (I think I’ll be able to afford my HDTV before baseball season starts). Charter is supposed to be one of the providers that will get MLB-TV, so I’ve got my fingers crossed…
Moose
Hubbs!
Anyone know if this will be on Time Warner?
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
Yes
with a few exceptions. Mostly small towns that haven’t upgraded their systems yet. But if you can buy MLB Extra Innings, you’ll get it.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 20, 2008 7:48 PM CST up reply actions
yeah i found the link shortly after that
Im looking forward to it
Okay, just so I understand it... in your wildest fantasy, you are in hell. And you are co-running a bed and breakfast with the devil.
and yet....
NO U-Verse. According to this… http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6624003.html
While Petitti says the network will have to increase is subscriber base — Dish Network and AT&T are the biggest holdouts
Kasey
See what old Cubs Scorecards looked like at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/scorecards.html
Also, see the Cubs 2009 schedule at http://cubsbythenumbers.com/sched2009.html
And that's what I tell AT&T
every time they ask me to switch.
by Josh Timmers on Dec 20, 2008 9:22 PM CST up reply actions
Baseball games
So how often will games be played daily? Is it 1 game a night? Do Cubs have a shot at getting an afternoon spot? And do they have the local crew calling the games of the MLB TV crew calling games?
Suggestion for Al
Perhaps you want to create a sub folder for Cubs programming on MLB network? It can be updated whenever anything Cubs related is on that week?
When we find out more about exactly what they're doing...
… I’ll see what I can do.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
MLB TV is in HD
First I apologize for 3 posts in a row.
MLB TV is being offered in HD for anyone with Cablevision. That atleast means everyone could and should have the capabilities to get that channel in HD down the road.
Let me chime in here
This is from the Comcast perspective since I work for them:
Channel 410 is reserved for the Digital Sports and Entertainment package; The channel that you see now with the MLB Network preview is what is known as a “barker channel” years ago these channels used to just show the TV Guide Channel or a local access channel with local events and news.
Now, keep this in mind. In order to have the MLB Network once it becomes available on Jan 1st. You must:
A. You must have subscribed to a digital package offered by Comcast
B. Have a digital receiver on each TV you wish to watch this channel on
C. You must have the Digital Sports and Entertainment Package (Additional $7.99 per month) Includes: NFL,NHL,NBA, MLB Networks, Speed, CBS College, FSN College Sports and a host of outdoor networks and The Hallmark Movie Channel and Fox Movie Channel a total of about 25 channels.
Chicago Comcast customers will receive the Hallmark Movie Channel in HD in addition to the sports networks in HD.
On thing to remember: You MUST order the Sports and Entertainment package in order to get the MLB network.
On a side note about AT&T U-Verse subscribers: Dont expect to get the MLB Network in the near future, Since this new MLB Network is partly owned by the big C, dont expect to get MLB Network on U-Verse if at all especially since there has been well documented cases of AT&T’s reluctance to carry Comcast owned channels in the past.
Any questions regarding Comcast let me know Ill be more then happy to help.
Thanks for all this info.
What channel will the HD version of the MLB Network be on, in Chicago?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Oddly enough
My U-Verse package gives me Comcast Sports Chicago, which the Comcast in Indianapolis didn’t offer me.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
I cleared it with the Marital Funds Oversight Committee last night.
We’ll be adding the Digital Sports and Entertainment Package to our Comcast subscription later this month. In the meantime, I caught some of the current programming on channel 410 yesterday. They’re running some cool footage of historic games/events, but it gets a little dizzying after a while. Still, looking forward to getting the Fully Monty come January.
Thanks for the info, Galvan.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
"Marital Funds Oversight Committee" LOL
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Yeah, I don't know why I wrote it that way.
I shall strive to earn back those 9 BCB points.
Yes, yes ... winter is indeed a pond upon which all of us must skate, braving frostbite and runny noses in the hopes that our cars will start and we shan't embarass ourselves slipping on a patch of black ice. Spring is more a quagmire of cold mud and slush, and fall is a pile of fallen leaves that may or may not hide a pile of doggy doo-doo. But summer, ah summer is an oasis of endless green that disappears all too quickly beneath our feet as we rush through its warm, glorious bliss.
DIRECTV ?????
I called them last week about MLB Chnl the girl did not have a clue what I was talking about …..
RCN
Anyone have RCN and know where this would be/if they carry it?
On a similar note, does any have RCN and hate it more than anything it the world?
I tried calling them a few days ago
to ask and they were totally clueless. The “customer service rep” had never heard of the channel. I’m hopefully they will offer it as they offer Extra Innings.
Hey, it's a new century!
by cowsarecool220 on Dec 21, 2008 12:41 AM CST up reply actions
RCN drives me into a frothing mouthed fury
"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.
If RCN is so bad, why subscribe? Just curious...
…do you have other options?
New sig currently under construction
no other options
I live in a communist neighborhood.
"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.
You could get satellite.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
not on the 31st floor alas
"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.
Really?
Why? Because you’re facing the wrong way? If you have a south facing window you should be able to.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
north and west :-(
"Truth does not do as much good in the world as the semblance of truth does evil," - Duc de La Rochefoucauld, Maxims, 64.
That explains it, then.
You’ll just have to move!
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Here in the suburbs
Here in the suburbs it’s also on 410. I’m watching the 2004 World Series.
Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)
the 04 Red Sox
I don’t know why it always gets to my heartsrrings seeing this. I think maybe it’s because when it’s our turn so many of the same things will happen and be said about the Cubs and us fans.
Barbara V. October 14, 1941 - December 19, 2008. A great lady who was a friend to all and like a second mom to her children's friends (she was my best friend's mom)
by puckishcubsfan on Dec 21, 2008 7:54 AM CST up reply actions
It's on 279 on Comcast in Nashville
I saw it a week ago for the first time and they were showing the White Sox celebrating the 05 W.S. I didn’t stick around long…
Thanks for passing this along
This will be a nice option for when I need a little something different.
MLB network needs to add RSS to their site, though, or I’ll never remember to check them out.
Rec’d
by Dave in the basement on Dec 22, 2008 12:25 PM CST reply actions
Does anyone in the Southwest know if Cox will have this channel?
I don’t see anything on their website
"I never drink water because of the disgusting things fish do in it" -W.C. Fields
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
Cubs By The Numbers
Cubs By The Numbers is a history of the ballclub by uniform number, but the biographies help trace the history of our beloved team in a new way. For everyone who's a Cubs fan, anyone who ever wore the uniform is like family. Cubs By The Numbers reintroduces readers to some of their long-lost ancestors, even ones they think they already know.
Click here to order your copy, available now!
Recent Stories in Chicago Cubs Game Threads
Recent Stories in Ticket Exchanges
Baseball Nation Recent Stories
In Association With
Big League Stew - MLB - Yahoo! Sports
- The Juice: Nelson Cruz matches career high eight RBIs, Pujols stays hot in Seattle
- Benches clear at Fenway as Red Sox-Rays rivalry heats up
- Keeping good company: Albert Pujols becomes fourth-youngest player to hit 450 home runs
- Giancarlo Stanton misses cutoff man, and Logan Morrison is thankful he did (Video)
- Snoop Dogg delivers memorable first pitch at U.S. Cellular Field
