Technically, since Johan S. wants to pay for the MLS streaming service, MLS will benefit and thus will have no reason to lodge a complain with the DHS. It's the foreign syndicators who will/may feel aggrieved. On the other hand, if there's no syndicator in Sweden, there's very little cause for them to go after Johan S's $40. Plus, how does one get into a tiff with a VPN over something like this?
In Mexico, they only show 1 MLS match a week (On ESPN), which is already blacked out in the USA... No need of a VPN for that...
Just FYI - Chris Schlosser, the MLS digital head, said on Twitter recently that pricing had not been determined and DK and the online package may be the same rate.
Thanks for the info. Interesting because that would be a hell of an increase (unless they're offering something new and impressive in terms of features for MDL or dropping the price for DK). If I remember correctly, Direct Kick was $80 and Match Day Live was $40 last year. There will of course be more games available this season due to the two expansion teams.
It's a little unclear and it's been a long day. After reading it again you might be right. [checks wallet] And I sure as hell hope you are.
Would love to see the day where buying the TV package also gave you the internet access. It seems fair to me really. Or at least a combo where for a small amount more you could get both. This would obviously require a bit of coordination with the TV providers.... but it's got to be possible.
I have a hard time believing that he meant anything other than both packages will be the same price as last year. (Do any sports leagues price their TV and internet packages at the same rate? I'd be shocked if any do.) But it is unclear: https://twitter.com/#!/SchlosserChris/status/35795437856231424
Hey guys- sorry for the confusion...pricing is still in the works for 2011 MDL...what I intended to say on Twitter was that pricing at some point for the Broadband package may be the same as DK...not sure that will happen in 2011 but at some point as we add functionality that allows you to stream games to your TV, MDL and DK basically become the same thing just delivered in different forms. We are working on deals with Roku, Boxee, Panasonic and others to bring the ability to stream direct to tv. (Note: These deals won't be final ahead of First Kick) Hope this clears it up a bit.
I'll be buying at least one Roku or one of those devices whenever the functionality is added. Good news.
First of all thank you for posting on here. People like me really appreciate getting info on what is going on with MDL. I do have a few questions about MDL in 2011. 1 - Will there be any changes to the web browser based MDL this year? Personally I am hoping for the ability to expand the game itself to full screen unlike last year where the interface was always on the bottom of the screen alongside with two minor black bars on the side on my HDTV. 2 - Is there any further details on the interface/design/etc for Roku, Boxee, etc? 3 - How soon will the pricing for 2011 be unveiled?
I'll buy it only if its available on the Roku. I have a large screen, a girlfriend, and lots of wine. I'm ready. I already promised her one for every gol.
It's only a matter of time before TV channels become as obsolete as newspapers because everyone will be getting all their video through digital means. When this happens, sports leagues and other content providers will start dealing directly with the viewers. My guess is that MLS will be one of the first to make this switch since they're the least dependent on TV revenue. And also, because their sport can't compete with others like gridiron football, which has little sustained action, or baseball, which takes a commercial timeout every time a pitcher scratches his crotch. It's great to see that MLS realizes this and is thinking ahead.