Online Soccer Options

That pretty much is the list, I think.

MLS Matchday, foxsoccer.tv, justintv, and espn3.com

You can, when necessary, scrounge up something most of the time from other sources.

I'd also suggest buying a Roku if you want to get stuff on your tv. There's an FSC app which apparently provides highlights of each EPL game each week (free), and there's ongoing rumors that there will be an MLS app this year. There are already MLB, NHL, NBA, and UFC apps (subscriptions). Not to mention a million other channels to watch, including Netflix, Hulu+, and Amazon VOD. There's also a justintv app so you don't even have to crack the computer open to use that site.

But if you're happy with your computer or computer-->tv connection, then stick with that as you aren't limited to what's available on one device.

 

I have the XD I think it's called, which is HD and HDMI compatible. Most of the content is not HD, save for the biggies like Netflix. Wireless is built into it so you can just connect to your home network. I think it's $59 these days. You can find it best buy I think, but mine was a gift.

Most of the content is free. All you pay for is the box, and there are no other monthly charges for Roku. However, various content providers you do have to pay monthly or per use, such as Netflix, Hulu+, Amazon VOD, MLB.com, etc.

In my opinion, what makes the Roku pretty good is not just the "official" channels (or apps), but also the unofficial ones created by third parties. If you Google "Roku private channels" you will get an idea of what else is offered that it not listed on the Roku site.

The interface is a little clunky at times, but pretty good. It might not be for everyone, but I think for someone on a budget who is a little technically inclined, it's a good rout for streaming content.

No YouTube though, probably one of the more notable places missing.

 

I've only used Hulu sparingly, I don't subscribe. For my interests, Netflix picks up more of the shows and movies I am interested in, than Hulu.

Generally, the book on them is that Hulu gives faster access to current series on the major networks and many cable stations, whereas Netflix gives you access to the entire series (all previous seasons) and newer episodes at a much slower rate. Since I'd rather watch 2 or 3 episodes in a row when I can than wait a week in between, and I don't care about standing around the water cooler talking about it, I can watch all of last season of Show XYZ at my leisure. I prefer that.

I would make up a list of what shows are most important to you, and just check to see if they are on what service, and what is available, ie, whether it's only current shows, the entire series, etc.

Unless you can afford both, then by all means, indulge.

 

The Roku just got significantly better:

This article says there is a new MLS channel available:

"In addition to the Netflix upgrades, Roku is highlighting an improved Facebook channel, a new Major League Soccer channel, Epix (which requires you to already have an Epix cable subscription), AOL HD, and FoxNews.com Live (the live online streaming content, which differs from the cable channel)."

Read more: http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105...new-game-enabled-video-players/#ixzz1SeHxpACM
part=rss&subj=news&tag=2547-1_3-0-20

And the Roku website agrees here:
http://www.roku.com/roku-products#2

However, I can't find it listed in the channels on the website. I will have to check on my Roku when I get home. No other details are provided, such as whether or not it is free or premium (I expect it to be premium), and since it is mentioned in news for the new Roku2 boxes, it could be possible it's only available on a Roku2, but that seems unlikely to me.

No mention of this on the MLS website.

 

I'm anxious to get home and check this out on my current box. If I can run MDL on my Roku, I'm signing up immediately.

 

I checked this morning without luck, thanks for the update. Will check it before calling it a night.

EDIT: 50% off MDL and I'm happy. Video of past games has been perfect, not a sputter anywhere. Maybe the lives games, or during match times, things could get choppier, but so far so good. The interface is not as slick as the web, more like standard Roku, but it works. Added bonus of the stat leader boards and standings (which you can access for free without a MDL account.) It has most of the functionality of the web interface, just a bit more labored.

If you ask me, a Roku and MDL make Direct Kick go bye bye.

 

After getting to play with it a little, some further information about MDL on Roku.

Highlights packages seem to be loaded by the next day, with the condensed game package following, and the full game archived 2-3 days later. Not sure how that compares to the web version of MDL as I haven't used it extensively.

And in case it wasn't clear, your one MDL account subscription is good for the web version, and the Roku, and I imagine any other MDL capable device.

Video quality has been good. Even my wife said it looked good, and she has no eye for that sort of thing.

And not to make this a Roku thread, but I also read today that Walmart's Vudu video on demand service with 20k titles is starting up, and since Rokus are now for sale at Walmart it's only a matter of time before Vudu comes to Roku, I think.

So if there is a good feed on Justintv.com, I can watch a game live on Roku, and if not, I can watch it archived on MDL on Roku. And since I barely get to see half of the games live right now, that works for me.

 

Attention anyone using Match Day Live in northern Maryland or Southern PA:

Have you found, as I did, that you are blacked out from BOTH DC United games AND Union games???

That pisses me off. There's no way to get a Union game on tv in my market, so WTF?

I already emailed MDL about it.

 

Sounders FC have their own Roku channel.

Damn them.