OMG I want NBA league pass

[gynetix]

Appletv got it today, hoping this shows a sign the NBA is open to putting it's service on various platforms. I'm an NBA and NFL guy so whenever those apps come let it be known my credit cards waiting!

[gtrogue]

NBA I can see. NFL not likely.

Part of the contract extension with Directv from a few years ago required that an online version of NFL Sunday Ticket be available by 2012 for people without DTV subscriptions.

I doubt, however, we will see it available on devices. DirecTV and the networks will probably remain the only way to get NFL on a TV (exclusive of full HTPC's).

The networks and DirecTV pay the NFL tens of billions of dollars to broadcast the games. I doubt the NFL wants to jeopardize that revenue and, for sure, the networks don't want an alternative.

[stevo81989]

I think this is going to be what spurs the NBA into multiple platforms. They have been very weary of allowing STB's to access their content, but now that the backend is setup it should be easier for companies like boxee to negotiate a deal.

About the NFL, there were rumors going around a couple months ago that the NFL may be opening up on an alacarte basis, but I wouldnt hold your breathe.

The only way I can see this happening is if Directv allows its superfan package to be ported on the boxee box, but even that is a stretch.

[ScottAllyn]

The NBA seriously needs to bump up their bitrate before I'd consider tossing my money their way again. I subscribed to League Pass last year and canceled the membership after just a few days; the video quality was horrible on the tv and even looked pretty bad on a 24" monitor. The only screen where I couldn't see tons of digital compression artifacts and jaggies was the one on my 13" MacBook Pro. Yuck, I say!

[gynetix]

Yeah I did the trial and had no issues with the quality. I'm an NBA nut though so I was just happy to see all my laker games. I do have a 24 Mb connection though.

That's what I was thinking though, the app is set and the backend is there so hopefully boxee can swoop in. I mean anything is better then atdhe lol.

[ScottAllyn]

Yeah I did the trial and had no issues with the quality. I'm an NBA nut though so I was just happy to see all my laker games. I do have a 24 Mb connection though.

It definitely wasn't due to any bandwidth issues on my end; with a 150 Mbps connection, I have a bit to spare. 'Probably more related to what we each find to be acceptable for picture quality; I think fast moving sports need at least 10 Mbps to look good @ 50+ inches and I bet the League Pass video is barely a quarter of that.

[gynetix]

Wow 10Mb, yeah I wouldn't even expect half of that for the price. I'd be surprised if it was even 2.5Mb for the price lol. I'm sure in 2-3 years it will be but not yet.

I'd sign up immediately though, anythings better then atdhe, that's like 200 kbps

[stevo81989]

It definitely wasn't due to any bandwidth issues on my end; with a 150 Mbps connection, I have a bit to spare. 'Probably more related to what we each find to be acceptable for picture quality; I think fast moving sports need at least 10 Mbps to look good @ 50+ inches and I bet the League Pass video is barely a quarter of that.

Eeeek, well i guess you dont subscribe to any web based sports then Unfortunately I have a feeling we are a few years away from that.

[ladude626]

Roku also just got NBA League Pass! Must the sign of things to come for Boxee!

[ScottAllyn]

Eeeek, well i guess you dont subscribe to any web based sports then Unfortunately I have a feeling we are a few years away from that.

I do have an NHL GameCenter subscription. At 3 Mbps, it's tolerable (and a noticeable step up from the NBA League pass), but frequently quite frustrating since that little puck moves so quickly. It's soooo much easier to track the puck in the OTA games, but so few games are broadcast OTA - 'stuck with GameCenter. The 1.5 Mbps GameCenter stream is unwatchable, imo.