Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

Real Sues Baseball Over Windows Media

Posted by simoniker on from the not-happy-bunnies dept.

westlake writes 'According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, RealNetworks has sued Major League Baseball over its use of Windows Media. The dispute began with MLB's decision to stream exhibition games in WMA format only, under its revised contract, Real claims all live MLB streams must include RealMedia as an option. The piece states: 'Windows Media Player controlled about 34 percent of the U.S. market, compared with nearly 19 percent for RealOne player and 10 percent for QuickTime player, according to January data from Nielsen/NetRatings.'"

4 of 349 comments (clear)

  1. How were neilson ratings gathered? by Hungus · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Since real has licensed QT codecs I wonder how they figured out who has what penetration? They must be looking at what people are using to view/listen to the media as opposed to actual installed user base.

    --
    Bad Panda! No Bamboo for you! In matters of importance ACs will not be responded to. Want to say something critical,OK
  2. Real Supports Other Platforms by jpgrimes · · Score: 5, Interesting

    I think slashdot users should take note due to platform selection. I have paid for the mlb broadcasts the last two years since I could listen to the Redsox in Baltimore at home and work. Now, with windows media being the only stream being offered, I will not be able to listen to the broadcasts as windows media player doesn't support either my linux machines (or solaris the other OS I use). So MLB take note, I probably won't renew this year if media player is all you offer.

  3. Re:This is ridiculous. by LostCluster · · Score: 5, Interesting

    "Baseball season" is not a commonly used term at all. "Regular season" is the term you use when you want to describe period that excludes "preseason" and "postseason" games.

    Yes, the "pre-" and "post-" prefixes usually imply that it it's a time period outside of the usual unmodified use of the word... but in terms of sports seasons this may be questionable.

    The word "entire" or "regular" would have made this contract nice and clear. Since it isn't clear, that's why they go to court...

  4. Re:that's weird by DFossmeister · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Next thing you know, they'll be suing Click and Clack from CarTalk. They recently dumped Real in favor of Windows Media because of the difficulty in getting the real "Free" Real player, and then all of the pop-ups it had. WMP was just easier and less painful to their customers and their mailbox.

    Sometimes MS does get it right, at least a little bit.

    --
    No Not Again! Its whats for dinner.