KoolAde2 wrote:
ok guys, those outside the blackout area that have MLB extra innings what percentage of games come HD, to me its not worth having the MLB package if its not in HD, every frigging Yankee and Mets game is on a HD channel here, yuck, plus on the regular channel and all you fence sitters, there is a difference even in the cheaper model HD TV, I got a 4500 dollar model for half price and with a 56" screen sitting right at 10 ft away, its like being at first row on the dugout.
I'm not outside of the MLB EI blackout area, though I hate that they think that Austin is close enough to be able to drive to MMP to see games regularly and include us in the blackouts. But looking at the MLB EI website, here's what I've been able to figure out as far as Astros standard definition vs HD broadcasts that have either already aired or will air in the near future...4 were SD only...6 were HD/SD dual broadcasts for at least one of the home or away telecasts. After that, everything is still "to be announced."

There is definitely a difference, but living in a small-ish apartment, a 56" screen would be a bit overwhelming. Not saying I wouldn't have gone for it if I had the extra money to do so...it would be pretty awesome :) I had to go with what the wallet/bank account allowed at the time. I'm extremely happy to have my 32", but I'm sure the difference will be just as extreme when my bank account allows me to move the 32" into the bedroom and drop a 56" (or something similar) into the living room.

Spudder wrote:
bwbollom, I didn't get Extra Innings because Direct's "Sports Pack" gave me a bunch of other games as long as they didn't coincide with Astros games, which I would be watching anyway. Are most of the EI telecasts in HD?
Overall, it looks like at least half, and usually upwards of 2/3 of each day's worth of baseball telecasts are dual broadcast in SD and HD. Here's the link to the April schedule so you can see for yourself what they have done and have planned:
MLB Extra Innings April Schedule
Since I'm an Astros fan first, but a baseball fan overall, I like having Extra Innings, especially for days when the Astros aren't playing and for day game/night game stuff. Plus, it gives me something to watch late in the evening once all of the West coast games get started which is kind of fun. It's a little bit expensive, but when you really consider it, overall it's probably the price of you and a friend going to one or maybe two games and you get to watch tons of games throughout the season! My wife is threatening to cancel it because we're running a little low on money right now and if we have to, it's fine, but if we end up being able to keep it, the summer will be much more entertaining :)