Roku Player Gets MLB.TV

The $99 Roku Player set-top box can now let subscribers tap into live and pre-recorded video streams from Major League Baseball.

The $99 Roku set-top box—which also lets Netflix subscribers tap into Netflix streaming content and Amazon Video On Demand—has issued a new software update that lets MB.TV subscribers access live and pre-recorded Major League Baseball programming via MLB.tv. Roku owners just need to update their Roku software, if they haven’t received it already; once the software is installed, users can log into their MLB Premium account and enter a code latching the account to their Roku player. Folks interested in trying out the service can subscribe to the remainder of the 2009 season for $35.

The Roku player doesn’t let customer magically watch in-market live ball games: the service will only enable subscribers to pull in games that don’t involve their local franchise teams. However, the new feature does mark the first time the Roku box has provided access to live video content.

The deal marks Major League Baseball’s most recent foray into digital distribution; MLB has previously made a deal with the cross-platform media player Boxee to stream live game video; MLB content is also available via the Apple TV.