SNP 360 - SportsNet Pittsburgh 4+

The majority of the time, the picture quality is good. However, before commercial breaks, the image frequently changes to a freeze frame (what the freeze frame is depends on the game), so we miss the last 30-45 seconds of action before the break. It also freezes multiple times per game, requiring us to back out and go back in (and when we go back in, a commercial triggers 15 seconds in, so you miss yet more action). I use this app to watch hockey: hockey is a fast game, so these little glitches significantly interfere with my ability to watch the game. I’ve missed goals, penalties, even the end of a game because of these glitches. If I were paying $5/mo for this, I’d be annoyed but I’d live with it. For $20/mo, it’s criminal. I can’t believe my options are this or paying for cable.

I so want to like this app. I love the convenience of it as a cord-cutter, that I’m still able to watch the Pirates and Penguins. I use my iPhone as well as an Apple TV. Doesn’t matter the device, I can only stream for about 20 minutes at a time before the app freezes and I have to exit the stream and reload. 1GB fiberoptic at my house. What’s SO annoying is that every time you reload the stream, you’re treated to the most unnecessary 5-second ad. It invariably comes at the worst times - almost inevitably making you miss a big moment. The subscription is by no means cheap, and the quality just is NOT there.

I only have two complaints. One is that when commercials are approaching the screen goes blank as if the stoppage is anticipated and all you see is the penguins symbol for at least 30 seconds and of course you miss the action on ice and then is goes to commercials. So the service you pay good money for is cut short. You miss the action. The second complaint is that the commercials you see on the app are usually the same five commercials every break. It is not the same feed as live tv. This is not as bad as missing the action and you can just mute. But main complaint is first. They should not ever cut away on a service you pay good money for. This is unAmerican and treasonous.