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YouTube TV: A Comprehensive Overview for Cord Cutters
Free trial: Yes | Monthly price: $73/month | Live TV: Yes | Local channels: Yes
YouTube TV has emerged as a compelling choice for individuals transitioning away from traditional cable television, offering a flexible alternative without the burden of long-term contracts. With a lineup of over 85 channels, it aims to provide a broad spectrum of content to ensure users don’t feel a significant loss when they discontinue their cable or satellite services. Notably, YouTube TV includes local PBS channels, a feature that many competing live TV streaming platforms often overlook.
Live Sports Coverage
One of the standout features of YouTube TV is its extensive sports programming. Subscribers can access popular sports networks such as CBS, FOX, ESPN, NBC, TBS, and TNT. Additionally, the service includes dedicated sports channels like the MLB Network, NBA TV, and the NFL Network. For sports enthusiasts seeking more specialized content, YouTube TV offers a Sports Plus package for an extra $11 a month, which provides access to channels such as NFL RedZone, FOX College Sports, and others. However, it’s important to note that YouTube TV has recently lost access to Bally Sports regional networks, meaning fans won’t be able to watch region-specific channels like Bally Sports Detroit or Bally Sports Southwest.
Enhanced DVR Features
YouTube TV caters especially well to sports fans with innovative DVR capabilities. Instead of manually recording each game, users can simply follow their favorite teams, allowing the DVR to automatically record all their games. Furthermore, if you miss the beginning of a match, the “catch up with key plays” feature provides highlights to bring you up to speed quickly.
Pricing and Channel Lineup
At a monthly rate of $73, YouTube TV is positioned at the higher end of the streaming service market, comparable to standard cable packages. For an additional $20 per month, subscribers can upgrade to 4K viewing, which is currently only available for select sporting events. A typical subscription includes a diverse array of channels such as BBC, BET, Comedy Central, Food Network, MTV, Nickelodeon, USA, among others.
DVR and On-Demand Features
YouTube TV boasts one of the finest cloud DVR systems available, offering unlimited storage and allowing subscribers to access their recorded content for up to nine months. Users can easily rewind and fast-forward through recorded shows without incurring any extra fees. It’s worth mentioning that while you can enjoy a range of on-demand content, these selections may still include advertisements that you cannot skip.
Premium Channel Options
The platform also offers a variety of premium channels starting at $3 per month, including Showtime, Max, Starz, Cinemax, and EPIX. For those looking for even more value, an Entertainment Plus bundle can be purchased, which includes Max, Showtime, and Starz for $30 a month. Additional niche options are available as well, such as CuriosityStream, AMC Premiere, Shudder, Sundance Now, Urban Movie Channel, and Acorn TV. — N.L.
Source
www.engadget.com