YouTube TV Has Launched

The over-the-top streaming TV landscape has become a little more crowded with the launch of YouTube TV.

Which is great since competition oftentimes leads to better service and lower costs.

YouTube TV joins Sling TV, DirecTV Now and PlayStation Vue as the primary Internet TV services currently available.  Others may join the streaming party later this year.

If you’re not familiar with these alternatives to regular cable and satellite TV, you can read our thoughts on Sling TV, PlayStation Vue and my experience almost canceling my DirecTV service for an antenna and an over-the-top service by clicking the corresponding links.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is similar to the other over-the-top streaming services in that it offers a variety of cable channels, and depending on your location, major networks (ABC, NBC, CBS and Fox) as well for a price much lower than a typical monthly cable or satellite bill.

YouTube TV offers live streaming of the channels pictured below, a Cloud DVR with no storage limits and 6 accounts per household for $35 per month.

You can add Showtime to your account for $11 per month and Fox Soccer Plus for an extra $15 per month.

YouTube TV is currently (April 2017) offering a deal where the first month of service is free and after you pay for the second month you’ll receive a Google Chromecast free.

And, you’ll be able to watch all provided content on your Android, iPhone and iPad mobile devices, on your TV via Google Chromecast (compatibility with other streaming device platforms – Roku, Apple TV, etc. – are to come later this year) and on your laptop or desktop computer.

The Downsides

The Verge wrote a piece in which they listed 10 important things to know before signing up for YouTube TV.  Here are a few:

Limited availability at launch.  Currently, YouTube TV is only available in these areas:

• Chicago
• Los Angeles
• New York City and surrounding suburbs
• Philadelphia
• San Francisco Bay Area

If you live outside of those areas, like I do, you can sign up to be notified when YouTube TV becomes available in your area.  The main reason for this limited availability area has to do with negotiating the broadcast rights for the major networks where affiliates run the show.

Don’t sign up for YouTube TV via an iPhone or iPad.  For whatever reason, using the iTunes Store to sign up will result in the monthly price being $39.99 rather than $35.00!  Sign up via the web and save some cash.

You’ll still get hit with blackouts.  While this happens mostly with sports, it can occur with other, more typical, TV programming.  And it’s not just a YouTube TV thing.  I had the same thing happen during my trial of PlayStation Vue’s streaming service.  Some TV shows on these streaming platforms get blacked out.  And it’s hard to know which ones in advance.  Just know it’s part of the over-the-top streaming experience.

There are many more important points The Verge covers, so give the full article, “10 Important Things to Know Before Signing Up for YouTube TV,” a look before giving it a try.

Bottom Line

I wouldn’t be surprised if there are a few kinks to be worked out with YouTube TV in its early stages.  DirecTV Now definitely had some, and it tainted the view of many who gave it an early try.

Keep that in mind if you happen to live in one of the few locales which has access now and you decide to give it a go.

And, each over-the-top provider has its pros and cons.  Look at them all and decide which is best for your viewing habits.

No matter which you choose, they’ll all save you money over a traditional cable/satellite package.

YouTube TV looks promising.  I want to get a better idea how its DVR service will work.  PlayStation Vue’s was more an on-demand type system for individual shows, rather than a more traditional DVR.

And, I’d like to see a few more cable channels added to their lineup…maybe AMC for fans of The Walking Dead.

Other than that, it’s definitely a contender in what is becoming a crowded field in the Internet TV arena.

You can view the YouTube TV sign-up site here.

Have you given YouTube TV a try?  What are your thoughts?