Youtube Goes Live TV
When it comes to video streaming, Youtube is arguably one of the frontrunners. With its free service and millions of videos, it is no wonder that the app records more than a billion users every month—and that’s just the users who log in. And just recently, the multimedia giant has expanded its service by providing you with live TV streaming. With Youtube TV, you can now stream major broadcast and cable networks straight from your device. There is no need to subscribe to pay cable or sit in front of your television to watch your favorite show. Whatever genre you wish to watch, this app has got the channel for you.
What You Get
First things first, users need to know that Youtube TV is a completely separate app from Youtube. Much like live TV streaming programs, Youtube TV gives you a cable-TV-like experience through a variety of devices, including your mobile phone. The service operates in much the same way as competitors. There is a program guide, a DVR, and channel selection. So, how does the app differs from the others?
The difference lies in the list of channels available. With the $50 basic rate, you can get more than 70 channels—63 of which are from the top 100 channels. Not only will you get popular channels—like ABC, Fox, CBS, and NBC—but you will also get news channels like BBC World News, CNBC, and CNN. Sports fanatics are also in for a treat as the app offers some of your favorite channels, such as ESPN, Big Ten Network, Olympic Channel, SEC Network, and CBS Sports Network. Of course, kids can also get their entertainment with Cartoon Network, Disney Channel, and Universal Kids.
However, while it seems like a lot of similar programs, like Hulu with Live TV, Youtube TV doesn’t offer any add-on channels packages. You cannot find HBO in its channel list—although since the Game of Thrones TV series has ended, we don’t really need it. And of course, you can always stream HBO from other apps, such as HBO Now, Apple TV, or Amazon Prime Video Channels.
What You Experience
The design for Youtube TV is very simple. There are three top-level tabs broken into Library, Home, and Live. The Library tab is where you can see your DVR content, while the Home tab shows you your featured and live thumbnails. The Live tab, on the other hand, comes with a familiar-looking grid showing the shows you are currently playing, as well as other upcoming shows. There is also a search bar at the top of the page where you can search for a particular content you want.
The app’s DVR works very well, even allowing you to rewind and fast-forward freely through the recording even if it isn’t completed yet. Moreover, the DVR cloud lets you store recorded shows for up to nine months. However, there had been issues with the cloud DVR, wherein your recording of a show in CBS will be automatically replaced when a show appeared in a network’s on-demand library. However, this issue does not affect recordings of other networks.
The price for a Youtube TV subscription starts at $50, which is relatively higher than some live TV apps, like Sling TV and Direct TV Now. But, with the channel selection and the seemingly-unlimited DVR capabilities, it is easier to get past the price.
Should You Get It?
If you want varied channel selection, but you don’t want to be beholden to a traditional cable company, then Youtube TV may be an attractive option. While it isn’t the cheapest service available, the app does have an excellent channel offering. Pair it up with an intuitive interface and a DVR that works well, then you can get your money’s worth. All in all, it is a recommended app for users who are looking to try live TV streaming.
