When it comes to streaming services, we may as well be spoilt. We have the likes of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Now, Starz Play and so forth. However, when it comes to Cable streaming services there are few and far apart, such as Sling TV. However, now we have another service to add to that list, YouTube TV.
“There’s no question that people love TV, from live sports to breaking news to sitcoms and dramas. But the truth is, there are a lot of limitations in how to watch TV today. Unlike online video, people can’t watch TV when they want, on any screen and on their terms, without commitments. Consumers have made it clear that they want live TV without all the hassle. They don’t want to worry about their DVR filling up. They don’t want to miss a great game or their favorite show because they’re on the go. They tell us they want TV to be more like YouTube.”
– Christian Oestlien, Product Management Director
The new service brought to you by Google was announced at an event in California and will cost $35 for a monthly subscription. For that price you get a tonne of cable TV channels as well as local news and sports due to partnerships with local TV stations. The local stations will appear depending on where you live. Furthermore, consumers can also add Showtime, or Fox Soccer Plus to your networks for an additional charge. In total, YouTube TV gives you access to more than 40 networks.
YouTube TV also operates a cloud DVR letting you record live TV to watch later. While YouTube touts this as unlimited, there is a hard 9-month cap. However, the cloud-based streaming service lets you watch YouTube TV on any screen—mobile, tablet or computer—and you can easily stream to your TV with a Google Chromecast or Chromecast built-in TV.
Furthermore, those subscribed to YouTube TV will also get access to YouTube Red original series and movies. A subscription also gives you six different accounts, letting you stream a maximum of three concurrent streams. Currently, YouTube TV will only be available to the US market, but chances are it will expand to the rest of the world as is normal with Google services.
