OT: YouTube TV users

[RU Golfer]

How do you like the service? I will be canceling my DirecTV and Optimum accounts soon and are considering YouTube. One of the the key features I liked about it is 3 simultaneous streams, this way it can be used in multiple places at one time. What are your opinions on the overall service?

 

[HeywoodGiant]

I like it better than any other streaming service I’ve had. You can also cancel or pause your membership at any time. The price keeps going up though

 

[scarletrider]

pros

1. better navigation than hulu
2. dvr works well for me

cons

1. i use 90% of it to watch games and i find frequent spinning circles (buffering) annoying
2. when watching some recorded movies, they force you to watch commercials. sometimes 9 of them.

 

[RUPete]

How much does it cost now? And NINE commercials? Wow!

 

[tico brown]

Remember when YouTube TV was $30 a month when it started? How much is it now?

 

[rutgersguy1]

pros

1. better navigation than hulu
2. dvr works well for me

cons

1. i use 90% of it to watch games and i find frequent spinning circles (buffering) annoying
2. when watching some recorded movies, they force you to watch commercials. sometimes 9 of them.

Haven't had any buffering issues in the time I've had it. I don't know if that's a signal strength or tv issue or YouTube TV issue. Only time I've had a very slight buffering issue is when changing channels and on the tvs that aren't hardwired. For the TV that is hardwired from the router, channel changing is as instantaneous as a cable box.

I've never had to watch commercials in anything I've recorded. I've occasionally had to watch commercials if something was off VOD, not DVR. There is a mistake (which I've made) you can make when selecting from your library though. There's a choose version menu under the tile of something you've recorded. If you just click the tile it's possible you may be playing back the VOD version rather than your recorded version. So click on that choose version menu, rather than clicking the tile, and choose your recorded version.

As to the service itself, I've been happy with it. The cost of the tv service is as much as cable. I've always thought that would be the case but the place where you can save is that you don't have to pay for monthly cable box fees etc..I had 3 in the house, I don't need any now. Just a 1 time purchase of any streaming device (firestick, appletv, roku) of your choice. Frankly, with smart tvs you don't even need the streaming device. The apps (in this case YouTube TV app)are native to the tv too. Only thing I've noticed is that there seems to be some degradation of performance with apps on the tv over time, things hang/buffer and such. I don't know if that's because tv manufacturers don't do updates as often or what so I still use streaming devices on the tvs but you don't have to if that problem doesn't pop up.

 

[Knight Shift]

Overall, happy with YouTubeTV for reasons other stated. The biggest advantage is being able to watch in two locations- main home and vacation home, and the kids can watch at college. We don't watch much broadcast TV except sports, so 3 streams is not an issue.

One thing that makes YouTube TV and navigating other apps (Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, Netflix, etc) infinitely easier is Roku Ultra, particularly if you have an LG TV. The streaming and apps on the LG TV were always buggy, and switching to Roku Ultra is much better. Plus Roku remote is much better than the TV remote. The Roku Ultra can be purchased on sale $59 (the retail price is $99) and can be mounted behind the TV. Perhaps @rutgersguy1 may want to try the Roku Ultra. They also have a light version in a USB type stick, but this one has been aces:

Roku

Roku provides the simplest way to stream entertainment to your TV. On your terms. With thousands of available channels to choose from.

www.roku.com

 

[rutgersguy1]

Overall, happy with YouTubeTV for reasons other stated. The biggest advantage is being able to watch in two locations- main home and vacation home, and the kids can watch at college. We don't watch much broadcast TV except sports, so 3 streams is not an issue.

One thing that makes YouTube TV and navigating other apps (Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, Netflix, etc) infinitely easier is Roku Ultra, particularly if you have an LG TV. The streaming and apps on the LG TV were always buggy, and switching to Roku Ultra is much better. Plus Roku remote is much better than the TV remote. The Roku Ultra can be purchased on sale $59 (the retail price is $99) and can be mounted behind the TV. Perhaps @rutgersguy1 may want to try the Roku Ultra. They also have a light version in a USB type stick, but this one has been aces:

Roku

Roku provides the simplest way to stream entertainment to your TV. On your terms. With thousands of available channels to choose from.

www.roku.com

Thanks for the tip. Right now I have AppleTV and firesticks in the house. If one of them craps out I’ll keep that suggestion in mind. I’m guessing it’s probably 4K capable as well. They all probably are now I suppose.

 

[Knight Shift]

Thanks for the tip. Right now I have AppleTV and firesticks in the house. If one of them craps out I’ll keep that suggestion in mind. I’m guessing it’s probably 4K capable as well. They all probably are no I suppose.

The Amazon FireTV (sticks and boxes) are loaded with bloatware, and we highly prefer the Roku remotes. Roku and YouTubeTV settled their snit in early December, so things should work going forward.

Roku settles YouTube dispute and locks down apps in ‘multi-year’ deal

YouTube was a day away from getting pulled.

www.theverge.com

 

[HeavenUniv.]

It might be different than what you guys are talking about, but Verizon Fios includes You Tube for Free on Channel 837.

 

[Superyam]

I have been baking off YouTubeTV and DirecTV Stream for the past two months. Not much difference between them IMO. The deciding factor for me is that DirecTV Stream is the only streaming service that currently carries the YES Network and I watch every Yankee game I possibly can. The one annoying thing is that for some reason DirecTV Stream doesn’t carry PIX11 so when the Yankees are being broadcast on that station and blacked out on YES, you’re beat. If YouTubeTV carried YES or DirecTV Stream carried PIX11 the problem would be solved.

 

[Knight Shift]

I have been baking off YouTubeTV and DirecTV Stream for the past two months. Not much difference between them IMO. The deciding factor for me is that DirecTV Stream is the only streaming service that currently carries the YES Network and I watch every Yankee game I possibly can. The one annoying thing is that for some reason DirecTV Stream doesn’t carry PIX11 so when the Yankees are being broadcast on that station and blacked out on YES, you’re beat. If YouTubeTV carried YES or DirecTV Stream carried PIX11 the problem would be solved.

That is a really weird thing with YouTubeTV and PIX11. An indoor antenna will not receive PIX11?

There is also an option for Amazon Prime if you have it?

How To Watch Yankees Games for Free on Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime members can watch 21 NY Yankees games for free this season!

decider.com

 

[Morrischiano]

Been using it for a year now. Good service and cheaper than Fios BUT I think the picture quality isn't as good as Fios. Many channels are 720 but Fios had all channels on 1080.

Love the Navigation and accessing recorded content. Also, no BS fees that randomly increase like would happen with cable providers. You can also pause your subscription for 2,4,6 weeks if your going to be away so you can save some $.

 

[rubigtimenow]

I love YouTube tv.
I tried 2 others in the past 2 years and I hated their interface when compared to YouTube tv.
Roku or any of the streaming services like YouTube tv were all like $40 if you go back I think 3-4 years ago. Then to $50 and now to $65 about 7-8 months ago or so. They all have done it.
I’ve tried others but YouTube tv great for what I use it for. It’s not great when switching channels as it buffers I think but for sports, they seemingly have all major stations, super easy to set dvr (for example during Rutgers basketball you can record game, all games for Rutgers basketball, or all Ncaa basketball games, then never have to worry!).
If you watch something on the tv and fast forward then it buffers for 1-2 seconds each time. That’s annoying for me. However, when I watch on my phone there’s no buffering.

 

[LeapinLou]

I have YouTube TV as well. Not much to add. In summary:
- cost the same as cable but save money by no longer needing to pay rent for cable boxes or a DVR
- picture quality not always great for all channels when used with the standard definition Amazon firestick
- I find that mutliple times per week I need to restart the firestick to keep things operating smoothly.

I should probably take a look at these Roku options you guys are talking about.

 

[RutgersLifeR]

How do you like the service? I will be canceling my DirecTV and Optimum accounts soon and are considering YouTube. One of the the key features I liked about it is 3 simultaneous streams, this way it can be used in multiple places at one time. What are your opinions on the overall service?

Pros:
-Optimum bill with internet and cable went from $200 to just $50 for internet
-option to watch at home on TVs but also on the mobile app anywhere in the US
-B10 network and other major sports channels included

Cons:
-Slight buffering at first at my home but this seemed to improve
-Navigating channels not as fluid, at least on Roku TVs, compared to surfing channels on traditional cable box
-no dice for Knicks, Rangers, and Yankees fans since there unfortunately is no MSG and YES channels

Overall I am okay with it and its trade offs listed above. The price difference is the main reason why. Also, cable was always horrifically just bad and expensive. I wish I cut the cord years ago.

 

[LeapinLou]

Cons:

-no dice for Knicks, Rangers, and Yankees fans since there unfortunately is no MSG and YES channels

This is an important point I should have mentioned. If you are a Mets and Rutgers fan, you're good as SNY, BTN, FS1, ESPN channels are included. Lots of good sports channels actually. But no YES and no MSG.

 

[ldwnmas]

I’ve used YouTubeTV since it debuted. My only complaints are no YES and the price increases. Still cheaper than what I was paying for DirecTV. I use it through Roku and on laptops/phones, never had a buffering problem and there are way fewer commercials than on the cable / satellite services.

 

[RU Golfer]

Lots of good info!!! Thanks to all that have responded. I have until the end of Feb to make a decision.

 

[ashokan]

Been using it for a year now. Good service and cheaper than Fios BUT I think the picture quality isn't as good as Fios. Many channels are 720 but Fios had all channels on 1080.

Love the Navigation and accessing recorded content. Also, no BS fees that randomly increase like would happen with cable providers. You can also pause your subscription for 2,4,6 weeks if your going to be away so you can save some $.

Do you have FiOS internet or cable?
YTTV will deliver 1080 if you have the pipe for it
Fiber doesn't choke-up like cable can

 

[ashokan]

YTTV is good for the DVR and multiple devices
Game a little boring? Go out and clean the car with the game on tablet
Stuck in traffic? Watch the game on your phone
Don't watch anything other than football? Cut service after the SB
I despise Google but most providers are also sketch so YTTV has most convenience and flexibility.

 

[ashokan]

One thing that makes YouTube TV and navigating other apps (Paramount Plus, Disney Plus, Netflix, etc) infinitely easier is Roku Ultra, particularly if you have an LG TV. The streaming and apps on the LG TV were always buggy, and switching to Roku Ultra is much better. Plus Roku remote is much better than the TV remote. The Roku Ultra can be purchased on sale $59 (the retail price is $99) and can be mounted behind the TV. Perhaps @rutgersguy1 may want to try the Roku Ultra. They also have a light version in a USB type stick, but this one has been aces:

Roku

Roku provides the simplest way to stream entertainment to your TV. On your terms. With thousands of available channels to choose from.

www.roku.com

The Ultra is much better than the lesser versions and well worth the cost.
My first Rokus were slow to load, sluggish to navigate and had no volume controls
Ultra menu is like FiOS or other provider menus
Nvidia Shield is the best but for most people Roku Ultra is the best option

 

[RUinOhio]

I LOVE it!! Also if you happen to have t-mobile they give you $10 off a month for one year.

Multiple users get their own DVR content. No buffering ever. Ya the price has gone up but not like DirectV streaming which who was always raising the price.

 

[jordkap]

Unlimited DVR.
Tons of sports.
Cooking channel for the Mrs.
All the local news.
Can watch anywhere.

Great service

 

[Knight Shift]

Unlimited DVR.
Tons of sports.
Cooking channel for the Mrs.
All the local news.
Can watch anywhere.

Great service

Except, IIRC, unlike verizon, they delete your recordings older than 9 months, which sucks.

 

[rutgersguy1]

Except, IIRC, unlike verizon, they delete your recordings older than 9 months, which sucks.

There is a limit, I think you're right it's 9months.

 

[DHajekRC84]

Unlimited DVR.
Tons of sports.
Cooking channel for the Mrs.
All the local news.
Can watch anywhere.

Great service

And can share..and split costs which we do 3 ways,!

 

[DHajekRC84]

Remember when YouTube TV was $30 a month when it started? How much is it now?

To answer your question.. That $30 was a starter promo. Basic plan be was $45 iirc. Btn no included.
We pay $65 with the BTN add on and split 3 ways.

 

[rutgersguy1]

Do you have FiOS internet or cable?
YTTV will deliver 1080 if you have the pipe for it
Fiber doesn't choke-up like cable can

I have FIOS and I always assumed the resolution was related to the broadcaster not YouTube TV. Some are 1080p and some are 720p.

 

[rutgersguy1]

The Ultra is much better than the lesser versions and well worth the cost.
My first Rokus were slow to load, sluggish to navigate and had no volume controls
Ultra menu is like FiOS or other provider menus
Nvidia Shield is the best but for most people Roku Ultra is the best option

Another recommendation…definitely will have to look into that the next time I need a streaming device. I paid at least as much for the Apple TV so don’t mind that, just want good functioning hardware.

 

[cubuffsdoug]

Many of you forgot when Disney pulled the ESPN family of channels and ABC from YouTube, YouTube reduced the bill by $15 for that month. The cable companies will never do that.

 

[saltpepperketchup]

YTTV is really the best bang for your buck overall. There are cheaper streaming options but those options don't come close to the channel lineup. For sports it's got everything except for YES. The only other streaming option that carries YES is direct tv stream. For non sports it's got pretty much every major channel even added Hallmark recently.

DVR is great, unlimited but expires after 9 months which isn't a big deal for most people.

Access from anywhere on any device where you have internet access.

Cheaper than cable still even though price has increased. They keep adding channels too.

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

I have been baking off YouTubeTV and DirecTV Stream for the past two months. Not much difference between them IMO. The deciding factor for me is that DirecTV Stream is the only streaming service that currently carries the YES Network and I watch every Yankee game I possibly can. The one annoying thing is that for some reason DirecTV Stream doesn’t carry PIX11 so when the Yankees are being broadcast on that station and blacked out on YES, you’re beat. If YouTubeTV carried YES or DirecTV Stream carried PIX11 the problem would be solved.

I can understand that one service may offer some channels the other doesn't, but YouTubeTV does carry more overall channels. I'm generally a fan of YouTubeTV, especially the unlimited recording. I record virtually every sporting event, like every single college basketball game on TV. That part is pretty amazing.

Lag really isn't an issue. I used to have DirecTV and there were occasional issues with my neighbor's tree growing to block the satellite signal and issues during big storms. DirecTV, IMO, went downhill when they were bought out by AT&T. If I were to do it again, I'd still pick YouTubeTV.

This is a pretty good summary of available streaming options:

2024 Streaming TV Comparison Chart: Which Service Has the Best Channel Lineup?

Streaming TV channel comparison chart: See the channel lineups for YouTube TV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV, Philo and more!

clark.com

 

[WhichReligionIsRight]

Many of you forgot when Disney pulled the ESPN family of channels and ABC from YouTube, YouTube reduced the bill by $15 for that month. The cable companies will never do that.

And the corporate spat only lasted a few days.

 

[ashokan]

Another recommendation…definitely will have to look into that the next time I need a streaming device. I paid at least as much for the Apple TV so don’t mind that, just want good functioning hardware.

I got the Ultra for $50 at Best Buy
It was normally $100 but it was a Black Friday deal
I knew the Ultra would be better but it was even better than I expected and if I needed a new one I wouldn't wait weeks for a sale
They show-up for $60ish regularly on Slickdeals (I'll link an old deal thats expired so you can checkout site - you can get alerts)

Roku Ultra 2020 4K/Dolby Streaming Media Player w/ Voice Remote $59 + Free Shipping

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Roku-U.../901647298 Walmart and Amazon have the Roku Ultra for $59.00 https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Strea...B08G9TJWW9

slickdeals.net

 

[Rhuarc]

I got the Ultra for $50 at Best Buy
It was normally $100 but it was a Black Friday deal
I knew the Ultra would be better but it was even better than I expected and if I needed a new one I wouldn't wait weeks for a sale
They show-up for $60ish regularly on Slickdeals (I'll link an old deal thats expired so you can checkout site - you can get alerts)

Roku Ultra 2020 4K/Dolby Streaming Media Player w/ Voice Remote $59 + Free Shipping

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Roku-U.../901647298 Walmart and Amazon have the Roku Ultra for $59.00 https://www.amazon.com/Roku-Strea...B08G9TJWW9

slickdeals.net

Thanks for that info. My fire sticks are clearly reaching the end of their lifecycle. What are the features that you should look for in a new, modern streaming device? I'm not so much worried about cost and more about getting fast response time and service.

 

[Knight Shift]

Thanks for that info. My fire sticks are clearly reaching the end of their lifecycle. What are the features that you should look for in a new, modern streaming device? I'm not so much worried about cost and more about getting fast response time and service.

Response time of Roku Ultra is unparalleled to the Amazon devices and the native app on our Samsung and LG TVs. Can't speak for Apple TV.

Also look at remotes. Again, the Amazon remotes are lame in comparison to the Roku Ultra remotes. Nice (but unused for me) feature of Roku remote is there are separate buttons for AppleTV, Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu. Would like to see a remote with YouTube TV as a button, but we just hit the Home button and all of our most used apps are at the top- YouTubeTV, WeatherChannel, Showtime, YouTube, etc.

 

[Rhuarc]

Response time of Roku Ultra is unparalleled to the Amazon devices and the native app on our Samsung and LG TVs. Can't speak for Apple TV.

Also look at remotes. Again, the Amazon remotes are lame in comparison to the Roku Ultra remotes. Nice (but unused for me) feature of Roku remote is there are separate buttons for AppleTV, Netflix, Disney+ and Hulu. Would like to see a remote with YouTube TV as a button, but we just hit the Home button and all of our most used apps are at the top- YouTubeTV, WeatherChannel, Showtime, YouTube, etc.

Do you connect via the ethernet port and if so, has it helped?

 

[Goo]

pros

1. better navigation than hulu
2. dvr works well for me

cons

1. i use 90% of it to watch games and i find frequent spinning circles (buffering) annoying
2. when watching some recorded movies, they force you to watch commercials. sometimes 9 of them.

Your cons # 2 is wrong. On recorded programs you can skip commercials using fast forward. Only takes a few seconds. However, there is a VOD feature as well. Sometimes a recorded movie is also available on VOD. In this case you can chose which to watch, recorded version or VOD. If you chose VOD you are in fact forced to watch commercials. Never chose VOD.

 

[Knight Shift]

Do you connect via the ethernet port and if so, has it helped?

Yes, via the ethernet, and I don't know how much it helps. I have my stereo receiver that can receive TuneIn and other internet channels, but I run that through our WiFi. I don't think there would be a huge difference between ethernet and WiFi because we have a Google Nest pod in the same room. We ran the ethernet through the LG TV with the YouTubeApp, and it was painfully slower. In our experience, Samsung TVs are much better to run Apps (more choices, run quicker), but this may be a function of our LGTV being the oldest TV in the house (2017). If you have a newer Samsung TV, try running YouTube TV through the TV app. We like the Samsung remotes better than the LG remotes too.