YouTubeTV (6 Viewers)

[snellman]

This is exactly why I went over to the "dark side" 5 years ago. The cost for these streaming services keeps going up and the channels keep dropping off.

 

[shadrap]

Likely outcome is this gets resolved today, right?

100%
I switched over to Directv. I paid $108/month for YouTube TV + a standalone app for my regional sports network (which sucked, because one can't readily change channels during commercials).

Directv has my regional sports network (if you get the Choice package). It also has the MLB network. Oh, and it includes ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu.
And I'm paying $10 less per month (with an extra $25 off for the 1st month).

If you go this route, if you have a Firestick TV or the like, you probably don't need the Gemini device (i.e., dongle) at $10 per month. Everything - DTV, ESPN+, Disney+ - all work fine on my TV.

 

[shadrap]

Likely outcome is this gets resolved today, right?

100%
I switched over to Directv. I paid $108/month for YouTube TV + a standalone app for my regional sports network (which sucked, because one can't readily change channels during commercials).

Directv has my regional sports network (if you get the Choice package). It also has the MLB network. Oh, and it includes ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu.
And I'm paying $10 less per month (with an extra $25 off for the 1st month).

If you go this route, if you have a Firestick TV or the like, you probably don't need the Gemini device (i.e., dongle) at $10 per month. Everything - DTV, ESPN+, Disney+ - all work fine on my TV.

so they don't have to send a modem or anything? Directv I mean. Just sign up & they send a link or something to your TV?

 

[kupcho1]

Likely outcome is this gets resolved today, right?

100%
I switched over to Directv. I paid $108/month for YouTube TV + a standalone app for my regional sports network (which sucked, because one can't readily change channels during commercials).

Directv has my regional sports network (if you get the Choice package). It also has the MLB network. Oh, and it includes ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu.
And I'm paying $10 less per month (with an extra $25 off for the 1st month).

If you go this route, if you have a Firestick TV or the like, you probably don't need the Gemini device (i.e., dongle) at $10 per month. Everything - DTV, ESPN+, Disney+ - all work fine on my TV.

so they don't have to send a modem or anything? Directv I mean. Just sign up & they send a link or something to your TV?

It depends on your TV. Mine isn't particularly smart (it's around 10 years old) but it does have HDMI inputs. I have a FIrestick TV 4K from Amazon and if you're not familiar with that device, it hosts apps (e.g., Netflix, Prime Video). DirecTV has an app. I download the app, and wah la (refer to your notebook), I don't need their dongle (Gemini) which avoids the $10 per month equipment charge.

Since switching from YouTube TV yesterday, I also note that there are two 4K channels which seem primarily to host sports. Last night it was the World Series (which I watched) and an NBA game which was out of market.

Lastly, I also am getting HBO, Starz, Cinemax and probably some others I'm forgetting for free for 3 months. I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to watch Tim Robinson's new series, but that's on the docket for this week.

ETA: I discovered they do have the NHL network, but I'd need to move to a higher tier to get it. Given that ESPN+ has almost all of the hockey games covered, I don't think I'll need to do this.

 

[belljr]

Yttv does have 4k fwiw..... just annoyed right now, not sure I want to go back to Xfinity

 

[Steve Tasker]

I'm willing to give YoutubeTV a short leash to get a deal worked out in the coming days, but truthfully I'll cancel in a week if they haven't worked something out. The price just isn't worth it without ESPN. Most of what I watch is college football and college basketball - I need ESPN for those. Not sure if the answer is the ESPN app, or a different service, but I'm gone from YoutubeTV in a week or so if they don't get this settled.

 

[Skipdog77]

Likely outcome is this gets resolved today, right?

100%
I switched over to Directv. I paid $108/month for YouTube TV + a standalone app for my regional sports network (which sucked, because one can't readily change channels during commercials).

Directv has my regional sports network (if you get the Choice package). It also has the MLB network. Oh, and it includes ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu.
And I'm paying $10 less per month (with an extra $25 off for the 1st month).

If you go this route, if you have a Firestick TV or the like, you probably don't need the Gemini device (i.e., dongle) at $10 per month. Everything - DTV, ESPN+, Disney+ - all work fine on my TV.

so they don't have to send a modem or anything? Directv I mean. Just sign up & they send a link or something to your TV?

It depends on your TV. Mine isn't particularly smart (it's around 10 years old) but it does have HDMI inputs. I have a FIrestick TV 4K from Amazon and if you're not familiar with that device, it hosts apps (e.g., Netflix, Prime Video). DirecTV has an app. I download the app, and wah la (refer to your notebook), I don't need their dongle (Gemini) which avoids the $10 per month equipment charge.

Since switching from YouTube TV yesterday, I also note that there are two 4K channels which seem primarily to host sports. Last night it was the World Series (which I watched) and an NBA game which was out of market.

Lastly, I also am getting HBO, Starz, Cinemax and probably some others I'm forgetting for free for 3 months. I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to watch Tim Robinson's new series, but that's on the docket for this week.

ETA: I discovered they do have the NHL network, but I'd need to move to a higher tier to get it. Given that ESPN+ has almost all of the hockey games covered, I don't think I'll need to do this.

Only thing I really miss not having NHL Network for is the World Juniors tourney between Christmas and New Year's each year.

 

[jamny]

Likely outcome is this gets resolved today, right?

100%
I switched over to Directv. I paid $108/month for YouTube TV + a standalone app for my regional sports network (which sucked, because one can't readily change channels during commercials).

Directv has my regional sports network (if you get the Choice package). It also has the MLB network. Oh, and it includes ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu.
And I'm paying $10 less per month (with an extra $25 off for the 1st month).

If you go this route, if you have a Firestick TV or the like, you probably don't need the Gemini device (i.e., dongle) at $10 per month. Everything - DTV, ESPN+, Disney+ - all work fine on my TV.

so they don't have to send a modem or anything? Directv I mean. Just sign up & they send a link or something to your TV?

It depends on your TV. Mine isn't particularly smart (it's around 10 years old) but it does have HDMI inputs. I have a FIrestick TV 4K from Amazon and if you're not familiar with that device, it hosts apps (e.g., Netflix, Prime Video). DirecTV has an app. I download the app, and wah la (refer to your notebook), I don't need their dongle (Gemini) which avoids the $10 per month equipment charge.

Since switching from YouTube TV yesterday, I also note that there are two 4K channels which seem primarily to host sports. Last night it was the World Series (which I watched) and an NBA game which was out of market.

Lastly, I also am getting HBO, Starz, Cinemax and probably some others I'm forgetting for free for 3 months. I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to watch Tim Robinson's new series, but that's on the docket for this week.

ETA: I discovered they do have the NHL network, but I'd need to move to a higher tier to get it. Given that ESPN+ has almost all of the hockey games covered, I don't think I'll need to do this.

Only thing I really miss not having NHL Network for is the World Juniors tourney between Christmas and New Year's each year.

I get the hulu/disney/espn+ package to watch the Ranger games and it sucks having to use illegal streams when they're on NHL Network.

 

[pollardsvision]

I'm willing to give YoutubeTV a short leash to get a deal worked out in the coming days, but truthfully I'll cancel in a week if they haven't worked something out. The price just isn't worth it without ESPN. Most of what I watch is college football and college basketball - I need ESPN for those. Not sure if the answer is the ESPN app, or a different service, but I'm gone from YoutubeTV in a week or so if they don't get this settled.

I'd have to think they will.

The main benefit of streaming "cable" over traditional cable is the ability to cancel/switch with the click of a button. Google obviously understands this. Heck, they even know who is googling alternatives.

I'll probably add ESPN Unlimited for a month (NCAAW starts Monday and can't miss it), and if YTTV doesn't have it worked out by then, I'll switch to Hulu.

Question for the crowd.....Is Hulu the only other streaming "cable" that has local channels? Last time I looked into it, it was, but these things change.
I used an antenna for years to get locals, but just can't get good reception where I live now.

 

[kupcho1]

Question for the crowd.....Is Hulu the only other streaming "cable" that has local channels?

Both directv and fubo have locals.

 

[Sand]

I get the hulu/disney/espn+ package to watch the Ranger games

Long lost brother!

 

[McBokonon]

Just signed up for a free trial of FUBO becauseof this and the picture quality is light years ahead of YTTV. I don’t want to switch but it’s a much tougher decision now

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I’ll take the $20 credit over those channels any day

It’s a one time credit, not monthly. It’s actually quite ********

They just lost them so of course it’s one time. This stretches out past a month and we’ll see

No to be clear they're offering no credit currently, but said they would offer a one-time $20 credit "if the channels end up being unavailable for an extended period of time".

So it's not $20 now, maybe more if it ends up being a long time. It's $0 now, and they're saying they'll do 20 bucks one time if it ends up being a long time.

EDIT: this is the exact quote from the email

We know how disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy, which is why it’s our goal to bring Disney content back to YouTube TV. We’re committed to continuing to work with Disney to reach an agreement, but if their content is unavailable for an extended period of time, we’ll offer our subscribers a $20 credit.

 

[McBokonon]

I’ll take the $20 credit over those channels any day

It’s a one time credit, not monthly. It’s actually quite ********

They just lost them so of course it’s one time. This stretches out past a month and we’ll see

No to be clear they're offering no credit currently, but said they would offer a one-time $20 credit "if the channels end up being unavailable for an extended period of time".

So it's not $20 now, maybe more if it ends up being a long time. It's $0 now, and they're saying they'll do 20 bucks one time if it ends up being a long time.

EDIT: this is the exact quote from the email

We know how disruptive it is to lose channels you enjoy, which is why it’s our goal to bring Disney content back to YouTube TV. We’re committed to continuing to work with Disney to reach an agreement, but if their content is unavailable for an extended period of time, we’ll offer our subscribers a $20 credit.

To be clear some more they don’t say “one-time” either.

 

[pollardsvision]

Wouldn't be shocked if Google just wanted to get out of this space. If they don't resolve this quickly, I'd think it's clear they want out.

From what I hear, it's not a big money maker for them, which makes sense.

The networks would all just rather sell their content directly to the consumer. I can't imagine there's much money to be made as an aggregator in this environment.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Wouldn't be shocked if Google just wanted to get out of this space. If they don't resolve this quickly, I'd think it's clear they want out.

From what I hear, it's not a big money maker for them, which makes sense.

The networks would all just rather sell their content directly to the consumer. I can't imagine there's much money to be made as an aggregator in this environment.

Interesting. You don't think YouTube TV streaming is a business they want to be in?

Where are you hearing that? Do you have a link?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Just canceled YouTube TV and went to Hulu Live to get ESPN / ABC games.

Two other friends in my college football group chat just did same canceling YT TV.

I have to think we're not outliers.

 

[belljr]

So you basically subscribed to Disney.


Hulu live is merging into Disney+ next year

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Hulu Live is Disney so it's basically giving in to Disney forcing people's hands.

DTV streaming was smart in offering a 5 day free trial right now. I went ahead and signed up to get the games for "free" this weekend, but might be just as easy to leave it on afterwards which is probably what they're banking on. It's not like YT TV is any cheaper any more like it used to be.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

For the past couple years I sign up with a new account the night the NFL season starts and usually cancel it after March madness so no big deal to me. Just have to figure it out next year.

 

[belljr]

Dtv doesn't have my local sports. Fubo doesn't have HBO .... might just go back to cable

 

[gianmarco]

"Cable reattaching"

 

[culdeus]

Reddit is saying YT is more or less letting pirates live stream on YT today unfettered.
Kodi still works great tbh. For being around 20 years still as stable as ever.

 

[kupcho1]

Dtv doesn't have my local sports.

That's funny, YTTV didn't have mine.
DTV's two 4K channels are glorious. Bouncing between WS game 7 and Oklahoma v Tennessee.

 

[belljr]

Dtv doesn't have my local sports.

That's funny, YTTV didn't have mine.
DTV's two 4K channels are glorious. Bouncing between WS game 7 and Oklahoma v Tennessee.

Did you not do yttv 4k?

 

[Desert_Power]

Reddit is saying YT is more or less letting pirates live stream on YT today unfettered.

Seems like it.

Time to go back to pirating. So sick of these companies constantly giving worse products for more money.

 

[ChiefD]

I'm willing to give YoutubeTV a short leash to get a deal worked out in the coming days, but truthfully I'll cancel in a week if they haven't worked something out. The price just isn't worth it without ESPN. Most of what I watch is college football and college basketball - I need ESPN for those. Not sure if the answer is the ESPN app, or a different service, but I'm gone from YoutubeTV in a week or so if they don't get this settled.

Same.

On a side note I’ve been looking at switching our mobile carrier and TMobile has a package where you get Hulu Live, Netflix, and Apple+ included.

My cell bill would stay the same but I would save $85 a month by cancelling youtube tv.

 

[kupcho1]

Dtv doesn't have my local sports.

That's funny, YTTV didn't have mine.
DTV's two 4K channels are glorious. Bouncing between WS game 7 and Oklahoma v Tennessee.

Did you not do yttv 4k?

I trialed it, but it seemed the same as the regular broadcast when I'd switch back and forth.

The DTTV 4K channels are included in the package I get.

 

[whoknew]

I have to keep YTTV until the end of the NFL regular season. But likely will cancel it after that.

Having said that, I HATE the fact games are all moving to streaming services. Because it completely eliminates flipping between games. AWFUL development.

 

[ChiefD]

The one thing all these carriage rights fees pissing matches are doing for me is making me care less and less about tv.

And that’s a good thing.

 

[fruity pebbles]

The one thing all these carriage rights fees pissing matches are doing for me is making me care less and less about tv.

And that’s a good thing.

And sports for me. At the point now where I’d rather watch a movie

 

[ChiefD]

The one thing all these carriage rights fees pissing matches are doing for me is making me care less and less about tv.

And that’s a good thing.

And sports for me. At the point now where I’d rather watch a movie

Yep.

Ever since we moved up north its been like this. We’ve spent more and more time hiking, fishing, exploring…..

 

[WDIK2]

This is going to be rough on my dad if this goes on for a while. He's 81 now and I switched him from cable to YTTV a couple years ago. It took a while for him to get used to it and I really don't want to go through the hassle of switching him to something else. The first switch was hard enough.

 

[3C's]

I'm willing to give YoutubeTV a short leash to get a deal worked out in the coming days, but truthfully I'll cancel in a week if they haven't worked something out. The price just isn't worth it without ESPN. Most of what I watch is college football and college basketball - I need ESPN for those. Not sure if the answer is the ESPN app, or a different service, but I'm gone from YoutubeTV in a week or so if they don't get this settled.

Same.

On a side note I’ve been looking at switching our mobile carrier and TMobile has a package where you get Hulu Live, Netflix, and Apple+ included.

My cell bill would stay the same but I would save $85 a month by cancelling youtube tv.

I think it's just Hulu, not Hulu live

 

[Capella]

Just canceled YouTube TV and went to Hulu Live to get ESPN / ABC games.

Two other friends in my college football group chat just did same canceling YT TV.

I have to think we're not outliers.

This gets settled before Monday night. There’s a Cowboys game on MNF that evening.

 

[culdeus]

Just canceled YouTube TV and went to Hulu Live to get ESPN / ABC games.

Two other friends in my college football group chat just did same canceling YT TV.

I have to think we're not outliers.

This gets settled before Monday night. There’s a Cowboys game on MNF that evening.

Already had to talk my mom off this cliff. Local tv still gets this OTA. I'm like I'll climb on your gd roof if I have to.

 

[pollardsvision]

Just announced Wednesday that Hulu Live and Fubo are combining

Disney will own 70% of the venture.

 

[pollardsvision]

This is going to be rough on my dad if this goes on for a while. He's 81 now and I switched him from cable to YTTV a couple years ago. It took a while for him to get used to it and I really don't want to go through the hassle of switching him to something else. The first switch was hard enough.

Similar issue with my wife. Changing platforms is a challenge, and something resembling an old school channel guide with easy access on the home screen is a huge plus for YTTV

Hopefully, YTTV gets it worked out because trying out Hulu Live isn't going so well.

Hulu seems heavily geared towards on demand stuff. Finding live and local channels isn't that intuitive.

Hulu seems like a better deal, but I'll likely cancel it when YTTV gets this worked out.

 

[belljr]

Just hooked up my antenna so I can watch ABC if I want.....ESPN I don't care that much about for now.... Although sec network was pretty big

 

[Joe Bryant]

Just canceled YouTube TV and went to Hulu Live to get ESPN / ABC games.

Two other friends in my college football group chat just did same canceling YT TV.

I have to think we're not outliers.

This gets settled before Monday night. There’s a Cowboys game on MNF that evening.

I would guess you're right. But not sure. There was a lot of push for college yesterday.

The trouble for Google is they've already lost me. I'm watching pre game right now on Hulu and don't plan on going back no matter when or if it gets settled.

 

[identikit]

Anyone know if Hulu+ Live or whoever, do they have these network standoffs too?

This is the second one that I remember since I've had YTTV, and both very recently

Havent heard similar from their competitors

 

[Capella]

Just canceled YouTube TV and went to Hulu Live to get ESPN / ABC games.

Two other friends in my college football group chat just did same canceling YT TV.

I have to think we're not outliers.

This gets settled before Monday night. There’s a Cowboys game on MNF that evening.

I would guess you're right. But not sure. There was a lot of push for college yesterday.

The trouble for Google is they've already lost me. I'm watching pre game right now on Hulu and don't plan on going back no matter when or if it gets settled.

We tried Hulu live yesterday because prorated it would only be 9 bucks. I thought the app was atrocious. YTTV has them beat by many many many miles with the interface and ease of use. Can’t wait to go back.

 

[Ron Swanson]

Just canceled YouTube TV and went to Hulu Live to get ESPN / ABC games.

Two other friends in my college football group chat just did same canceling YT TV.

I have to think we're not outliers.

This gets settled before Monday night. There’s a Cowboys game on MNF that evening.

I would guess you're right. But not sure. There was a lot of push for college yesterday.

The trouble for Google is they've already lost me. I'm watching pre game right now on Hulu and don't plan on going back no matter when or if it gets settled.

What do you do for Sunday Ticket? Isn't that only on YTTV and kinda essential for you?

 

[belljr]

Anyone know if Hulu+ Live or whoever, do they have these network standoffs too?

This is the second one that I remember since I've had YTTV, and both very recently

Havent heard similar from their competitors

They all have it. Hulu live isn't great in my experience. You are probably better just getting ESPN app if that's all you care about

 

[identikit]

On a (maybe) related note, YTTV gave me a $10 credit for 3 months (starting last month) because I don't know why

Stumbled across it in the 'membership' or 'billing' sections, can't remember which

Had to activate it

 

[FreeBaGeL]

Reddit is saying YT is more or less letting pirates live stream on YT today unfettered.
Kodi still works great tbh. For being around 20 years still as stable as ever.

I tried this for the Florida/georgia game and couldn't find one that lasted more than 5 minutes before the live feed shut off.

Broke down and just did the DTV trial. I think it's probably by far the best option for the next few days. Takes 2 seconds to sign up, 5 day free trial, app interface is pretty good and doesn't seem notably worse than yttv.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I'm going to dig into the numbers and see if DTV is worth just keeping. It's $7 more per month than yttv but it includes ESPN unlimited, Hulu, and Disney Plus apps for free with it. Albeit the ad supported versions which sucks but that sub is $30/mo when paid separately and we have to have Disney Plus for the kids.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Just canceled YouTube TV and went to Hulu Live to get ESPN / ABC games.

Two other friends in my college football group chat just did same canceling YT TV.

I have to think we're not outliers.

This gets settled before Monday night. There’s a Cowboys game on MNF that evening.

I would guess you're right. But not sure. There was a lot of push for college yesterday.

The trouble for Google is they've already lost me. I'm watching pre game right now on Hulu and don't plan on going back no matter when or if it gets settled.

What do you do for Sunday Ticket? Isn't that only on YTTV and kinda essential for you?

NFL+

 

[Joe Bryant]

Anyone know if Hulu+ Live or whoever, do they have these network standoffs too?

This is the second one that I remember since I've had YTTV, and both very recently

Havent heard similar from their competitors

I'm just a noob on predicting future standoffs there. But fully agree they're a pain.

 

[belljr]

Yttv seems to be the only service that carries my local sports besides Xfinity

We shall see, it took me months to convince my wife to jump ship and now she's fully settled in no way we just switch again