Google’s streaming cable-like service YouTube TV is now available in no fewer than five new markets, bringing the grand total to something just short of 100 markets. The new markets include Burlington, Champaign & Springfield-Decatur, Columbia South Carolina, Wichita, and Wilkes Barre-Scranton-Hztn. That means that users within a reasonable distance from those regions or serviced by those regions for local television – in most cases – will finally be able to get in on YouTube TV. The cost for sign-up is currently set at $40 for new customers. Initially, YouTube TV cost $35 and when the prices went up, they only went up for new subscribers. That could mean that the price signed up for is locked in, so it would probably be a good idea for anybody interested to pick up the service now.
As to the content included in the subscription, that currently includes a plethora of channels from premium networks and even some local variations of the networks. For example, the subscription includes the Disney Channel, FX, National Geographic, Turner Classic Movies (TCM), CNN, Adult Swim, and Cartoon Network. Regional Sports channels can be streamed too. However, that’s really just a small sampling of what’s available and that isn’t at all confined to viewing on an Android smartphone or tablet, either. In addition to working on Apple TV and Roku, users can cast the channels from the app to any connected device that supports the streaming protocol. The app also includes what equates to an unlimited DVR function and the ability to share accounts with a family group, with each member having access to their own DVR. So there’s no need to worry about missing new shows or movies because of any inconvenience in the timeframes during which they will be broadcasting.
Moving forward, Google expects to add “Local Now” at some time in the near future, which will provide users with the most up-to-date news and weather for their local area. Moreover, although NBA TV is already a part of the service, NBA League Pass will be added to the available add-on networks. The add-ons do cost extra, but that’s too be expected with any type of on-demand TV service. The current list of add-ons cost between $5 and $15 and include Shudder, Sundance Now, Showtime, and Fox Soccer Plus.