It’s been a bit over a year since our last test of YouTube TV.
Here are the links on TechyMike.com:
Test #1 with our VERY old (2004) TV in 2017
Test #2 with our new Sony A8G 4k TV in 2020
Test #3 in Oct / Nov 2022
Comcast
This year we saw a huge increase in our Comcast (Xfinity) bill from $168 to whopping $185. We currently have 500 Mbps down and about 21 Mbps up.
Not liking that increase I did two things:
- I fired up Youtube TV on Feb 3 2024 for a fourth test, hoping the technical issues from a year ago had been fixed.
- Made an appointment at Comcast to discuss our bill on Feb 22, 2024.
YouTube TV
Firing YouTube TV back up was like we were never gone!
The software remembered my morning routines on both the weekdays and weekends. It still recorded my fav shows (This Old House, NCIS, etc), as well as the Kansas Jayhawks, SF Giants, and 49ers.
All I had to do was update the list a bit by adding some Hallmark and Food Network shows / movies.
YouTube TV Bright Side
The picture quality is now fantastic! I can no longer tell if I am watching YouTube TV or Comcast.
The auto rate adjust problem from the last test has been fixed.
The DVR / VOD options for replaying recorded video is likewise fantastic….except….
Oddly, the DVR playback of This Old House is still unwatchable. No idea why, but, the work-around is to simply change the playback to VOD….which was perfect.
Multiple Screen Viewing
A pleasant surprise was the new ability to view 4 channels at the same time!
YouTube TV User Interface
No lie, but, the YouTube TV user interface…well…..sucks. The techies designing it may be used to it, but, non-techy Lori hates it with a passion!!!
It is difficult even for this geek soooooo, my advice for the geeks at YouTube TV is……take a UI lesson from Comcast. 🙂
Costs
YouTube TV Cost
Comcast Internet in Feb 2024 is: $85 / month
YouTube TV in Feb 2024 is: $72.99
Total Cost: $157.99 / mo
Comcast Costs (after my Feb 22 appointment, 400 Mbps down, 150 hours DVR)
$166.87 / mo until Feb 28, 2025
Conclusion
I see major changes happening in our viewing habits once again. We are streaming a lot more using the apps on the Sony A8G TV.
We are spending: $51.05 / mo for Netflix, Apple TV+, Disney+, Amazon Prime.
I see a time when my sports viewing will be via apps as well…..but not yet.
Oh…..we are are now testing Hallmark Movies Now, so that MAY add $5.99 / mo if it passes our March 2024 test…..Note: It did not pass the test.
Overall: I’m ready to jump to YouTube TV, but, Lori HATES the user interface, sooooooo the savings of only $8.88 is not enough, in her mind, to leave Comcast…..yet.
2024 Winner (but it is VERY close now):
Comcast / Xfinity
BUT wait……
UPDATE May 2024: I see that the 200 Mbps down Internet only from Comcast is now $40???
Looking at the current numbers:
If YouTube TV is still (?) $72.99 and Comcast Internet is really $40…
Thats: $112.99 or $53.88 LESS per month than our current Comcast bill!
It may be time to go YouTube TV for our TV watching!
Too bad the UI probably still sucks….
Test #5 on the way? 😉
GEEK on!
Drive Safe! Never Forget
More STEM / STEAM
ForCarol: Drive Safe! Never Forget 