One Of The First Reviews Of YouTube's New TV Streaming Service

Alphabet Inc GOOG GOOGL announced earlier this year its YouTube platform will begin selling a live TV streaming subscription platform for $35 a month. Initial reactions to the new offerings was mixed but after the platform was launched in select markets this week, reviews are now available.

CNBC's review team stated that they are familiar with every one of YouTube's competitors so here is how it stacks up.

Specifics

First, there are 39 channels available to stream, including CNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC Sports, ESPN, FX, USA, ESPN U, Golf Channel and MSNBC. While this is a "not bad lineup" at the end of the day it falls short of Sling TV's 45+ channels, PS Vue's 45+ channels and DirecTV's 60+ channels.

The home screen offers recommendations for shows to record, movies to watch, live shows, sports games and more — with commercials and ads. Once a show is selected, the user can pause and rewind a live program. Of course, the platform can be paired with a Google Chromecast device to watch a show on a TV.

Also, the quality was said to be "great" but that could change based on the time of the day and demand.

Bottom line, Alphabet was "probably wise" to roll out the new platform in a few markets at first so the company can fix any issues prior to a national roll-out.

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