#Youtube tv versus spectrum tv#

It offers Alexa support, so you can use your voice to control the TV, but it still lacks physical volume, mute and power buttons.

#Youtube tv versus spectrum tv#

For example, the remote that comes with Roku's entry-level streamer, the Roku Express, lacks voice control or the ability to adjust the volume, never mind being able to turn the TV on or off. Other entry-level HD streaming devices skimp on hardware features in order to sell their players at a lower price. It also comes with a built-in button to access the Google Assistant. It's speedy and offers the same form-factor and remote as the Chromecast with Google 4K, which means that it doesn't need line-of-sight to work and can seamlessly control your TV's power, volume and inputs. If you're looking for a cheap streamer for your HD TV, this is the one to get. Those who primarily spend their TV time watching sitcoms, food shows, dramas and other non-live programming, however, should definitely consider Spectrum TV Essentials.The brand new Chromecast with Google TV HD is far and away the best HD-only, entry-level streaming device you can find. However, the only qualifying cord-cutters should take the small risk of $14.99 per month are those who don't need a live sports fix or need broadcast networks (check out our roundup of the best TV antennas if you need a cheap way to watch those). Who is Spectrum's streaming service for?Ĭlearly, this service is custom-built for a select group of folks: Spectrum internet subscribers who don't want to pay for a pricey TV package. Users can compile a 'Watch List' to keep track of their favorites, and parents can reign their kids usage in with parental controls.Ī Cloud DVR service is on the horizon for Spectrum TV Essentials, but it hasn't gone live yet. Right now, TV Essentials is more limited than most of the pricier competitors, but it has two special features. Does Spectrum's streaming service offer any special features? Spectrum added its original programming - shows such as L.A.'s Finest and Curfew - to TV Essentials in May. Yes, BBC America, BBC World News and Bloomberg may provide enough news for some, but this service is missing the standard brand-name general news networks. Its selection also leans heavy on Verizon-owned channels (including BET, CMT, MTV and Nickelodeon), omitting Disney-owned channels such as ABC, the FX networks, and National Geographic TV. Rutledge's comments, Spectrum TV Essentials is focused on the set of channels classified as 'entertainment.' This means it's missing many popular news channels (CNN, MSNBC, FOX News) and doesn't have any sports channels (say bye-bye to the likes of ESPN, FS1 and beIn Sports). While that count is much higher than what you get from DirecTV Now or PS Vue (both 'more than 45') and Sling TV (around 30), Spectrum's channel selection is particularly limited.Īs you might guess from Mr. TV Essentials includes more than 60 channels, including some big names, such as AMC, Comedy Central, Food Network and HGTV. Spectrum Streaming service channels: what can you watch? Surprisingly, the Spectrum TV app is only supported by Amazon's Fire tablets, but not its Fire TV sticks or Fire TV Cube (just read the customer reviews to see the rage about that lack of support). You can also watch the service via web browsers, where it requires Flash. Its Spectrum TV app is on iPhones and Androids, Samsung Smart TVs, Roku and Xbox One. Spectrum TV Essentials is available on a wide array of devices, with a glaring exception.

How can I watch Spectrum's streaming service? So, if you're looking for ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC, or the many ESPN and Fox Sports networks, you'll need to look elsewhere. Yes, TV Essentials doesn't include those TV broadcast networks and sports programs that are often credited for the rising costs of streaming services. 'As we began to assemble the rights for this new video service, we received great enthusiasm and encouragement from these key programming partners, … Notably, Viacom shared its strong belief and research that suggests there is a large untapped opportunity for a low-priced, entertainment-only bundle unencumbered by the high cost of broadcast retransmission consent fees and expensive sports programming.” I'm typically loathe to quote telecommunication company executives, but this bit from Charter Chairman and CEO Tom Rutledge, published in the press release announcing Spectrum TV Essentials, explains it all:

How can Spectrum TV Essentials be so … cheap?

Spectrum offers no other package options, so you can't add any other channels on. That's $25 less per month than Sling TV's entry-level packages, and you can learn more how that compares to a pricier option in our YouTube TV vs Sling TV face-off. The biggest reason to consider Spectrum TV Essentials is its low price of $14.99 per month. How much does Spectrum's streaming service cost?