I’ve been a cord-cutter for years, advocating for streaming services and alternatives to traditional cable TV. However, recently, I made a rather unexpected decision: I canceled YouTube TV and went back to cable TV.
You might be thinking, “Why on earth would someone do that in the era of streaming?”
Well, it wasn’t a decision I took lightly, and I’m here to give you the cold, hard facts on why I made this choice.
1. Channel Selection
Let’s start with the most crucial aspect: channel selection.
YouTube TV offered an extensive list of channels, including some hard-to-find niche options.
However, there were always gaps in their channel lineup.
For example, local channels like ABC and CBS weren’t consistently available, which meant I missed out on live broadcasts of local news, sports, and events.
Cable TV, on the other hand, provided me with every local channel I could want. It meant no more frustrations about missing important local content.
2. Reliability
YouTube TV was generally reliable, but it wasn’t bulletproof.
There were times when my internet connection wasn’t strong enough, resulting in buffering or even service interruptions during crucial moments in live sports events or TV shows.
It’s infuriating when your stream freezes during the Super Bowl’s final touchdown.
Cable TV, on the other hand, is rock-solid when it comes to reliability.
You don’t have to worry about your internet connection affecting your TV watching experience.
3. DVR Functionality
YouTube TV’s unlimited cloud DVR storage was appealing initially, but I started noticing a significant limitation – recordings often came with playback restrictions and expiration dates. You can’t keep recordings indefinitely.
With Cable TV, you get a physical DVR that allows you to keep recordings for as long as you want. No more anxiety about losing a recorded show or having to watch it within a specific timeframe.
4. Cost Comparison
One of the significant advantages of streaming services is cost, right? Not necessarily. YouTube TV’s monthly subscription price kept creeping up, and I ended up paying nearly as much as I would have for cable TV.
Cable TV, when bundled with internet and phone services, often comes at a competitive price, if not cheaper. Plus, you get more channels and features for your money.
5. Customer Support
Dealing with YouTube TV’s customer support was often a frustrating experience. It felt like I was left to navigate issues on my own. On the other hand, cable TV providers have a more robust customer support system in place, with local service centers and technicians ready to assist when needed.
Conclusion
In the end, my decision to cancel YouTube TV for cable TV boiled down to practicality and reliability. The wide channel selection, local channel availability, and the peace of mind that comes with a stable TV connection convinced me that it was time to return to cable TV.
I’m not saying cable TV is perfect; it has its downsides too. But when it comes to certain essential aspects like reliability and channel selection, it still has an edge over streaming services like YouTube TV.
