YouTube TV streaming service goes live

YouTube’s television streaming service, YouTube TV, has gone live in the biggest US metro areas, with more US American markets to be added soon.

The service, which YouTube announced at the beginning of March, launched yesterday in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco Bay Area, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

YouTube TV gives users access to some 40 TV channels, including the four largest US broadcast networks – ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. Another 10 channels are also due to be added at no extra cost, including AMC, BBC America, IFC, Sundance TV, WE tv, and BBC World News.

Viewers can add Showtime and Fox Soccer Plus for an additional charge. On-demand services Sundance Now, and horror service Shudder are also due to be added as premium add-on options.

In addition to live channel streaming, YouTube live includes a cloud DVR with no storage limits; access to content across a number of devices and Chromecast support; the ability to watch YouTube Red Original series.

“A YouTube TV membership is only $35 a month, less than half the average cost of cable. And there are no commitments; you can cancel anytime,” said YouTube TV head engineer Andrew Jeon in a company blog post.

“We can’t wait for you to experience YouTube TV for yourself, so we’re giving you a free one month trial. We’ll also give you a complimentary Google Chromecast after your first month’s payment, while supplies last.”