BREAKING YouTube.TV drops Disney/ESPN/ABC & an alternate

[Tubafore]

You know...every time I check this thread, I hope that it's discussing how it's finally back. And so far, every time I'm disappointed

 

[CrimsonTusk]

I understand your situation.

I tried the Fubo trial and was pleasantly surprised. It is very similar to YTTV in layout. In fact, it is arguably better on how it lays out the channels and organizes them. There are a few caveats like no HGTV (if you like that). I am also used to the YTTV layout but I could live with this if YTTV don’t get their act together.

Trying Fubo also. It is better organized it seems to me. I think I'll stay with it.

 

[jds22]

Not sure about Fubo but with YouTubeTV you can arrange your channels in your guide however you see fit. I moved all the channels I watch on a regular basis to the top of the guide.

 

[CrimsonNagus]

I signed up for the 5-day trial with DirecTV this morning. I chose to do the MyGenre packs with MySports + MyHomeTeam. Includes all the important sports networks, plus some that YTTV had dropped, like MLB Network. It also has TBS, TNT, TruTV to cover March Madness. Fubo doesn't have those channels. It even has all 4 of my locals, even though the website only listed 3 of them. There is also a 4K channel included that will show 4K games when they are available, like LSU vs Bama on Saturday. 4K was an additional $10 on YTTV.

The app doesn't seem as refined as the YTTV app, or it could be a familiarity thing since I have had YTTV for over 6 years. Picture quality seems a little better, but I have not done any direct comparisons.

This may be the keeper if YTTV/Disney don't make up. Has every channel I normally watch, plus I'll be able to watch the Braves again, since I like to torture myself.

 

[CrimsonNagus]

Not sure about Fubo but with YouTubeTV you can arrange your channels in your guide however you see fit. I moved all the channels I watch on a regular basis to the top of the guide.

Yep, I loved that feature. You could also hide channels you didn't care about. The DirecTV app lets you "Favorite" channels, and then you can view a "favorites" guide with them listed alphabetically.

 

[NoNC4Tubs]

I understand your situation.

I tried the Fubo trial and was pleasantly surprised. It is very similar to YTTV in layout. In fact, it is arguably better on how it lays out the channels and organizes them. There are a few caveats like no HGTV (if you like that). I am also used to the YTTV layout but I could live with this if YTTV don’t get their act together.

Will Fubo will go through this next year...?

 

[Padreruf]

OK...I bit the bullet and did the ESPN subscription...can cancel before Dec, 7th...not happy but it is much cheaper than going to a single game in person.

 

[tusks_n_raider]

They are airing each other’s grievances publicly now.

I can not link the article for some reason

It’s at ON3 and it’s about Disney/ESPN leaking their internal memo and YouTube/Google responding.

Here is Disney/ESPN’s Memo:

“Team,

“We promised to keep you updated on our negotiations with Google’s YouTube TV following their decision last week to pull our channels from their service, and we are writing today with the latest. We realize this has been a challenging week, with everyone asking the same question as millions of YouTube TV subscribers during the busiest time of the year in sports: When will ESPN and ABC be back on the service? We wish we could give you that answer today, but unfortunately, we are headed into another sports-packed weekend without a deal in place.

“We know you’ve seen a swirl of information about the impasse, so we wanted to share some of the facts:

“We began these negotiations by offering YouTube TV a deal that would cost less overall than the terms of our recently expired license. That’s real savings that YouTube TV could pass along to its customers.

We’ve offered innovative, bespoke programming packages—tailored to sports fans, entertainment fans, kids and families—that would provide tremendous flexibility for YouTube TV and greater choice and value for its customers.”

“We’ve offered fair terms that are in-line with the more than 500 other distributors that have renewed their agreements since last summer, including the top distributors, who are far larger than YouTube TV. Despite all this, YouTube TV continues to insist on receiving preferential terms that are below market and has made few concessions.”

“Rather than compete on a level playing field, Google’s YouTube TV has approached these negotiations as if it were the only player in the game. It goes without saying that the reason so many consumers value our programming above others is because we invest in the best talent, creators and content in the world, and we cannot allow anyone to undercut our ability to do so.”

“We know how difficult this situation is for the YouTube TV customers we serve, and for all of you who provide the sports programming, entertainment, news and live events that our fans know and love. Thank you for the incredible work you do each and every day and for staying focused on maintaining such a high bar throughout this difficult situation.”

“We will continue to work diligently to find common ground with YouTube TV and will keep you informed as we have more news to share.

With Gratitude,
Alan, Dana & Jimmy”

Here is the main YT quote:

“Once again, Disney is resorting to their old tactics like leaking documents to the press, negotiating in public through their paid talent and misrepresenting the facts including from the deals they’ve offered and taking credit for our product proposals,” YouTube said via Andrew Marchand of The Athletic.

“Our team stands ready to make a fair agreement in line with their deals with other distributors and we encourage Disney to come to the table and do what’s best for our mutual customers.”



I’m fine with just using a Digital Antenna and they can both die.

I hate Disney anyway and hope they go bankrupt at some point.

 

[CB4]

You know...every time I check this thread, I hope that it's discussing how it's finally back. And so far, every time I'm disappointed

Well Disney execs this afternoon stated basically “it ain’t happening this weekend”.

Guess I’ll be listening to the radio guys this weekend. Not jumping on platform for a trial. Not downloading an app.

Here’s where this type brinksmanship can lead: a large section of maybe casual or indifferent fans that see the games as simply entertainment as opposed to destination viewing (like many us) decided to simply “walk away” not return because they decide they have better things to do with their time and money.

 

[Tidewater]

Okay, I bought the over the air antenna (suggested above).
Took it home and hooked it up in the hopes of getting the ABC affiliate that is 31 miles away.
Hooked it up, ran the channel scan five times, no channels. Called the number on the slip of paper that says, "Call us before you take it back to the store." The young man on the other end said the antenna cannot pick up stations closer than the range limit (this antenna said "Good within 40 miles." The guy says, "It can't pick up stations closer than 40 miles."
I realized I was either talking to a silly person or a normal person who had been given a silly script.

 

[ChattTide]

OK...I bit the bullet and did the ESPN subscription...can cancel before Dec, 7th...not happy but it is much cheaper than going to a single game in person.

Literally did the same thing today. One of my kids is in college and wants to watch the game. Texted me yesterday and said, "What's the plan, Dad?" Had to do something.

All of this is ridiculous.

Roll Tide!!
ChattTide

 

[BamaNation]

Not sure about Fubo but with YouTubeTV you can arrange your channels in your guide however you see fit. I moved all the channels I watch on a regular basis to the top of the guide.

Also possible with fubo.

 

[Padreruf]

Literally did the same thing today. One of my kids is in college and wants to watch the game. Texted me yesterday and said, "What's the plan, Dad?" Had to do something.

All of this is ridiculous.

Roll Tide!!
ChattTide

I had ESPN+ for almost 3 years to watch early rounds of golf after major surgery. So this was only 17.00 more...made it easier to swallow. Just a bitter taste from all of this...

 

[BamaNation]

I don't like either side in this for a whole host of reasons that has nothing to do with the current brouhaha.

HOWEVER, if I'm picking a side in this current squabble, I'm going with YTTV because of what ESPN / Disney has become writ large and the big emphasis on the E in ESPN.

 

[bamaga]

I just signed up for Fubo TV for a 5 day free trial for the second straight weekend . I used an old email address. I have 2 more old email accounts that are still active so I am set for now. I know doing that violates the spirit of the free trial, but without reading the fine print, I don’t think it is illegal.

 

[OakMtn4Bama]

Disney owns Fubo

 

[BamaMoon]

You can watch game day for free right now on the ESPN app.

Woke up hoping for a deal...guess I'll do the sling pass for today.

 

[uaintn]

Ouch. Bad luck, Tidewater. Before buying a digital antenna I just did a DIY antenna at my house and stuck it on the back of the entertainment unit. At first the results were just ok, about a half dozen channels, a couple of which were sketchy, and no luck with ABC or PBS.

Did some reading. I moved the antenna up into the attic and used a website called Channel Master (not linked on purpose because it looks really nerdy but there's no telling what else might be in there) to see where the signal path would be. I just entered my address and used to compass on my phone to "aim" the antenna almost due north. Viola. 40+ channels and great quality. FWIW, ABC transmitter is about 29 miles away from me and NBC is over 30.

Okay, I bought the over the air antenna (suggested above).
Took it home and hooked it up in the hopes of getting the ABC affiliate that is 31 miles away.
Hooked it up, ran the channel scan five times, no channels. Called the number on the slip of paper that says, "Call us before you take it back to the store." The young man on the other end said the antenna cannot pick up stations closer than the range limit (this antenna said "Good within 40 miles." The guy says, "It can't pick up stations closer than 40 miles."
I realized I was either talking to a silly person or a normal person who had been given a silly script.

 

[bamaga]

Disney owns Fubo

Yes they do, and the plan is to merge it with Hulu live TV. One will go away reducing competition. The Mouse is evil.

 

[UAH]

Okay, I bought the over the air antenna (suggested above).
Took it home and hooked it up in the hopes of getting the ABC affiliate that is 31 miles away.
Hooked it up, ran the channel scan five times, no channels. Called the number on the slip of paper that says, "Call us before you take it back to the store." The young man on the other end said the antenna cannot pick up stations closer than the range limit (this antenna said "Good within 40 miles." The guy says, "It can't pick up stations closer than 40 miles."
I realized I was either talking to a silly person or a normal person who had been given a silly script.

Don't give up 31 miles is an easy reach for antennas, particulary elevated ones that overcome nearby buildings or other local obstacles.