YouTube has today launched its biggest challenge yet for the broadcast and streaming TV audience with the launch of YouTube TV.
The service, launching initially in the US, sees viewers able to watch linear TV including sport as it is broadcast by several of the main networks, record shows for later viewing and view premium programming from the YouTube TV library.
The offering was announced in a blog post from YouTube today. Promising “live TV designed for the YouTube generation”, the offering includes the ability to stream the content of the major US networks ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN along with several cable operators.
It also allows the recording of shows in the cloud, with unlimited storage. Content can be viewed online, via Chromecast and on both Android and Apple’s iOS.
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The US$35 per month package – which makes it more expensive than streaming service like Netflix or Stan but less expensive than most subscription TV packages – also includes access to YouTube’s premium Red Originals content
The service will initially launch in major markets in the US. A similar local offering would require extensive negotiations with local players such as free to air broadcasters Seven, Nine and Ten.
A spokesman for YouTube owner Google told Mumbrella that there are not yet plans to launch the offering in Australia. He said: “YouTube TV is a US-only app at this time. This particular proposition is unique to the US TV market and any further roll out will be considered with local considerations in mind.”