YouTube TV’s DVR offering is great… when it works. The service is one of the few live TV streaming platforms that offers unlimited DVR storage, plus the ability to record any number of shows at the same time. However, at the moment YouTube TV’s DVR is not functioning as intended for many YouTube TV customers.

Some users have noticed that their recorded shows are not fast-forwarding or rewinding through commercials properly. Episodes and movies shown on-demand on YouTube TV feature unskippable ads, but ads on recorded content should offer the ability to be passed over.

Engineers from YouTube are already working on the issue, and the company has promised a fix is forthcoming soon. But it’s already too late for some users, who have also noted that the ads they can’t skip have overwritten part of the recording that they actually wanted to see.

YouTube is continuously experimenting with ways to serve ads to customers, so this bug could have been part of yet another test of some kind. In June, YouTube TV began placing advertisements on the zen screenshots that pop up when users tried to skip commercials while watching live TV channels.

Standard YouTube users are also seeing more unskippable ads, at least on smart TVs. In May, the service began introducing mandatory 30-second commercials for YouTube Select videos on connected TV devices. It was a shrewd business move, considering more than a third of adults between 18-44 watch YouTube on their smart TV at least once per month.

Users may cluck their tongues when they see a media company trying to figure out ways to show them more ads, but it’s all part of the cycle that makes offering video possible for outlets. Ads are being seen by more viewers than ever, but revenues are still down, and content providers who rely on such revenues are going to do whatever they can to help throw advertisers a bone.

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YouTube TV

YouTube TV is a live TV streaming service with more than 60 channels for $82.99/month. This plan includes local channels 32 of the top 35 cable channels, and regional sports networks (RSNs) in select markets. The base plan includes more than 100 live channels, including major broadcast networks like ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC, as well as popular cable channels such as ESPN, CNN, FX, USA Network, and TNT. Local channels are included in most markets, making YouTube TV a full replacement for traditional cable for many viewers.

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Sports are a major focus for YouTube TV, with access to national and regional coverage, league networks, and marquee events. The service also serves as the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, available as an add-on, giving fans access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. YouTube TV also offers a smaller sports plan, allowing subscribers access to 30+ sports-oriented channels, including local networks in select markets.

YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage at no extra cost, allowing subscribers to record as many shows as they want and keep recordings for up to nine months. The service is available across a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, streaming players, mobile devices, and web browsers. New subscribers can typically start with a free trial, though the trial length may vary by promotion.

With its broad channel lineup, strong sports offerings, unlimited DVR, and wide device support, YouTube TV remains one of the most comprehensive live TV streaming services for viewers who want a traditional TV experience without a cable contract.

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