Why You Shouldn’t Use YouTube TV’s New ‘Reduced Delay’ Feature

Up until now, a big issue with watching live events on YouTube TV was the noticeable delay, making it hard to stay in sync with real-time excitement and social interactions during broadcasts.

Today, YouTube TV has introduced a feature called ‘Reduced Delay.’

This feature tries to make the live streaming experience closer to real-time, meaning you see what’s happening almost instantly as it occurs.

In simpler terms, YouTube TV is trying to cut down the waiting time so that when you’re watching something live, it feels more like you’re right there in the moment, just like when you watch things on regular TV.

 

But the question is, is it a good idea to use it? Or are there downsides?

The Reasons

While the ‘Reduced Delay’ feature intends to improve the live viewing experience, there are a few potential downsides that I think you must consider before you enable it:

1) Quality Sacrifice

One of the primary concerns with ‘Reduced Delay’ is the possible sacrifice in video quality.

To minimize delay, YouTube TV might compress the video stream, potentially reducing image clarity. If you’re someone who values high-definition content, enabling this feature might not be the ideal choice.

2) Buffering Issues

Less delay means less time to buffer the video stream.

This could result in more frequent buffering interruptions, especially if your internet connection isn’t consistently high-speed.

So, If you’re in an area with a less stable connection, turn it off.

3) Increased Data Usage

Real-time streaming demands more data compared to slightly delayed streams.

If you have a limited data plan, enabling this may result in higher data consumption. This is a critical consideration for users who want to manage their data usage effectively.

However, If you fall into that category, you probably know what steps to take!