YouTube TV has recently come under criticism for its picture quality, which some users have described as “so-so” despite the service’s cost.
In response to these complaints, YouTube TV is conducting picture quality experiments to test transcoding changes, including an increase in bitrate for live 1080p content on devices that support the VP9 codec with high-speed internet connections.
According to a Reddit post by a YouTube Community Manager,
“We’re testing transcoding changes, including a bitrate increase for live 1080p content over the next several weeks. These will target devices that support the VP9 codec with high-speed internet connections. If these go well, we plan to make them permanent by this summer. More info to come!”
It’s now clear that if the tests go well, YouTube TV plans to make these transcoding changes permanent by the summer.
Although Hulu with Live TV and DirecTV Stream have better picture quality, YouTube TV offers other advantages, such as a better DVR and UX, which have helped it maintain a strong user base.
Aside from this announcement, in the same thread, YouTube TV also highlighted some other updates that they have already rolled out, such as resolving issues with audio/video sync and a black screen problem.
They are also working on improving their multiview feature.
Abdur Rahman is a seasoned journalist who covers all things related to TV and streaming. As of May 2, 2023, Abdur is writing for Homespoiler.com. More about him