YouTube TV is immediately revealing extra particulars about two anticipated new options: 4K playback and offline downloads. As it seems, the service will probably be bundling them collectively in a brand new add-on package deal it’s calling “4K Plus.” There’s no getting one with out the opposite.

4K Plus is out there beginning immediately and can price an additional $19.99 monthly on prime of the usual $64.99 YouTube TV subscription. That sounds awfully costly, however a minimum of there’s this: clients will obtain a free one-month trial — and should you join early, 4K Plus will probably be discounted to $9.99 every month for the primary yr. That’s simpler to swallow than $20, however you’ll finally be shifted over to the total worth as soon as that preliminary promotion expires. So for the primary yr, you’re taking a look at a $75 month-to-month invoice, and $85 should you maintain 4K Plus after that. Add in taxes and costs and, properly, ouch.

For now, offline downloads will possible be a much bigger deal for a lot of clients than 4K streaming. Outside of choose sporting occasions, there’s nonetheless a dearth of 4K content material on community and cable TV. YouTube actually isn’t in any place to unravel that dilemma, but it surely’s promising that 4K Plus subscribers will be capable of “watch major sports events this summer in 4K, plus live content from networks like NBC, sports like college football and basketball later this year, and on-demand content from FX, Discovery Networks, Tastemade and more.” YouTube TV can be making ready for the Olympics with new options that may allow you to shortly leap to particular sports activities or moments of an occasion with out having to manually scrub via.

When requested whether or not offline downloads will face any channel or content material restrictions, YouTube advised me that something recorded to your cloud DVR from the bottom channel package deal may be downloaded to YouTube TV’s cellular app. So in concept, you shouldn’t run into any irritating limitations or channels that block the function. I’d hope for as a lot contemplating the worth! However, the corporate famous that some add-ons — and I’d guess we’re speaking about HBO — may not enable offline downloads.

At least amongst streaming TV companies, offline viewing is a uncommon comfort. Sling TV doesn’t supply it, and Hulu solely supports offline downloads from its on-demand library of exhibits and films. In the case of YouTube TV, you’re truly knocking down your entire DVR recording because it initially aired, so this strategy is considerably distinctive and Tivo-esque. YouTube advised me that clients could have full management over playback, and rewind / fast-forward ought to work with out difficulty.

Adding 4K Plus to your account additionally allows “unlimited” concurrent streams for any gadgets which might be on your own home Wi-Fi community. YouTube TV often limits clients to 3 simultaneous streams, and it will nonetheless apply for gadgets which might be exterior your own home.

Dolby 5.1 encompass is coming to YouTube TV

In welcome information for all YouTube TV clients, the service can even be introducing assist for Dolby 5.1 encompass sound “soon.” And this doesn’t require any particular plan or add-on. YouTube says 5.1 audio has persistently been among the many largest function requests from subscribers. It’ll be rolling out to “select devices” over the approaching weeks. Smart TVs are first on the checklist, with different platforms to observe within the close to future.