Weekly rewind
Super Bowl streaming details: If you plan to watch the Super Bowl without cable this weekend, my column this week is all about what to expect in terms of video quality. NBC confirmed to me that it won’t be streaming the game at 60 frames per second, and most streaming bundles will max out at 30 frames per second as well. For the kind of ultra-smooth motion you get from cable or over-the-air broadcasts, you’ll need to use PlayStation Vue or DirecTV Now. FuboTV is also an intriguing option for those who like to text or use social media during the game, since its feeds have less of a delay than other bundles.
Of course, all claims to superior video quality could go out the window if these services become overwhelmed by demand. As always, your best option for reliable, high-quality video during the Super Bowl is an over-the-air antenna.
YouTube TV adds Roku and Apple TV support: Although I’ve been impressed with YouTube TV’s $35 per month streaming bundle, I didn’t put it atop my recommendation list due to its limited device support. On Thursday, however, YouTube TV launched apps for newer Roku players and the Apple TV, joining its existing support for Chromecast, Android TV devices, and the Xbox One. I’m evaluating the new apps and will revisit my recommendations soon.
Check the fine print on Roku’s blog post for a list of compatible devices.
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