# Tips and tricks for using YouTube TV
**URL:** https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461
**Category:** Factual Questions
**Created:** [October 18, 2022, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461 "2022-10-18T21:53:14Z")
**Posts on this page:** 10
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)
#### Post date: [October 18, 2022, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/1 "2022-10-18T21:53:14Z")
We finally cut the cord and switched to YouTube TV, and for the most part we like it just fine. But the interface can be confusing, and I haven’t been able to find any support number or even robo-chat. So I’m hoping my fellow Dopers can answer our questions.
Here’s the first one: **How can I tell the platform to record sports events for 30 minutes (or 60, or more) after their scheduled end?** I missed the OT of the Chargers-Broncos game last night.
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### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 11:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/2 "2022-10-19T11:27:30Z")
I am pretty satisfied with YouTube TV (I’m surprised that it doesn’t seem to be talked about much). I particularly enjoy the unlimited DVR capacity.
However, there is no built-in capability, as far as I know, to activate extending the recording time. I would suggest, as a workaround, to get in the habit of selecting whatever program(s) come after the game to record.
mmm
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### Author:  [@pjd](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pjd)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/3 "2022-10-19T11:52:02Z")
Just looked into this … it’s very expensive !
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### Author:  [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 12:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/4 "2022-10-19T12:13:19Z")
Never mind, I see now this is FQ.
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### Author:  [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 1:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/5 "2022-10-19T13:07:25Z")
> [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](#):
>
> However, there is no built-in capability, as far as I know, to activate extending the recording time. I would suggest, as a workaround, to get in the habit of selecting whatever program(s) come after the game to record.
Good suggestion for games I really care about, but virtually impossible for all games.
> [@pjd](#):
>
> Just looked into this … it’s very expensive !
Yes, but it’s half the price of the cable package we cancelled, with nearly identical viewing options.
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### Author:  [@Mean\_Mr.Mustard](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mean_Mr.Mustard)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 1:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/6 "2022-10-19T13:19:20Z")
> [@pjd](#):
>
> Just looked into this … it’s very expensive !
Huh. We saved about $40 a month when we switched from cable to YouTube TV. We still have all the networks I would want, plus all the Showtime channels (which are extra).
The only downside, although it matters to me much less than it used to, is the absence of local sports team coverage. I presume this varies by location.
mmm
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### Author:  [@BrianDime](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrianDime)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 2:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/7 "2022-10-19T14:34:30Z")
I jumped on the YTTV bandwagon back when it was $25 a month. Didn’t have as many channels back then, but I sure wish they would offer a $25 package with just the locals and a couple other things again.
[EDIT to add]:
YTTV’s support page says it generally records 30 min past the end of sporting events, but doesn’t give a way to adjust that.
> **[Record shows, sports, events, & movies - YouTube TV Help](https://support.google.com/youtubetv/answer/7129564?hl=en#zippy=%2Crecording-extensions)**
>
> Never miss an episode or game by recording your favorite programs to your personal library.
> How to record shows, sports, events, and movies with YouTube TV | US only
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### Author:  [@Joeu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joeu)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 3:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/8 "2022-10-19T15:12:35Z")
In my experience (only baseball, sorry!), it’s all automatic and completely effective. The entire game records, including extra innings, no matter how long it goes. And no matter what channel/network it’s on. I just had to say that I want to watch the NY Mets games, and they all record, the full game, without any further intervention. It’s been great (except for the Mets’ total collapse this season. 😔)
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### Author:  [@Akaj](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Akaj)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 3:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/9 "2022-10-19T15:27:13Z")
> [@Joeu](#):
>
> The entire game records, including extra innings, no matter how long it goes.
Why would that work for baseball but not football?
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### Author:  [@Joeu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joeu)
#### Post date: [October 19, 2022, 3:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/tips-and-tricks-for-using-youtube-tv/973461/10 "2022-10-19T15:53:45Z")
I don’t know! I don’t watch football.
Maybe it’s something with the way the channel codes the broadcast schedule? I’m only guessing. All I can say is that for the whole past baseball season it’s worked perfectly, and automatically. (not only that, but if I’m using the DVR function, I can see the Mets games even when on vacation in another state where they’re not available. VERY good!).
Sorry. I guess that’s not helpful to you at all. If you use reddit, there is a sub-reddit for YouTubeTV, and it seems to have a lot of knowledgable users.