The DVR service approach is a work-in-progress for many providers and most always has limits for programming storage. If you exceed them, you pay extra. YouTube TV offers the longest storage period at nine months before it begins deleting the oldest recordings.

In the Hulu service for example, 50 hours of storage is included, but for an extra $15 a month you can store up to 200 hours of programming.

Ad Skipping

DVR functionality is at least equally embraced because of their ability to skip ads in recorded content upon playback. But don't assume add skipping applies to everything you record. For example, without one service's pay-extra DVR storage option, fans can't skip through ads be they in recorded NFL shows, game casts or original series.

In Demand

For those sports fans seeking video on-demand, Hulu's original service offers plenty for $8 a month ($12 a month with ad skipping). Hulu Live TV can get the latter added in for $4 a month for the TV show and movie content library.

Streaming

Some OTT services have limits to the amount of streaming you can perform. Hulu live TV lets subscribers create up to six different user profiles but supports only two concurrent streams to the home. If you want/need more, an additional $15 lands you unlimited streaming according to the company.

Device and OS Support

When it comes to device support, OTT services typically support a handful of popular options such as Xbox One, Chromecast, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV with pledges to extend the list moving forward. Mobile device support should include iOS and Android. Check the supported device list most every OTT service provider offers on their web pages.

Service Status

In the hair-on-fire rush to enter the booming OTT market space, some service providers are learning and testing on the go. For example, instead of waiting for a complete (for now) service at commercial launch, some are introducing beta versions of their offerings.

'Beta' essentially means work-in-progress, with issues/problems encountered by early subscribers and the provider to be addressed as they go.

Don't Be a Pioneer