I have been using DirecTV Now since day one -- was that back in November 2016? -- and while I have had problems here and there, overall I am satisfied. Stuttering playback? Extremely rare. It works very well for live television, which for me is usually CNN. The VOD service is awful, but DTVN has over time expanded access to network apps, so you can watch the shows there -- Comedy Central, FX, ABC, NBC, etc. For live TV, this service works very well. For playback TV, not well. If you have a grandfathered plan -- $35 for 100+ channels plus HBO free for a year -- this service cannot be matched.