IPTV, OTT, VOD, And Live Streaming: What Are They?

IPTV, OTT, VOD, and Live Streaming: What are They?

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by Alan Jackson — 1 year ago in Review 2 min. read
2070

The topic of video streaming is wide and rich with concepts and terms, such as OTT, IPTV, VOD, AVOD, live streaming, and many more. In general, all these terms refer to the content delivery modes. However, they differ from each other.

In this article, we are trying to explain the difference between these video streaming terms. Let’s start.

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IPTV

What is IPTV? IPTV refers to Internet Protocol Television. It is a delivery method that transmits content through LAN/WAN (Local Area Network/Wide Area Network). IPTV doesn’t usually demand much internet bandwidth.

For IPTV, it is necessary for a viewer to be within the borders of the dedicated network. If they are outside the network, they won’t be able to access the IPTV video streaming service.


Usually, to watch content on the IPTV platform, customers need a set-top box connected to a router to operate. Without proper hardware, it isn’t easy to get access to video content on the service.

To conclude, IPTV ensures a closed and controlled network that requires additional equipment so that viewers can use it.

OTT

OTT refers to Over-The-Top. Here, the content is delivered via the public internet. An OTT service doesn’t require additional equipment and can be accessed almost from anywhere. However, a provider can forbid some locations to access their service.

A viewer needs an Internet connection to watch videos on the OTT platform. Moreover, OTT platforms are available on multiple platforms and devices, including Smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, and laptops.

For OTT services, it is a vital question what the internet speed and bandwidth are. They depend on these two.


VOD

VOD is not a delivery method. It is a format of consuming media. Why is it revolutionary? Let’s explain.

We are used to the fact that television programs are usually played on a certain day at a certain time. Viewers needed to wait for a show to air to enjoy it. There was almost no way you could watch it another day.

But the VOD format changed that. Video-On-Demand content is available for viewers at any time they want. It is the reason why people love VOD services and use them more and more. It is the reason why cord-cutting began around the world.


What is more, VOD services allow people to watch more than one episode. They can binge-watch. There is no need, for example, to wait a week to watch the next part of the series.

Live streaming

Live streaming is content delivery in real-time. The video isn’t recorded first and stored on servers. Live streaming is when the speaker talks and records the video, and it is transmitted immediately.

The content is created in real-time. There is no way you can cut out scenes you don’t like or somehow change what you have created. You cannot edit the live-streaming video. However, you can turn it into a video available on demand after your live event ends.

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Final Thoughts

The video streaming industry changed the way we consume media and the media industry itself. Today, not only broadcasting companies own television programs and decide what programs people are going to watch in the evening.

Companies and businesses from various fields can launch their IPTV/OTT platforms. They can become content creators and share their knowledge and expertise with viewers. And VOD content makes it more convenient for them to watch videos.

If you want to create your own content and launch an IPTV/OTT platform, we recommend you contact Setplex. They can offer a solution to achieve your goals.


Alan Jackson

Alan is content editor manager of The Next Tech. He loves to share his technology knowledge with write blog and article. Besides this, He is fond of reading books, writing short stories, EDM music and football lover.

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