A brief description of Over The Top streaming video, presented to the Amateur Computer Group of New Jersey for the December 2021 "Tech Talk" meeting

1. Over The Top
Internet Streaming Services

2. Over the Top
Internet Streaming Services

3. What is “OTT”?
OTT (“Over The Top”) streaming services
are Internet-based services which provide
video content above and beyond that
which has traditionally been available on
broadcast, cable, or satellite television.
Most of this content is available through
tiered subscription levels.
Once,
choosing
what to
watch was
easy
...twelve VHF channels, three networks – if
you were lucky
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4. Back in the days of broadcast-only, the cost of producing and airing a
television program was paid for by advertising. Some industry
veterans will tell you it’s a bit of the other way around – that the
programming was what got people to watch the advertisements.
In today’s intellectual-property atmosphere, rights can be more
effectively managed, and production and royalty costs more
effectively monetized, by providing content directly (for a fee) across
multiple media streams and services.
It’s About Rights
and Money
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5. Types of OTT Video
Subscription Video on Demand (SVoD):
services that offer access to film and
television content, as well as original
content
Skinny Television and/or Independent
Video Programming: specialty content
and services, provided over the Internet
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It’s about
choice
“Only pay for what you want”

6. It’s About Access
Traditional programming services
are based on what Wikipedia calls
“access network cooperation”: you
have to be where your TV antenna
or wired service is located, and you
can only get the content the
provider chooses to provide to
you, based on your subscription
package.
Cable?
Satellite?
Fiber?
You don’t have to buy the whole package
You aren’t limited to viewing from home
You don’t have to watch when it’s “aired”
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7. Over the Air (Broadcast)
Types of Media Stream
Traditional television used analog
signal radiowaves that were
processed at both ends of the
transmission. Home antennas
and roof-mounted aerials
improved reception.
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Cable and VSAT
Using digital signal processing,
content is sent along a coaxial
cable or received by a miniature
satellite dish. Both methods
greatly reduced or eliminated
interference and signal fading.
Internet
Broadband internet provides
enough bandwidth to transmit
rich media across long distances
with little to no lag or loss of
signal..
The same content, reformatted by codec, resolution, and frame rate, can
be provided across different transmission media

8. Analog Broadcast (VHF
and UHF)
Twelve VHF channels and 70 UHF channels, analog
transmission. Three main encoding schemes (NTSC,
PAL, SECAM) had incompatible resolutions and
frame rates.
Digital Broadcast (VHF)
In the early 2000s, broadcast television migrated
from analog signals to digital ones in a different
frequency band. This allowed for channel splitting
and the transmission of additional (“dual tuner”)
content along the same channels.
CDs, DVDs, and Blu-Ray
In the 1990s and 2000s, WORM (Write Once, Read
Many) media provided better stability and
performance. .These digital media could be viewed
either on a television set (via set-top media player) or
on a computer.
Cable TV
Coaxial-cable transmission eliminated reception
issues associated with radiowave communication.
Content delivery was based on a subscription model,
which allowed for a greater selection of video
content.
Streaming Subscriptions
Moving content online provides an additional
revenue stream and allows for content consumption
while the subscriber is also working or doing other
computer-based tasks.
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Pre-Recorded Media
In the 1980s, videotape became a popular method for
saving over-the-air programs and viewing pre-
recorded programs (largely movies and children’s
content) on-demand.
History of Streaming Media

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No Bouncing, No Ghosting
Digital transmission means there’s no vertical hold to
adjust, no antenna to reorient to converge red, green,
and blue phosphors.
Tiered Subscription
Many broadcast-network-based OTT services provide
the most recent of their OTA/Basic Cable offerings
available for free or nearly free; add-on packages
reduce advertising and/or provide more content at
greater cost.
Exclusive Content
Revenue from subscriptions, and the need to stand
out in a competitive sector, favor the production
and/or licensing of exclusive content – stuff that isn’t
available through OTA, cable, or VSAT channels.
Separate Services
Sports packages, documentary packages, and
children’s content are often considered separate
subscription services as opposed to add-on tiers.
Archives and Rentals
Paid subscriptions often offer access to older content,
often processed to improve its audiovisual quality.
Short-term rentals provide access to newly-released
films and other specialty entertainment.
Any Device, Any Time
Digital convergence (Internet Everywhere) means a
stream can be viewed on a mobile phone, tablet,
notebook, or cast to a big-screen television.
OTT Advantages

10. Netflix
Originally a DVD/Blu-Ray
movie rental service, Netflix
has moved completely to an
online subscription network,
including video series and
exclusive and original content
Amazon Prime Video
The online bookseller and
marketplace is also a
provider of foreign,
documentary, and
original content in short,
long, and series formats
Roku
Arguably, the original
content-only set-top
boxes, now provides
access to several OTT
subscription services
Hulu
Started as a tiered online
service for catching up on
older TV shows, now a paid
subscription service which
also produces original
content
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The OGs
The first streaming services were not the traditional broadcast networks – nor were they the
second set of networks that emerged in the 1980s.

11. Set Top Box
Set-top boxes started as hard-drive device replacements for cable
boxes, VCRs, and DVD/Blu-Ray players, but have improved in size and
management so that many are the size of a typical TV remote-
control. The device receives the stream through the Internet and
translates it to the TV set’s codec before sending it to the TV. Some
devices will also let you save streamed content for offline use.
Internet Native
Even when they’re touted as “easier” and “more reliable” to access an
OTT service through its branded set-top box, Internet-based services
are just as easy to access through a Web browser or a mobile app.
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Delivery Methods
Some services only come one way; others come both

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Paramount+ (CBS)
Paramount owns CBS, Nickelodeon, the Smithsonian
Channel, The Comedy Channel, BET, MTV, and their
subsidiary channels. Subscription levels vary by
frequency of renewal and presence/absence of
commercials.
Peacock TV (NBC)
This NBC offering has three levels of service – an ad-
supported free level with limited viewing options, an
ad-supported “Premium” subscription level with
additional content, and an ad-free “Premium Plus”.
PBS Passport
A perk of local-station sustaining membership ($10 or
more per month contribution), it allows access to
previously aired content.
Disney+
Your place for branded Disney, Marvel, and Star Wars
content, Disney+ also offers National Geographic.
Also available bundled with Hulu and ESPN+.
Fox
The Fox portal includes regular programming, news,
and sports, both written and streaming. The paid
premium service, Fox Nation, provides extra, in-
depth, and on-demand content from the Fox News
channel.
HBO Max
The HBO/Cinemax streaming service includes
content from DC, Looney Tunes, Cartoon Network,
Adult Swim, TCM, and others.
OTT Providers: Major Networks

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CBS Sports
Some games and sports are included in the
Paramount+ membership package; others require a
separate sports-package subscription
Major League Sports
MLB.com, NFL GamePass, NBA League Pass, etc.
Each provides live game content, subject to local
blackout restrictions.
NBC Sports Gold
Several packages available, including Premier
League, The Olympic Channel, Cycling Package, etc.
ESPN+
Content is distinct from cable ESPN channels, but
includes on-demand and archival content from cable
ESPN channels, as well as fantasy sports tools and
news articles.
Other Sports
Certain less-popular sports have their own
subscription tournament streams. Examples include
PDC.TV (darts) and WSOP.com (poker)
Fubo
Basic OTT TV package, with add-ons for various
sports packages. Both the most expensive and the
most extensive package.
Sports Packages

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News
Conservative and alt-right (e.g. One News Network);
world news (e.g. BBC, Al-Jazeera), and other
specialized or news-only programming.
Foreign Content
World news, international sports (Sport Lemon, From
Sports, etc.), curated content (e.g. BritBox, Acorn TV,
YuppTV)
Educational (non-University)
Craftsy, Skillshare, MasterClass (mixed video and
text/static materials), YouTube-based instruction
Mixed Specialty
YouTube and Vimeo host amateur, near-professional,
and (inter)nationally-branded content, either
searchable by title/content or curated into channels.
Specialty video is also available via Bing search.
Children’s Programming
Ameba and Toon Giggles are two services focusing
on children’s programming, competing with
network properties such as Nickelodeon, PBS Kids,
and Boomerang.
Religious Programming
Jewish Broadcasting Service (JBS TV), Christian
Broadcasting Network (CBN), etc. Some of these are
also available through cable and satellite providers.
Specialty Programming

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Tubi
Older, lesser-known films, series, children’s
programming. Networks covered include
Docudrama, Filmrise, Dove Channel, Lifetime. Ad-
supported.
Pluto TV
Ad-supported older movies, family programming,
adult programming. Livestream of older movie
content. Older movies and series available on
demand.
RedBull TV
Live and prerecorded news and videos of extreme
sports.
The CW
The CW is one of the few network OTT services that
does not (near as I can see) have a paid tier.
Ameba
One of several services focusing on children’s
programming.
Free Trials
Many services will give you a one-week free trial
before you have to plunk down any money.
Freebies

16. These services allow subscribers to
stream programming from
multiple content providers in a
single library. Access to specific
content may still require a firewall.
Mobile operators and cable
providers may also be content
organizers if they offer a “view
anywhere” option.
Content Library
This type of service provides the
subscriber access to the service’s
new and archived content on an
ongoing basis (as long as the
subscription requirements are
being met). Examples: Amazon
Prime Video, Paramount+
Digital Licenses and
Downloads
Not necessarily OTT in the
traditional sense, these content
providers allow you the right to
view a show or an event either
once (“rental” or “ticket”) or forever
(“buy”). Examples: Pay Per View
(PPV), movie repositories
(Fandango Now, Universal Home
Movies)
Service Organizers Content Organizers
These services provide a portal
through which one can access a
library of OTT services, either
through individual accounts or an
omnibus subscription. Examples
include VEWD, which also
suggests OTT services and apps.
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Service Types
What is that “OTT” Service Selling Me?

17. Premium content may be an
enticement of perquisite of a
network access provider (e.g.
Peacock Premium is part of Xfinity
TV packages).
Content is often older, less popular
(lower license fees for the provider).
Almost always ad-supported.
Premium content may be limited,
ad-supported, or both.
Some providers also offer an annual
rate at substantial savings.
Full access to all content (including
premium content but not including
PPV, rentals, or digital purchases.
Many providers offer annual
subscriptions at substantial savings.
Some providers charge a premium
for 4k content.
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Service Tiers
Either you get what you pay for, or the advertisers do…
Free
No Fee Required Part of Package Low Monthly Fee Top Tier
Included Basic
All
Access

18. Pay-per-view movies start at about
$2.99 and go up to $20 or more for a
one-time view-through.
Services that provide older or
educational content start at about
$2.99/month and go up from there.
Content is often older, less popular
(lower license fees for the provider).
Almost always ad-supported.
Most monthly-subscription
streaming services start around $5 a
month (with ads and commercials)
and go up from there. Services that
replace the entire TV lineup (such as
Fubo) can run upwards of $70/mo for
a basic package.
Choosing to pay a full year or more in
advance can save 20% or more off
the regular monthly price.
Sample Costs
Pay One-Time, Monthly, or Annually
Free
No Fee Required
One-Time Rental
Older/Educational
Monthly Costs By the Year
$2.99
& up
$4.99 to
$20.00+
Package
Deals

19. Free
0
$
/mo
Older Content
OTA/Major Networks
Minimal user info
required
Ad-Supported
Limited Watchlist
No download
Basic
$
3/mo
Starting at
User account
required
Ad-Supported
Older content
Educational/Kids
Premium
Starting at
User account and
payment type required
More content,
fewer (or no) ads
Previous seasons
Exclusive content
Higher resolution
Annual
Subscription
Pay now, save later
User account and payment
type required
12 months for
the price of 10*
Previous seasons
Exclusive content
Higher resolution
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Sample Price Ranges
$
10/mo 15%
/yr
*Not all services offer annual plans
or advance-payment discounts

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You Get What You Pay For
Cost/Benefit
Generally speaking, as the cost of your subscription goes up, you get
more content (shows, movies), sometimes at higher video quality (some
services charge a premium for 4K video), and fewer (or no) ads.

21. Any Time, Any Device
As long as you have an Internet
connection, you can view content
on your
• Computer
• Tablet
• Smartphone
• Smart TV (with built-in access)
• Streaming Device (TiVO, Roku,
AppleTV, Chromecast)
Free With Package
Some cable, optical, and mobile
providers offer free premium
packages as part of their service
package:
• Verizon Wireless (Disney +)
• T-Mobile (HBO Max)
• Xfinity (Peacock Premium)
• Amazon Prime (Prime Video)
Content
You want to watch the latest live
sporting event or concert from
home
You’ve been following content
that is only available on an OTT
service
• Star Trek: Discovery (Paramount +)
• Lucifer (Netflix)
You are not in the provider’s
home area for a service you want
• PDC TV (live championship darts)
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Why Bother About OTT?
Reasons You Might Want To Subscribe

22. Cumulative Cost
If you subscribe to multiple
premium services, or even more
than a few lower-tier paid services,
the costs can add up to even more
than a cable TV subscription.
Exclusivity
Are there other, cheaper ways to
access the content you’re looking
for? Sometimes a VPN
subscription, an online betting site,
or a sport-specific portal can serve
in place of one or more foreign
access subscriptions.
Can I Wait for It?
A lot of older movies end up
cycling through the “free”, or “free
with ads” sections of major online
film services such as Vudu, Tubi, or
PlutoTV. That said, not everything
makes it to the free or ad-
supported tier, and if they’re there,
they don’t stay forever.
Do I NEED Ad-Free?
Not everybody has the patience to
sit through ads (even though that
used to be a normal part of live TV
viewing). That said, if you’re willing
to put up with the interruptions
(which aren’t always as the logical
– or built-in – break points), you
can save having to spend for the
top tier.
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Things to Consider

23. Wikipedia
Includes a long list of OTT providers and their parent companies
Cost of OTT (New York Times)
A couple of years ago, the New York Times ran an analysis of how much the average family
spends each month on OTT services.
VEWD Smart TV Platform
VEWD is a Smart TV browser which lets you look through a host of OTT streaming services and
other applications. The app is not compatible with smartphones.
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Resources