What are Over the Top Services?
Let’s begin with the basics. The term “Over the Top (OTT) services refer to any kind of media streaming or video that gives viewers access to TV or movies shows through sending the media directly over the internet. The most well-known OTT providers are Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
The basic idea is that Over the Top services use an internet connection to stream movies and TV shows. The majority of OTT providers offer their own apps web page, site, or webpage of some sort where users are able to log in to view the content that is included in the subscription.
OTT services have a wide range of appealing pros that even you not even be aware of. We’ve compiled an outline of the five essential things you must be aware of to comprehend Over the Top services like a professional.
1. Over the Top Services are HUGELY POPULAR
The first thing you “need to know” is that OTT services are fast growing into one of the used methods to enjoy video content. Of all OTT services, Netflix is the Big Dog in the game and we’re not kidding when we say they are revolutionizing how people see video and TV.
What does this mean you may ask? For viewers it means that potential viewing platforms are always changing and evolving to offer the best user experience possible. More shows, greater availability and access to the content you want wherever you are seems like a good bargain. (Especially when the cost of a Netflix subscription costs just $12 per month.)
The world’s population are enrolled in Netflix along with other services to avail of the ease and convenience OTT offers.
Data from 2017 surveys revealed that 54 percent of U.S. adults used Netflix.
(Leichtman Research)
To make that figure more amazing the number of 785 million subscribers to an OTT provider (such as Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video) worldwide.
2. OTT Requires an Internet Connection
Before jumping onto the bandwagon of the internet it is important to understand that top-quality streaming services need an Internet connection. If you’d like to enjoy an enjoyable experience while watching which isn’t interrupted by constant buffering, it is recommended that you get at least a 25Mbps stream.
If you’re unsure of your current speed on your connection or if you’re not sure the meaning of speed take a look at this article.
A bandwidth of 25mbps typically can only support one stream over-the-top and one or two smartphones in the event that the connection is experiencing good days. The smallest speed we provide is 25mbps as we recognize that the majority of households prefer to stream on two or more devices when surfing the web playing games or browsing Facebook. All of this simultaneously demands a higher speed of connection.
3. No. More. Commercials.
Yep. That’s right. With an OTT stream, you are able to enjoy your favourite series with Netflix as well as Amazon Prime Video without commercials. The reason subscriptions such as Netflix extremely popular is the lack of commercials. This saves viewers from interruptions to shows and the time spent watching commercials rather than the actual program.
Cordcutting.com states that Netflix has saved all of its customers from
160 hours of commercials were shown on average in 2017.
Before you get excited, you should know that streaming services such as Netflix do not offer the most recent programming on TV channels. Other streaming services, like Hulu provide the latest season and episode of the recent cable TV shows. However, these shows do include commercials unless you subscribe to premium membership.
In contrast to conventional cable, and IPTV, Hulu typically selects commercials based on your watching previous history. In some instances, you can choose the company that will play the commercials you’ll see during the program.
4. OTT Doesn’t have to be Either-Or
There is no need to restrict your subscription to just one provider. A lot of households use Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime together for a variety of reasons.
Since OTT subscriptions are so cheap they can pay the price of $12 for Netflix and $8 for Hulu for a month, and gain access to an extensive collection of free shows as well as recently aired cable shows. Customers also enjoy signing up for Amazon Prime, which provides access to a vast video library, two-day delivery for Prime products, as well as numerous additional benefits.
Many households also have a subscription to one or several OTT providers as well as their monthly cable plan for access to massive video libraries while keeping up with live television.
5. There are Multiple ways you can Access OTT Services
If you want to add OTT to your home, there are several options to choose from.
Get a Smart TV
A flat-screen TV, also known as a smart TV was once costly and expensive for the majority of households. Nowadays, people can locate 30” and 40 inch Smart TVs at under $250. In addition, the majority of Smart TVs that are available include Netflix, Hulu, and Prime Video apps pre-installed.
Get an Add-On Device for Your Current TV
Did you buy a new television that isn’t a smart TV? Don’t worry. Add-on devices such as Roku, Chromecast Stick or Amazon’s Fire TV Stick cost around $30-$50. The devices let users connect the device to a television’s HDMI port and then access the “app” screen on their TV’s HDMI channel.
After that, you’ll be able to login to each of the subscription applications directly from the TV and use any of your services from your TV.
Does none of that sound appealing to you?
You can buy an HDMI cable that typically is priced between $5 to $10. Visit the OTT provider’s website and connect your laptop to your TV via cables to play your TV shows.
Use your Laptop/Computer/Tablet/Device
If you do not want to think about one of the above methods to connect to you OTT service, simply visit the site of the provider. With a laptop, tablet smartphone, computer or any other electronic device, you can stream your shows right on the device.
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