What is an OTT Service?
OTT stands for “Over the Top.” It’s a way of providing television and film content over the internet. If you are confused, think of popular platforms like Netflix and Hulu. These are popular types of OTT services. In the most basic terms, it’s a media service that uses the internet to provide you TV and movies. OTT services are by far the most popular way that people view a video on the internet. Currently, Netflix is the most effective OTT service out there.
What Does an OTT Service Offer?
OTT services are so popular because they offer users several opportunities that they don’t get with cable TV. OTT has become so popular that an entire movement called Cord Cutting had been formed. Let’s look at OTT service’s best features.
You Can Avoid Commercials
Some OTT services eliminate commercials, but it depends on the platform. Popular platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime come to your computer screen free of commercial interruptions. Who doesn’t love that? Unfortunately, on Amazon Prime and Netflix, you won’t get the most current tv shows. You’ll need to shift to an OTT service like Hulu to watch the most recent TV shows. With platforms like Hulu, you’ll have to upgrade to a premium subscription to eliminate commercials.
You Can Combine Services for More Access
OTT services allow you to sign up for as many as you want so you can have access to, well, everything. You can also split the subscriptions between a household to save money. That means you can subscribe to Amazon Prime, Netflix, Hulu, and even Disney Plus for access to almost all the television out there, and you still won’t pay what you did for cable TV.
Popular platforms like Hulu and Disney Plus even offer combination subscriptions to make it even less expensive. Popular service providers in other industries also sometimes include OTT services as part of their plan, as T-Mobile does with Netflix.
How Can I Access an OTT Service?
You need internet service to access OTT. You’ll most likely need a high-speed connection, or you’ll be plagued by obnoxious buffering and not be able to watch your movie uninterrupted. Thankfully there are multiple ways to access OTT services with the rise of technology once you have a solid internet connection.
Smart TVs
Technology did televisions a favor. Now instead of having to stream your favorite OTT services on your computer, you can purchase a TV that has the applications preinstalled. Every standard Smart TV comes with traditional OTT apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. Don’t see the app you want? No worries, you can typically add all of the available OTT apps out there by checking out the Smart TV on the application library.
Rokus, Chromecasts, and Other Devices
Before Smart TVs became famous, third-party devices like Roku and Chromecast transformed an ordinary TV and turned it into a Smart TV quickly. If you don’t want to invest in television that will cost you a few hundred dollars, Roku and Chromecast will only run you about $30-$50.
Tulix Systems
Live streaming media is a delicate process, but it can be a game-changer for any business when done successfully. If you are considering live streaming events and aren’t sure where to start, Tulix Systems can help. We are a premier global video delivery company, and we help you provide end-to-end streaming solutions for all your business needs. If you ready to take your media to the next level, contact us today to get started!