Video-on-demand (VOD)
Video-on-demand (VOD) is a technology that allows users to access video content whenever they choose, offering the flexibility to watch immediately or at a later time. VOD services are provided by companies like Netflix, Hulu, and DIRECTV, which require users to subscribe to access a library of movies and television shows stored digitally on servers. This content can be streamed in real time or downloaded for future viewing and is compatible with a wide variety of devices, including smart TVs, computers, smartphones, tablets, and gaming consoles, allowing for convenient access anytime and anywhere.
VOD has gained significant traction, especially in the United States, where a substantial majority of households now subscribe to such services, often opting for them over traditional cable or satellite TV. It is not only used for entertainment but also for educational purposes, such as training videos in corporate settings. The rise of VOD has notably influenced viewing habits, with subscribers reportedly watching nearly five hours of programming each day, which is longer compared to traditional television viewers. Overall, VOD has reshaped the landscape of home entertainment, providing diverse content options and changing how audiences consume media.
Subject Terms
Video-on-demand (VOD)
Video-on-demand (VoD) is technology that supplies video content to users upon request. They can then view the content immediately or at some later time. Furthermore, users can view the content on many different types of devices, from televisions to smartphones to gaming consoles. To access VoD content, users must have a subscription to one of the many existing VoD providers. VoD has become popular throughout the world, particularly in the United States.
How It Works
VoD content is offered through providers, including Netflix, Hulu, and DIRECTV. Generally, individuals need to purchase a monthly subscription to such a provider to access that provider's VoD content. The content, which typically includes movies and television shows, is stored on servers in digital format. When users choose the content they would like to view, the server then distributes that content to them.
VoD content can be either streamed for viewing in real time (immediately) or downloaded for viewing in the future. Whichever option users choose, they can view the content on numerous types of devices, including televisions, computers, tablets (such as the iPad and Android tablets), smartphones (including the iPhone and Android phones), and gaming consoles (such as the Playstation and Xbox). This means that users can watch the content anytime and anywhere they choose. Furthermore, users are able to fast forward, rewind, and pause the content.
Although VoD is mostly used for entertainment purposes, it can also be used for educational purposes. For example, companies can make use of VoD training videos for their employees. VoD can also be used during a videoconference, which is a live conference that typically includes the transmission of audio, video, images, and text between two or more people in different locations. VoD can provide richer presentations during a videoconference.
Examples of VoD Providers
Many VoD providers are available. Netflix is one of the world's most popular with 282 million subscribers worldwide as of 2024. The provider offers a wide array of VoD movies and television shows. Netflix even has its own original programming, including the series Stranger Things, Emily in Paris and The Crown. With an Internet connection, subscribers can stream any movie or show on a variety of devices, including televisions, smartphones, computers, tablets, and gaming consoles.
As of 2024, the cost of subscribing to Netflix is $6.99 a month for its most basic plan. For this price, subscribers can stream an unlimited amount of content. Other plans are slightly more expensive than the base plan, with the most expensive plan standing at $22.99 a month. The perks of these plans include the ability to stream in high definition (HD) and on multiple devices.
In 2019, the Walt Disney Company launched its own VOD service called Disney Plus. The service provided a platform for all classic Disney content, as well as its newer acquisitions, such as the Marvel and Star Wars franchises. By 2024, Disney Plus had topped 153 million subscribers and emerged as a serious challenger to Netflix.
DIRECTV is yet another popular VoD provider. The satellite provider offers DIRECTV On Demand, which gives subscribers access to a large library of VoD movies and shows. A subscriber must have a compatible DIRECTV receiver as well as high-speed Internet to access the VoD content. Like other VoD providers, the content can be viewed on several different types of devices. For people with a subscription to DIRECTV, DIRECTV On Demand is provided at no additional cost. However, some VoD movies and shows must be purchased.
Influence
VoD has had a tremendous impact on the home entertainment industry, especially in the United States. As of 2023, about 95 percent of American homes had at least one subscription to a VoD provider. Not only do many Americans have a subscription to a VoD provider, but many have done away with—or simply have never had—a subscription to a conventional television programming provider, such as a cable or satellite provider.
VoD also has influenced the sedentary lifestyle of many Americans. Americans with a subscription to a VoD provider watch about 4 hours and 45 minutes of programming per day, which is nearly 50 minutes longer than those with a conventional provider.
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