In recent years, the way we consume entertainment has undergone a major transformation. Gone are the days when we were limited to the content available on TV channels or DVDs. Now, we have access to a wide range of movies, TV shows, and other video content through Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms. In this blog, we will explore what OTT is and how it works.

What is OTT?
OTT is an abbreviation for Over-The-Top. It is a term used to describe a streaming media service offered directly to viewers over the internet. This means that the content is delivered over a broadband internet connection rather than through traditional cable or satellite TV providers.

OTT services offer on-demand access to video content, giving viewers the freedom to watch their favourite movies and TV shows whenever and wherever they want. Examples of popular OTT platforms include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+.

How does OTT work?
OTT services work by delivering video content through the internet directly to the viewer’s device. This can be a smart TV, a computer, a tablet, or a smartphone. The content is delivered over the internet as a stream, which means that it is played as it is downloaded. This is in contrast to traditional broadcasting, where the content is transmitted in real-time and viewers have to tune in at a specific time to watch their favourite shows.

The OTT delivery process involves four key components: 

Content Providers: This includes the studios, production houses, and other companies that create the video content.

Content Delivery Networks (CDNs): These are networks of servers located around the world that deliver video content to viewers. CDNs help to ensure that the video is delivered quickly and reliably, without buffering or interruptions.

Streaming Devices: These are the devices that viewers use to access the OTT services. They can include smart TVs, set-top boxes, gaming consoles, computers, tablets, and smartphones.

Viewers: These are the people who watch video content on their devices.

When a viewer accesses an OTT service, they select the content they want to watch from a library of available titles. The viewer’s device then sends a request to the CDN, which locates the video content and delivers it to the viewer’s device. The video is played as it is downloaded, with the device buffering enough of the content to ensure that it plays smoothly without interruptions.

Conclusion
OTT services have revolutionized the way we consume entertainment. They offer viewers a wide range of content on-demand, giving them the freedom to watch their favourite movies and TV shows whenever and wherever they want. By delivering video content over the internet, OTT services have made it possible for viewers to access high-quality video content without being tied to traditional cable or satellite TV providers.