Over the top video streaming (OTT) and Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) stream entertainment through the internet uninterrupted at the convenience of its users. Yet, there are a few differences between OTT and IPTV. In this article, we will go through all the major differences between the two.
What is OTT?
Over-the-top video streaming provides video content for viewership on an OTT platform. Entertainment houses, media companies, businesses, and even individuals can set up their own OTT solutions. OTT streams video content using the internet for its users who can access the content anytime on any device through the OTT app and website. It runs on a monthly, annual, pay-as-you-go subscription model.
What is IPTV?
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) delivers television content over the internet. In simple words, it is a digital TV service where the viewer can watch tv shows at their convenience. The IPTV platform also works on subscription models. Private and corporate networks use IPTV solutions to deliver media to their audience.
Major differences between OTT vs IPTV
Though IPTV OTT providers have a lot in common, there are 9 major differences between the two. Before you decide which one is best for your business, you should know how OTT IPTV operates and the intricacies of the two.
1. Network type
OTT uses an open network to stream videos on the platform. The content is delivered either from content providers directly (entertainment houses/creators) or from aggregators.
IPTV is an owned network that is closed and is accessed by a chosen ISP.
2. Network relationship
OTT does not require investment in infrastructure. It streams directly from the source.
IPTV requires high bandwidth and an optimized network to stream TV content.
3. Content delivery
OTT runs on an open ecosystem and does not require a managed network connection.
IPTV solution provider makes use of the walled garden ecosystem and requires a managed, dedicated network connection.
4. Quality of services
The quality of OTT video service depends on the platform and the factors that are involved in managing the streaming services. There is no guaranteed quality.
When you start an IPTV business, you need to use a reliable network that can offer high-quality video content on the streaming platform. This makes it better quality than OTT.
5. Delivery protocol
OTT uses a connected delivery protocol such as HLS (Apple), Smooth Streaming (MS), or HDS (Adobe).
White label IPTV solution utilizes Transport Stream (TS) transmission technology and real-time protocol (RTP).
6. Content catalog
OTT is an economical subscription model and some providers opt for freemium to attract a user base in the initial period.
IPTV middleware providers use real-time content delivery and premium VOD.
7. Content-type
OTT has security thereby there is no premium charge.
IPTV offers only premium content.
8. Major platform players
Amazon cloud service providers, Brightcove, Akamai, Limelight, Kaltura are some of the major online video platforms.
Telecom service providers and vendors of IPTV platforms are IPTV solution providers such as Cisco, Ericsson, ALU.
9. Offered benefits
OTT platforms have flexible models to suit all customer segments. Also, it is easy to manage the platform when compared to IPTV.
IPTV provides interactive services to its viewers that are high quality and easy to monitor.
IPTV or OTT? What’s suitable for your service
Now that you know what OTT and IPTV are, the differences between the two, and how they function, it’s time to understand which one of the two will be more suitable for your service. OTT does not require a huge investment and allows personalization. These two are the main reasons why businesses opt for OTT platform creation.
On the other hand, entertainment houses and production houses that have better budgets in place can opt for IPTV where the quality of service is higher. There is better management, monitoring, and scalability with the investment that is made to set up the infrastructure.
Best OTT platforms can provide impressive features to their users at an economic cost. This increases the user base, thereby increasing the business of the company. But it is up to the company to choose a reliable network provider who can provide uninterrupted high-quality video streaming on the platform.
OTT requires low investment in the infrastructure when compared to IPTV which is the main reason a lot of companies opt for OTT platforms. Telecommunication companies and TV operators can opt for IPTV solutions as they would already have the network infrastructure required for IPTV in place. Also, their customer base that is currently on the TV network can be moved to IPTV that offers uninterrupted streaming that the users can watch as per their convenience. With the advancements in technology, IPTV could be a game-changer.
Conclusion
You can decide if IPTV or OTT is best for your service based on the resources of the company and the content delivery infrastructure that will suit your business model. If you are a TV operator or telecom company, IPTV will work best for you whereas if you are an entertainment house OTT platform will be a better choice.