A concise reference guide to the technical acronyms and industry terms that define the modern streaming era. Use these definitions to better understand the technology behind your screen. Click any term to see current news and deeper technical details via a Web search.
AVOD: Advertising-based Video on Demand
The technical term for free, on-demand content libraries where you choose exactly what to watch in exchange for sitting through commercial breaks. Examples include the free libraries on Tubi, Pluto TV, and YouTube. See also: FAST, HVOD
Bitrate
The actual speed at which video data is delivered to your device, measured in mbps. While resolution determines the number of pixels, bitrate determines the quality of those pixels. A higher bitrate means a clearer, more stable picture with fewer visual glitches during fast action.
Buffering
The process where a device pre-loads data before playing it. When a video pauses with a spinning wheel, it is usually because the internet speed is not fast enough to keep the "buffer" full.
Churn
The practice of subscribing to a service to watch a specific show or event and then canceling immediately after. Many cord-cutters use a "churn" strategy to rotate through different services each month to keep costs down.
Cloud DVR
A feature offered by most live streaming services that allows you to record shows and movies to the service's servers rather than a physical box in your living room.
FAST: Free Ad-Supported Television
Streaming services that provide scheduled, "live" channels without a subscription fee. While the term technically refers to the linear "grid" or "channel" experience, most FAST platforms (like Pluto TV and Tubi) also include a large library of on-demand content. See also: AVOD
Geo-restriction
The method used by streaming services to limit or block access to specific content based on a user's geographic location or IP address, often due to licensing agreements.
HDCP: High-bandwidth Digital Content Protection
A form of digital copy protection designed to prevent the unauthorized copying of video and audio content. If your streaming player and TV are not using compatible versions of HDCP, you may see an error message or a blank screen.
HDMI: High-Definition Multimedia Interface
The standard connection used to transmit high-quality video and audio from a streaming player to a television using a single cable.
HDR: High Dynamic Range
An image technology that increases the contrast between the brightest whites and the darkest blacks. It allows for a much wider range of colors, making the picture appear more vibrant and realistic on compatible 4K televisions.
HVOD: Hybrid Video on Demand
A business model where a service charges a monthly subscription fee but also includes commercial breaks to keep the price lower. This describes the "Basic with Ads" tiers for services like Netflix, Disney Plus, and Max. See also: AVOD, SVOD
Latency
The delay, or lag, between a real-time event and the moment the video appears on your screen. This is often noticed when comparing a live internet stream to a traditional broadcast signal.
Linear TV
Traditional television where programs are broadcast on a specific channel at a scheduled time. Even though it is delivered over the internet now, many services still follow this "grid" format.
mbps: Megabits per second
A unit of measurement for internet speed. While 25 mbps is the minimum required for a single 4K/UHD stream, higher speeds are typically necessary for households where multiple devices are streaming simultaneously.
OTA: Over-the-Air
The traditional method of receiving broadcast television from local networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) for free using an antenna.
OTT: Over-the-Top
An industry term for any content that is delivered "over the top" of your internet connection, bypassing traditional cable and satellite providers. It is essentially a synonym for "streaming."
Pass-through
A setting that allows a streaming player to send raw audio data directly to a soundbar or home theater receiver without "decoding" it first. This ensures the highest quality audio, such as Dolby Atmos, is handled by your best speakers.
Resolution
The level of detail and clarity in a video image. Most streaming services offer High Definition (1080p), while many now offer 4K (also known as Ultra HD) for a sharper picture on compatible TVs.
SSAI: Server-Side Ad Insertion
A technology that "stitches" advertisements directly into the video stream before it reaches your device. This makes the transition between a show and a commercial feel seamless and makes the ads much harder for software to block.
Streaming Player
The hardware that connects your TV to the internet to access apps. This can be a small "stick" that hides behind the TV, a larger set-top box, or the software built directly into a Smart TV.
SVOD: Subscription Video on Demand
Paid services that allow you to watch movies and shows at any time rather than on a set schedule. Examples include the ad-free tiers of Netflix, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, and Apple TV Plus. See also: HVOD
vMVPD: Virtual Multichannel Video Programming Distributors
Services that provide a "cable-like" experience over the internet, featuring a lineup of live networks and a channel grid. Examples include Sling TV, Hulu+Live TV, and YouTube TV.
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