Streaming Lexicon

Terms that new streamers may not fully understand.

  • OTA: Over-the-Air; the traditional method of receiving broadcast television from local networks (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC) for free using an antenna.
  • FAST: Free ad supported television, such as Roku Channel, Pluto TV, Tubi, Xumo Play, Sling Freestream, and many more.
  • SVOD: Subscription video on demand, such as Netflix, Max, Disney Plus, Paramount Plus, etc.
  • vMVPD: Virtual multichannel video programming distributors, such as Sling TV, Hulu+Live TV, YouTube TV, Fubo, etc.
  • mbps: Megabits per second; 25 mbps is needed to stream 4K/UHD.
  • Latency: The delay, or lag, between a real-life event and the time the video of that event appears on your screen. This is most noticeable during live sports streams.
  • Geo-restriction: The practice by which streaming services limit or block access to content based on the user's geographic location or IP address.
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