Live TV, VOD and catch-up: ways of watching IPTV
What is the difference between live TV, video on demand (VOD), catch-up, timeshift and cloud recording? A guide to the main IPTV viewing features.
In short
- Live (linear) TV runs in real time according to the schedule; on-demand (VOD) content starts whenever it suits you.
- Catch-up, start-over and cloud recording make live TV more flexible – if your provider offers them.
- Which features are available on a given channel is determined by the agreement between the provider and the rights holders.
Live (linear) TV
Linear TV is TV as you know it: it runs according to the channel's schedule, at the same time for everyone. On IPTV it works the same way, only the signal arrives over the internet. Its advantage is the shared experience – you can follow a sports event or a news programme in real time.
On-demand content (VOD)
VOD (Video on Demand) is the umbrella term for on-demand content: films, series and shows that you can start, pause and rewind at any time. On-demand media services are also subject to specific media regulation rules, for example on age ratings and the protection of minors.
Watching live TV flexibly
- Catch-up TV
- Programmes broadcast in recent days can be watched afterwards for a limited period. The period varies by provider and channel.
- Start-over
- Watch a programme that is already running from the beginning, even if you tuned in late.
- Timeshift
- Pause live TV and continue from where you left off.
- Cloud recording (nPVR)
- The programme is recorded on the provider's server, so you need no hard drive of your own.
Why can't every programme be watched again?
Catch-up and recording require separate permission from the rights holder. For some programmes on a channel – such as certain sports events or films – rights holders only allow live display. This is not a technical limitation but a consequence of copyright rules and licence agreements.
Summary table
| Feature | When can you watch? | What is required? |
|---|---|---|
| Live TV | According to the schedule | A subscription to the channel |
| VOD | Any time while available | VOD content in the package |
| Catch-up | For a period after broadcast | Permission from the provider and rights holder |
| Start-over | While the programme is running | Start-over feature |
| Cloud recording | Until the storage period ends | nPVR feature and storage |
Frequently asked questions
Why can't I watch a sports event again?
Sports rights holders often only permit live display. In that case the provider cannot lawfully offer catch-up, even if it would be technically possible.
Is catch-up offered by a provider lawful?
Yes, if a legal provider offers it: the feature is provided on the basis of agreements with rights holders. Downloading or distributing recordings from unauthorised sources is a different matter.
What is the difference between VOD and catch-up?
VOD is a separately curated on-demand library (films, series). Catch-up makes programmes previously broadcast on live channels available afterwards for a limited time.
Related articles
Try Streamy
Legal live TV with an electronic programme guide on Smart TV, phone and tablet – one account across all your devices.