It is no secret to anyone that the way they consume videos and television has changed dramatically, producing a radical turn in the entertainment industry . Since, through the Internet, there has been a change in the pattern in which this content is produced, sold, distributed and consumed by users.
In this sense, the increase in transmission services via the Internet, is extremely remarkable ; especially because there is no need for a TV service provider, specifically and this offers greater simplicity to access the movies or series you want to watch .
Therefore, it is necessary to know more closely what a video on demand platform is about and how it works. Like, know what are the main types of content that are observed there and the best options to watch VOD streaming video .
Index:
What is a VOD video platform and how does it work?
Also known as video on demand or on demand television, VOD (Video on Demand) refers to a television system that offers users the ease of access multimedia content in a personalized way , without necessarily having to rely on traditional TV services.
Thus, when making use of a video platform on demand, people have the power to request and watch a specific movie or a specific program at the precise moment when they want to .
Therefore, it is also possible to watch movies, series or programs in real time or, if you prefer, you can download it on any device (PC, portable player, digital video recorder, etc.) and thus observe it when they can.
Regarding the operation of VOD video platforms, it is necessary to limit the following:
- The system includes the basic functions of the video clip (resume the program, stop it, move it forward or backward, place it in slow motion, etc.) and all at the will of the same user .
- Offers full availability of the desired programs, without having to adjust to the fixed programming times as traditional TV channels do.
- Contain wide variety of content , so people have a varied offer on demand and can also make a payment for certain exclusive programs, if they wish.
- This type of platforms work to give users full availability of an alternative system to regular movie rentals .
- There are two ways to distribute content on demand : Through LAN, in which it is possible to make a faster distribution to users. The other way is through WAN that has a greater range, but the response is slower compared to LAN mode.
- VODs make use of real-time protocols , either: RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol), RTCP (Real Time Control Protocol) or UDP (User Datagram Protocol). With a complement of RSVP (Resource Reservation Protocol).
What kind of content can I watch on an on-demand television platform streaming?
Beyond series and movies, the content that facilitates a streaming TV platform on demand is completely varied . Therefore, its remarkable worldwide growth, since it manages to satisfy the requirements of millions of users when it comes to entertainment and variety. Next, the main types of content that VODs currently provide :
Series
These platforms have released different series in recent years, attracting the attention of thousands of users around the world.
These consist of an audiovisual work that maintains a plot unit in itself and thanks to its so appealing plots, they manage to catch people who consume content from their computer, mobile or tablet . Taking into account that, they cover all genres. A clear example of these is the Spanish production “ La Casa de Papel ” (broadcast by Netflix).
It is worth noting that, today, the series show the largest number of users who watch video on demand through these platforms (as you can see in the graphic provided at finish this section).
Movies
After the series on VOD platforms, the movies are the ones that gather the most views there. Being a cinematographic work that, in general, tells a story adapted by a screenwriter and its staging only depends on a director. These, can count on the participation of famous actors around the world and cover all genres .
One of the biggest advantages offered by television platforms on demand in terms of movies, is that on several occasions they promote and premiere many of them before their broadcast in cinema . Therefore, users choose to purchase movies from HBO, Netflix, etc.
Documentaries
For those who prefer to enjoy a recording of an aspect of real life and shown to the cameras and a large audience, it is best to watch a documentary. Which, basically, are categorized according to the nature of the materials used in the video, which are those materials and also by the figure of the narrator during the recording.
In this sense, you can see purely real documentaries or, a “ docudrama ” where the protagonists of the narrated events participate acting under their same role. As you can see in the final graphic, the documentaries take third place on VOD platforms .
Entertainment programs
While it is true, virtually all traditional televisions have broadcast hundreds of entertainment programs around the world and many of them have achieved remarkable success. However, to be able to watch them every day of transmission, it was necessary to meet a fixed schedule and otherwise, you missed the episode of your favorite show.
However, this has changed with this kind of VOD platforms, so users can access that content when they can and whenever they want . Therefore, these programs occupy a transcendental role in the development and implementation of streaming VODs today, thus occupying the fourth place when more visualizations are involved (see graphic).
Thematic channels
These refer to channels that offer specialized content in a specific subject or that is aimed at a certain part of the population. Generally, they are used by users who prefer to demand specific content, such as: information, entertainment, children, religion, music, TV competitions, etc. These, in the video on demand, have taken fifth place .
Sports events
Sports lovers, whether soccer, basketball, boxing, Formula 1, etc. They have also chosen to make use of television on demand, before preferring the traditional one. Since, many of the sporting events with exclusive nature, are only transmitted by certain television channels and various users do not have access to that channel, on several occasions.
Thanks to these platforms, it is possible to enjoy games and competitions in real time . Therefore, it occupies sixth place .
Cartoons
In the last place, we place the cartoons that have also taken a remarkable power on VOD platforms today. Since, many parents prefer to select the content that their little ones see and so, these enjoy a variety of cartoons from any device .
Next, the graph that shows the acceptance that each type of content has had on video platforms on demand during 2018 and what has happened in 2019:
List of the best VOD platforms to watch streaming video on demand for free and Payment
As expected, below, we detail the main and best video on demand platforms that you can currently handle . Taking into account that, depending on their characteristics and functions, some are totally free and others are paid:
Netflix
Most internet users know that Netflix is one of the best VOD platforms today, thanks to the incorporation of various options able to meet the requirements of each user, when it comes to leisure. The strong point of this interface is the series and the movies ; the types of content most consumed today.
In this sense, it is a payment platform that offers three plans to the public : Basic (for 7.99 euros), Standard (costs 10.99 euros) and Premium (it is the most expensive for 13.99 euros) ; All these prices per month. Among other features, Netflix supports various devices, allows video download , provides numerous releases constantly, has its own Spanish production, etc.
HBO Spain
Although it does not have as much content capacity as Netflix is a good alternative widely used to consume content on demand, especially in Spain. Which guarantees high quality and offers a variety of titles for children and young people, especially; taking into account that its strongest point is the series. Like, for example, “ Game of Thrones “.
In this sense, the platform supports various devices and is also paid, so its users must cancel 7.99 euros monthly . For its part, HBO allows the connection of two simultaneous devices, offers you the ease of using your account outside the country and also shows releases below. However, does not support video download .
Amazon Prime Video
It stands out for being one of the streaming services most famous worldwide, especially, thanks to hosting its own series on its platform and also stores some Emmys and Golden Globes. Therefore, it can be classified as one of the best alternatives to watch varied content and especially movies . Since, it has a great catalog of Bollywood movies (ideal if you are a lover of Hindu cinema).
In reference to its subscription price, you will have to pay 36 euros annually and this adds its store services as well. On the other hand, it allows the download of its content to see offline , can be used outside of Spain, has a very appropriate navigability and supports numerous devices.
Movistar +
It is another of the most recognized and paid platforms, which offers several packages , but to use it you must have a Fusion rate with the operator. That is, it is required to hire a TV package in order to enjoy all the series it offers. But not everything is bad, because Movistar + in an agreement with Netflix, allows its customers to use both services with discounts .
In reference to programming, it is of total quality and in addition to series, provides an extensive offer of film premieres . This, as well as the other solutions, also supports many devices and operating systems. Additionally, it allows downloads of certain content , but cannot be viewed with subtitles or in the original version. If you leave Spain, you can use it in most European countries.
Sky
This is a platform that was born in England and since then, it has spread throughout Europe and other locations worldwide. Taking into account that, it was established in Spain at the end of 2017 and until today, it comprises a large number of users. Which, in order to handle Sky, must cancel 7 euros per month .
To access the VOD service, you can do it through its mobile application or on its website. For this, enjoy diverse content, including the most watched private channels in Spain . However, for now it does not have its own Spanish production and does not accept video downloads.
Filmin
Basically, it is a slightly different alternative to the rest, especially since it is less commercial. But, likewise, it offers highly valued films and videos on demand from independent or classic cinema. In most cases, these films belong to European fictions , especially British ones. Additionally, it has an extensive variety of short films.
In this sense, it is a platform with an extensive catalog of independent cinema and among its greatest advantages, we find that Filmin offers good subscription prices, with two types of plans. The first is a basic plan for which 7.99 euros must be paid for each month and for the Monthly Plus subscription, you must pay 14.99 euros , which adds available premiere movies for rent. In addition, accepts downloads .
Rakuten TV – WUAKI
It is a VOD platform very similar to HBO, since has an agreement with Disney and therefore, its main purpose is to provide content aimed especially at children and adolescents. Therefore, you can find series and especially films ideal for the little ones in the house. Taking into account that, it also works as a video store without paying a flat rate.
In this sense, it offers you two ways to view the content: A monthly subscription to enjoy the wide variety of the catalog, paying only 6.99 euros per month . The other way is through the section “ Box office ” that does not require a monthly subscriber, but you can pay the content to see it (from 1.99 to 4.99 euros). In addition, supports downloading on mobiles and tablets .
YouTube Movies
It is a platform created in 2005, which currently facilitates access to various content uploaded from all over the world. That way, you can also qualify as another of the most popular streaming video on demand platforms, especially for the catalog excellence it offers .
In this sense, YouTube Movies allows the purchase and rental of movies of any genre , with HD video quality and stereo audio. As for the prices it offers, they are economical compared to other interfaces of this type.
Voddler
It is a television provider on demand that makes use of a P2P streaming service and arrived in Spain around 2012. Basically, its operation consists of transmitting movies through the same users that they have the information saved on their servers, but being controlled by the Voddler streaming platform.