OnDemandVideo

OnDemandVideo is a term used to describe systems and services that allow users to access video content at the time of request, rather than at scheduled broadcast times. Content is delivered over the internet to various devices, including televisions, computers, and mobile devices.

Delivery typically uses streaming technologies with adaptive bitrate to adjust quality to network conditions. In many implementations, content is hosted on a content delivery network and protected with digital rights management. User interfaces organize catalogs, provide search and recommendations, and support playback controls.

Content formats include feature films, television episodes, documentaries, and user-generated videos. Metadata, ratings, captions, and accessibility features improve navigation. Some platforms offer offline viewing by downloading copies for later playback.

Business models include subscription-based video-on-demand (SVOD), transactional video-on-demand (TVOD), and ad-supported video-on-demand (AVOD), with some services combining elements. Revenue is often driven by licensing deals, original programming, or advertising.

History and impact: OnDemandVideo emerged in the late 1990s and 2000s as bandwidth and compression improved. Advances in streaming protocols, compression codecs, and cloud infrastructure enabled scalable libraries and cross-device access, transforming viewing habits and content distribution.

Regulation and accessibility: content licensing and licensing terms govern availability; digital rights management is commonly used to control access. Accessibility features such as closed captions and audio descriptions are increasingly standard.