Streaming terms, explained

IPTV

Internet Protocol Television: TV delivered over an internet connection instead of cable, satellite or antenna. Every live TV streaming service on this site is IPTV in the technical sense.

vMVPD

Virtual multichannel video programming distributor — industry shorthand for a streaming service that bundles live cable channels, like YouTube TV or Sling TV.

FAST channels

Free ad-supported streaming TV: linear channels you can watch free with ads, such as those on Pluto TV, Tubi or Samsung TV Plus.

Cloud DVR

Recording stored on the provider's servers rather than a box at home. Limits differ by service: some cap hours, some delete recordings after a set time.

Simultaneous streams

How many screens can play at once on one account. Households with several viewers should check this before price.

Regional sports network (RSN)

A channel carrying local pro teams in a specific area. Many streaming bundles leave them out or charge extra.

Regional sports fee

A surcharge some providers add to cover the cost of local sports channels. It isn't always shown in the headline price.

Blackout

A rule that blocks a game in a certain area, usually to protect local broadcasters. League passes are the most common place you'll hit one.

EPG

Electronic program guide — the grid showing what's on each channel now and later.

Zap time

How long it takes to switch from one channel to the next. Lower feels more like cable.

4K and HDR

4K is resolution (3840×2160); HDR widens brightness and colour. Live 4K is mostly limited to selected sports events.

Bitrate

How much data per second a stream uses. Higher bitrate generally means a sharper picture and needs faster internet.

Geo-blocking

Restricting a service to certain countries because of licensing. It's why a service available in the UK may not work in the US.

Add-on

An optional extra on top of the base plan — more channels, more DVR, extra streams or 4K — charged monthly.

Skinny bundle

A cheaper, smaller channel package, usually missing sports or local channels.

OTT

Over-the-top: any video delivered over the open internet, bypassing a cable or satellite operator.