without a multiple system operator being involved in the control or distribution of the content.

The provider may be aware of the contents of the Internet Protocol packets but is not

responsible for, nor able to control, the viewing abilities, copyrights, and/or other

redistribution of the content. This is in contrast to purchase or rental of video or

audio content from an Internet service provider, such as pay television video on demand or

an IPTV video service, like AT&T U-Verse. OTT in particular refers to content that arrives

from a third party, such as Dramatize, DramaFever, Crackle, Hulu, myTV, NetD, Netflix, NowTV,

RPI TV, WhereverTV, or WWE Network, and is delivered to an end user device, leaving the

ISP responsible only for transporting IP packets. An online video distributor is defined as

"any entity that offers video content by means of the Internet or other Internet Protocol-based

transmission path provided by a person or entity other than the OVD."

Over-the-top messaging refers to a similar idea, where a third party provides instant

messaging services as an alternative to text messaging services provided by a mobile network

operator. Consumers can access OTT content through internet-connected

devices such as desktop and laptop computers, gaming consoles, set-top boxes, smartphones,

smart TVs, and tablets. Consumers can access apps in most app stores.

See also Comparison between OTT and IPTV

Home theater PC Internet television

List of Internet television providers Multi-screen video

Set-top box Smart TV

Streaming Media Video on demand

References