Video on Demand
Video on Demand (VOD) is a media distribution system that allows users to access video content at any time, rather than being limited to scheduled broadcasts. It enables streaming or downloading of movies, TV shows, and other video content over the internet, typically through platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Amazon Prime Video. VOD systems often include features such as content catalogs, user accounts, payment processing, and adaptive bitrate streaming for optimal playback.
Developers should learn VOD technologies when building or maintaining streaming services, media applications, or content delivery platforms, as it's essential for modern entertainment and educational systems. Use cases include creating subscription-based video services, implementing video playback in apps, optimizing content delivery networks (CDNs) for streaming, and integrating with digital rights management (DRM) for secure distribution. It's particularly relevant for roles in media tech, e-learning, or any application requiring on-demand video access.