41-618: Now (formerly Now TV and often stylised as NOW ) is a subscription over-the-top streaming television service launched in the United Kingdom in 2012. It is operated by Sky Group in Europe, and Xfinity in the US; both owned by the American media conglomerate Comcast . Now offers both live streaming and video-on-demand without a contract. The service offers "passes" for various types of content, for
82-635: A 10% share in the UK OTT subscription market, placing it third behind Netflix and Amazon Prime Video . Before its launch, Hong Kong–based PCCW filed trademark complaints about British Sky Broadcasting's (BSkyB) Now TV service. In October 2012, a High Court judgment in London ruled that BSkyB did not infringe PCCW's rights regarding the Now TV name. Over-the-top media service An over-the-top media service (also known as over-the-top television , or simply OTT )
123-430: A closed, private network system that uses exclusive equipment like set-top boxes , which is typically the case with IPTV services (such as U-verse TV ). OTT services are typically accessed via television sets with integrated Smart TV platforms, streaming devices such as Amazon Fire TV and Roku , video game consoles , websites on personal computers , and apps on smartphones and tablets . In 2011,
164-483: A monthly fee on a pay-as-you-go basis. Differing passes offer films, sports and entertainment from Sky such as material from Sky Atlantic and Sky Cinema , and from British and American licensed third-parties such as Fox . The service is available to consumers through retail Roku -based Now TV digital media players (in both set-top box and HDMI dongle form factors) as well as via an app on computers, various mobile devices, some game consoles and set-top boxes. It
205-422: A monthly fee, and sports on an ad-hoc basis ("pay as you go"). Unlike Sky's flagship satellite TV service, Now TV does not require a long-term contract. Now TV offers "passes" with a specific set of content or channels that can be watched on demand or as live TV. The "Entertainment" pass has general entertainment content/channels from Sky itself (e.g. Sky Atlantic ) and third-parties (e.g. Comedy Central ), whilst
246-460: A phone, PC, or smart television set. By mid-2017, 58 percent of US households would access one in a given month, and advertising revenues from OTT channels exceeded revenue from videos playing in web browsers on desktops and laptops. In 2019, the record of simultaneous users watching an OTT event was set at 18.6 million in India by Disney Entertainment 's video streaming platform Hotstar . The record
287-584: Is a digital distribution service offered directly to viewers via the public Internet , rather than through an over-the-air , cable , or satellite -based provider. The term is synonymous with " streaming platform ", such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video which provide access to subscription-based film and television content (SVoD). OTT bypasses cable, broadcast , and satellite television platforms—the media through which companies have traditionally acted as controllers or distributors of such content. This content may include shows and movies for which
328-463: Is defined as instant messaging services or online chat provided by third parties, as an alternative to text messaging services provided by a mobile network operator . An example is the Facebook -owned mobile application WhatsApp , that serves to replace text messaging on Internet connected smartphones. Other providers of OTT messaging include Viber , WeChat , iMessage , Skype , Telegram and
369-572: Is separate from and not viewable through the Sky Go Internet service, or via Sky's digital satellite television service Sky Q . Sky Picnic was a proposed pay television service which would have sat alongside Freeview and Top Up TV on the digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform in the United Kingdom. The proposal detailed replacing Sky's three free-to-air channels ( Sky News , Sky Sports News and Sky Three ) with five pay TV channels: Sky Sports 1 , Sky Movies SD1 plus Sky One during
410-553: Is the audio, video, and other media content delivered over the Internet, without the involvement of a multiple-system operator (MSO) in the control or distribution of the content. The Internet provider may be aware of the contents of the Internet Protocol (IP) packets and may be able to block or restrict their transit to end users (unless that internet provider operates within a jurisdiction that requires " net neutrality "). However,
451-654: The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Canada's telecommunications regulator, stated that it "considers that Internet access to programming independent of a facility or network dedicated to its delivery (via, for example, cable or satellite) is the defining feature of what has been termed 'over-the-top' services". In contrast to video on demand systems offered by cable and IPTV , which operate over managed networks where channels can be changed instantly and thus content available instantaneously, some OTT services such as iTunes require that
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#1732869183451492-832: The "Kids" pass covers children's networks such as Nickelodeon , and a "Sky Cinema" pass offers over a thousand films from Sky Cinema . There is also a dedicated " Hayu " pass, and a "Sports" pass (which offers a daily or monthly option), along with a sports pass solely for mobile devices to stream live Sky Sports channels. The Now TV boxes and dongles have extra downloadable apps that provide access to free catch-up or streaming services such as BBC iPlayer , ITVX , and UKTV Play , as well as access to Sky Store , Netflix (added in late 2018), Peacock (added in November 2021), Sky Sports Box Office , Disney+ (added in April 2020) and YouTube . From Spring 2020, Now TV provided access to BT Sport , and at
533-505: The HBO España original series “Por H o Por B,”, the first season of which also became available on the service. In its first year, SkyShowtime premiered ten Original Series, including four acquired as part of the HBO deal. In addition to the streaming service, SkyShowtime also has two linear television channels in some of the regions where the service is available. These were initially available in
574-503: The ISP is not responsible for the viewing abilities, copyrights, and/or other redistribution of the content from the OTT provider. This model contrasts with the purchasing or rental of video or audio content from an Internet service provider , such as pay television , video on demand and internet protocol television (IPTV). OTT refers to content from a third party that is delivered to an end-user, with
615-404: The ISP simply transporting IP packets. OTT television , commonly called streaming television , remains the most popular OTT content. This signal is received over the Internet or through a cell phone network, as opposed to receiving the television signal from a terrestrial broadcast or satellite. The video distributor controls access through an app, a separate OTT dongle, or a box connected to
656-452: The Internet or other Internet Protocol (IP)-based transmission path where the transmission path is provided by a person other than the OVD. An OVD does not include an MVPD inside its MVPD footprint or an MVPD to the extent it is offering online video programming as a component of an MVPD subscription to customers whose homes are inside its MVPD footprint. In broadcasting , over-the-top (OTT) content
697-608: The Nordic countries, inherited from Paramount+, before being expanded to Spain on 15 January 2024, albeit only one of the channels became available and is exclusive to the Spanish TV operator Movistar Plus+ , to Romania on 25 April 2024 exclusive to Digi , and to Poland on 22 August 2024 exclusive to Play . On 16 February 2024, it was announced that SkyShowtime would increase prices on 23 April in all of its territories except in Poland, while on
738-512: The Nordics , Central and Eastern Europe , and the Netherlands . The majority of the shows were already in production or had been already finished. New shows that had never premiered on HBO were part of the deal and were branded as SkyShowtime Originals, including “ID” (Finland and Sweden), “The Winner” (Czechia and Slovakia) and “Warszawianka” (Poland). SkyShowtime also premiered the second season of
779-544: The Now TV Box 2 does not have an analogue audio/video output socket. The Now TV Smart Box ("Smart Box with Freeview"), coloured black with a blue logo, was launched exclusively in the UK in July 2016. It includes access to Freeview channels through an aerial, via an internal DTT tuner that allows the user to pause (for up to 30 minutes) and rewind live TV. In January 2018, Sky introduced
820-527: The Now TV Smart Stick dongle which plugs directly into a TV's HDMI input and includes voice search. It was noted as the cheapest smart TV stick in the UK, costing £14.99 at launch compared to £39.99 for its rival Amazon Fire TV Stick . The second generation Now TV Smart Box ("Smart Box with 4K") was introduced in September 2018 and is coloured black with a pink logo. It is smaller in size (mainly due to
861-406: The OTT acquired licensed rights from the content owner. Programming may also include original content produced by the service or specifically for it. OTT services also include a range of "skinny" television offerings by streaming platforms, such as Sling TV and Hulu with Live TV , that provide live streams of specialty channels . OTT content is delivered via the public Internet instead of
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#1732869183451902-740: The Spanish market in 2023 with the introduction of SkyShowtime . On 23 May 2023, Comcast (parent company of Sky Group) announced plans to launch a U.S. version of Now TV as part of its Xfinity cable and broadband unit, which will be priced at US$ 25 per-month and include linear cable networks and free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) services from Xumo Play and other partners. Upon its UK debut in 2012, Now TV offered only films at first, adding sports in March 2013, and entertainment channels in October 2013. Film and entertainment channels are accessed by paying
943-602: The ability to watch content in 4K. SkyShowtime features many series from the Law & Order franchise, library and new series from Showtime such as crime drama Dexter , family drama Ray Donovan , American Gigolo , and the Taylor Sheridan productions for Paramount Network and Paramount+ such as Yellowstone , and Tulsa King . It also includes other shows from Paramount+ such as Frasier among others as well as originals such as Bosé . Regarding movies,
984-465: The acquisition of 21 HBO Max original scripted series produced in Europe that were initially developed for the HBO streaming platform and television channels across the Nordics , Spain , and Central and Eastern Europe . In total, the acquired series accounted for over 150 hours of local original programming. The programming became available after Warner Bros. Discovery , as part of its post-merger restructuring, decided to no longer produce originals in
1025-551: The corporations Peacock and Paramount+ services as well as Sky Studios . SkyShowtime launched in European markets where Sky does not operate their satellite and cable services, with viewers in countries like the United Kingdom and Ireland getting access to both Paramount+ and Peacock on their Sky Q and NOW boxes along with Sky Glass television sets instead. On 18 August 2021, Comcast and Paramount Global announced
1066-404: The device using its Developer Mode. In August 2015, Sky launched the Now TV Box 2 (based around a 2015 Roku 2) in black. It offers the same content as the original Now TV (white) box, but has a faster processor, an Ethernet port alongside Wi-Fi, a USB port and an SD card slot (not functional by default), and is capable of outputting at full HD ( 1080p ) resolution. Unlike the original Now TV Box,
1107-437: The evening with one hour of Sky News content. There would also be two further daytime channels: a factual channel and a children's channel. It was first proposed in 2007 but was subject to a public consultation by Ofcom . Whilst the service was cleared to launch in 2010 it never officially launched, Sky having put it on hold in 2008. The Sky Picnic proposal was ultimately superseded by the internet-based Now TV platform. Now TV
1148-460: The formation of a joint venture to launch a new subscription video on demand service that would launch in over 20 European markets encompassing 90 million homes, including key markets such as Spain , Poland , Portugal , Netherlands , and the Nordic countries . SkyShowtime was structured with equal investment and joint control by Paramount Global and Comcast . On 11 January 2022, Monty Sarhan
1189-460: The full TV service Sky Q. On 1 September 2020, Sky stopped offering the product in Spain. In Summer 2016, Sky UK extended the brand to telecommunication services by launching contract-free budget broadband internet in the UK, initially named Now TV Combo, and from early 2018 branded as Now Broadband . In early 2021, Now TV rebranded as NOW. In Summer 2022, Sky Ticket rebranded to WOW. Sky España
1230-487: The now defunct Google Allo . OTT voice calling , usually called VoIP , capabilities, for instance, a softphone or as provided by FaceTime , Skype , Viber , WhatsApp , WeChat , and Zoom use open internet communication protocols to replace and sometimes enhance existing operator controlled services offered by mobile phone operators. SkyShowtime SkyShowtime is a European joint-venture between Comcast and Paramount Global which combines programming from
1271-493: The playback device. It uses adaptive bitrate streaming . In July 2013, Sky launched a white Now TV-branded Roku streaming box, allowing users to stream Now TV content to their television via an analogue baseband connection or an HDMI input. It retailed for £9.99. It has limited access to the Roku Channel Store and only a pre-approved list of channels can be downloaded. A number of third-party channels can be side-loaded to
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1312-563: The removal of the Freeview TV tuner) and includes the voice search capability from the Smart Stick. This box is capable of streaming at 2160p (4K) resolution. NOW TV recently re-branded to NOW has announced late in 2021 that it is discontinuing all NOW hardware products. Wi-Fi Direct (point-anywhere) using 17 buttons. Infrared for television power and volume control using 3 buttons. Voice Search microphone . As of Q4 2018, Now TV had
1353-554: The rest of Central and Eastern Europe (including Hungary and Poland , where it replaced the previously operated SVOD service of Paramount+, known as Paramount Play in Poland). It finished its roll-out by launching in Spain and Andorra on 28 February 2023, with its content later being incorporated as part of more expensive packages in the Spanish TV operator Movistar Plus+ at the beginning of 2024. On 10 January 2023, SkyShowtime announced
1394-413: The same day an ad tier would be launched, with its pricing being either reduced or retained in comparison with the original value of the service, depending on the region. On 8 October 2024, it was announced that a new tier would be implemented under the name SkyShowtime Premium on 29 October across all territories. This new tier would allow for more downloads to watch offline, more simultaneous streams and
1435-707: The same time Now TV became available for BT TV customers. On 28 June 2022, National Geographic departed the service as its programming moved over to Disney+. In its place, Now users had access to UKTV's mystery drama channel Alibi and NBC News Now, whilst customers with the Sky Cinema subscription package could access a range of films from Paramount+. Now is available on a number of platforms, providing access via both big-screen and small screen mobile devices (correct as of April 2020): The service offers streams at up to 720p resolution (or up to 1080p resolution, when subscribed to Now TV HD Boost at an extra cost) depending on
1476-588: The video be downloaded first and then played. Relatedly, some OTT services require movie download but can start playing the content before the download completes ( streaming ). The United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) categorizes OTT services into two groups: multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) and online video distributors (OVDs). Virtual MVPDs include such services such as DirecTV Stream , FuboTV , Sling TV , Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV . The FCC defined an OVD as: any entity that provides video programming by means of
1517-642: Was a service of Sky and supplied over-the-top pay television and video on demand service accessible only through the Internet created to compete with Movistar+ , Netflix , and Amazon Prime Video in Spain. Yoigo is an operator of Internet and mobile services which maintains an exclusive agreement that allows customers to the rate into Fibra + la Sinfín with unlimited fibre access to Sky España service for €6 per month. The service ceased to be available on 1 September 2020. Some content had already disappeared prior to it closing on 10 August 2020. Sky returned to
1558-992: Was broken again in 2023 with 59 million concurrent viewers during the ICC Cricket World Cup final on Disney+ Hotstar . Consumers can access OTT content through Internet-connected devices such as smart TVs , digital media players , gaming consoles , set-top boxes , desktop and laptop computers, tablets , and smartphones . The results of a 2018 in-house data analysis of their subscribers by Uscreen (a membership platform for video creators and entrepreneurs) reported that 45% used iOS and Android mobile devices to access their OTT content, while 39% used web browsers for streaming. The term "OTT" has also been used to describe no-carrier cellphones , for which all communications are charged as data, avoiding monopolistic competition , or apps for phones that transmit data in this manner, including both those that replace other call methods and those that update software. OTT messaging
1599-466: Was named CEO of SkyShowtime. The service was launched in the Nordic countries on 20 September 2022, where it replaced the previously operated Paramount+ . It arrived in the Netherlands and Portugal on 25 October 2022. On 14 December 2022, SkyShowtime launched in Bosnia and Herzegovina , Bulgaria , Slovenia , Serbia , Croatia , Montenegro , and Kosovo . SkyShowtime launched on 14 February 2023 in
1640-612: Was revamped as "Sky Ticket" and structured the same as Now TV in the UK, and was rebranded in Italy under the original British name of Now TV. On 26 April 2017, Now TV launched in Ireland. On 11 September 2017, the service launched as simply "Sky" in Spain, the first Sky-branded product in that country. In March 2019, Sky X launched in Austria, making use of a blend of Now TV and Sky Q elements, and replaced Sky Ticket, as an offering between Sky Ticket and
1681-615: Was unveiled by Sky UK in March 2012, and designed for people who have no existing pay TV subscription. Its official launch was on 17 July 2012, initially providing films, putting it in competition with Lovefilm and Netflix . The Now TV service was later extended to other territories covered by the Sky Group. In 2014 a similar internet service called "Sky Online" was launched by Sky Deutschland in Germany and Austria, and by Sky Italia in Italy in 2015. In 2016, Sky Online in Germany and Austria