Glossary term

Cloud TV

What Is Cloud TV?

Cloud TV is a television service delivered over the internet, using cloud-based infrastructure instead of traditional broadcast or cable systems.Cloud TV is a television service delivered over the internet, using cloud-based infrastructure instead of traditional broadcast or cable systems.

Cloud TV allows viewers to watch live channels, on-demand content, or recorded shows using apps or smart TVs — all powered by the cloud, not a cable box or satellite.

With cloud television, users can access content from anywhere with an internet connection. It facilitates highly flexible and customized distribution.

Cloud streaming = playing or using content instantly over the internet, powered by cloud servers

How Does it Work?

Step 1. Content Ingestion: Live TV and on-demand content are ingested and encoded in the cloud.

Step 2. Transcoding: Videos are converted into different resolutions and formats (adaptive bitrate streaming).

Step 3. Data Storage: Content, metadata, and user preferences are stored in the cloud.

Step 4. Content Delivery: Streams are delivered via Content Delivery Networks (CDNs) to minimize buffering.

Step 5. User Access: Users access content through various devices, including smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, web browsers, and streaming devices (such as Roku and Apple TV).

Cloud Television Benefits

1. Scalability and Flexibility

Easily add more programming or serve a larger audience without needing extensive physical infrastructure changes.

2. Cost-Effective Content Delivery

Operating in the cloud significantly reduces the need for expensive hardware and ongoing maintenance costs.

3. Global Reach

The internet-based nature of a Cloud TV platform enables you to distribute content on a global scale. You can reach a far broader audience than traditional television has ever been able to.

4. Personalized Viewer Experience

By integrating analytics and artificial intelligence, Cloud TV tracks viewer preferences and behaviors, allowing you to tailor content recommendations for each user.

5. Advanced Security Features

Cloud TV platforms incorporate strong security measures, including authentication and encryption, to safeguard your content against unauthorized access and piracy.

Examples of Cloud TV

7 Global Cloud Television Platforms

YouTube TV – Live TV streaming with cloud DVR and multi-device access

Hulu + Live TV – Combines live channels with on-demand streaming

Sling TV – Affordable live TV via cloud delivery

FuboTV – Sports-heavy Cloud TV with DVR and streaming options

Amazon Fire TV Channels – Aggregates live and FAST (Free Ad-Supported TV) content

Tubi / Pluto TV – Cloud-based FAST services offering live linear channels and VOD

Netflix (Live Trials) – Experimenting with cloud-delivered live content (e.g., stand-up events)

Cloud TV vs Traditional TV

Feature	Cloud TV	Traditional TV
Delivery	Over the Internet (IP-based)	Satellite, cable, or antenna
Hardware Needed	None (just app/device)	Set-top box, dish, or cable connection
Content Type	Live, on-demand, recorded	Mostly live or scheduled programming
On-demand Access	Yes	Usually restricted to a TV location
Personalization	Advanced (recommendations, profiles)	Very limited
Scalability	Highly scalable (cloud-based)	Infrastructure-heavy