Glossary term

Linear TV

What is Linear TV?

Linear TV refers to traditional television programming where content is broadcast on a fixed schedule. Viewers must tune in at specific times to watch shows on particular channels. Works just like cable or satellite TV.

Content is aired at specific times on specific channels, and viewers must join in live or use a DVR (digital video recorder) to record it.

Linear TV = Traditional, scheduled television broadcasting

Key Characteristics of Linear Television

1. Scheduled Programming
Content airs at specific times — viewers must watch live or record it.

2. Limited Viewer Control No ability to pause, rewind, or choose what to watch on demand (unless using a DVR).

3. Broadcast via Traditional Means
Delivered through cable, satellite, or over-the-air (antenna) signals.

4. Channel-Based Viewing
Viewers browse through numbered channels instead of choosing titles.

5. Targeted by Time Slots, Not Individuals
Advertising and programming are aimed at broad demographics, not personalized preferences.

6. Live Events and News
Often preferred for real-time content like sports, award shows, or breaking news.

What is Linear Streaming?

Linear Streaming is a method of watching live TV channels streamed over the internet in real-time, following a fixed schedule, similar to traditional linear TV, but delivered online.

Viewers tune in to the stream at specific times to watch scheduled programs without needing cable or satellite, using apps or devices connected to the internet.

The Difference Between Linear TV and Linear Streaming

Traditional Linear TV doesn’t need the internet — it works through cable, satellite, or antenna signals with scheduled programming.

Linear streaming, however, is live TV delivered over the internet, so it does require an internet connection.

Linear TV vs Connected TV (CTV)

Aspect	Linear TV	Connected TV (CTV)
Content Access	Scheduled broadcast only	On-demand via internet-connected devices
Control	Minimal control	Full control (pause, skip, rewind)
Delivery Method	Cable, satellite, antenna	Internet, through smart TVs or devices
Devices Used	Traditional TVs	Smart TVs, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, etc.
Ad Targeting	Broad, time-slot based	Hyper-targeted using household/viewer data
Best For	Live events, news, and older audiences	Streaming with a big-screen experience

Linear TV vs OTT (Over-The-Top)

Aspect	Linear TV	OTT (Over-The-Top)
Content Delivery	Cable, satellite, or antenna	Via the internet (bypasses traditional providers)
Viewing Schedule	Fixed broadcast schedule	On-demand — watch anytime
Control	Little to no control	Full control — pause, rewind, skip
Devices	Traditional TVs only	Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and smart TVs
Ad Targeting	Broad, based on time slots and channels	Targeted based on user behavior and data
Platform Examples	NBC, CBS, BBC, FOX	Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video