What is Video on Demand (VOD)?

• A. A service that allows users to watch videos instantly.
• B. A device that records TV shows.
• C. A channel.
• D. A streaming service with subscription only.

Answer: (A)

Video on Demand is about giving viewers the power to watch video content whenever they choose, without having to wait for a scheduled broadcast. The option that best captures this is a service that lets users watch videos instantly, because it emphasises immediate access on demand rather than a fixed viewing time.

Think of VOD as a library of content you can start playing at any moment, from a catalog available online. It isn’t just a device that records programs (that would be a DVR/PVR) or a channel with a set schedule. And while many VOD services exist with different payment models, being available instantly when you want to watch is the core idea, not necessarily being subscription-only.