Live television
Live television covers scheduled programming, including news, entertainment and sport. “Live” does not always mean an event is happening at the exact moment you view it; it can also mean a scheduled programme is being broadcast as part of a live channel.
In the UK, the TV Licence requirement generally applies when you watch or record live TV, whichever device or platform delivers it.
Video on demand
VOD provides a catalogue of titles a service has permission to offer. Playback may have pause, resume and search features, but the details depend on the player and rights held for the title. A subscription advertising “movies” does not confirm which films are included.
Catch-up, replay and recording
Catch-up makes previously broadcast programmes available within a service’s own time windows. Cloud recording, rewind and timeshift are other features that may or may not be offered, and can be limited by region, programme or device. Always confirm the actual features before assuming they are part of a plan.
Which type suits your household?
People who mainly watch scheduled news or sports will care about live-channel availability and EPG quality. Those who want to choose a film at any time may prioritise on-demand catalogues. Families may also care about parental controls, multiple profiles and simultaneous-screen limits. Check what a provider supports rather than buying on category labels alone.
Official sources & further reading
Useful reference material from the organisations responsible for these platforms or rules. Menu steps and requirements can change.
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