What is Catch-Up TV?

When a linear channel broadcasts content, the platform records the live feed to storage. This recorded file is then processed into a VOD asset. The system tags this asset with metadata linking it to the original broadcast time and channel. Viewers access this content through the EPG, which shows the program as available for replay. The player loads the VOD file rather than the live stream, allowing standard seeking and pausing. The retention period determines how long this file remains accessible. Once the window closes, the system can delete the file or archive it, depending on your configuration. This process runs automatically for each scheduled program in the channel lineup. You do not need to manually upload files for each broadcast. The platform handles the recording, processing, and publishing steps. This automation ensures that every aired program is available for catch-up viewing without extra operational effort. The viewer experience is consistent with standard VOD, including buffering and adaptive bitrate delivery. The key difference is the source of the content and the time-based availability logic.

Viewers often miss live broadcasts due to scheduling conflicts. Catch-Up TV recovers these missed viewers by offering a second chance to watch. This feature extends the useful life of each broadcast. It also supports marketing efforts, as you can promote upcoming shows with the assurance that they will be available later. For sports or news channels, where time sensitivity is high, a shorter retention window might suffice. For drama or entertainment, longer windows can attract a broader audience. This feature helps retain subscribers who might otherwise churn because they cannot watch live. It also provides data on viewer behavior, such as when they choose to watch replayed content. This data can inform future scheduling and content acquisition decisions. By offering Catch-Up TV, you align your platform with consumer expectations set by traditional cable and satellite providers. It becomes a standard feature that users expect in a modern streaming service. The cost of implementation is low compared to the potential increase in engagement and retention. It is a high-value feature that requires minimal ongoing management once configured.

Both features involve converting live content to VOD, but they serve different purposes and have different workflows. Catch-Up TV is tied to a specific linear channel and schedule. It is automatically generated from the live feed. Live-to-VOD is a manual or semi-automated process where you record a live event and then publish it as a standalone VOD title. Catch-Up TV is temporary, disappearing after the retention window. Live-to-VOD is permanent, remaining in your library indefinitely. The table below highlights the key differences.

Operators often make errors in configuration that lead to poor user experiences. Here are the most common issues:

• Setting the retention window too short, causing viewers to lose access before they can watch.
• Failing to update the EPG, so catch-up titles do not appear in the guide.
• Ignoring storage costs, as long retention windows for high-resolution content can be expensive.
• Not testing the playback experience, ensuring that seeking and pausing work correctly on the VOD file.
• Forgetting to configure geo-restrictions, leading to unauthorized access in certain regions.