In the fields of broadcasting and content delivery, over-the-top content (OTT) means on-line delivery of video and audio without the Internet service provider (Comcast, Verizon, etc.) being involved in the control or distribution of the content itself. The provider may be aware of the contents of the IP packets, but is not responsible for, nor able to control, the viewing abilities, copyrights, or other redistribution of the content. This is in contrast to delivery through purchase or rental of video or audio content (over IP) from the Internet provider, such as Comcast video on demand (over IP) or AT&T U-Verse video service. OTT in particular refers to content that arrives from a third party, such as Netflix or Hulu, and arrives to the end user device, leaving the Internet provider responsible only for transporting IP packets.[1][2][3][4]
Consumers can access OTT content through Internet-connected devices such as PCs, laptops, tablets, set top boxes and gaming consoles such as the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360.[5]