Linear TV is the scheduled, channel-based model the viewer joins in progress: a programmed lineup plays on a timeline set by the operator, and you watch whatever is airing now, rather than picking a title on demand. It is the opposite of VOD's pick-and-play. On the open internet, linear survives in two forms: traditional broadcast/cable channels simulcast over IP, and FAST channels built natively for streaming.
Engineering a linear channel means continuous playout and scheduling: assembling content (live feeds and pre-recorded assets) into an uninterrupted 24/7 stream, generating an electronic program guide, and inserting ads or local content at scheduled break points using SCTE-35 markers.
Linear is appealing because it removes choice fatigue — there is always something on — and because its predictable schedule makes ad inventory easy to plan and sell. Most modern OTT platforms run linear and on-demand side by side from the same content library.
The handbook · 7 volumes
Fora Soft Video Engineering Handbook
Linear TV online means a channel schedule viewers join in progress, which turns playout, live packaging, and ad breaks into the core engineering. We wrote seven volumes covering the video stack; for linear channels start with Volume 2 on live HLS, DASH, and latency budgets, then Volume 1 on encoding, with players and CDNs in Volume 3. Written by Nikolay Sapunov, CEO at Fora Soft.
Launching linear channels next to your on-demand catalog?
We will review your content and schedule needs and send a linear channel architecture with playout and delivery costs. 250+ video products shipped since 2005.
