The model of traditional linear
television programming is for a schedule of shows to be selected by the broadcaster and then viewed at a set time. In this model, the viewer cannot fast forward through the programming or choose to watch it at a later time. Conversely, non-linear television can be considered to be any method or technology that allows viewers to select which shows they watch and when they watch them. The ability to watch a show at any time is referred to as time shifted viewing; this can be achieved by either the consumer recording shows with a device such as a
PVR for later viewing, or by the publisher providing content to be selected at will at the viewer's convenience. Non-linear content is often viewed on a device other than a television, such as a personal computer or a
smartphone.
Video on demand (VOD) content can be transmitted over the internet via
streaming services such as
Netflix,
Hulu,
Starz, or
Amazon Video, or it can be provided by a television provider as an additional option on top of their linear programming. Many publishers of content now offer streaming of programs through their own websites, though sometimes the catalog that is offered will be curated in some way, such as by providing only recently released episodes. Video may also be downloaded – legally or illegally – through a
peer-to-peer network such as
BitTorrent, or it may be
directly downloaded from a video hosting website. As internet speeds and the number of supported devices has increased, so has the number of people who consume non-linear media. This is evidenced by the rising popularity of
over-the-top (OTT) streaming services. In 2015, the television network
CBS expected that by the year 2020, 50 percent of all television content would be viewed in a non-linear fashion. == Music and radio ==