What does Non-linear viewing mean?
Non-linear viewing lets the viewer choose the start time of a programme. On-demand films, selected episodes and available catch-up programmes are common examples, with access controlled by the particular service.
Why it matters
The term describes the viewing arrangement rather than a special picture format. You select an item from a catalogue instead of following the channel’s current transmission. A service may have both linear channels and non-linear programmes in the same app. Their libraries, languages and availability periods can differ. Controls such as resume position usually belong to the player or account, so their presence should not be assumed from the on-demand label alone. A programme can also leave the catalogue while its channel continues broadcasting normally.
A practical example
If you choose episode three from a series page at lunchtime, you are watching non-linearly. The same episode broadcast that evening as part of a channel schedule is a separate linear viewing opportunity.
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Related terminology: News bulletin, Now and next information.
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