MVPD vs. vMVPD: What is the Difference?

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In the world of CTV, or Connected TV- MVPD and vMVPD are often confused with each other.  MVPD stands for “Multi-channel Video programming Distributor”, and vMVPD stands for “Virtual Multi-Channel Video Distributor”.  While both are similar in nature, each are different types of Connected TV Video.  Those distinctions are listed below:

MPVD:

MPVD is a term that describes traditional TV viewing through Cable TV Satellite TV, where multiple TV channel options from a multitude of TV Networks are available to someone watching who subscribes to an MVPD service. Some examples of traditional MVPDs include:

• Time Warner

• DISH

• DirectTV

• Cox

• Comcast Xfinity

• DISH

• Cable One

• CenturyLink

vMPVD:

vMVPD stands for “Virtual Multi-Channel Video Distributor”.  vMVPDs are accessed by using the internet and streaming TV Apps and provide a multiple TV Channel options from a variety of TV networks to those that subscribe to a vMPVD service.  Some examples of vMVPD services are:

• Sling TV

• YouTube TV

• Philio

• Fubo TV

• SamsungTV Plus

• Hulu+ Live T

• Roku Channel

• Xfinity Stream

• DirectTV Now

• AT&T TV

Both MPVDs and vMPVDs are benefical because they provide a multitude of TV Network options with one billing source.  In the world of streaming TV world, there are so many individual companies that offer streaming video content- Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Paramount+, Max, etc.  To access each of those services, you would need a single subscription with each one of those streaming apps.  With both MVPDs and v MVPDs, you only need one subscription to access multiple channels from a variety of TV Network across TV Apps, Cable TV, and Satellite TV.