Your guide to IPTV
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television and is the process of streaming live video content via a broadband connection.
Instead of being delivered via the traditional broadcast means of television signals, cable or satellite, IPTV, is delivered through the internet.
The service has become increasingly popular in recent years with domestic users, and is usually bundled with other services offered by telecoms providers, such as web access and Video on demand.
Using a closed network infrastructure, IPTV is not to be confused with web TV, which is free to access to all members of the public.
IPTV can also be used by businesses stream live video over corporate LANs.
How does it work?
Traditional means of delivering television content involves a constant flow of data down the line. With IPTV, the content stays in the pipeline. Only when it is selected does the content flow into the users home. This frees up bandwith, and means that the consumer can select exactly what they want to watch, and when they want to watch it.
One of the advantages of IPTV is that it allows for integration between devices. This means that content can be accessed anytime, anywhere through a variety of media, including TV’s, PCS and mobile phones.
Interactivity
IPTV males the viewing experience more personalised and allows for greater levels of interactivity
For example, users can often access interactive program guides that allow users to learn more about the selected program and information surrounding it. It also makes it possible to ‘channel surf’, in other words the ability to view several different channels at once.
VoD
Video on Demand (VoD) allows users to browse an online programme or film catalogue and watch their chosen content in a live video stream on the users TV or PC.
In order to combat piracy, the selected content is usually encrypted, meaning that the chosen content may be playable for 24 hours following payment, after which time it becomes unavailable.
Disadvantages
The man limitation of IPTV is that it relies on a constantly fast broadband stream. If the connection is not fast enough, then the picture will break up or be lost. This is particular relevant in wireless networks.
There are also privacy and security issues to be consider, as IPTV as a platform is which is easier to hack into when compared to traditional TV networks.
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