IPTV

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers television programming to households through a broadband connection. A general definition of IPTV is television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks.

Access:
IPTV requires a subscription and an IPTV set-top box. IPTV covers both live TV (real time) as well as stored video (Video on Demand or VOD).
The viewer's TV connects to a Set Top Box (STB) . The STB decodes the IPTV signals and converts them into standard television signals. The STB is the gateway to an IP video switching system. This system allows viewers to access broadcast channels, subscription services, and video on demand. The STB processes the request coming from the television remote and displays the requested media type. Though there are many possible media sources, only one video channel is utilized in the process.

Advantages
• Integrates television with other IP-based services like high speed Internet Access and Voice-Over-IP. If one wishes, one can also receive notifications while watching IPTV for things such as incoming email and instant messages. If IPTV is packaged with VOIP phone, Caller ID might pop up on screen as the telephone rings. (This makes triple and quadruple play a reality for telecom companies.)
• In a typical TV or satellite network, using broadcast video technology, all the content constantly flows downstream to each customer, and the customer switches the content at the set-top box. The customer can select from as many choices as the provider can stuff into the “pipe” flowing into the home. An IPTV network works differently. Content remains in the network, and only the content the customer selects is sent into the customer’s home. That frees up bandwidth, and the customer’s choice is less restricted by the size of the “pipe” into the home.

Disadvantages:
• Broadband connection is a critical and constricting factor, especially in the Indian scenario.
• Privacy of the user is compromised to a certain extent, because the viewer is charged for what he watches.
• Chances of hacking into the system and spreading viruses are higher.

For a better understanding of IPTV, check IPTV - A Look From The Outside