IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a digital television service is delivered using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by 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. IPTV is not just about TV, its about boradband.
For residential users, IPTV is often provided in conjunction with Video on Demand and may be bundled with Internet services such as Web access and VoIP. IPTV is typically supplied by a service provider using a closed network infrastructure. This closed network approach is in competition with the delivery of TV content over the public Internet, called Internet Television. In businesses, IPTV may be used to deliver television content over corporate LANs. In Asia, Hong Kong based BNS Ltd provides turnkey open platform IPTV technology solutions.
The promise of IPTV is that you’ll be able to get the content you want when you want it. Network Personal Video Recording is a consumer service where real-time broadcast television is captured in the network on a server allowing the end user to access the recorded programs on the schedule of their choice, rather than being tied to the broadcast schedule. IPTV will offer viewers both real-time streaming of shows and the ability to search for and select content for on-demand viewing. Imagine watching the Superbowl live and at the same time being able to jump back to the Superbowl X to watch a great catch from the past. The technology will also transform the TV experience from passive to active, easily allowing viewers to participate in what they are watching. Discussion boards could bring together viewers while the show is airing. The possibilities are really endless. Of course, the problem with IPTV is that people generally don’t have enough bandwidth to push the high quality high definition video that people are demanding.
In an open IPTV environment, anyone with a Web site and maybe $5,000 in gear could become a real broadcaster and have their programs seen anywhere in the world at any time. Everyone could send their signal to anyone in the world. You could watch Swedish sitcoms, rugby in Trinidad, anything from anywhere. This ideas has the potential to radically transform the media industry. It could be hugely disruptive to big media.
Further reading:
http://world-of-iptv.com/
