What is IPTV ?
IPTV, short for “Internet Protocol Television,” is a method of delivering television and video content to viewers via the internet, rather than through traditional cable or satellite transmission.
IPTV vs. Non-IPTV
The key difference between IPTV and traditional non-IPTV lies in how the service provider delivers the content. Non-IPTV services transmit content via fiber-optic cables or radio waves from a satellite, while IPTV providers deliver content through the viewer’s broadband internet connection.
Why Choose IPTV ?
The primary reason people gravitate towards IPTV is the increased flexibility it offers. IPTV allows for flexibility in when you watch content, how you watch it, and the network through which it is delivered.
IPTV Formats
There are three main IPTV formats:
- Video on Demand (VOD): Allows viewers to watch content on-demand, whenever they want.
- Time-shifted media: Enables viewers to watch missed shows at their convenience, with a limited shelf life.1
- Live IPTV: Allows for live streaming of content, similar to traditional broadcast television.
The Future of IPTV
The IPTV market is projected to continue growing rapidly, with estimates suggesting it will more than double in size by 2029.1This growth is fueled by the rise in digitalization and increased use of mobile devices.
Benefits of Video on Demand (VOD) IPTV Format
The Video on Demand (VOD) IPTV format offers several benefits, including good diversity of programming and choice, viewing not affected by weather, and high definition playback.1VOD allows users to select and watch or listen to video or audio content on demand, providing flexibility and convenience in viewing content.2VOD services offer an extensive library of movies, TV shows, and other content, catering to diverse user preferences.36
Benefits of Time-shifted media IPTV Format
The time-shifted media IPTV format provides users with the ability to pause, rewind, or fast-forward through live broadcasts, offering flexibility and control over their viewing experience.56This feature is particularly useful for users with busy schedules, allowing them to watch programs at their convenience.7Time-shifted media, also known as “catch-up TV,” enables viewers to watch previously aired shows within a specific time frame, providing a user-friendly and ad-free viewing experience.8
Benefits of Live IPTV Format
The live IPTV format allows for real-time streaming of television content, similar to traditional broadcast television.7This format is often used for live events, such as sports, conferences, and breaking news, enabling viewers to watch these programs as they unfold. Live IPTV provides a seamless and immersive viewing experience, allowing users to stay up-to-date with current events and participate in interactive features like live voting or social media integration.
What is Video on Demand (VoD)?
Video on Demand (VoD) allows users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content on demand. It goes hand in hand with IPTV in that you can watch digital television over the internet, but VoD has that ‘demand’ factor to it, letting you watch a program whenever it suits you. Some examples of video on demand services include Apple TV and Telstra T-Box.
Streaming media content is delivered either as IPTV, or VoD.
What are the differences between IPTV/VoD and conventional TV?
In a word: control. IPTV, being based on a two-way protocol, gives the user greater interactivity with the medium and the content. The provider can better meet the wishes of the user, who has influence over the programs and timing. IPTV is the engine that will drive the new era of interactive content. The success or failure of operators – free and pay – will depend on them being ahead of the game with the new technologies, content formats and business models IPTV ushers in.
The ‘trick play’ functions of pause, rewind and fast forward that we find on DVRs are available using IPTV. This does not allow us to change the content, only how we control the viewing and when we view it. At the next level, IPTV features also allow you to ‘touch’ the program content, perhaps by ordering a product being advertised or voting on a reality TV show via your remote control. In its most sophisticated form, IPTV will immerse you in the program – the content itself being changed by viewer input.
Converged services and other features
The most exciting advantage of IPTV is in converged services. Many of us have a smart phone, such as Apple’s iPhone, which enables us to make calls, synchronise contacts and calendars, and use email. Converged services on television enable us to watch programs, read email, answer the phone, check local weather, look at fuel prices, order food, browse the Internet, or plan a trip and then download it to a GPS device. Convergence for television also means we have more variety of content, which can be from YouTube, RooMedia, ABC online, NineMSN – or any of the multitudes of online sources that provide short-play videos.
Another simpler advantage of IPTV is reliability. Because IPTV streams are delivered over the internet, they aren’t dependent on the weather like terrestrial TV (i.e. digital or analogue TV). Of course, if you have an unreliable internet connection you may have problems.
IPTV also provides additional features, and can easily allow interactive viewing or scheduled recording to take place. Because the delivery doesn’t depend on a license to broadcast using radio frequencies, IPTV also provides access to a far greater diversity of channels and programming.
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