IPTV

About IPTV and Broadband Television

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a form of broadband-delivered video involving the secure delivery of traditional multichannel television, movies-on-demand and related interactive content over a dedicated network to a managed consumer electronics device; usually to a set-top box. IPTV also is a major part of the coming convergence of entertainment, information and personal communications services delivered over broadband IP access.

The two-way nature of IPTV, coupled with the modern consumer's familiarity with the on-demand nature of the Internet, has converted television from a passive "push-oriented" service into a "pull-oriented" service that places the consumer in control as never before. In fact, IPTV is emblematic of a fundamental shift in the subscriber-service provider-marketer dynamic.

It is important to draw a distinction between IPTV, which is delivered via a closed switched digital broadband network, and Internet TV, which may be delivered either via the open Internet to a computer or through a Web-on-TV portal that's defined using IPTV middleware.

In addition, municipalities and public utilities are entering the fray, pledging to build a 21st century railroad over which anyone can share content and ideas.

Over time, IPTV will become part of a broader IP-enabled service delivery environment that allows subscribers to access virtually any audiovisual content, anytime, anywhere, to any video-capable device. Already, service providers are pursuing new business models and technology platforms that bundle rich media and personal communications services within a single range of offerings.

Because IPTV is delivered using Internet Protocol, digital media content originally designed for the World Wide Web can be re-purposed and re-used in an IPTV context, enriching the basic TV experience.

Telcos and Internet Service Providers are deploying IPTV services to slow the defection of their traditional voice and data subscribers to cable TV providers that have begun to offer those and other personal communications services that were once offered only by Telcos.