Information on IPTV

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.

The term IPTV first appeared in 1995 with the founding of Precept Software by Judith Estrin and Bill Carrico. Precept designed and built an internet video product named "IP/TV". IP/TV was an MBONE compatible Windows and Unix based application that moved single and multi-source audio/video traffic, ranging from low to DVD quality, using both unicast and IP multicast RTP/RTCP. The software was written primarily by Steve Casner, Karl Auerbach, and Cha Chee Kuan. Precept was acquired by Cisco Systems in 1998. Cisco retains the "IP/TV" trademark.

Internet radio company AudioNet started the first continuous live webcasts with content from WFAA-TV in January, 1998 and KCTU-LP on January 10, 1998.

Kingston Communications, a regional telecommunications operator in UK, launched KIT (Kingston Interactive Television), an IPTV over DSL broadband interactive TV service in September 1999 after conducting various TV and VoD trials. The operator added additional VoD service in October 2001 with Yes TV, a provider VoD content. Kingston was one of the first companies in the world to introduce IPTV and IP VoD over ADSL.

In 2006, AT&T launched its U-Verse IPTV service, comprising a national head end and regional video-serving offices. AT&T offered over 300 channels in 11 cities with more to be added in 2007 and beyond. While using IP protocols, AT&T has built a private IP network exclusively for video transport.

Because IPTV arrives over telephone lines, telephone companies are in a prime position to offer IPTV services initially, but it is expected that other carriers will offer the technology in the future. IPTV promises more efficient streaming than present technologies, and therefore theoretically reduced prices to operators and subscribers alike. However, it also adds many advantages that may play into market pricing.

One of the advantages of IPTV is the ability for digital video recorders (DVRs) to record multiple broadcasts at once. According to Alcatel, one leading provider, it will also be easier to find favorite programs by using "custom view guides." IPTV even allows for picture-in-picture viewing without the need for multiple tuners. You can watch one show, while using picture-in-picture to channel surf

IPTV converts a television signal into small packets of computer data like any other form of online traffic such as email or a web page. There are three main components of IPTV. First, the TV and content head end, where the TV channels are received and encoded and also other content like videos which are stored. The second component is the delivery network, which is broadband and landline network provided by a telecom operators such as MTNL.

The third component is the set top box, which is required at the customer location. The packets are reassembled into programming by software in the set-top box. This box is connected between the operator’s broadband modem and customer’s TV.

Advantages of IPTV

The real advantage of IPTV is that it uses Internet protocols to provide two-way communication for interactive television. One application might be in game shows in which the studio audience is asked to participate by helping a contestant choose between answers. IPTV opens the door to real-time participation from people watching at home. Another application would be the ability to turn on multiple angles of an event, such as a touchdown, and watch it from dual angles simultaneously using picture-in-picture viewing.

The quality of digital video and audio is much better compared with the traditional analogue TV. With additional features, it can become interactive.
For example, viewers may be able to look up a player’s history while watching a game. They also may be able to schedule a recording of their favourite programme when they are not home. With video on demand, they can browse an online movie catalogue and watch the movies instantly.

Because IPTV uses standard networking protocols, it promises lower costs for operators and lower prices for users. Using set-top boxes with broadband internet connections, video can be streamed to households more efficiently than cable.

Limitations of IPTV

Because IPTV is based on internet protocol, it is sensitive to packet loss and delays if the IPTV connection is not fast enough.

Because IPTV requires real-time data transmission and uses the Internet Protocol, it is sensitive to packet loss and delays if the streamed data is unreliable. If the IPTV connection is not fast enough, picture break-up or loss may occur. This problem has proved particularly troublesome when attempting to stream IPTV across wireless links. Improvements in wireless technology are now starting to provide equipment to solve the problem. Because of its high latency Satellite Internet Access is not ideal for IPTV. This is because the data has to travel so far to reach the satellite and then come back to earth. A cable, DSL, or FiOS internet connection is much more reliable for IPTV.

TV service which is delivered using IP (Internet Protocol) technology - this is the same
technology which is used in Internet Services . In this service the TV channels are
encoded in IP format and delivered to TV through a Set Top Box. The IP TV Service
also includes Video on Demand Service which is similar to watching Video CDs / DVDs
using a VCD/DVD player. Movies, Instructional Videos and other content shall be
available to customers in the IP TV Services.

The three main components in delivering this service are

• TV and Content Head End - where the TV channels are received and
  encoded. Also other content (Video's) are stored at Head End. MTNL has
  signed agreement for this with M/s IOL.
  
• Delivery network - which is MTNL's Broadband network and MTNL's
  telephone line. (Landline).
  
• Set Top Box - The Set Top Box is required at the customer location for
  converting the IP signal back to TV signal. The STB shall be connected between MTNL Broadband Modem and customer's TV.
  

Three services can work together

• Normal Telephone service
• Broadband Internet service
• IPTV service