(Internet Protocol TV) Also called "TV over IP," IPTV delivers scheduled TV programs and video-on-demand (VOD) via the IP protocol and digital streaming techniques used to watch video on the Internet. In order to receive and decode the images in real time, the user requires either an IPTV set-top box or a computer and software-based media player.
IPTV enables a data-voice-video "triple play" service to be based entirely on IP because Internet access, voice over IP (VoIP) and IPTV all use the same IP packet format. To compete with cable TV, the telephone companies have taken the lead with IPTV over DSL lines. Rather than tune into one of many video channels being transmitted simultaneously over cable TV, IPTV users request a particular channel, which is routed to the user just like every other data resource on the Internet.
TV over the Internet
There are a multitude of IPTV stations that deliver their content only via the Internet. Although there are paid subscriptions to some services, most are free. In addition, many TV broadcasters send their video over the air and to the Internet simultaneously. See Internet Protocol, streaming video, IP on Everything and triple play.
IPTV enables a data-voice-video "triple play" service to be based entirely on IP because Internet access, voice over IP (VoIP) and IPTV all use the same IP packet format. To compete with cable TV, the telephone companies have taken the lead with IPTV over DSL lines. Rather than tune into one of many video channels being transmitted simultaneously over cable TV, IPTV users request a particular channel, which is routed to the user just like every other data resource on the Internet.
TV over the Internet
There are a multitude of IPTV stations that deliver their content only via the Internet. Although there are paid subscriptions to some services, most are free. In addition, many TV broadcasters send their video over the air and to the Internet simultaneously. See Internet Protocol, streaming video, IP on Everything and triple play.
 | Reproduced with permission from Computer Desktop Encyclopedia. Copyright (c) 1981-2009 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved. |
Additional Resources
- PBX Telecom IPTV 1.03 (Mac)
- PbxTV is a multi-feature, multi-platform online video content streaming application built based on the community's suggestions and critics. PbxTV can deliver high quality full motion live TV signal at very low bitrates. This enables the product to be available on any kind of internet connection ranging from dial-up to ADSL...
- Software downloads 2009-11-19
- MyConnection Server 8.8b (Windows)
- MyConnection Server MCS broadband testing software enables businesses to test connections for bandwidth speeds and connection quality for time critical applications such as VoIP, Video conferencing and IPTV. MCS helps organizations to assess networks for deployment of new/additional services, and identify and resolve last mile customer connectivity problems with little...
- Software downloads 2009-10-12
- SlingPlayer Mobile (iPhone) 1.1 (Mobile)
- Watch and control your home TV and DVR on your iPhone or iPod touch. When connected to a Slingbox SOLO, PRO, or PRO-HD, SlingPlayer Mobile iPhone will play anything you can see on your TV at home on your iPhone or iPod touch. Now you can change channels, control your...
- Software downloads 2009-09-25
- Quick thoughts on the Zune HD
- This IS the answerThis is exactly what needs to be explained to the apple fanboys.The ones who overprotect their apples too much always ends up bashing everything else.I mean, if they like their macs or ipods, just like it. They don't need to worry about everything that may "compete" with...
- Discussion threads 2009-09-15
- EyeSoft 2.3.1 (Windows)
- EyeSoft is a network video surveillance software application for recording IP cameras, megapixel network cameras, and USB Web cams. Supports over 400+ multi-vendor IP camera models as well as most USB Web cams, analogue capture cards, and live IPTV streams. Allows you to build powerful surveillance applications with easy to...
- Software downloads 2009-09-10
- 10 bits of tech the back-to-school student should avoid
- As the countdown to the academic season starts about now, the race to get the best deals and offers at your local tech stores is on. You'll need to start working out what you didn't have before which could have made your life a lot easier at university, and what...
- Blog posts 2009-08-10
- Three-Screen Advertising: New Ad Revenues for Service Providers
- Media companies have long benefited from dual revenue streams, selling content to consumers while also selling time or space to advertisers. Service providers are now entering the media business with multimedia content on their broadband portals and mobile phone decks, as well as IPTV services. How can they best leverage...
- Webcasts 2009-07-29
- A Clear Path to 100Gigabit Ethernet on the Alcatel-Lucent Service Router Portfolio
- In helping service providers profitably meet the massive bandwidth demands driven by explosive growth in video traffic and sophisticated consumer and business IP services, Alcatel-Lucent is the first to deliver 100 Gigabit interfaces that combine speed, services and industry-leading power efficiency. Leveraging the power and flexibility of innovative FP2 silicon,...
- White papers 2009-07-11
- StreamGuru MPEG Analyzer 2.0 (Windows)
- The analyzer combines the most important MPEG analyzer features into one single product. Decode all MPEG and DVB service information down to the descriptor level. Current/Next table versions are listed separately. SI information for "other" transport streams is decoded as well. The full range of descriptors defined in MPEG2 and...
- Software downloads 2009-07-08
- Microsoft fumbles the digital TV transition
- Microsoft fumbles the digital TV transitionHas the ATSC glitch affected you?If you?re a Media Center user, has this issue affected you? Leave a comment as a reply here. (If you have another coment to make, please start a new thread) I?ll be following up with Microsoft to see if I...
- Discussion threads 2009-06-15
- DVBLink for IPTV 1.0 (Windows)
- DVBLink for IPTV seamlessly integrates TV and radio channels from your ISP or picture from your IP-enabled web/security cameras into MediaCenter, including support for MPEG-2 and MPEG-4 HD video, multichannel audio, EPG information, teletext and subtitles. DVBLink enables all native TV control features of MediaCenter for these channels such as...
- Software downloads 2009-06-15
- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009: Leveraging Broadband Stimulus for IPTV Services in Lower-Density Markets
- The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 ARRA represents a unique opportunity for network operators to upgrade their networks and greatly enhance their service delivery capabilities. IP video is a key component for serving communities, and IPTV, in particular, represents essential next-generation services which open up valuable revenue opportunities...
- White papers 2009-06-09
- Creating New Revenue From Advertising
- Media companies have long benefited from dual revenue streams, selling content to consumers while also selling time or space to advertisers. Service providers are now entering the media business with multimedia content on their broadband portals and mobile phone decks, as well as IPTV services. How can they best leverage...
- Webcasts 2009-05-05
- Introduction to Information Technology
- View Available Dates and LocationsIn this introductory course, you will learn the basics of computers, operating systems, and communication. With the help of interactive exercises, you will learn about common network protocols, the use of addressing to communicate over the network, and the role of the OSI...
- Training 2009-05-01
- Cisco: Beyond the data center
- The launch of its Unified Computing System initiative actually means that Cisco Systems will now be attempting to combine and oversee the management of operations not just of data centers but networks. Which puts Cisco on what is the biggest playing field in enterprise computing. "It's a...
- Blog posts 2009-03-16
- IPTV: More Than a Pretty Picture
- IPTV is a game-changing technology. But for telecommunications providers to successfully roll out and drive customer adoption of IPTV services, they must leverage the interactivity delivered by the IP side of the equation. This means developing, delivering and supporting new types of complex software applications that are delivered along with...
- White papers 2009-03-01
- DisplayShare 1.1 (Windows)
- DisplayShare introduces an unparalleled ease of use for bringing your PC display to an HDTV, and for listening to your PC music through a home audio system. DisplayShare allows you to easily show on your TV or HDTV. An entire PC display, Stored pictures and video, IPTV Internet Protocol Television,...
- Software downloads 2009-02-26
- PBX Telecom IPTV 1.01 (Mobile)
- PbxTV is a multi-feature, multi-platform online video content streaming application built based on the community's suggestions and critics. PbxTV can deliver high quality full motion live TV signal at very low bitrates. This enables the product to be available on any kind of internet connection ranging from dial-up to ADSL...
- Software downloads 2009-02-25
- Google clears up Atlantis debris
- Google clears up Atlantis debrisGoogle Ocean + Google Latitude = Real-time Fishing LBS ContentsHave you heard about Real-time Fishing LBS Contents? We have proposed this Service Model to Google over 3 years ago. Real-time Fishing LBS Contents is Location Based Service for IPTV, WiMAX, Mobile. This Service Model was created...
- Discussion threads 2009-02-24
- Rapidly deploy new services with confidence in service quality
- Telecommunications operators compete in a market defined by change and continually advancing technology. Up-to-the-minute technologies such as IP virtual private network (IP-VPN), IP television IPTV and Voice over IP VoIP are must-have offerings that can make the difference between keeping a large corporate account and losing out to a competitor.
- White papers 2009-02-04
Premier Vendor Content Whitepapers, webcasts & resources from our Power Center Sponsors
- Save time with automated shipping solutions
-
The Business Essentials Guide provides you useful tools and templates to help grow your business and save you time with automated shipping solutions.
- Visit the UPS Business Essentials Guide
- Reduce risk. Reduce complexity. Increase reliability.
-
A simplified IT environment isn't just less complex. It's also more reliable. Standardize on a single Linux platform with SUSE Linux Enterprise from Novell, and get the world's most interoperable Linux
- Learn more >>
- Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online - Free Six-Month Trial for Eligible Organizations
-
Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides fast online access, simple contact management and better sales performance for a low monthly cost - the best value on the market today.
- Learn more about the free, six-month trial offer>>
- The best support in the Linux business
-
If Linux is going to power your mission-critical applications, you'd better have the best support known to business. Novell was rated the top provider of Linux technical support.
- Learn more >>
SmartPlanet
- Thought-provoking progressive ideas on diverse topics that intersect with technology, business, and life, and matter to the world at large. Visit SmartPlanet
- More from IBM
-
- Can your business work smarter? Learn more about Lotus Symphony
- Learn how to work smarter and optimize cost using the IBM Smart SOA approach Download the eBook
- Smarter ways to make smarter products Read the brief from IBM
