IPTV

IPTV is a method of delivering broadcast television and on-demand, rich media content that uses an Internet protocol (IP) network as the medium. Any broadband IP network can be used for IPTV. However, IPTV is most prominently used as the primary mechanism for carriers, such as telephone companies (Telco’s), and cable and satellite TV carriers, to deliver television to mass audiences over existing communications infrastructures. IPTV offers carriers flexibility and added value in the form of additional services that can be offered to customers, which improves the carrier’s profitability and competitive edge.

In particular, IPTV provides one facet of the so-called “triple play” of services: voice, data, and video. The triple-play vision is that consumers can subscribe to one service that provides voice, data (Internet and other online services), and video (live broadcast and on-demand) – all three brought into the home or office over one line or feed, and by one service provider.

Consumers are familiar with two-way communication with voice and data, but an IP network also enables two-way communication in the video connection. With IPTV, consumers can interact with a video service to, for example, order and play video on-demand (VoD) content, change channels, or control playback of a live broadcast. Because the three services are controlled from one source, solutions can be created that take advantage of an integration of services. For example, a solution can be developed that enables customers to view Web pages on their televisions, through which they can order pay-per-view video content and check phone messages. With triple-play, carriers can upgrade their offerings to provide consumers with a full suite of next-generation digital-communication services.

The topology consists of the following components:

·        
Broadcast source. Live feed from a broadcaster, such as a commercial cable network or on-air television station.

·         Broadcast encoder. Inputs the analog signal or high bit-rate digital stream from the source, and outputs a stream that is compressed and formatted for delivery over the IP network. An encoder is typically a software program running on a PC, for example, or a dedicated hardware device. A hardware device can include functionality that enables it to also do the job of a media server.

·         Broadcast streaming system. A media server that hosts a number of encoded broadcast streams for a large number of clients on the network. The broadcast server can deliver multicast or unicast streams, and typically consists of multiple servers configured as a server farm to provide fault tolerance. If unicast, the server farm must manage connections to potentially many thousands of clients.

·         VOD source. Content that is pre-recorded on a medium such as videotape or hard disk.

·         VOD encoder. Inputs the pre-recorded content and outputs a VOD file that is properly formatted and compressed. Encoders that output VOD content are typically software programs.

·         VOD streaming system. A media server that hosts the VOD files for clients on the network. The server must be capable of storing a large number of large files, and then streaming the files to many thousands of viewers. Often, the system consists of multiple servers configured in a server farm to deliver the maximum number of required streams and provide fault tolerance. Storage is often handled by a storage area network (SAN) system that also provides fault tolerance.

·         Subscriber management system. Integrates customer activity and provides additional customer services, such as an electronic program guide (EPG) and billing.

·         IP network. Typically, a high-speed, reliable, IP-enabled network.

·         Customer set-top box (STB) or PC. The device on the customer end that converts the data stream from the media servers into a standard analog or digital signal that can be fed directly into the television. The STB also provides any interactive features, such as an EPG, Web browsing, and PVR (Personal Video Recorder) functionality.

·         Television or monitor. Currently, IPTV is aimed at providing a quality, standard-definition television signal (SDTV). However, as technologies like VDSL and asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL2+) become more prevalent, the additional bandwidth will enable telcos to provide high definition television (HDTV), as well as multiple-channel audio and video, and many other services.

Features and benefit using IPTV

·  Convergence IP media system. This means that the user of the IP.TV platform can, simultaneously and in real time, access and manage information regarding IP telephony, video call, video conference, browsing internet, email, polling, and any IP based services.

·  Interactive, users could interact with the system to choose the information what they want.

·  VoD (Video on Demand), User could save any of recorded video at server, and user could easily review the recorded video with choosing the menu.

·  Support HDTV with cheapest infrastructure cost.

·  By adopting the IP.TV solution, the user can take advantage of one or more exclusive channels to transmit any programming to the locations of their choice. The number of locations / computers that can have access this programming is limitless.

·  Real-Time authentication and billing, Pre-paid and post paid content billing

·  Management of content objects, lists and plans, Time scheduling of content object

·  Support for chat, whether, news, email and other services

·  Comprehensive reporting

·  Real-time reporting of active channels and Interactive consumer surveys.