Tuesday 7 July 2009

IPTV Technology - The Top 10 Facts!

By Jason Smythe

Is IPTV technology everything it's cracked up to be, or is it here today and gone tomorrow?

Here are 10 important facts and advantages about IPTV. Hopefully this information can help you decide whether or not you are ready for the IPTV revolution.

1. IPTV stands for Internet protocol television and is fast becoming the technology of choice for the transportation of data information and Audio and Video (AV), across an IP based digital network. This IP network could include Ethernet, WAN, LAN or internet. If a set top box (STB) is added to the equation, AV sources can then be streamed across existing networks to PCs or TVs. The IPTV network can be one to one (Unicast) or one to many (Multicast).

2. According to recent research findings, at present 15.5 million people subscribe to IPTV services, 8.4 million of these subscribers are from Europe.

3. IPTV systems avoid interruption of critical networks by utilising a separate video LAN.

4. Digital video has high bandwidth requirements and hence IPTV requires broadband Internet connectivity. In theory, accessing the high speed internet would allow IPTV users far greater control over their television programming and full customization facilities it to their individual preferences.

5. The ever popular Free-view channels are delivered without Terrestrial or SAT receivers being a requirement.

6. For additional revenue in hotels, local content, sport and films can be added, or offered free of charge to a student campus.

7. Predictions are that compared to the current 3.3 million IPTV subscribers in the United States now, there will be around 12.7 million IPTV users by 2012.

8. The addition of set top boxes (STB) allow AV sources to be streamed across existing networks to PCs or TVs.

9. IPTV based networks are pretty much immune to ghosting, noise, harmonics, cross modulation, reflections etc - annoying problems that are all too common in traditional analogue systems.

10. Due to its storage facility, IPTV systems allow all programs to be later retrieved from the IPTV network.

A Novel Use of IPTV Technology

A great and novel example of how IPTV technology is being used in increasingly useful ways, is with a stunningly practical, IP enabled waterproof bathroom television. These IPTV televisions are the ultimate in bathroom luxury, allowing viewers to safely enjoy their favourite TV programme from the comfort of their bath or shower.

These products offer a convenient and simple solution to hotels worldwide who are embracing the installation of digital IPTV networks across their properties. No longer will they have to hide an STB in the void behind the bathroom or shower wall and run a separate IR receiver, but instead simply feed an Ethernet cable into the back of the screen to deliver TV, Radio, VOD and other services which the hotel wishes to offer.

Now that's luxury!

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