What if watching TV were more like browsing the web? You would have the freedom of choice, and you could pick the program you wanted to view whenever you desire. Better yet, you could do so conveniently from wherever you felt like as long as you have an Internet connection. This is the gist of some of the perks that IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is promising. IPTV uses Internet technology to deliver on-demand TV programs. Let’s take a closer look at how it works and the benefits it provides.
What is IPTV and How it Works?
IPTV is a delivery system for television content that is presented either live or on-demand to subscribers through Internet protocol technology, by way of broadband or internet connection. Essentially, IPTV providers use Internet protocol (IP) based network to stream TV services to users’ set-top box or computer, instead of receiving TV programs as broadcast signals from a rooftop antenna, satellite dish, or fiber-optic cable. The set-top box is a device that functions as an adapter of sorts, that fits between your Internet connection and your existing television receiver, where it decodes incoming signals so your TV can present Internet programs from any location in your house.
Types of IPTV
Video on Demand (VOD)
With a VOD IPTV option, you use a service, such as Netflix, an online media-service provider, to watch a wide range of TV programs or movies in real time vs. watching a program at a scheduled broadcast time. It operates as a pay-per-view video service, with the content broadcasting schedule compiled beforehand and subscribers watch content according to their interest or preference.
Time-shifted TV
This service allows subscribers to view live broadcasts later, with playback feature so that the viewer can conveniently resume their program. Timeshifting can be done with the personal video recorder (PVR) device or a computer with the TV tuner card.
Live IPTV
Live IPTV involves broadcasting live TV programs across the Internet in real-time, as the events happen.
IPTV Benefits
There are several benefits to be had with IPTV including:
- In IPTV systems, the content remains on the host network until the subscriber requests it. This is different from traditional cable television that feeds as much media content as possible through a network of cables, relying on the capacity of the feed to determine what content is available.
- IPTV, as a media, is streamed and not downloaded, allowing the content to move in batches and be viewed before the download is complete.
- IPTV has the ability to provide a customizable user experience, with a custom user interface displaying content on the basis of consumer preference.
With new technology comes new ways of viewing movies and your favourite shows. IPTV creates the opportunity for improved user experience and an increase in available viewing content. With the right IPTV provider, you can maximize the benefit of IPTV streaming. It has the potential to be a big competition for traditional forms TV viewing, thanks to its customizable features, convenience and advantages.
