What is (Internet Protocol television)?

IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is a service that provides television programming and other video content using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, as opposed to broadcast TV, cable TV or satellite signals.

Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a system through which tv services are delivered using the internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as a LAN or the internet, instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable television formats.

• Live television or stream, with or without interactivity, from either broadcast source, encoder or IP camera;
• Time-shifted television: catch-up TV and ‘near’ video on demand;
• Video on Demand (VOD): stored and recorded video assets, be that movies, TV shows, training materials or recorded meetings.

IPTV is defined as the secure and reliable delivery of entertainment video, live streams and related services across an IP data network. These services may include, for example, encoded streams, broadcast TV, Video On Demand (VOD) and interactive TV. These services are delivered across a network using the IP protocol to transport the audio, video and control signals, securely delivering them to smart TVs, media players, set top boxes, mobile devices, laptops, macs and thin clients. In contrast to video over the public Internet, with IPTV deployments, network security and performance are tightly managed to ensure a professional experience, resulting in a compelling business environment for content providers, advertisers and customers alike.

An IPTV service, typically distributed by a service provider, delivers live TV programs or on-demand video content via IP networks.

An IPTV system may be used to provide video content over a private network in an enterprise, although such implementations are far less common than subscriber-based models due to the complexity, network latency and scaling issues.

IPTV is the delivery of media content, videos or live television over an IP network. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) can either use the public internet, a private local area network (LA) or wide area network (WAN). An IPTV service can be delivered to an IP enabled TV, mobile phone, tablet, laptop or PC and can be easily incorporated into a video on demand solution.

IPTV services are commonly used by businesses and organisations to deliver TV to waiting areas, reception and common rooms and often integrated with digital signage capabilities. IPTV is also a popular solution for the provision of tv services within a hotel, hospital or residential property.

HOW DOES IPTV WORK

It is a 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. IPTV covers both line TV (multicasting) as well as stored video (Video on Demand VOD).

IPTV works by transmitting a video stream from a provider’s server to the end user’s set-top box over the internet. While traditional TV sends analog signals to users via cables, IPTV sends them over a managed, private internet network.

How IPTV Works

While traditional TV sends analog signals to users via cables, IPTV sends them over a managed, private internet network. Unlike traditional TV, which can only broadcast content in real time, IPTV has servers for storing content. That gives users the freedom to watch programs at will (if their IPTV provider allows this option).

The entire content delivery process is quite simple and can be illustrated in a few steps:

1. The user requests to watch a specific program, and the IPTV provider receives the request.
2. IPTV provider processes the request and transmits a video stream from their server to the end user.
3. The content stream travels through the secure, private network toward a gateway on the user’s end.
4. The content is delivered in packets to the playback device via the real-time streaming protocol (RTSP) before compressing them to optimize for playback.

But for all the above to be possible, your TV must be able to read the signals received over the internet protocol. Unfortunately, not all TVs can set up an IPTV service right off the bat since most can’t read the signals received without external help. If you have a TV set that isn’t IPTV compatible, you will have to buy an IPTV set-top box.

What Is an IPTV Box?

An IPTV box or a set-top box is a device that converts streaming signals received via the internet protocol into a format that a TV can read and reproduce (similarly to an OTT BOX). In other words, set-top boxes translate the language of the internet protocol. These boxes are often connected to the TV via HDMI or AV cables or even through Wi-Fi for newer models. 

If you choose to stream IPTV from your computer, you won’t need a set-top box as PCs can already read the data received through the internet protocol. Those who’d like to save on a set-top box but still enjoy watching IPTV on their television screens can mirror their PC screens on the TV and watch from there.

Types of IPTV Formats

IPTV offers many additional services and video formats beyond just watching traditional television broadcasts. There are three primary content formats most IPTV services offer:

Live TV

Live IPTV allows users to live stream television broadcasts in real time, similar to traditional TV. Live TV most often serves to broadcast live events like sports events, conferences, etc.

However, this model has the same downsides as dying cable TV. Users can’t choose when to watch content, and they don’t have the flexibility of watching it on the go.

Some examples of IPTV providers with this model include FOX Sports Go, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and CBS Sports HQ.

Video on Demand (VOD) 

VOD IPTV services work the same way as with most OTT providers — you pay a subscription fee and, in return, have access to a large library of videos you can request to watch whenever.

This model is particularly appealing to consumers because it offers incredible flexibility. More and more IPTV providers have been introducing on-demand services to combat the growing popularity of over-the-top streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Time-Shifted TV

Time-shifted TV or catch-up TV is a service unique to IPTV that allows users to watch previously broadcasted TV shows later. 

There’s one big difference between time-shifted TV and VOD, though. Time-shifted TV lets users rewatch old content only for a limited time. Most often, broadcasts will be available for a few days before disappearing. Anything older than that would be considered a VOD. 

One of the most popular IPTV providers using this model is BBC’s iPlayer.

Benefits Of Using IPTV

There are many reasons why you should use IPTV. Conventional cable TV feed plays media content using a linked network of cables at all times while in IPTV content remains on the host network until the user requests it. This means that there is more bandwidth and the user can watch videos on demand. This also shows the importance of having a strong host network.

• IPTV can be used with any IP based service such as VOIP and high speed internet.
• Both live and pre-recorded videos and audios can be played over IPTV.
• IPTV uses your current computer network and there is no need for cables.
• Because of the video on demand format, the user has a wider array of shows to choose from the host network.
• Content is always on the host network and the customer selects what they only need to see.
• IPTV is a two-way system where the consumer must interact with the service provider. For instance, a customer requests a movie from the catalogue and it gets delivered. This is also known as movie rental.
• An interesting feature of IPTV is the Electronic Program Guide (EPG) and the Personal Video Recorder (PVR) which is customizable to individual consumer needs. It has interactive features like pause, rewind, forward, and other program recording facilities while watching TV programs.
• IPTV is compatible with all types of displays. Such devices include LCD displays, projectors, computers, smartphones, and TVs, without having to compromise the video quality. Basically, you are not limited to cables but can watch your favorite shows from any device that has an internet connection.
• Internet Protocol Television is feature-rich and a wallet friendly option for daily entertainment.
• Your safety comes first with IPTV. Since content is played over the internet you have control over what you want to watch. Also, with added security measures like firewalls you can trust that your content is protected as you enjoy it.
• Flexible and scalable – Enterprise IPTV allows integration with other new TV and video sources anywhere you have network connection without quality degradation, creating a quick but less expensive extension system.
• Internet Protocol TV emphasizes on user experience. It is a hassle free connection, getting rid of a maze of wires so that the main concern is content broadcasting. In the end, the host network gets to improve its content, digital signage, and display quality for a better user experience.

IPTV Benefits For Hotels And Resorts

Are you a resort or hotel owner? While any business can reap from using IPTV, it is particularly more profitable for use by hotels and resorts who must provide useful information and entertainment to their patrons.

From streaming services, movies on demand, IPTV provides a wide array of entertainment to savor your customer’s pallets.

You can use the robustness of IPTV when you need to provide more information about the hotel like travel options, rooms services, popular attractions nearby, and more. It can even be used to network content on your digital signage displays, helping to make your hotel more popular.

The IPTV network you opt for can be customized to suit your business to cater for the demand. It doesn’t matter whether it is a modest house or a 5-star hotel, you will have the complete set of tools to improve the hospitality of your hotel.

IPTV is based on having videos or audios provided by the host network on demand so that clients can choose what they want to watch based on the existing program guide.

Below are some ways hotels and other hospitality industries can use IPTV for their gain:

• Deliver movies and TV shows on demand.
  The main idea of using IPTV is to have a wide array of shows and TV programs at the tap of a button. Entertainment is one major way of boosting customer satisfaction.You don’t have to worry about the schedule as guests can watch what they want at any time. By offering a lot of options to choose from, you can be sure that more customers will be satisfied from their stay at your hotel. Good reviews by satisfied customers will win back more guests for stronger retention rates. You can also use IPTV as another source of revenue by selling content so that the company makes more profit.
• Showcase your facilities, amenities and more
  Does your hotel have a spa, swimming pool, fitness center, or other impressive facilities that you want people to know about? IPTV is one tool to advertise such features to draw the attention of guests. IPTV technology lets you play clips and display information about the facilities available in the hotel, inside guests rooms as well as public areas, helping the public know more about the hotel giving them a reason to stay longer. Think of IPTV as a marketing tool that gives people important insights about the hotel. From spas and fitness centers, to guide tours, IPTV is the best way to showcase your resort.

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