Tech Primer

IPTV

What is IPTV?

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is the delivery of broadcast-quality television and/or video signals to subscribers over a broadband connection using the Internet Protocol (IP). While IP stands for Internet Protocol, this does not actually mean that television content is streaming over the Internet. IP is simply the same method, protocol or technology that enables you to access the Internet. IP-delivered television content is delivered using this technology. IPTV, unlike Internet TV, is primarily a TV experience rather than a PC experience and is meant as an alternative to cable and satellite.

How does IPTV work?

IPTV operates on a premise that’s different from traditional satellite or cable television in that only selected programming and on-demand content are delivered to the consumer. With satellite and cable, all channels are being pushed all the time to the consumer’s home rather than on a per-selection basis. IPTV’s ability to provide two-way communication (you request a programme from the TV guide and the programme is delivered to you) offers interactivity for the customer. Movies, past TV shows and other content can be distributed on demand, and service providers can tailor the requested content and advertising based on the customer’s preferences.

What is the minimum bandwidth needed for full-screen TV and video?

Typically, an MPEG-2 video broadcast (the current standard for digital television and DVD) takes 4-6 Mbps, whereas newer, advanced codes (MPEG-4 H.264, VP6, VC-1) are designed to consume 1-2.5 Mbps.

Do you need multicast capability, and what are the implications for the network?

IPTV channels can only be delivered over IP networks as multicast, so if you want to deliver live television, your network (from DSLAM to peering hub access) must be multicast-enabled from end-to-end. Live TV cannot be delivered by unicast. Multicast enables the efficient delivery of video data and a smooth channel-changing speed. For example, if you wanted to offer 100 live TV channels in 4 Mbps MPEG-2, you would need 400 Mbps backhaul multicast bandwidth. Using dynamic technologies such as PIM can help to reduce network overhead by relaying the channels that have been specifically requested.

What are the advantages of IPTV over cable TV?

The services from a cable or satellite operator are pushed into your home. You have no choice but to keep on surfing channels if you want variety. Cable TV is a one-way communication. IPTV provides for a two-way communication. With IPTV, your TV will connect to a set-top box that decodes the IP video and converts it into standard television signals. If a modem is added to the set-top box, it will provide a range of interactive services including e-mail, games, lottery, shopping, information and even Internet access.

How is IPTV shaping up in India?

There is a large cable and satellite TV infrastructure (with nearly 50 million subscribers) in the country. Private telcos are working out business models with content providers and equipment/software partners to penetrate the market.

The success of IPTV in India will depend on the unique value proposition it offers relative to the existing cable TV fare; on the successful implementation of last-mile strategies; and on successfully ironing out bugs in the new technology, as well as support services like billing. According a study done by ABI Research, total subscribers for IPTV may exceed 120 million by 2010 with Asia Pacific constituting roughly 47 per cent of the total subscribers worldwide. China and India are seen as major markets. Bharti Tele-Ventures aims to launch IPTV with the help of UTStarcom as a technology partner, while Reliance Infocomm has partnered with Microsoft to launch IPTV. Cisco and Alcatel are the vendors offering IPTV solutions.

For further information see http://www.iptvinformation.net/