IPTV Technology – 10 Reasons To Embrace it!

by Jason Smythe

Is IPTV technology the way to go or is it just plain old hype?

Check out these 10 facts and advantages about IPTV technology and decide whether or not you want to join the IPTV revolution.

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

2. Latest research figures show that 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. Due to the high bandwidth requirements of digital video IPTV requires broadband Internet connectivity. In theory, connecting to this high speed Internet would allow IPTV users far more control over their television programming and the ability to customize it to their individual preferences.

5. Allfree-viewchannels are delivered without SAT or Terrestrial receivers.

6. Local content, films and sport can be added for additional revenue in hotels, or offered free to a student campus.

7. It is predicted that there will be around 12.7 million IPTV users in the US by 2012, compared to the current 3.3 million subscribers,

8. AV sources are able to be successfully streamed across existing networks to TVs or PCs, though require the addition of set top boxes (STB).

9. IPTV based networks are practically immune to noise, ghosting, harmonics, reflections, cross modulation etc – problems that are all common in analogue systems.

10. All programs can be later retrieved from the IPTV network IPTV due to its storage facility.

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.

How about that for technology put to great use!

About the Author:

For more information on IPTV Products visit TV Over LAN, and for a look at that luxurious bathroom TV visit Videotree.