What if you could watch your favourite movies and shows anywhere and anytime without having to worry about the traditional cable TV subscription?
IPTV uses internet technology to deliver high quality TV programs instead of broadcast signals using antenna or satellite dish. It allows one to stream shows and movies simultaneously through an internet connection.
The IPTV first started in 1995 as an offset from the Precept software. It was a Unix-based application where videos were transmitted using Real-time Transport Protocol (RTP) and Real-time Control Protocol (RCP).
In current times, IPTV is the umbrella name for the popular Netflix, Hulu, Disney, Prime and others. It is a sophisticated system delivering various audio and video services through a network that uses IP protocol to send out the signals, making internet security duly managed to ensure a high-quality internet experience.
With IPTV, one can access multiple movies and shows using the internet connection freely or with a monthly fee attached. IPTV services are a lot more cheaper and easily accessible than the usual cable TV subscriptions.
How does IPTV work?
The traditional TVs use satellite dishes, antennas and electrical signals before decoding into audio and video, causing users to only view real-time shows and what is currently on air at the moment.
With IPTV, “packets” are used which breaks down pieces of information and sends it from its origin to the destination.
Programs have to be converted to a digital format before they can be delivered using a protocol system. Using bandwidths, the audio or video is then compressed into packets so that they can be streamed smoothly without encountering buffers.
Users can simply signify what they want to watch by typing out the information. This in turn triggers a signal to a provider who sends the contents as packets to the end user.
Types of IPTV
IPTV comes in three types; VOD, time-shifted IPTV and Live IPTV/IP simulcasting.
- IPTV VOD (Video on demand) are the popular kinds e.g Netflix where one selects, pays and watches a program. With VOD, users can watch at their convenience.
- Time-shifted IPTV works just like VOD and is used mostly by news broadcasting stations as programs are aired in a particular time frame. This differs from traditional TV as programs are time-bound but can be accessed later to catch up on missed shows.
- The live IPTV or IP simulcasting enables users to stream various movies and shows airing live, for example, live sporting events. Distinguishable from traditional TVs because it can be streamed on different devices anywhere at that time.
The Future of Television
With IPTV becoming more popular, individuals are gradually ditching the cable TVs for a more enjoyable TV experience. With a digital device and a broadband internet connection, IPTV is good to go, making more people opt for it.
Today users are looking forward to more flexibility in their viewing options, making the demand for IPTV higher. Research by Grand View Research showed an increase in the market demand for IPTV. Thus giving it a more optimistic light for the future.
This growth will cause a shift in the known hardware sets (TV boxes) to the rising tablets and smartphone devices. An increase in the demand for live content using IPTV indicates its high potential in the global industrial market.
Since the onset of IPTV in the past decades, many reconstructions have taken place and more will still occur as individuals adapt to the change in broadcasting and television viewing.
