What is IPTV ?
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.
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.
How does Internet Protocol television work ?
IPTV content is often delivered over a managed or dedicated network, like Digital Subscriber Line connectivity. Compared to the public internet, a private network gives network operators more control over the video traffic and, by extension, the ability to ensure quality of service, uptime, bandwidth and reliability.
In traditional television delivery, all programming is broadcast simultaneously in a multicast format. The available program signals flow downstream, and viewers select programs by changing the TV channel.
An IPTV service, by contrast, sends only one program at a time, i.e., a unicast format. Content remains on the internet service provider's network, and only the program the end user selects is sent to the user's device.
When a viewer changes the channel, a new stream is transmitted from the provider's server directly to the viewer. Like cable television, IPTV requires a set-top box or other customer premises devices, such as a Wi-Fi router or a fiber optic or broadband internet connection.
IPTV primarily uses IP multicasting with Internet Group Management Protocol for IPv4-based live television broadcasts and Real-Time Streaming Protocol for on-demand programs. Multicast Listener Discovery is used on IPv6 networks. Other common protocols include Real-Time Messaging Protocol and Hypertext Transfer Protocol.
What are IPTV use cases ?
Because IPTV uses a packet-based delivery system, it can be bundled with other IP-based telecommunication services, such as voice over IP and high-speed internet.
The use of IP also enables providers to support various other services and applications, such as video on demand, interactive TV, livestreaming, in-program messaging and time shifting, a broad term for TV services that enable viewers to consume content in ways other than live broadcasts, e.g., digital recording, on-demand television shows and the ability to rewind or restart a live program already in progress.
IPTV competes with another delivery model known as internet TV, which refers to television content distributed through a website via a broadband connection.
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:
- The user requests to watch a specific program, and the IPTV provider receives the request.
- IPTV provider processes the request and transmits a video stream from their server to the end user.
- The content stream travels through the secure, private network toward a gateway on the user’s end.
- 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.
Hybrid IPTV
The high demand for internet-based streaming services and on-demand shows led to the rise of a new, hybrid IPTV business model. Hybrid IPTV proved the perfect way for traditional broadcasters to transition to a more contemporary business model.
Since traditional TV broadcasters needed to adapt to changing consumer behavior, this model enabled them to continue providing traditional TV services while combining it with the on-demand model most OTT platforms use.
The hybrid IPTV model allows users to watch linear TV and on-demand content with a single set-top box. This model’s most significant benefits are its flexibility and affordability since neither users nor providers need to constantly change their infrastructure.
IPTV offers many additional services and video formats beyond just watching traditional television broadcasts.
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 the 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 or 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 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.