When we are swarmed with requests for IPTV, we are obliged to assess the client’s infrastructure and requirements prior to providing a customized solution. We do this because it is well known that IPTV systems are capable of providing many different services, and more often than not, the cost to functionality ratio plays a significant role. With this in mind and with the idea that information destroys trepidation, it is pertinent to dissect the IPTV beast and peel back the layers, because it deserves some de-mystification and you, dear readers, deserve information.
A snippet from Wikipedia on IPTV*
Historically, many different definitions of IPTV have appeared, including elementary streams over IP networks, transport streams over IP networks and a number of proprietary systems. The official definition approved by the International Telecommunication Union focus group on IPTV is as follows:
"IPTV is defined as multimedia services such as television/video/audio/text/graphics/data delivered over IP based networks managed to provide the required level of quality of service and experience, security, interactivity and reliability."
Another official and more detailed definition of IPTV is the one given by Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) IPTV Exploratory Group on 2005:
"IPTV is defined as the secure and reliable delivery to subscribers of entertainment video and related services. These services may include, for example, Live TV, Video On Demand (VOD) and Interactive TV (iTV). These services are delivered across an access agnostic, packet switched network that employs the IP protocol to transport the audio, video and control signals. In contrast to video over the public Internet, with IPTV deployments, network security and performance are tightly managed to ensure a superior entertainment experience, resulting in a compelling business environment for content providers, advertisers and customers alike."
One definition for consumer IPTV is for single or multiple program transport streams (MPTS) which are sourced by the same network operator that owns or directly controls the "last mile" to the consumer's premises. This control over delivery enables a guaranteed quality of service (QoS), and also allows the service provider to offer an enhanced user experience such as better program guide, interactive services etc.
Confused? Let me highlight the most important bit for you to consider which reads:
As implied, wired computer networks (IP Based networks) are used to deliver content which has been specially formatted to be distributed over such systems. Exclusively reserved for CAT5/6 based copper networks in the past, it may now also be implemented over existing coaxial TV networks and fiber optic hybrid infrastructures. It is important to bear in mind that there are several means by which IPTV can be delivered.
1. Open Environment:
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In the USA and Europe, IPTV and Video On Demand services are hosted off site and provided via service providers and public network infrastructures.
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This traditional application is made possible due to virtually zero bandwidth restrictions and seriously fast up- and download speeds.
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Clients subscribe to a chosen service provider and are assigned a fixed IP address, which is then used for requested service delivery and account purposes.
2. Closed Environment:
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In South Africa, IPTV Television services are currently streamed via DVB-S (Digital Video Broadcasting via Satellite); are hosted on site and within private network infrastructures.
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Non-traditional application of IPTV technology exists here, because of costly and limited bandwidth and also comparatively slow up- and download speeds.
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In this instance, the client subscribes to the service provider for TV Services only, but needs to foot the bill for all processing and storage equipment and distribution infrastructure, as well as additional services such as Interactive TV, Video On Demand, Data and so forth.
The type of content which can be delivered includes (but is not limited to)
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TV services: This includes Standard Definition (SD) as well as High Definition (HD) “live” content not stored on site and as provided for by a service provider. The user can select different TV channels, but not specific content provided on those channels. (Well not yet, anyway!)
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Audio: This may be interpreted two ways:
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1. Telephony services. Want to provide “old school” technology without installing a separate network? This will support functions such as voice calls, room service and so forth…some of us still want to interact with a human at the other end, you know!
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2. Music content which has been licensed for use on premises (and usually stored locally) which may include the latest hits and/or pre-recorded content selectable from a library for listening by the user at any time. Pay per use may be implemented to recoup the cost of licensing and associated procurements.
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Text/Graphics: Personalized Welcome Screens, Hotel Restaurant Menus and price lists, Hotel/Regional Information Pages, Management on Duty Profiles, continuously updated weather information or stock prices are some examples of the text and graphical content which may be distributed. The list is endless. Locally stored, these create the “face” or image of your IPTV system and can be duplicated and updated with small region specific alterations to give a unified appearance to all sites from a centralized location. Not to mention the reduced cost of printed media and the associated Green factor.
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Data: Again, there are several ways to interpret, the most important being:
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1. Full integration into Property Management Systems allows these systems to work in harmony with billing and check-out related services.
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2. Internet services can be accessed via the intelligent IPTV systems of today. No need to connect a laptop to a socket. Dare I say that websites such as Facebook and Twitter become an absolute must browse, if that is your kind of thing...
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3. Interactive TV brings the online ordering extravaganza to the room and ties the whole IPTV experience together. Amongst other things and for those of us who prefer not to interact with a human on the other end, ordering from an interactive menu or media library or booking the next travel destination brings new meaning to the world of privacy.
Keep your eyes peeled for my next entry which will contain more information on South African IPTV implementation, as well as other definitions made fit for human consumption.
Happy Holidays!
Credits:
*The definition of IPTV from Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTV