Internet Protocol Television(IPTV)

Definition:
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) describes a system where a digital television service is delivered using the Internet Protocol (IP) over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection.
       Talking in general terms,IPTV is television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks.

History:
In 1994, ABC’s World News Now was the first television show to be broadcast over the Internet, using the CU-SeeMe videoconferencing software.
Internet radio company AudioNet started the first continuous live web-casts with content from WFAA-TV in January, 1998 and KCTU-LP on January 10, 1998.

Architecture:

• Broadcast IPTV has two major architecture forms:

          -free
          -fee based

• Free IPTV channels require only an Internet connection and an Internet enabled device such as a personal computer, HDTV connected to a computer or even a 3G cell/mobile phone to watch the IPTV broadcasts.
  

• IPTV uses a two-way digital broadcast signal sent through a switched telephone or cable network by way of a broadband connection and a set-top box programmed with software that can handle viewer requests to access to many available media sources.
  

Limitations:
Because IPTV requires real-time data transmission and uses the Internet Protocol, it is sensitive to packet loss and delays if the IPTV connection is not fast enough or picture break-up or loss if the streamed data is unreliable. This latter problem has proved particularly troublesome when attempting to stream IPTV across wireless links. Improvements in wireless technology are now starting to provide equipment to solve the problem.

Conclusion:
An IPTV offers you a advanced multi channel high definition TV (HDTV) as well as on demand entertainment. IPTV technology promises to give better and more contents available, Because of two way connection between viewer and service provider will know the views personal preferences and entertain them accordingly.