 | Zach Adams is the marketing manager for Craw-Kan Telephone Cooperative. Craw-Kan offers cooperative members security systems, local telephone, long distance, high speed internet, digital cable television, IP television and cellular phone service. Zach can be contacted directly at Craw-Kan (620)724-8235 or by emailing zach@ckt.net. |
Communications
2010-10-01 11:45:00
What is IPTV?
Question: I keep hearing about IPTV and it sounds interesting. Can you tell me what it is exactly?
Answer: IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. IPTV is a relatively new and still evolving technology in which television programming is delivered through a broadband connection (over telephone lines and), using internet protocols instead of over the broadcast waves. Like cable or satellite technologies, IPTV requires a subscription and an IPTV set-top box in order to be viewed.
Once people understand that it is delivery system for television and cable programming, the next question is how is it different or better than existing technologies. For families, the most important advantage of IPTV is the ability for digital video recorders (DVRs) to record multiple broadcasts at once so everyone can record their favorite program and view later if necessary.
Another popular aspect of the technology is that IPTV viewers have full control over functionality such as rewind, fast-forward and pause from wherever they are using mobile devices. For example, a subscriber can program using a cell phone or PDA. If a subscriber is returning home later than expected, they can call home and remotely set the IPTV box to record it.
IPTV essentially becomes part of a home network. Not only is your TV set hooked up to the internet, but all other computers in your home are hooked up to the same network, allowing you to use your TV to play media files that are stored on other computers. This may include digital photos, videos, surf the web or play music. Additionally, many monitors have TV tuners built in or can accommodate TV tuners making your computer monitor an additional TV set in the home. If you choose, this technology also allows you to receive web service notifications while watching IPTV for things such as incoming email and instant messages. If you IPTV is packaged with digital phone, Caller ID might pop up on screen as your telephone rings, allowing you to stay productive even while enjoying some time of relaxation.
Most analysts agree that IPTV is a strong trend which will become increasingly integrated into regular use. In fact, expect to see broadband operators, telephone companies and cable companies which already pipe in broadband internet to homes to add this service soon, if they have not already.
