INTERNET PROTOCOL TELEVISION

SEMINAR REPORT

DEPARTMENT OF ELECTRONICS AN COMMUNICATION

ENGINEERING

SUBMITTED BY:

PUNEET HARMANJOT SINGH

ROLL NO:6451

4/4 B.TECH E.C.E

 Contents

• Abstract

• Brief History of IPTV

• Introduction

• How does IPTV work?

• IPTV protocols

• Viewing IP Television

• IPTV-Quality of service(QOS)

• IPTV vs. conventional TV transmission techniques

• Advantages of IPTV

• Hurdles for IPTV

• IPTV Applications and Services

• Conclusion

• References
 ABSTRACT

We live in the age of the digital packet. Documents, images, music, phone
calls - all get chopped up, propelled through networks, and reassembled at
the other end according to Internet protocol. So why not TV?

Today, IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is creating headlines all over the
world. This mass publicity is the result of numerous instances and stories
depicting its humble deployments and its future. IPTV is a very useful
system, through which you can receive both TV and video signals along
with other multimedia services by means of your Internet connection. In a
nutshell, it is nothing but a broadband connection and a system to deliver
various programs of television using the Internet protocol (i.e., language)
over computer networks.

It is important to remember that IPTV is not like any ordinary television

program broadcast through the Internet, but rather it is unique in itself. Its
contour is represented by a closed, proprietary TV system which is similar to
the cable services present today. But, in contrast, the delivery of IPTV is
made via IP-based secure channels, which result in a sharp increase in
content distribution control.

The role of IPTV is to integrate numerous ways to scrutinize and trace

choices of users. Its role is also to mark out the preferences and selections
 Brief History-What led to IPTV?
The first digital revolution began a decade ago with the mass adoption of
internet and the World Wide Web and the launch of digital television
services via cable, satellite and terrestrial networks. These two remarkable
developments in communication coincided, but failed to converge.
Several attempts were made to marry broadcast television with the internet,
but even as analog television began to give way to digital, the medium and
the TV screen remained resolutely detached from the PC and the global
network of the internet.

Historically, television was either transmitted from a tower, or distributed

over a cable system, or beamed directly from a satellite. Today, as we enter
the second digital revolution, as a result of high bandwidth and high speed
internet access, it has become possible to transmit television and other
audio
and video services over broadband data networks over a single connection.
That could be over a cable television system but it could equally be over a
telephone line.

In earlier days, the speed of the Internet did not suit the television
transmission concept and, as a result, it affected the voice and video
services. In recent times, the speed of Internet and bandwidth has increased
RNSIT, Department Of Electronics and Communication 6
considerably, making IPTV prevail and become reasonably successful. Also,
first generation Set Top Boxes were prohibitively expensive. Technology
costs now permit a viable business model.
 INTRODUCTION

What is an IPTV?
IPTV is not an application per se; it is a host of applications centered on IP,
user choice, and rich content.

DEFINITION:
IPTV, essentially, has two components:

Part 1: Internet Protocol (IP): specifies the format of packets and

the
addressing scheme for a network. Most networks combine IP with a
higherlevel
protocol. Depending on the vendor solution, user datagram protocol
(UDP) is the most typical higher-level protocol. The protocol establishes a
virtual connection between a destination and a source. IP allows you to
address a package of information and drop it in the system, but there’s no
direct link between you and the recipient.

Part 2: Television (TV): specifies the medium of communication that

operates through the transmission of pictures and sounds. We all know TV,
but here we are referring to the services that are offered for the TV, like
linear and on-demand programming.

IPTV is hence a system used to deliver digital television services to the

consumers who are registered subscribers for this system. This delivery of
RNSIT, Department Of Electronics and Communication 9
digital television is made possible by using Internet Protocol over a
broadband connection, usually in a managed network rather than the public
Internet to preserve quality of service guarantees. Often, this service is
provided together with Video facility on demand. In addition to this, there is
provision to include Internet services such as web access and Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP). In cases when internet service is also provided, it
may be called Triple Play.
What is not an IPTV?

IPTV is distinctly different from “Internet Video” that simply allows users to
watch videos, like movie previews and web-cams, over the Internet in a
“best effort” fashion with no end-to-end service management and quality of
service considerations. Following are not IPTV:

Video streaming over internet

Watching TV on your PC(Personal Computer)
Best Efforts video services
Unproven Business models for media and TV services.
 Why IPTV?

Consumers always want more and high quality. Now days most of TV are
analog with one way data transmission and limited channel. IPTV provides
all digital, two ways connected, unlimited channels, integrated (DRV,
HDTV, PIPs, VoD) and personalized TV. IPTV enhances the TV offer and
delivers in a new way to provide better experience to watch TV in a Simple,
Personalized and in an advanced way.
Simple
EPG (Electronic Program Guide) that allows easy navigation,
quick program informations, PIP (Picture in Picture) and PPV (Pay
Per view) capabilities.

Personalized
IPTV enables you to personalize your view, profile and events. You can
attach your TV with other devices such as Digital cam to view personal
pictures or photos on your TV. You can also personalize your profile,
parental controls, and television and account settings.

Advanced
With the help of EPG your DVR or PVR can be schedule for recordings
of your programs either once or on a recurring basis. Get live TV
notifications such as Caller ID, SMS and e-mail notification while you
watch TV. It also provides program search capabilities. To enhance the
quality IPTV provides following advanced features:

Advanced Multimedia Program Guide

Integrated Broadcast, VOD and DVR
Fast scrolling & navigation
Live picture-in- picture.
Channel slide show
Software-based tuning
Advanced Video Applications with multiple PIP(Picture-In-Picture)
 Instant channel changing with richer navigation
Quick and Responsive EPG for HDTV and SDTV
Integrate Web based services
Cross device applications and services

IPTV’S IMPACT

The impact that IPTV will have on the industry can be categorized into three
areas:

Content – IPTV technology promises to make more content available,

make it easier to access and make it portable (while maintaining
security).

Convergence – The utilization of an IP network will allow

applications to be run over multiple end-user devices, all over a single
service delivery network.

Interactivity – The two-way nature of the IP network will enable

unprecedented interaction among subscribers, content providers and
service providers. Additionally, new personalized or custom
advertising

And e-commerce capabilities are also made possible.

Since IPTV is enabled by the availability of network technology, the
network used to deploy IPTV is important. Content delivery requires
bandwidth, performance, and security not only in the last mile (the access
network), but also in the edge and core of the network, in the customer
premises, and with the video head-end/server locations.
The IPTV service model, and its market advantages, is not a new concept.
However, recent developments have enabled the delivery of IPTV service in
an increasingly secure, scalable and cost-effective manner. These recent
Developments include:

the proliferation of Gigabit Ethernet

the ability of IP networks to offer higher security and QoS
 the development of high-performance IP routers and Ethernet
switches designed for IPTV networks
the creation of advanced middleware applications that manage the
delivery of video over the network
High capacity, Ethernet-based access technologies.

How does IPTV Work?

Before we get into the internal details of the way the IPTV network is
configured to provide transmission of television signals, we see what are the
various steps followed to convert the audio and video feed signals into a
suitable form to be transmitted in the form of IP (Internet Protocol) packets,
which forms the basis of the whole concept of IPTV and how they are
received on the other side as television signals.

Digitization - Converting Video Signals and Audio Signals to Digital

Signals
A key first step in providing Internet Protocol Television service is
converting the analog audio voice signals into a digital form (digitization)
and then compressing the digitized information into a more efficient form. .
Digitization is the conversion of analog signals (continually varying signals)
into digital form (signals that have only two levels). To convert analog
signals to digital form, the analog signal is sampled and digitized by using
an analog-to-digital (pronounced A to D) co the A/D converter periodically
senses (samples) the level of the analog signal and creates a binary number
or series of digital pulses that represent the level of the signal.
Analog signals are converted into digital signals because they are more
resistant to noise (distortion) and they are easier to manipulate than analog
signals. For the older analog systems (continuously varying signals), it is not
easy (and sometimes not possible) to separate the noise from the analog
signals. Because digital signals can only have two levels, the signal can be
regenerated and during this regeneration. Process, the noise is removed.
Television signal digitization involves digitization of both the audio and
video signals.
 Audio Digitization

Video Digitization

Digital Media Compression - Gaining Efficiency

Digital media compression is a process of analyzing a digital signal

(digitized video and/or audio) and using the analysis information to convert
the high-speed digital signals that represent the actual signal shape into
lower-speed digital signals that represent the actual content (such as a
moving image or human voice). This process allows IP television service to
have lower data transmission rates than standard digital video signals while
providing for good quality video and audio. Digital media compression for
IP television includes digital audio compression and digital video
compression.
 Digital speech compression

Sending Packets

Sending packets through the Internet involves routing them through the
network and managing the loss of packets when they can't reach their
destination. Packet routing involves the transmission of packets through
intelligent switches (called routers) that analyze the destination address of
the packet and determine a path that will help the packet travel toward its
destination.

Packet transmission

Gateways Connect the Internet to Standard Televisions

A television gateway is a communications device or assembly that

transforms audio and video that is received from a television media server
(IP television signal source) into a format that can be used by a viewer or
different network. A television gateway usually has more intelligence
(processing function) than a data network bridge as it can select the video
and voice compression coders and adjust the protocols and timing between
two dissimilar computer systems or IP Television networks.

IP Television Gateways

This diagram shows that the gateway must convert audio, video and control
signals into a format that can be sent through the Internet. The gateway first
converts video and audio signals into digital form. These digital signals are
then analyzed and compressed by a coding processor. Because end users
may have viewers that have different types of coders (such as MPEG and
AAC), the media gateway usually has available several different types of
coding devices. The gateway may have a database (or access to a database)
that helps it determine authorized users and the addresses to send IP
television signals.

Transmission
IP Television channel transmission is the process of transferring the
television media from a media server or television gateway to an end
customer. IP television channel transmission may be exclusively sent
directly to specific viewer (unicast) or it may be copied and sent to multiple
viewers at the same time (multicast)
Unicast
Unicast transmission is the delivery of data to only one client within a
network. Unicast transmission is typically used to describe a streaming
connection from a server to a single client.
Unicast service is relatively simple to implement. Each user is given the
same address to connect to when they desire to access that media (such as
an
IP television channel). The use of unicast transmission is not efficient when
many users are receiving the same information at the same time because a
separate connection for each user must be maintained. If the same media
source is accessed by hundreds or thousands of users, the bandwidth to that
media server will need to be hundreds or thousands of times larger than the
bandwidth required for each user.

IPTV Unicast Transmission

Multicast
Multicast transmission is a one-to-many media delivery process that sends a
single message or information transmission that contains an address (code)
that is designated to allow multiple distribution nodes in a network (e.g.
routers) to receive and retransmit the same signal to multiple receivers. As a
multicast signal travels through a communication network, it is copied at
nodes within the network for distribution to other nodes within the network.
Multicast systems form distribution trees of information. Nodes (e.g.
routers) that copy the information form the branches of the tree.

IPTV Multicast Transmission

The IPTV Network Elements

An IPTV system is made up of four major elements; all are generic and are
common to any vendor’s (or combination of vendors’) infrastructure. This is
a high-level overview and, in reality, many IPTV subsystems and
networking solutions are required to make each incarnation of IPTV unique
and of varying complexity.

Figure above also illustrates the two-way nature of an IPTV network, which
contributes to many of the advantages IPTV has over traditional television
service delivery models.
It should be noted that the IPTV network elements combine to form an
architecture known as switched digital video (SDV): Switched digital video
(SDV) – Referencing the network architecture of a television distribution
system in which only the selected channel(s) are distributed to the individual
connected household. This enables the service provider to have no
theoretical maximum linear channel count. IPTV vendors will have different
variants of the SDV architecture. This is another advantage to using IP
multicast for the broadcast television streams. The most common protocol
used for switching channels in a SDV environment is IGMP (IP Group
Membership Protocol).

IPTV System Architecture:

Figure below illustrates a generic IPTV system architecture to support
applications such as digital (broadcast) television and Video on Demand
(VoD).The generic IPTV architecture is utilized here as a baseline reference
to discuss IPTV distribution in-home networks. Major components are:

Headend (encoders and streamers)

VoD Server
CAS system and DRM agent
IP service provider and access network, IP based middleware,
DSL modems and IRDs

Generic IPTV System Architecture

IPTV operators receive digital satellite channels by satellite antenna and

digital terrestrial Services by UHF antenna. The channels are routed to the
transmission center’s signal Converter equipment, which converts the
television content to an IP network-compatible Format and transmits it into
homes via operators’ broadband backbone and access Networks. In homes,
IPTV services are received by an IP STB whose software and Updates are
managed by a configuration server located in the transmission centre.

IPTV Components:

Video Head End

As with a digital cable or digital satellite television system, an IPTV service
requires a video head end. This is the point in the network at which linear
(e.g., broadcast TV) and on-demand (e.g., movies) content is captured and
formatted for distribution over the IP network. Typically, the head end
ingests national feeds of linear programming via satellite either directly from
the broadcaster or programmer, or via an aggregator. Some programming
may also be ingested via a terrestrial fiber-based network. A head end takes
each individual channel and encodes it into a digital video format, like
MPEG-2, which remains the most prevalent encoding standard for digital
video on a worldwide basis. Broadband service providers are also beginning
to use MPEG-4- based encoding, which has lower bit-rate requirements for
encoding television signals.
After encoding, each channel is encapsulated into IP and sent out over the
network. These channels are typically IP multicast streams, however, they
may be IP unicast streams as well. IP multicast has several perceived
advantages because it enables the service provider to propagate one IP
stream per broadcast channel from the video head end to the service
provider
access network. This is beneficial when multiple users want to tune in to the
same broadcast channel at the same time (e.g., thousands of viewers tuning
in to a sporting event).

Video Server
Video servers are computer-based devices connected to large storage
systems. Video content, previously encoded, is stored either on disk or in
large banks of RAM. Video servers stream video and audio content via
unicast or multicast to STBs. Typical storage systems range from 5 terabit
(Tb) to 20 Tb. Video servers are mostly used for VoD; however, they are
also used for NPVR, which allows subscribers to record shows remotely on
a device at the operator site. The key technical attributes of video servers
are scalability in terms of storage and number of streams, management
software,
and variety of interfaces.
The Service Provider Core/Edge Network
The grouping of encoded video streams, representing the channel line up, is
transported over the service provider’s IP network. Each of these networks is
unique to the service provider and usually includes equipment from multiple
vendors. These networks can be a mix of well-engineered existing IP
networks and purpose-built IP networks for video transport.
At the network edge, the IP network connects to the access network.

The Access Network

The access network is the link from the service provider to the individual
household. Sometimes referred to as the “last mile,” the broadband
connection between the service provider and the household can be
accomplished using a variety of technologies. Telecom service providers are
using DSL (digital subscriber line) technology to serve individual
households. They also are beginning to use fiber technology like PON
(passive optical networking) to reach homes. IPTV networks will use
variants of asymmetrical DSL (ADSL) and very-high-speed DSL (VDSL) to
provide the required bandwidth to run an IPTV service to the household. The
service provider will place a device (like a DSL modem) at the customer
premises to deliver an Ethernet connection to the home network.

The Home Network

The home network distributes the IPTV service throughout the home. There
are many different types of home networks, but IPTV requires a very robust
high bandwidth home network that can only be accomplished today using
wireline technology.

Middleware: The IPTV enabler

Middleware is the software and hardware infrastructure that connects the
components of an IPTV solution. It is a distributed operating system that
runs both on servers at the Telco location and on the STBs. Among other
things, it performs end-to-end configuration, provisions the video servers,
links the electronic program guide (EPG) with the content, acts as a boot
server for the STB and ensures that all STBs run compatible software. The
key technical attributes of a middleware are reliability, scalability, and
ability to interface with other systems.

Set Top Box (STB)/Terminal

An IP set top box is an electronic device that adapts IP television data into a
format that is accessible by the end user. The output of an IP set top box can
be a television RF channel (e.g. channel 3), video and audio signals or
digital video signals. IP set top boxes are commonly located in a customer's
home to allow the reception of IP video signals on a television or computer
for live TV and VoD, the STB supports an EPG that allows the users to
navigate through the programming. The STB transforms a scrambled digital
compressed signal into a signal that is sent to the TV. The STB hosts the
middleware and is poised to become the center of the communications
infrastructure within the home.

Content Security

Conditional Access System (CSA)/Digital Rights

Management (DRM)

A conditional access system (CAS) allows for the protection of content.

Historically, a switched digital video network did not require CAS, since the
network would perform content entitlement. In theory, it could still be the
case if the device that performs the multicasting function could also
determine whether the user is entitled to view the content. In several early
IPTV trials, the content was not protected; however, this content was not
very “fresh.” As IPTV becomes more mainstream, content providers are
mandating CAS and digital rights management (DRM), which not only
controls the real-time viewing, but also what happens to the content after it
has been viewed once. Generically, most CAS/DRMs are a combination of
scrambling and encryption. The video feed is scrambled using a control
word. The control word is sent over an encrypted message to the decoding
device. The CAS/DRM module on the decoding device decrypts the control
word that is fed to the descrambler. The key technical attributes of
CAS/DRM are: smart card versus soft client; security; server scalability; and
integration with encoder, video server, and STB.
 IPTV Protocols
As already discussed, IPTV covers both Live TV, i.e., multicasting, as well
as stored video or VoD. The requirements for playback of IPTV are either a
personal computer or a “set-top box” connected to a TV. Typically, the
video content is a moving pictures expert group (MPEG) 2-transport stream
(TS) delivered via IP multicast. This is a method in which information can
be sent to multiple computers at the same time, with the newly released
H.264 format predesigned to replace the older MPEG-2. In standard-based
IPTV systems, the primary underlying protocols used for IPTV are Internet
group management protocol (IGMP) and real time streaming protocol
(RTSP). Here, IGMP is the version 2 for channel change signaling for Live
TV and RTSP for VoD.
Currently, only one alternative exists to IPTV which is the traditional TV
distribution technology covering terrestrial, satellite and cable TV. However,
when there is a possibility for the cable TV, it can be upgraded to two-way
capability system and thus also carry IPTV. Another alternative available is
VoD which is usually delivered in the US over cable TV through the digital
video broadcasting (DVB) protocol, but it is not labeled as IPTV services.
 Viewing IP Television
IP television channels can be viewed on a multimedia computer, standard
television using an adapter, on a dedicated IP television, or on a mobile
device.

Multimedia Computer
A multimedia computer is a data processing device that is capable of using
and processing multiple forms of media such as audio, data and video.
Because many computers are already multimedia and Internet ready, it is
often possible to use a multimedia computer to watch IP television through
the addition or use of media player software. The media player must be able
to find and connect to IP television media servers, process compressed
media signals, maintain a connection, and process television control
features.
Control of the IP television on a multimedia computer may be per-formed by
the keyboard, mouse, or external telephone accessory device (such as a
remote control) that may be connected to the computer through an adapter
(such as an infrared receiver). The media player software controls the sound
card, accessories (such as a hand-set), and manages the call connection.
IP television signals may be able to be displayed on a multimedia device
provided it has enough processing power (processing speed) and the
necessary media player protocols and signal decompression coders. IP
television signals contain compressed audio and video along with control
protocols. These signals must be received, decoded and processed. The
processing power of the computer may be a limitation for receiving and
displaying IP television signals. This may become more apparent when IP
television is taken from its small format to full screen video format. Full
screen display requires the processor to not only decode the images but also
to scale the images to the full screen display size. This may result in
pixilation (jittery squares) or error boxes. The burden of processing video
signals may be decreased by using a video accelerator card that has MPEG
decoding capability.
A media player must also have compatible control protocols. Just because
the media player can receive and decode digital video and digital audio
signals, the control protocols (e.g. commands for start, stop, and play) may
be in a protocol language that the media player cannot understand.

Analog Television Adapters (ATVA)

Analog television adapters are devices designed to convert digital broadband
signals into analog television formats (e.g. NTSC or PAL). Using ATVAs, it
is possible to use standard televisions for viewing television channels that
are sent over data network such as the Internet. Analog television adapters
are commonly called "IP Set top boxes."
An ATVA is basically a dedicated mini computer which contains the
necessary software and hardware to convert and control IP television signals.
Analog television adapters (ATVA) must convert digital broadband media
channels into the television (audio and video signals) and decode and create
the necessary control signals that pass between the ATVA and media
gateways.

IP Television (IPTV)
IP televisions are television display devices that are specifically designed to
receive and decode television channels through the Internet without the
need
for adapter boxes or media gateways. IP televisions contain embedded
software that allows them to initiate and receive television through the
Internet using multimedia session protocols such as SIP. An IP television
has a data connection instead of a television tuner. IP televisions also include
the necessary software and hardware to convert and control IP television
signals into a format that can be displayed on the IP television (e.g. picture
tube or plasma display.

Mobile Telephone Television

Mobile telephones with multimedia capabilities may be able to watch
television channels. Mobile telephones have limited information processing
power, limited displays, and may have restricted access to Internet services.
Multimedia mobile telephones contain embedded software that allows them
to initiate and receive multimedia communication sessions through the
Internet. Because of the limited bandwidth and higher cost of bandwidth for
mobile telephones, mobile telephone media players may use compression
and protocols that are more efficient than those used by standard IP
television systems. To increase the efficiency, mobile telephone data
sessions may be connected through gateways that compress media signals
and convert standard control protocols to more efficient and robust control
protocols. This may cause some incompatibilities or control over IP
Television Services
IP television network systems usually provide you with more direct control
over television services. IP television service is typically activated and
changed directly through a screen display or Internet web page. Instead of
using a customer service representative (CSR) from the television company,
the user may be able to setup IP television ser-vices directly. These changes
such as service activation and feature addition/deletions can have immediate
results.

IPTV-Quality of Service (QOS)

Television networks provide a fairly high level of quality of service (QoS) to
television viewers and to be successful, IP television service should have
similar quality as standard television systems.

Audio Quality
Audio Quality is the ability of the system to recreate the key characteristics
of an original audio signal. Audio Quality can be affected by many factors
such as the type of audio codecs (audio compression), transmission system
and bandwidth limits.
Generally, the more you compress the audio, the lower the audio quality.
Recently, innovations in audio compression technology provide similar
quality audio signals using a much lower data communication (connection)
speed.
The symptoms of a poor transmission system include audio distortion which
is caused by packet loss and/or packet corruption. Packet loss is the inability
of the network to deliver a packet to its destination within a specified period
of time. Packet loss can result from a variety of events such as network
congestion or equipment failures. The effect of packet loss on audio
distortion is to temporarily mute or distort the audio signal. Packet losses are
rare as systems normally resend a data packet if it gets a reply from the
destination that the original data packet failed to reach within a specified
time.
Packet corruption is the modification of packet data during its transmission.
Packet corruption can occur due to various reasons such as poor
communication line quality or momentary line loss from electrical spikes.
As IPTV systems use audio compression, the packet data represents a sound
that will be recreated rather than a specific portion of the actual audio signal.
As a result, if corrupted data is used, this can create a very different audio
sound (Warble) then expected.

Video Quality
Video quality is the ability of a display or video transfer system to recreate
the key characteristics of an original video signal.
Similar to Audio quality, some of these factors that affect video quality
include the video codecs, transmission type and bandwidth limitations. The
types of distortion on analog video systems include blurriness and edge
noise. Digital video and transmission system impairments include tiling,
error blocks, smearing, jerkiness, edge busyness and object retention.
Tiling is the changing of a digital video image into square tiles that are
located in positions other than their original positions on the screen. Error
blocks are groups of a block of pixels that do not represent error signals
rather than the original image bits that were supposed to be in that image
block. Jerkiness is stalling or skipping of video image frames or fields.
Object retention is the retention of a portion of a frame when the image has
changed.
 IPTV vs. Conventional TV transmission
Techniques
More than simply a new distribution and playback method, IPTV is poised
to create an entirely new mindset about the television experience. Whereas
current terrestrial broadcast television is the same content sent continuously
to all consumers’ homes, IPTV removes the fixed television schedule.
Similar to how information on the Internet can be downloaded and viewed at
any time, IPTV enables television programming to be available whenever
each individual consumer demands it. In this way, each household can
create
their own custom content and viewing schedule.

Comparison of IPTV and cable television network

architectures
Image below illustrates the structures of IPTV’s DSL implementation and
the cable television transmission architecture, which are similar in principle.
Within the architecture, the transmission centre (and reception) can be the
same for IPTV and cable television based on equipment that converts the
cable television signal to an IP transmission. Cable television operators can
therefore utilize their existing transmission infrastructures in the
implementation of the IPTV service.
Cable television networks are nowadays constructed as Hybrid Fiber Coaxial
Networks. These are divided into partial networks with a headend, from
which separate fibers depart to each network cell’s fiber node point, and
RNSIT, Department Of Electronics and Communication 37
thence all the way to homes via coaxial Cables. Similarly, the IPTV signal is
typically transmitted in regional networks to Centralizers via fiber, and from
there to homes via copper. In the future, fiber cables will be moved closer
and closer to homes to increase connection capacity. The closer to Homes
fiber cables are, the closer cable television network and xDSL-based
IPTV Network structures will move to one another. In completely fiberbased
networks the Topologies are the same.

IPTV in comparison to the traditional digital TV

distribution channels
Table below compares IPTV to other digital television distribution channels.
The table is based on the television services currently available in most of
the places. The situation may change in the future, but this table illustrates
the main differences between channels.
There are no significant differences between the transmission methods with
regard to Basic television channels. Although it is true that several hundred
foreign TV channels are available through satellite transmission, the
reception of these channels requires Special reflectors. IPTV does provide a
significant number of additional pay television channels to homes covered
by the terrestrial network. The range of available channels is approximately
the same as for satellite and cable transmission homes.
IPTV enables immediate interactivity through a broadband connection, and
it is possible to browse the Internet on a basic level using the television set.
The interactive services currently available in the other transmission
channels comprise television channel Subscriptions by SMS message or
telephone call, and a group of simple MHP services (E.g. super teletext,
games, and chats). IPTV has the best future potential of all the Transmission
channels regarding interactive services since, to reach the level of IPTV,
Other transmission channels require consumers to acquire separate return
channels (e.g. cable modem or DSL connection) and a so-called hybrid STB
(DVB-C/T/S digital STB With an Ethernet connection).
Comparing the different distribution methods’ costs for the customer is not
straightforward, since service providers offer different service ranges,
pricing and discounts. At present, basic STBs cost substantially more in the
case of IPTV. Due to this, it is advisable for consumers to rent an IP STB at
first. In addition to the purchase price, IP STBs are developing rapidly, so
consumers will soon have to replace their STBs, which is easy to do in the
case of rental devices.

Advantages of IPTV
Now, let us have a look at the various advantages of IPTV. It has already
been established that IPTV system conserves bandwidth. But there are many
more advantages beyond this.
In IPTV, a new level of interactivity among Internet, voice, and video can be
established. This enables new types of services which were previously
unavailable over stacked networks. For example, in traditional cable TV
networks, video transmission is beamed over MPEG streams on an explicit
portion of the bandwidth. On the other hand, high-speed data products, such
as cable- and modem-based Internet service, are delivered over an IP based
network. It is separate from the broadcast TV network that uses MPEG
transmission. In this case, both services were delivered via an IP network
then, in such a situation, overlapping products are possible. Interactive TV is
a good example which often relies on data-centric applications. Today, the
delivery of such applications is quite complex due to the separation of IP
packets from MPEG streams. These would be missing if such IP packets
delivered all video and data.
Another very distinctive advantage of IPTV is that numerous channels can
be beamed to the viewer. The operator has a very meager choice in regards
to the traditional network. Due to the scarcity of choices and space available,
the operator chooses the networks which are later beamed. This doesn't
allow for market segmentation, and ultimately the highest levels of
satisfaction are missing. In contrast, in the case of IPTV, the "switching" is
carried out in the network which is just the right fit for services such as
RNSIT, Department Of Electronics and Communication 40
VoD. Another distinctive feature is that IPTV delivery consists of a return
path, which ensures the facilitation of advanced products.
IPTV can be very helpful in providing web-based training to courses. If we
take a case of large size courses, they contain many sections and instructors
that can easily share video materials. Therefore, if you own an instructional
video which needs to cover ten sections of a course, IPTV can greatly extend
its service. The video can be put on IPTV and then all the ten sections could
be viewed at one time, or each instructor will have the freedom to schedule
a
broadcast time for their concerned section. As a result, this removes the
scheduling conflicts, if any. Moreover, appearances of any valuable guest
lecturers can be recorded and kept for future use. The recording can be used
for multiple courses and can be viewed semester after semester. In addition,
different orientations, which are given to a large group of people on a
regular basis, can be recorded and stored. The recording can be viewed
through IPTV, which is possible as long as you have rights from the
publishing company to do so.
The point to remember is that video broadcasts made through IPTV is
automatically archived in Real Media format, which is stored on a real
server. This facility allows the students, who could not view the broadcast or
watch the same video, to view it later, either on or off campus. However,
Real Media is not a multicast system and therefore has a limited bandwidth
capacity.

Hurdles for IPTV

There exist several barriers for IPTV before it truly can be embraced by the
mass Consumer audience and new content providers.
First, there is the question of broadband availability. IPTV services depend
on customers having access to high-speed Internet services. Concurrently,
content providers must be able to reach their intended audiences. If a
government agency wants to create an IPTV program about certain
programs or benefits, but the intended audience does not have access to
broadband, then there is no utility. Continued growth in the broadband
market will be necessary in order for IPTV to take root as a viable
programming option.
Industry experts believe many of the technical hurdles to IPTV deployment
have been overcome. —Transport is frictionless” according to one IPTV
provider and the technology for consumers receiving and viewing video over
IP is readily available. Even though the technology has arrived for IPTV to
flourish, some industry analysts believe standards will be required for the
many different types of equipment and services. Without standards, experts
believe, it will be difficult for IPTV systems and their many component parts
to interact seamlessly.
In the regulatory arena, there are several issues that affect IPTV deployment
and Commercial success. For IPTV products offered by
telecommunications companies, local franchising rules govern how and
when video services can be deployed and marketed.
IPTV providers who offer video content directly online face fewer
regulatory barriers. One issue that will be important to these types of IPTV
providers is piracy and digital rights management. Copyrighted content will
be available over IPTV networks, and
Analysts believe providers will have to be vigilant to protect both their
content providers and customers.

IPTV-Applications and Services

The applications for IPTV deployment are to provide the delivery of digital
broadcast television and also the selected VoD. Such application enables
service providers to offer the so-called “triple play,” which is video, voice
and data. The IPTV infrastructure also provides additional video
applications mostly after the installation of IPTV infrastructure is in place.
Now, let us take a look at the major applications and services enabled by
IPTV.
Digital Broadcast TV
Customers get a conventional digital television through IPTV. This digital
broadcast TV is delivered to subscribers via an upgraded cable TV plant or
through satellite systems. The initiation of higher-speed DSL technology
such as ADSL2, ADSL2+ and VDSL has brought a revolution to this field.
This higher-speed technology enables IPTV to be a convincing and highly
competitive substitute for customers. Today, a number of telecom
Service providers are testing, planning, and building collaborations around
IPTV throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.
IPTV has the full potential to offer various high-quality services and much
more than what traditional broadcast, cable, and satellite TV providers have
offered subscribers in the past. Another utility with IPTV is that it has more
content variety with a larger number of channels to choose depending on the
customers’ preferences. This makes a promising start especially as
customers
can choose from its diversified content. It will reach its target group no
matter
whether the subscribers are in the mass markets, in specialized groups, or
spread out in demographic communities.
The function of conventional broadcast, cable, and satellite TV is to provide
all channels simultaneously (i.e., broadcast) to the subscriber home.
However,
IPTV is unique and different from all conventional groups. IPTV only delivers
those channels which are being viewed by the subscriber and has the
potential
to offer practically an ‘unlimited’ number of channels. The IPTV consumers
will get the freedom to control what they want to watch and also when they
want to watch. This is possible because it has a combination of two-way
interactive capability. This is inherent in IPTV because of its association with
IP. This association is built-in and tied to a robust internal network.
Therefore,
subscribers are enjoying the facility to broaden the unique experience at
home
or in their business.

Video on Demand (VoD)

VoD is a service which provides television programs per the demands of the
subscribers. The users interactively request and can receive television
channels. These television services are beamed from previously stored
media
consisting of entertainment movies or education videos. It has a live access
through live connection, such as news events in real time. The VoD
application provides freedom to the individual subscribers to select a video
content and view it at their convenience.
When the initial IPTV infrastructure is in its place, IPTV applications and
potential revenue-generating services, such as video telephony and video
conferencing, remote education, and home security/monitoring cameras, will
be available.
There are also some additional features and services available, which are
much more advanced in comparison to traditional broadcast television
systems. In addition to providing the basic television services and features,
IP
Television can provide the following advanced features and services:
• Anywhere Television Service
• Global Television Channels
• Personal Media Channels
• Addressable Advertising
We think of these as VOD, timeshift TV and Network PVR…all based on the
Media Server approach.

Anywhere Television Service

Anywhere Television Service uses television extensions, which are the
viewing devices that can be connected to the system of a television
distribution. There are two options in this regard: (1) these connections may
be shared, for example, by several televisions on the same line or (2) they
may
be controlled independently, such as the case of a private television system.
Conventionally, television extensions have a fixed wire or a connection line.
This is because: (1) it allows a television viewing device to either share (i.e.,
directly connect to) another communication line or (2) it allows an
independent connection it to a switching point (such as a private company
television system).
In IPTV, when an IP television viewer is connected to a data connection for
the first time, it sends the request to an assignment of a temporary Internet
address from the data network. After its connection to the Internet, it uses
the
said Internet address to get registered with the Internet Television Service
Provider (ITVSP). The reason is that the ITVSP is always aware of the current
Internet address, which is assigned to the IP television each time it has been
connected to the Internet. This also allows IP televisions to operate at any
connection point that is willing to provide it broadband access to the
Internet.
In real meaning, this allows an IP television to operate like a television
extension, which can be plugged in anywhere in the world.
Global Television Channels
As the name indicates, global television channels are TV channels which can
be viewed globally. IP television channels are beamed through the Internet
and, as it offers broadband data access, it can thus be typically viewed in
any
part of the globe. The IP television system is capable of providing video
service outside the purview of their local, often regulated, areas. This ability
makes IP television a very competitive tool around the world. The typical
cost
for viewing global television channels is the content media access costs, for
example, the cost or fee for watching a movie. Moreover, the cost includes
the
broadband data access cost, which is a monthly charge for broadband
access.

Personal Media Channels (PMC)

PMC is a communication service which is user friendly to subscribers. It
allows a media user, for example, to select and view media from different
media sources such as video or music.
Here is an example how a PMC may be used for IP television. The control and
distribution of mixed media, such as digital pictures and digital videos, can
be
done through a personal television channel for the service of friends and
family members. In this regard, an IP television customer can be assigned a
personal television channel. Then, the user can upload media to their
personal
media channels and can thus allow friends and family to access their
pictures
and videos. This is done via their IP televisions.

Multicast
By using the IP multicast feature in providing an IPTV service, a service
provider can conserve bandwidth in their core and access networks. When
more than one user is viewing the same channel in a home network, the
service provider may only deliver a single video stream. But, at the same
time,
the home network technology must be competent to distribute this towards
multiple users on the home network.
Imagine the core requirements for bandwidth if all customers are watching a
different time-shifted channel to when they wanted to watch. Both Multicast
and Unicast are needed in the IPTV world, but the former is quicker and
easier
to deploy in terms of core network capacity than the latter which mostly
requires a dedicated one-to-one relationship from customer to server.
Privacy and Security
Let us look at the important aspect of privacy and security of the
subscribers.
In this regard, the home network must be a closed one. Where is the user’s
security in this regard? It should be a secure network where access is limited
only to users and concerned devices within the home. This is an important
factor for the home networks as it uses wireless technologies or shared
media
technologies such as power line networking. Further, the user data on the
home network is protected and no outsiders or intruders have the power to
intercept. Unauthorized users do not have the capacity to view it.

CONCLUSION
IPTV, once a dream wandering amidst streams of choppy online video, is now
seen by many experts as a potentially multi-billion dollar industry in the very
near term. IPTV, according to industry watchers, can change the way people
receive video programming and revolutionize content creation. With the
expansion of broadband access and the Growth of computing and video
production equipment, industry analysts believe IPTV is realizing its potential
as a viable programming platform that can compete with cable, satellite and
other traditional video mediums.
Consumers can benefit greatly from IPTV services by enjoying greater
flexibility in their video —experience” by obtaining the content of their
choosing. With on-demand IPTV services, the content comes to the
consumer. Interactive applications will empower the viewer to use online
video not only as an entertainment option but as a learning tool. IP video can
be harnessed and used in many different forms that would aid society. It can
RNSIT, Department Of Electronics and Communication 50
provide road maps on screens installed in ambulances, fire trucks, and police
cars enabling them to —read” a situation before arriving on the scene. It can
aid doctors by sending images across the nation or world and enabling them
to
discuss the data face to face in real time through a video link.
IPTV is also seen by providers and industry watchers as a gateway for new
content providers. IPTV is not simply offering traditional television
programming through another device or connection. The low costs of
creating
content allows just about anyone to produce a —television show. “IPTV
providers are already offering content from sports leagues to home cooking
shows and more. The video content is making the web experience more
robust for consumers, presenting information in compelling formats that
greatly interests existing and new audiences. This new programming vehicle,
allowing organizations and individuals to transmit their messages to an
audience of their choice, could be the —killer application” that expert agrees
is needed to catapult IPTV to equal footing with traditional television.
Although IPTV is still in the early stages, the growth in the number of
providers and Users has demonstrated too many experts that the technology
is
now an important factor in the video marketplace. In the near term, it will be
important to watch how IPTV Providers offer new services and attract
customers. The continued realization of online video‘s potential will be of
great interest to the people even though it might now be on a computer.

References

www.iptvarticles.com

www.iptvmagazine.com

www.wikipedia.com

www.wisegeek.com

www.iptv.org