7 programming myths about iptv development

IPTV, also called internet protocol television, is used to deliver television content through internet protocol networks. In contrast to downloaded files, IPTV allows the streaming of media continuously. Thus, the client media player is able to play the content immediately. This is called streaming media. Advancements have been made in the protocol in order to encourage IPTV development. In spite of the advantages of IPTV, there are some myths associated with it which are clarified further.

1. IPTV is similar to Internet TV, podcasting and file downloads. It just sends media over the internet.

IPTV is available to the consumers at the press of a switch on their television screens. Delay and uncertainty are involved with Internet TV, file downloads, and podcasting. Sometimes these files have poor quality.IPTV channels are not broadcasted over the internet. Instead, they are through advance private IP networks that are controlled by telecommunications carriers. Even though the streaming of audio and video files are carried out on a best effort basis, it often leads to a degraded viewing experience which includes picture freezing, macro blocking, and audio interruptions. The same protocol is used by IPTV as the internet. So, as a TV program is broadcasted somewhere, the media can be downloaded, copied and also retransmitted, with the permission of the content owner.

2. Since IPTV travels through the internet, it is considered less secure than normal TV

It is harder to attack IPTV content than satellite, cable or terrestrial encrypted pay TV. Thus the content remains secure from hackers. Security messages which include authentication messages and confirmations can travel conveniently in both directions with the use of IPTV and a two way set top box. In order to prevent unauthorized clients from accessing pay-TV services, security systems called CA systems are used. In IPTV operators, the traditional use of CA systems is done. More advanced systems based on AES and PKI have also been developed.

3. IPTV services can become illegal due to net neutrality laws.

Even if net neutrality laws are passed, they will not affect IPTV. Although, the laws may affect the popularity of video file download services and web-based internet TV. Net neutrality legislation has been designed to secure existing services and does not deny access to new services. IPTV is not affected by external sources as it is not traffic and goes through the Broadband Remote Access Server.

4. IPTV has been grounded in hype and is actually "me-too" TV.

IPTV provides a basis for the re-invention of TV and is not a copy of the broadcast TV. This cannot be matched by other broadcast pay TV services. It also provides better security and has also been used for high definition TV. Additionally, IPTV has advanced picture in picture services. Mosaic interfaces have also been made possible. In mosaic interfaces, viewers can view TV miniature moving pictures lives of the actual programs, instead of text describing TV programs. The omnipresent nature of internet protocol data has made it comparatively easy to form multiple layers of services using the same network. Although multiple IPTV companies are making efforts to reinvent cable TV for a much lower price.

5. IPTV does not allow users to use downloaded file programs in other formats on their broadband line.

In order to promote its own IPTV service, it is not likely that any broadband user will choose to block files from sources. IPTV is real time. On the contrary, downloads are not. IPTV builds an instantaneous network for delivery services that are required by customers now. File downloads are like ‘mail order’ kind of deliveries which are ordered now and arrive later. IPTV is crafted in order to replace existing pay-TV systems. They do a lot more other than that. IPTV services cant exist in the absence of additional networks as they enable a TV program to be transmitted from an encoder and reach a television.

6. IPTV will not be within the reach of the majority any time soon.

IPTV is operational in the present day in more than twenty nations already. It is also functional in a dozen other major markets. Even though deployment does not extend currently beyond numerous homes, the scenario is changing at a rapid rate. This is because major binding telecoms have taken up large investments in the creation and operation of nationwide IPTV systems. For example, in the United States, AT&T has employed its U verse service in several markets. All future organizations see IPTV developing into an imperative force in pay TV delivery services, growing to 25 to 40 million in a few years.

7. Cable or satellite is cheaper than IPTV.

The nations in which IPTV is being employed, satellite TV operations and cable are already present. In spite of this, IPTV is gaining popularity. It is obvious that the telecom operators and the initial IPTV providers claim that the features offered by IPTV services can price their offer in oppose to satellite TV and cable competition. IPTV gives tough competition especially when the broadband access and phone services are considered.