IPTV

IPTV

(Internet Protocol TV) Also called "TV over IP," IPTV delivers scheduled TV programs and video-on-demand (VOD) via the IP protocol and digital streaming techniques used to watch video on the Internet. In order to receive and decode the images in real time, the user requires either an IPTV set-top box or a computer and software-based media player.

IPTV enables a data-voice-video "triple play" service to be based entirely on IP because Internet access, voice over IP (VoIP) and IPTV all use the same IP packet format. To compete with cable TV, the telephone companies have taken the lead with IPTV over DSL lines. Rather than tune into one of many video channels being transmitted simultaneously over cable TV, IPTV users request a particular channel, which is routed to the user just like every other data resource on the Internet.

TV over the Internet
There are a multitude of IPTV stations that deliver their content only via the Internet. Although there are paid subscriptions to some services, most are free. In addition, many TV broadcasters send their video over the air and to the Internet simultaneously. See Internet Protocol, streaming video, IP on Everything and triple play.