IPTV video

Analysis week 10 post

Based on the review majority of the users consider normal tv as well as new technology tv for the usage of IPTV.

IPTV networks

An IPTV network essentially consists of three fundamental components: a content aggregation segment, a content distribution segment and a consumption device.

Aggregation takes place at a super headend where programming is collected from multiple sources: off air, fiber networks and satellite feeds. This content is encoded and multiplexed into an MPEG transport stream, IP encapsulated, L-band modulated and then uplinked to a satellite.

AVC or VC-1 codecs maximize transponder bandwidth efficiency. This can also eliminate transcoding farther downstream. AVC/VC-1 compressed video is IP encapsulated and multiplexed in an MPEG transport stream. Using this methodology, content can be delivered to the customer's premise and decoded by the STB or PC.

IPTV system operators build regional headends where additional content is received. This content can arrive from a satellite, off air or over landlines. In the IPTV network operations center, EPG information is generated, content is encrypted and conditional access and DRM control is implemented by middleware. Customer service and billing systems are integrated into the content management system layer.

Delivery to the customer continues over telco or cable broadband systems to a local DSLAM (Digital Subscriber Line-Access Multiplexer), and then the last mile to an IPTV STB or media PC that completes the system. The MPEG-IP packets are transported as UDP (User Datagram Protocol) packets using RTSP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol.)

1,700 customers on UniFi, up to RM300 million allocated for TM’s IPTV

RM300 million is not much especially when compared to what ASTRO and Media Prima are spending, but it is a good start for TM. Some RM250 million to RM300 million has been allocated for TM’s IPTV service which is part of its HSBB(UniFi) offerings.

“The spending will depend on opportunities. We are very careful on the acquisition of content; it has to match the business per se. We must also ensure that our service is also attractive enough for our customers. It’s more of a balance rather than an aggressive one in terms of content offering for our customers,” TM’s CEO told Theedge.

TM currently offers 22 channels via its IPTV service. According to the same news report, TM has signed up over 1,700 customers while another 10,000 have registered their interest and waiting for the service installation.

3G Codecs and IPTV

IPTV is the delivery of television over a closed broadband IP distribution network to consumers. And no matter how you look at it, lower bit rates save bandwidth, which increases channel offerings and maximizes the bottom line. Because of this, 3G video codecs are a perfect match for IP-based digital TV.

With compressed data rates half that of MPEG-2, third generation (3G) video codecs make IPTV possible. VDSL and ADSL2+ broadband networks stream content at upward of 25Mb/s.

The last-mile access network requires fiber-optic system upgrades. One of two methods is typically used. FTTP (fiber-to-the-premises) runs fiber-optic cable to the customer's equipment. FTTN (fiber-to-the-node), in lieu of upgrading every connection to a customer, uses optical cable to the distribution point (pole or box) and then uses copper wire to reach the customer's home.

Regardless of which method is used, end-to-end IPTV service solutions with encoding, encapsulation, third-party middleware, scrambling/descrambling, satellite receivers, conditional access, set-top boxes (STBs), service management and integration services require a large financial investment. Aggregation and distribution of content is heavily dependent on satellite networks; therefore, large players dominate the field and are joining together to deliver turnkey infrastructures.

Real-world numbers of IPTV

So, how has IPTV fared in real-world deployment? The numbers are cloudy because the service is just taking off.

AT&T U-verse rosily predicted passing 18 million homes, but faced a reality check when the envisioned number was reduced to 8 million. Some sources state that AT&T's Q4 report cited 3,000 subscribers.

The largest IPTV implementation so far is in Hong Kong, where PCCW claims 650,000 subscribers. During the next five years, IPTV is expected to grow to 80 million subscribers worldwide from about 6 million IPTV households today.

IPTV Future

Interactivity is a given with IPTV and may be the application that captures consumer attention. All the technological pieces are in place. Perhaps the time is finally right for the long-awaited convergence of the PC and TV.

Traditional OTA broadcasters are in a winning position. IP distribution of DTV programming is yet another distribution channel that, properly managed, can produce additional revenue. Whether this is an opportunity or problem depends on one's personal viewpoint.