UNDERSTANDING OF IPTV

Sugandhi.k , MSc Computer Science, Central University of Kerala.

Abstract---- In discussion about the topic

entitled IPTV. We have an idea in our mind that television delivered via the internet. Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a system through which television services are delivered using the architecture and networking methods of the Internet Protocol suite over a packet-switched network infrastructure. Here, in this paper discussing something about IPTV including architecture, Network technologies, implementation, etc

Consider the typical IPTV architecture as follows. A TYPICAL IPTV ARCHITECTURE

INTRODUCTION Televisions have been the prime source of entertainment since their commercialization. We live in the golden era of digital packet.Everything such as images, music, files; etc can be propelled through networks. According to the network infrastructure, we know the importance of internet protocol. IPTV is a television service where content can be displayed on a display with a set-top box that accesses channels, subscription services, on demand and other interactive multimedia services over a secure, end-to-end operator managed broadband IP data network with desired QoS to the public with a broadband Internet connection [1][2]. When most people discuss IPTV, though, they were talking about watching traditional channels on your television, where people demand a smooth, highresolution, lag-free picture. IPTV services may be classified into three main groups: i) live television ii) time-shifted programming, and iii) video on demand.

Fig: 1 a typical IPTV architecture. A typical IPTV architecture is comprised of the following functional blocks: (i) Super head-end: Where most of the IPTV channels enter the network from national broadcasters. (ii) Core network: Usually an IP/MPLS network transporting traffic to the access network. (iii) Access network: Distributes the IPTV streams to the DSLAMs. (iv) Regional head-end: Where local content is added to the network. (v) Customer premises: Where the IPTV stream is terminated and viewed.

How it works
The set-top box will connect to the home DSL line and it is responsible for reassembling the packets into a coherent video stream and then decoding the contents. Our computer could do the same thing, but most of the people dont sitting always-on pc beside the TV. So set-top box is a good remedy for this problem. Most video enters the system at the Telcos national headend, where network feeds are pulled from satellites. The video stream is broken up into IP packets and dumped into the Telcos core network, which is a massive IP network that handles all sorts of other traffic (data, voice, etc). The video streams are received by a local office, which has the job of getting them out to the folks on the couch.

IPTV Advantages
i)IPTV works on any existing internet connection. So we just need to install the set-top-box and power it on. (ii) IPTV doesnt require wires to get its signal. The newest IPTV set-top-boxes work on wireless signals. (iii) Programs can be stored on servers and ready to view with the click of a button on IPTV remote (in contrast to linear broadcast TV)[4].

CONCLUSION
IPTV is a term that means different things to different people. The acronym is defined as Internet Protocol Television, which would mean that any form of video carried over Internet Protocol, either part of the way or the entire distance, would qualify as IPTV. IPTV is an application that involves multiple technologies.Quality of service and quality of experience is important parameters in the area of IPTV. Unlike in the data world, the end-user sensitivity to video is quite high so it is necessary for the network to be optimized for video delivery.

Video on Demand
The idea of video-on-demand is to allow viewers to watch any programme they desire whenever they want to watch . s. The basic concept of VOD is based on video programming that is stored and then delivered to a viewer When it is required[3].

IPTV Services
IPTV services are the delivery of media or programs to viewing devices (televisions) whereby the signals travel through IP data networks. IPTV services include subscription services (paid access), pay per view (on demand), and advertising. Subscription Services - Subscription services are value-added services that provide or entitle a customer to receive or gain access to services. Pay Per View (PPV) - Pay per view services is the providing of television programming such as sports, movies, and other entertainment video that customers pay per view on a per event basis for a fee. PPV services may allow end users to interactively request and receive television channels or programs. TV Advertising - IPTV advertising is the communication of messages or media content to one or more potential customers who use IPTV enabled devices.[5]

REFERENCES
[1] Amal Punchihewa, Ann Malsha De Silva School
of Engineering and Advanced Technology,in the article Tutorial on IPTV and its Latest Developments.

[2] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IPTV [3] Delivering IPTV System to Kazakhtelecom Article from the IPTV industrial portal [4] W. Simpson and H. Greenfield, in the article IPTV and Internet Video: Expanding the Reach of Television Broadcasting, Focal Press, UK, [5] http://www.althos.com/tutorial/IPTV-Testingtutorial-system-architecture.html
2009