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The Growing World of IP TV

What is IP TV?

IP TV, otherwise referred to as Internet Protocol Television, refers to any type of television service that is delivered to a broadband connection across an Internet Protocol. IP TV can technically function with an alternate type of narrowband Internet connection.  However, due to the high bandwidth requirements of video, broadband connections are required in order to receive an uninterrupted IP TV signal.

IP TV is not widespread at this point because it is a relatively young technology when you consider the big picture. Due to the increased prevalence of broadband Internet connections, there are many new technologies that have been introduced to the broadband world.

In addition to IP TV, broadband telephony is currently expanding as people begin to see the benefits associated with making free long distance telephone calls any time, all the time.

IP TV Hardware

IP TV hardware and digital cable hardware are somewhat similar in that a programming box is connected to your television through where your programming is controlled. The obvious difference is that where a digital cable box connects to a series of coaxial cable lines, the IP TV box connects to a broadband Internet connection.

Every box is different depending on the hardware producer, and some could include technologies that are similar to TiVo, through which programming can be recorded, played-back, or transferred to some other medium such as DVD or your PC.

TV over IP

As stated above, IP TV uses broadband Internet connectivity to transfer video signals over an Internet Protocol. Internet Protocol is most commonly associated with public Internet service and is currently operating under the label, IPv4, or Internet Protocol volume 4. The common IPv4 format operates using 32-bit addresses of which there are nearly 4.5 billion that are unique.

Believe it or not, this number is being rapidly reduced and will be completely used up in the somewhat near future. As a result, IP services are currently rolling out IPv6 which is expected to offer an upgraded solution to the address shortage.

In order for data signals to be transferred from one source to another, two hosts are required, the source host and the destination host. The source host is the one offering the IP TV service through which the digital video signals are initially sent. The destination host is a given subscriber who is receiving the video signal through their broadband connection.

As the technology continues to improve and expand, more and more well-known hardware and software developers are getting into the mix. Some of the more reputable tech companies who are already producing some type of IP TV software and hardware include:

  • Cisco
  • Microsoft
  • HUMAX
  • Kreatel Communications
  • Amino Communications

The idea of receiving digital cable television through a broadband Internet connection is truly exciting. Consider the possibilities once wireless broadband is introduced to the world of IP TV. Being able to receive hundreds of cable channels without a physical connection of any kind. Contact your local broadband provider to learn more about the possibilities associated with IP TV today.