IPTV-Internet Protocol Television: Understanding Basics to Next Generation IPTV Services and Technologies

This book presents and discusses current IPTV technology. Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a system through which internet television services are delivered using architecture and networking methods of the Internet Protocol Suite over a packet-switched network infrastructure. IPTV services may be classified into three main groups: live television, time-shifted programming, and video on demand. Generally, IPTV works on the TV 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. This book discusses the IPTV architecture, network technologies, implementation of IPTV and different types of STBs that are in use with special reference to New Zealand. The standards, different business models, hardware and software of IPTV are also described.