There is a sharp decline in the popularity of traditional television and the concept of cable. People are now inclining more and more towards the digitized version of things and IPTV is hands down one of the most popular renditions at present.
Despite the growing popularity, people are often fairly confused about the element, how it works, and the basis of functionalities. If you are one of those, you have come to the right place.
This article will take a look into what IPTV means, its modes of operation, and how beneficial it is in our current day-to-day life.
What is IPTV?
Before we even look into the types and the ways IPTV works, we must explore the basics first.
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. But, what does it mean?
Internet Protocol Television, commonly known as IPTV, is a technology that enables the delivery of television content and multimedia services over Internet protocol networks.
Unlike traditional broadcast methods, such as cable or satellite television, IPTV operates through the same protocols that power the internet, allowing for more flexibility and interactivity in content delivery.
There are different aspects or categories to the concept of IPTV that we need to focus on and prioritize understanding. If we had to categorize IPTV, there are television broadcasts, on-demand videos, and interactive gaming as well.
Another standout feature of IPTV is the fact that it is accessed by millions of people at a time, which means that its outreach isn’t limited to a single platform, which isn’t the case with traditional television networks.
One of the reasons why IPTV is gaining precedence over standard television is all thanks to its convenience and accessibility. People can now watch on-demand content, and pause and resume the content later according to their ease. More on the advantages will be later in the article.
How does IPTV Work?
Now that you have a good understanding of the basics of IPTV and what it stands for, we must understand its mode of operation.
It is a six-step process, one that’s quite easy to navigate through when you come to think of it. That said, if you aren’t a tech-savvy person, understanding these steps can be a little confusing, which is why we have simplified the whole process for you.
1. Content acquisition
The first step is to acquire the content from different sources. Now, these sources can include television studios, content providers, broadcasters, etc.
Once the content is acquired, the next step is to encode the content into digital formats that will work with the different IP formats that are used by the viewers. Also, the people behind these operations will further implement relevant compression techniques to reduce the file size of the videos while ensuring that the quality of the content isn’t hampered.
2. Content management
The second step involves managing and distributing the content. This is hands down one of the most crucial parts of the IPTV ecosystem.
It follows the first step where the content is encoded and immediately stored in the media servers. These particular servers are the ones that look after the content management and distribution process and bring it to the viewers.
One of the integral features of IPTV is to offer dual benefits – live and on-demand content. Both of these types of content are hence stored in the IPTV media servers and later made available to the viewers as per their requirements.
3. User interface and middleware
This is where things might become a little confusing to understand. But, hang in there. In some cases, IPTV uses middleware, which is nothing but software that acts as a bridge between the viewer and the media server.
What if we told you that you have been using a middleware and you most likely didn’t even know it was called that?
Well, devices like set-top boxes, smart TVs, computers, or mobile devices are the middleware, which provides the viewer access to the relevant IPTV content they wish to watch.
4. Content delivery networks (CDNs)
The use of CDNs serves a single purpose – To ensure smooth content delivery so that the viewers never have to compromise on their viewing experience.
CDNs are nothing but a combination of servers that are placed in different parts of the world. What does it do? It reduces latency and boosts the data transfer speed so there are no lags or glitches in the middle of the content viewing for the users.
So, let’s give you an example. Let’s assume that you want to watch a new series on Netflix. The CDN will identify the request, look for the nearest server, and then deliver the content to your device smoothly.
5. User request
Since the IPTV concept is highly user-driven, it isn’t surprising that the concept of user request and delivery is integral to this technology.
What happens when the user requests a particular program or video to watch, the request is sent and processed through the middleware. The server retrieves the requested content, which is sent to the CDN and finally to the user.
It is undoubtedly an extensive process but one that deserves special mention when you are discussing IPTV and its mode of operation.
6. Playback
The last element in how IPTV works is the aspect of “displaying and playback.” Once the CDN sends the packets, they are reassembled to create the original video format, which you finally get to watch on your device.
Users can interact with the content using their remote controls or other input devices, enabling features such as pausing, rewinding, and fast-forwarding.
And, that’s pretty much it. If you have been wondering what IPTV is and how it works, this is the easiest breakdown of the entire process. It is no doubt quite complicated but you’d be surprised to know that all these steps happen within a fraction of a second, which is why you get to binge-watch your favorite shows right away.
What are the Different Types of IPTVs?
Now that you have an idea of how IPTVs work, let us give you a quick rundown of the different types of IPTV and their functionalities.
1. Live TV
This is potentially the most common variant or version of IPTV that enables users to stream different types of television broadcasts in real time.
With this, you can stream live sports, live award shows, events, and such. However, since it is a lot similar to the standard television programs, it isn’t a popular choice. It doesn’t offer people the flexibility they need when it comes to content consumption.
Some examples include Hulu Live TV, FOX Sports Go, etc.
2. Video on Demand (VOD)
When talking about the most popular version of IPTV, we had to say it is VOD. This is nothing but a lot similar to the OTT providers, where you pay a monthly, quarterly, or annual subscription fee and get unlimited access to a library of content.
The best thing about VOD is its flexibility. You have access to all the content and you can watch them at your perusal. Nothing is forcing you to watch it right then and there since it’s going to be on the platform as long as you have an active subscription.
Some examples include Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc.
3. Time-Shifted TV
This is a pretty unique type of IPTV service, wherein the users can catch up with previously released content.
Time-shifted IPTV allows viewers to watch content that has been broadcast in the past. This feature is particularly useful for those who can’t watch a show when it airs, as they can access it later through on-demand services or catch-up TV.
For example, if you want to watch USA IPTV content that was aired before, you can use the Time-Shifted TV content to catch up. One of the best examples is BBC iPlayer.
What are the Benefits of IPTV?
Several benefits of IPTV deserve to be explored, so let us walk you through them one by one.
- Probably the most important benefit of IPTV is the convenience and flexibility when it comes to accessing the content. It allows the users to choose what they want to watch and when they want to watch it and sometimes, even get to explore IPTV channels for free. This kind of customization makes access to the on-demand content a lot more seamless.
- IPTV has a series of interactive features that go beyond the realms of standard television shows and movies. You get access to voting, gaming, and social media integration, which transforms the viewing experience, gamifying it in a way.
- Another benefit of IPTV worth noting is the quality of the content you are watching. Since the technology uses CDNs and advanced compression techniques, users get access to high-quality streaming, which isn’t like traditional television.
- The digital nature reduces the need for physical infrastructure and hardware. Service providers can deliver content over existing internet connections, potentially lowering costs for both providers and consumers.
- Lastly, IPTV brings global accessibility to the content, where viewers from anywhere across the world can access and view the content without any kinds of limitations in the process.
What are the Downsides or Limitations of IPTV?
Although IPTV is revolutionizing the way people consume content nowadays, we can’t deny the fact that it comes with its fair share of challenges and limitations.
Some of them include:
- The quality and the stability of the IPTV content that the user is streaming heavily relies on the internet speed and connection. This means that if the internet speed is slow, it will affect the content streaming experience too.
- Although the chances are rare, even IPTV content is subject to risks of piracy and unauthorized distribution. There are strict regulations in place but it happens way more than we’d like to acknowledge.
- The popularity of IPTV has led to a crowded market with various service providers, apps, and platforms. With so many options available, it has left people confused about which one to watch and which ones to avoid.
- Interactive features and user data collection in IPTV raise privacy concerns, as user behavior and preferences may be tracked and analyzed.
With the benefits and the limitations sorted, the next thing we need to focus on is the future of IPTV and how things are going to change in the upcoming days.
How will IPTV Impact the Future of Television?
At present, with the extensive reliance on different IPTV sources, it isn’t surprising that the concept of cable television is almost becoming obsolete. Will it completely go out in the future? Well, that’s something we can’t say for sure yet.
However, as IPTV technology keeps growing and evolving, we can be assured that it will eventually impact the future of television in more ways than one.
- With the 5G network becoming more and more global and accessible, there will be a better user experience with IPTV, especially because high-speed internet ensures better quality streaming both in terms of quality and glitch and buffer-free experience.
- There are chances that OTT platforms that deliver their content via the internet will eventually merge with IPTVs in the future. This will make entertainment options a lot more versatile and accessible.
- Another potential thing that could happen concerning IPTVs is its integration with Augmented and Virtual reality. This will offer users a more immersive viewing experience.
- With the power of AI, we could also see a surge in personalized content recommendations by IPTV, tailored to our likes, dislikes, and viewing habits.
The future of IPTV seems quite bright and with the way this technology is evolving, it isn’t long until it completely overruns traditional television and makes it obsolete. If you are a fan of IPTV, especially VOD, which kind of content do you binge-watch the most?
Conclusion
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) represents a remarkable evolution in the way we consume television and multimedia content. By harnessing the power of the internet, IPTV offers viewers unprecedented control over their entertainment experience, from live broadcasts to on-demand content. If you were confused about this evolving technology and how it is impacting our lives, we hope this article gives you all the insights.