IPTV

From Wikipedia

IPTV is an emerging technolegy which enables video signals to be carried over an IP(Internet Protocol) network. The direct application of IPTV is that of transmitting television signals over the existing TCP/IP backbone over which WWW(World Wide Web) resides.

To be carried over an IP network, the original analog video signal needs to be converted to digital data, typically using a variant of PCM(Pulse Code Modulation). The digitalized video signal will be divided into fixed size packets. This data packet along with necessary meta data, which may include the sampling frequency used for PCM, resolution, etc, will be packaged into an IP packet and will be sent over the IP network.

On an IP network, each node will be assigned a 32/64 digit unique address. A typical IP packet contains the source and destination IP address along with error/flow controlling information. An IP network is responsible for carrying each IP packet from source to destination with sufficient accuracy. But it won't guarentee the sequencing of packets. So, IPTV specification should contains mechanism for sequencing the packets.

Once IPTV is available for commercial use, anyone who owns a broadband internet connection can watch multiple channels. The bidirectional nature of IP network allows features such as On-Demand Video. The digital nature of video signal ensures 1. Quality video with less glitches and grains. 2. Much more control over viewing. She/he can use features such as Saving/Pausing, and even enjoy multiple channels in multiple windows.

So, look out for IPTV and grab it as soon as you can reach for it!