IPTV & Internet TV - Two Different Technologies

I came across many people, who were confused between Internet TV and IPTV or say Internet Protocol Television. Just because both technologies contain a common word - "Internet" doesn't mean they are same. IPTV is a TV service such as those present today on cable services but delivered via IP-based secure channels. Note that the delivery of service is through Internet Protocol based secure, safe and private channel. Whereas Internet Television is an open framework in which a large number of medium sized video producers contribute highly. Here no secure channel delivery occurs, the data travels publically.

"IPTV is generally funded and supported by large telecom providers who have undertaken the mission of creating a competitive replacement product for digital cable and satellite services." (Jeremy Allaire)

"While the "IP" in its name stands for Internet Protocol, that doesn't mean people will log onto their favorite Web page to access television programming. The IP refers to a method of sending information over a secure, tightly managed network that results in a superior entertainment experience."
(Source: Businessweeek - " The real meaning of IPTV ")

As I said earlier both IPTV & Internet TV have only one thing in common, the word Internet. Other than that nothing else is common. The primary difference is the way in which the content is delivered. While Internet TV travels over the open, public, global Internet, IPTV uses a private, managed network.

"Carrying video over a proprietary network allows protection of content and control of video quality without worrying about the privacy and quality issues inherent to the public Internet," said Marty Richter, spokesman for AT&T, which is in the process of rolling out its U-verse fiber-to-the-home IPTV service. "Best-effort Internet video can be subject to delays due to lower bandwidth, high traffic or poor connection quality," he said. The end result of IPTV delivery is a higher quality, more reliable, and more consistent viewing experience, he added.

IPTV is particularly good for the established media content production business. Internet Television, is quite different in terms of the model. IPTV has total control of the content distributed. Also it reduces chances of theft and piracy. IPTV is an end-to-end system or say semi-closed network. IPTV approach is a geographically-bound approach. It offers everything that digital cable and satellite providers do, but with some additions of voice, and lower pricing.

In the Internet Television approach, the model is open to any rights holder, as it is based on the same publishing model that exists on the Web. Anyone can create an endpoint and publish that on a global basis. In the Internet Television approach the publisher has a direct communication channel to the consumer. In simple words anyone can upload his/her videos and anyone can watch video on Internet Television. Internet, though for secure video sharing password are used. Television is widely used by users for different purposes. Remember that Internet Television is an outgrowth, not a service.

IPTV uses standard networking protocols hence promises lower cost for both operators as well as users. IPTV uses Set Top Boxes with broadband internet connections using which video is streamed. This streamed video is more efficient than current coaxial cable. Both Internet TV and IPTV offer interactivity, but IPTV brings these capabilities to the TV screen. This includes features such as shopping and SMS (short messaging service) along with more targeted advertising.

IPTV and cable carriers will offer internet video as a means to defeat churn and build loyalty among subscribers. The addition of Internet video to standard cable-like IPTV programming could attract viewers who would otherwise be glued to the computer screen.

What I feel is Internet TV in India is quite not suitable (user friendly) service as we lack in channel availability on internet. While IPTV is establishing well in India since last 2-3 years and is providing almost 150 channels to its viewers. At the end, from a typical Indian TV viewer's point of view: Use IPTV to watch TV on your TV set, use Internet TV to watch TV on your computer system (which is less user-friendly for huge Indian masses).