It is the digital television delivered on television through high speed broadband connection. In this service channels are encoded in internet protocol format and delivered to the Television through a set of box. IPTV converts TV signals into small pockets of computer data like any other form of online traffic such as email or web page.
For residential users, this type of service is often provided in conjunction with Video on Demand and may be part of combined Internet services such as web as and VOIP, where it may then be called Triple play and is typically supplied by a broadband operator using a single infrastructure. In addition’ to basic three services i.e. voice, video and data, mobility is also offered, it is called a Quad play.
The major importance of IPTV is that the quality of digital video and audio is much better compared with the traditional anolog television. With additional features it can become interactive, for e.g.-viewer may be able to look up player history while watching a game.
They also may be able to schedule a secondary of their favourite programme when they are not at home. With Video on Demand, they can browse an online movie catalogue and watch the movie instantly. Using standard network protocol IPTV promises lower costs for operators and users. Using set top boxes with broadband internet connection video can be streamed to household more efficiently than cable. In business, IPTV may be used to deliver television content over corporate Local Area Networks and business networks.