Is IPTV technology everything it’s cracked up to be, or is it here today and gone tomorrow?

Here are 10 important facts and advantages about IPTV. Hopefully this information can help you decide whether or not you are ready for the IPTV revolution.

1. IPTV stands for Internet protocol television and is fast becoming the technology of choice for the transportation of data information and Audio and Video (AV), across an IP based digital network. This IP network could include Ethernet, WAN, LAN or internet. If a set top box (STB) is added to the equation, AV sources can then be streamed across existing networks to PCs or TVs. The IPTV network can be one to one (Unicast) or one to many (Multicast).

2. Recent research has shown that currently 15.5 million people subscribe to IPTV services and 8.4 million of these subscribers are from Europe.

3. IPTV systems avoid interruption of critical networks by utilising a separate video LAN.

4. Due to the high bandwidth requirements of digital video IPTV requires broadband Internet connectivity. In theory, connecting to this high speed Internet would allow IPTV users far more control over their television programming and the ability to customize it to their individual preferences.

5. The ever popular Free-view channels are delivered without Terrestrial or SAT receivers being a requirement.

6. Local content, films and sport can be added for additional revenue in hotels, or offered free to a student campus.

7. Predictions are that compared to the current 3.3 million IPTV subscribers in the United States now, there will be around 12.7 million IPTV users by 2012.

8. AV sources are able to be successfully streamed across existing networks to TVs or PCs, though require the addition of set top boxes (STB).

9. IPTV based networks are pretty much immune to ghosting, noise, harmonics, cross modulation, reflections etc – annoying problems that are all too common in traditional analogue systems.

10. Due to its storage facility, IPTV systems allow all programs to be later retrieved from the IPTV network.

A Creative Use of IPTV Technology

IPTV technology is put to great use in the stunning IP enabled waterproof bathroom television. This practical and stylish product allows viewers to safely watch their favourite TV show from the comfort of their bath or shower.

These waterproof TVs offer a first class solution to hotels across the world who are embracing IPTV technology with the installation of digital IPTV networks across their properties. Hiding an STB in the void behind the bathroom or shower wall and running a separate IR receiver will no longer be required, but instead simply feeding an Ethernet cable into the back of the screen to deliver TV, Radio, VOD and other services will be all that is needed.

How about that for luxury!