What is IPTV and What Are The Types of IPTV Services

IPTV or the Internet Protocol TV is all geared up to be the next big thing in the video streaming industry. The traditional networks for video content broadcasting such as cable TV or satellite have indubitably taken the backseat and IPTV has seemingly occupied the front row. The emergence of the OTT video streaming platforms and IPTV for content delivery have transfigured the way users consume live video streaming services. 

According to 2020 research reports, the overall market value of Internet Protocol Television was estimated at approximately $72.4 billion. These numbers are anticipated to surge even further to nearly $194.21 billion by 2026 which is close to the CAGR of 18% amidst the timeframe of 2021-2026.

One of the crucial factors that are fuelling the spike of Internet-based streaming services and IPTV is the amalgamation of offerings by enterprises behind this revolution. The improved user experience and on-demand video content have certainly added weight to the mobile-based OTT video streaming and IPTV streaming services. The changing behavioral patterns of users, the increasing luxury consumption followed by rapid urbanization have further propelled the wheels of growth for IPTV streaming networks. 

In this article, we will discuss the ins and outs of IPTV and how to start your own IPTV streaming network.

What is IPTV?

IPTV can simply be explained as a medium for communicating television content and video programming to the viewers using the internet. 

• The Internet Protocol over Television or IPTV follows a procedure in which the usual television programming content is delivered over the IP networks.
• The scope of IPTV is much broader than traditional broadcasting and it is also implemented in subscriber-based telecommunication networks. 
• The major difference here is that viewers can stream the content on the IPTV continuously unlike traditional cable television.

What are the type of IPTV services?

According to your needs and suitability, there are multiple types of IPTV services that you can choose from. Some of the most popular ones are mentioned below:

Also Read: What is a CDN and Why it is Crucial For Video Streaming

Video on Demand

OTT platforms such as Amazon Prime Video and Netflix have already made it to the mainstream. These platforms charge a subscription fee to grant you access to their immersive content library. The IPTV VOD functions in exactly the same manner. The IPTV video systems are facilitated with audio and video file compressions that are carried with Internet Protocol Multimedia transmission.

Generally, video files are transmitted via HLS streaming protocol and are streamed cohesively on a real-time basis. 

Near Video on Demand

The unique aspect of NVOD delivery is that the entertaining video content streamed on these channels has a fixed schedule and new content addition is made once the schedule ends. This model is usually used for Pay Per View services in order to charge for the content from the users.

NVOD services are employed by both satellite service providers and cable operators. Primarily, it is a technique to provide the same interactive shows or blockbusters on multiple channels at different and staggered start times.

TV on Demand

TV on Demand has almost the same working model as Video on Demand as it also enables you to watch your content anywhere. However, it is just limited to movies and TV shows broadcasted on TV channels. The pricing for TVOD is usually on a per movie or per show basis. 

This is, however, a great option for your interested viewers who can watch premium shows or their favorite movies at their preferred timings. 

Live Broadcast

Live broadcast content is nearly similar to the live award shows or football games that you watch on your smart TV. The crucial difference is in its technical feature of how it is delivered and displayed to the end-users. In this case, the content is broadcasted using the internet instead of the coaxial cable.

Now, with programs such as a live product launch, video conference, or any predetermined streaming event, you can now earn from your potential video content with a personalized package model and later you can position your brand well with social media.

Time Shifted TV

Time Shifted TV is mainly very suggestive of the services that it furnishes. It enables you to showcase the video content that your viewers missed on TV. The highlight here is that the old content is available is only for a limited period of time in the future.

You can also relate this with catchup TV. As video channel owners, your subscribers and viewers can get an option to watch an aired program that is incessantly subscriber-friendly. This has been made possible with seamless video CMS that helps in binge-watching.

Summing Up

When we talk about online video streaming services, there are many terminologies that we come across, IPTV being one of them. It is an Internet-based Protocol Television where the internet is used to showcase videos or TV programs that are either on-demand or live. 

Although there are many players offering IPTV solutions, we believe that IPTV usage, OTT, SVOD as services such as Hulu and Netflix will remain in trend for years to come. If you are seeking to avail OTT video app development solutions or looking to launch your own OTT streaming service, connect with our experts.