In the past few years, just like the telecom sector has undergone a breakthrough via new technology, the broadcasting industry has also experienced something similar. The coming of modern technology has surely inflated and hastened the speed of this ever-growing industry, and now it offers services which were previously unavailable. We are talking about services like IPTV (Internet Protocol TV). While there exist other forms of television like the DTH, HITS, cable TV, Digital TV, what remains ahead of the curve is the IPTV technology. We have compiled this article so that you can take an in-depth look at how IPTV service differs from a standard DTH or cable TV connection.
IPTV vs DTH Connectivity and Differences
The first difference between IPTV or any other form of signal relay is seen in the form of connectivity. As the name suggests, the IPTV uses the line which is also usually used by the subscribers to get broadband connectivity to their homes. This is a digital broadcast methodology, and it is an addressable mode using the Internet Protocol. It is worth noting that currently, the IPTV technology remains in very nascent stages in India, so the Telecom Regulatory Authority has said that the existing regulatory framework for addressable systems applies to IPTV services as well.
Now to put things in perspective and to differentiate IPTV as compared to DTH it is crucial to know that the most significant advantage that DTH has over any other form of connection is the accessibility in any region. Unlike a wired connection, a DTH connection can be availed in any part since it is based on satellite communication and facilitated through a dish which is positioned in subscriber’s premises directly. DTH also comes with some of the advantages of Digital TV like quality programming, on-demand channels, and more, however, the only drawback with DTH is that the signal might break during rains and other weather conditions.
Advantages of IPTV Services
There are also some advantages to IPTV which remain exclusive to it and are not offered by other forms of TV connections. What makes IPTV different is the availability of two-way communications between the subscriber and the service provider, this capability allows the IPTV to offer a wide variety of services to the users.
The first of the many services that IPTV subscribers can enjoy is the video-on-demand (VOD), which is simply a method to explore a catalogue of videos apart from the usual TV broadcast programming. Under VOD, the subscribers can go through a repository of video-based content to pick the one they like the most and play it to their convenience and liking. This brings us to the next advantage of an IPTV connection, where subscribers can experience time-shifted television to watch shows at their time. Owing to IPTV, there is also the chance of making Live TV shows interactive for the users. Lastly, there is the benefit of “triple play service”, which bundles voice, video and data in the same bundled connection. Something that Reliance Jio GigaFiber is looking to rolling out in the country in its commercial launch.
