25-08-2017, 09:32 PM
IPTV is a method of delivering broadcast television and on-demand, rich media content that uses an Internet protocol (IP) network as the medium. Any broadband IP network can be used for IPTV. However, IPTV is most prominently used as the primary mechanism for carriers, such as telephone companies (telcos), and cable and satellite TV carriers, to deliver television to mass audiences over existing communications infrastructures. IPTV offers carriers flexibility and added value in the form of additional services that can be offered to customers, which improves the carrier's profitability and competitive edge. IPTV service providers around the globe will find it tough to convince customers to switch over, as they fight off competition to deliver triple-play and increase revenues. There are concerns over possible Broadcast Regulatory Favoritism and chocking of existing networks. Even IPTV is immune to the conflicts between open source and proprietary systems. While many of their European counterparts have successfully rolled out IPTV with open source platforms, Bluewin has been found to struggle with the commercial launch of IPTV services which is dependent on Microsoft.