In this Golden Age of Television, there is an interesting shift happening in the video content industry. There is a sizable increase in the number of IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) viewers in a short time, leaving regular cable television services behind.
As per statistics,
The IPTV market is set to reach 194.21 billion USD by 2026 with a CAGR close to 18% when comparing the value of 72.4 billion USD in 2020.
But what has led to this huge transition?
While massive availability of high speed internet is a reason to consider, the drastic usage of IPTV has many other factors behind this skyrocketing rise. This article is set to rule out the reason for IPTV becoming a big trend in the market, by getting into the details of its features and functionalities.
What is IPTV?
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is a technology that delivers digital video content to viewers over the internet. Unlike traditional television that uses cables and satellite connections, an IPTV transmits video streams in the form of data packets. It offers greater flexibility as a service, in terms of content varieties, speed of transmission, customizations and cost.
Interested to know how IPTV outperforms other television services? Let’s take a quick-look into the functionality of the service.
The Functionality Of IPTV Services
Firstly, you’ll need to understand how IPTVs differ from traditional cable connections and satellite TVs. The video content from a creator or provider is transmitted as analog signals. In a cable connection, the signal is a light pulse, or while on a satellite channel, the signals are in the form of radio-waves delivered via fiber optic cables to your television.
IPTV just replaced every complex setup with a digital connection. Let me break the working process of thi service into simple steps.
– Video Creation and transmission
A content provider creates a content and uploads it on the channel.
– Data Encoding
The uploaded video stream is encoded into data packets and sent to the internet server.
– Content Storage
The video streams in the form of data packets are stored in the server. The server will have these data packets until it receives a request from the user device.
– User device connection
Now with the stream and server ready, the user subscribes to an IPTV service. This subscription connects the user device to the server.
– Server request
Once the viewer gets access to the IPTV content via a subscription, he/ she selects the content to watch. This makes the device send a request to the server for the data packets of the content.
– Content delivery
Finally, the server responds with all the packets needed to deliver the content. When this data reaches the user-device, the data packets get decoded into video streams on the user’s screen. The viewer start enjoying the content.
Types Of IPTV Services
An IPTV is capable of showing viewers different worlds on a Television. Interestingly, it does it in a variety of ways. Here is a general classification of IPTV services:
– Live TV:
This service lets you stream live television shows, games or events on your channel in real-time. The only difference between a smart television and an IPTV is the technical functionality of how the content is delivered. A smart TV uses coaxial cables, while an IPTV uses internet connection to broadcast live shows.
– Video on Demand (VOD):
This service lets users watch their favorite shows, or programmes on demand. It simply means, instead of waiting for a content that will be broadcasted at particular schedules, the users can watch its recording anytime they need, on an IPTV.
– Time-shifted TV:
This type of IPTV is basically a Live TV with watch controls. Users can pause the content whenever they need, rewind or fast-forward scenes to skip or rewatch it.
– Subscription Based IPTV:
These are a package of video content available for a subscription fee. Each package will include movies, sports, VOD, docuseries inclusive of watch features like ad-free content.
Why Do Viewers Choose IPTV Services?
There are numerous reasons why viewers are shifting to IPTV services in recent years. I’ve handpicked a few of them to understand what an IPTV service delivers to its viewers.
– Dynamic Genres and Niches
From regular television shows to an assorted collection of sports, drama, cartoons, live events, documentaries, an IPTV brings in anything and everything that a user loves to watch. It delivers content based on geography, age, language and more, making it easier for users to explore and discover content they can binge.
– Personalization
Unlike traditional television, users can watch any kind of video content on an IPTV, at the time they choose to. In fact, users can also choose to customize their Wishlist and get recommendations as per their watch preferences.
– Video Quality
One of the dynamic characteristics of an IPTV is the quality of video content it could deliver. Users will be able to watch up to Ultra HD (4K) quality videos. On a business perspective, the providers fixate the quality levels based on the pricing plan an user chooses.
– On-demand Content
What’s not available on an IPTV?! Just on demand, the providers will be able to deliver any content that a user prefers to watch.
– Parental Controls
Keeping explicit content away from children is not as easy as it sounds on a traditional television. Whereas, channel moderation with privacy controls lets parents stay confident that their children are not subjected to obscene, violent or inappropriate content on an IPTV.
– Multi Device Support
‘Watch it anywhere and everywhere’ is a highlight of an IPTV service. The compatibility of channels to run on any device and on any platform make IPTV more accessible for users.
– Video Recording
Not only watching content, IPTV allows users to record their favorite shows using the Digital Video Recording (DVR) functionality.
IPTV Services : The Future Ahead
The increase in the use of streaming services and availability of high-speed internet connection are most likely to boost IPTV services in a growing trend. People want a wide variety of content, more convenience and faster delivery, and IPTV services provide it with ease.
Another reason is the competitive edge that IPTV has created in the market. This has paved the way for several providers to scout for best delivery factors. Be it the niches, quality, cost reliability and UI experience, businesses are out in a race to fetch the global leaderboard.
Overall, it is no doubt that IPTV is here to stay for years, in order to play a significant role in the video streaming habits of households across the globe.
Conclusion
All things considered, IPTV is a technology that is transforming the way users consume video content in their day to day lives. Whether it is news, sports or movies, IPTV has made it super-convenient for viewers to watch, store or replay their favorite content. In essence, IPTV as a business and a service is a boon to the television industry and a service viewers will love to use for years.
Like to know more about IPTV services? Let us know in the comments below. My team and I will work on it and meet you soon with yet another interesting insight. Until then, our best wishes to you!
