The Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) services are hotting up in the country. The latest to enter the IPTV players list is the telecom giant Bharti Airtel. Besides Airtel, other telecom operators like MTNL, RCom and HFCL have already started IPTV services in various parts of the country.

In simple words, IPTV refers to TV delivered through broadband. The IPTV services which are still in nascent stages in the country are seen as a potential threat to the existing cable and satellite services.

Here's a quick primer on this convergence technology.

What is IPTV?

You are used to TV being delivered through traditional cable formats or the latest direct-to-home services. IPTV or Internet Protocol Television is different. Via IPTV, television content is viewed through technologies used for computer networks.

IPTV is a system where a digital television service is delivered using Internet Protocol (IP) over a network infrastructure, which includes delivery by a broadband connection.

The term 'IP' in its name stands for internet protocol and refers to a method of sending information over a secure, tightly managed network that results in a superior entertainment experience.

Building IPTV capability into a network allows a service provider to deliver voice and data as well. Companies providing IPTV services send television content to consumers through a broadband Net connection.

What all it can do

Simply put, IPTV makes your television experience more interactive and personalised. Interactivity is much easier to perform with IPTV than a normal cable, satellite or broadcast TV system.

Today, if a TV channel asks you to participate in game shows, you cannot use the remote to reply. With IPTV it is possible. IPTV can offer video on demand that allows you to request movies, TV shows and much more at your convenience

Also, instead of being bombarded with over a 100 channels (in case of cable TV), you will get content that you opt to receive with a much richer experience. Additionally, people who were separated geographically can watch a movie together, while chatting and exchanging files simultaneously.

What all a user needs

With IPTV, your TV will connect to a set-top box that decodes the IP video and converts it into standard television signals.

If a modem is added to the set-top box, it will provide a range of interactive services, including email, betting, games, shopping, information and even Internet access.

In India, as per IDC, the number of subscribers is likely to reach 966,000 subscribers by 2011 at a CAGR of 156.8 percent during the 2006-2011. IDC further expects 15.9 per cent of all residential broadband subscribers in India to use IPTV by the end of 2011, up from less than 1 per cent of all broadband subscribers in 2006.

How is it different from Internet TV

Internet protocol TV is different from Internet TV given that the user experience is bound to their living rooms and set-top boxes.

The quality, though, will be superior since the content is digital (unlike most of the traditional TV content).

IPTV, unlike Internet TV, is primarily a TV experience rather than a PC experience and is meant as an alternative to cable and satellite.