IPTV: An alternative to traditional cable and satellite television

This article presents an overview of IPTV services and its key technologies. IPTV is a key element of the "triple play" where video, voice, and data services are bundled together. It is an emerging Internet application that provides flexibility and interactivity. Though IPTV is still in its infancy stage, it is the wave of the future for telecommunications. Watching IPTV content will be just like surfing the Internet. It is anticipated that IPTV will be used to deliver instruction to students. IPTV has an advantage over satellite, terrestrial, or cable TV systems because it has an embedded return channel. This enables a service provider to add more interactivity. IPTV services were origi nally targeted fixed terminals but mobility possibilities have come up. Mobile IPTV, which extends many IPTV services to mobile users.