What You Need to Know About Internet Television Technologies!

The development of the Internet is significantly impacting the television industry, focusing enterprises’ attention on user experience and content. As a result, we are seeing the emergence of new forms of audiovisual media, including OTT TV and IPTV. Understanding the differences between these technologies is crucial to understanding how technology is changing the television industry. Even though both types of TV services are based on IP networks, they differ in terms of operations, content providers, terminals and type of services. Although both forms aim to achieve the same goal, these differences determine the market shares of their respective activities.

It is important for users and consumers to understand these differences so that they can make an informed choice when deciding on the Internet TV service that best suits their needs and preferences.

But what exactly are they and what changes do they bring for the audiovisual industry and end users?

The most important differences between: OTT TV and IPTV.

OTT TV (Over The Top TV)

OTT is a form of delivering audiovisual content via the Internet without the need to subscribe to a traditional television or cable service. Services like Netflix and Amazon Prime allow users to stream movies, TV series, and other content on a variety of devices.

The biggest advantage of this solution is that it allows access to content anywhere and anytime, provided that the user has access to the Internet. The emphasis is on universal access, which means that content is available on various platforms such as smartphones, tablets, computers and Smart TVs.

IPTV (Internet Protocol TV)

IPTV is a technology that enables the delivery of television content via the IP (Internet Protocol) network. Unlike traditional TV or satellite TV, IPTV requires a broadband connection. It offers features such as video on demand (VOD), live TV, as well as interactive services such as programming and recording scheduling.

These services are typically offered by ISPs as an additional service to their traditional Internet offering.

Each of these technologies offers unique benefits and capabilities for users, enabling them to access a wide range of audiovisual content and interactive services across a variety of devices and platforms.

Technology comparison

The distinction between these two technologies may be unclear to many people. Both solutions are used to transmit video content via the Internet, but they differ in many respects.

Over The Top

1) Content delivery method:

• Content is delivered over the publicly accessible Internet.
• Does not require any special infrastructure or equipment from the user (except for Internet access and a device to receive content).
• Example: Streaming services such as Netflix or HBO GO.

2) Service Availability:

• Available globally to anyone with Internet access.
• Ability to watch content on a variety of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers and Smart TV.

3) Hardware Requirements:

• No need to use specialized equipment.
• The services can be accessed on virtually any device connected to the Internet.

4) Program offer:

• A wide range of content available on demand.
• Some streaming platforms also offer original productions.

5) Flexibility and Personalization:

• Flexible subscription options.
• Users can usually manage their own subscriptions.

Internet Protocol TV

1) Content delivery method:

• Content is delivered over dedicated private broadband networks provided by your telecommunications service provider or hotel IPTV headend.
• Requires special equipment, such as a set-top box (STB) or a hotel TV with a built-in IP TV receiver.
• Example: TV offers from local internet providers.

2) Service Availability:

• Availability usually limited to subscribers of a specific Internet service provider, e.g. hotel guests.
• Viewing the content is usually only possible on an adapted TV or appropriate set-top box</a >.

3) Hardware Requirements:

• Requires use of the TV with a built-in IP receiver or a set-top box provided by your service provider.
• Content viewing is usually limited to the TV.

4) Program offer:

• Offers both live channels and on-demand content.
• May offer channel packages similar to traditional cable television.

5) Flexibility and Personalization:

• Typically requires a longer subscription period.
• Less personalization options, hotel systems simplified to make it easier for guests to use the system.

Summary:

OTT is a more universal and flexible solution that allows access to content on various devices and from anywhere in the world where the Internet is available.

IPTV offers more stable transmission quality and can offer a package of TV channels, but it is less flexible and usually requires the use of dedicated equipment or reception in a specific place, e.g. in a hotel.

Understanding these differences will help you make an informed choice between technologies depending on your individual needs and preferences.

Each of these technologies offers unique benefits and capabilities for users, enabling them to access a wide range of audiovisual content and interactive services across a variety of devices and platforms.