The home continues to grow more digital with each new round of technology development. Consumers add MP3 players, set-top boxes (STBs), personal video recorders (PVRs), digital cameras, and HDTVs to their cache of digital entertainment devices. Plus, they create wireless home networks to connect their components to each other and to a new generation of multimedia STBs, desktop PCs, and laptop PCs designed for the digital home. The digital home is not just an idea of the future; it's here today. And in many households, the connection to the Internet to share pictures, download music and videos, and stay in touch with family and friends is possible with the use of IPTV. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a digital television service is delivered using the Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection. For residential users, IPTV is often provided in conjunction with Video on Demand and may be bundled with Internet services such as Web access and VoIP. The commercial bundling of IPTV, VoIP and Internet access is referred to as a Triple Play.
Adding the mobile voice service leads to the Quadruple Play denomination. IPTV is typically supplied by a broadband operator using a closed network infrastructure. This closed network approach is in competition with the delivery of TV content over the public Internet. This type of delivery is widely called TV over Internet or Internet Television. In businesses, IPTV may be used to deliver television content over corporate LANs and business networks.
1.1 Brief History-What led to IPTV?
The first digital revolution began a decade ago with the mass adoption of internet and the World Wide Web and the launch of digital television services via cable, satellite and terrestrial networks. These two remarkable developments in communication coincided, but failed to converge. Several attempts were made to marry broadcast television with the internet, but even as analog television began to give way to digital, the medium and the TV screen remained resolutely detached from the PC and the global network of the internet. Historically, television was either transmitted from a tower, or distributed over a cable system, or beamed directly from a satellite. Today, as we enter the second digital revolution, as a result of high bandwidth and high speed internet access, it has become possible to transmit television and other audio and video services over broadband data networks over a single connection. That could be over a cable television system but it could equally be over a telephone line. In earlier days, the speed of the Internet did not suit the television transmission concept and, as a result, it affected the voice and video services. In recent times, the speed of Internet and bandwidth has increased considerably, making IPTV prevail and become reasonably successful. Also, first generation Set Top Boxes were prohibitively expensive. Technology costs now permit a viable business model.
2. WHAT IS IPTV?
IPTV is not an application but it is a host of applications centred on IP, User choice, and rich content.
2.1 Definition
IPTV, essentially, has two components:
Part 1: Internet Protocol (IP): specifies the format of packets and the Addressing scheme for a network. Most networks combine IP with a higher level protocol. Depending on the vendor solution, user datagram protocol (UDP) is the most typical higher-level protocol. The protocol establishes a virtual connection between a destination and a source. IP allows you to address a package of information and drop it in the system, but there's no direct link between you and the recipient.
Part 2: Television (TV): specifies the medium of communication that operates through the transmission of pictures and sounds. We all know TV, but here we are referring to the services that are offered for the TV, like linear and on-demand programming.
IPTV is hence a system used to deliver digital television services to the consumers who are registered subscribers for this system. This delivery of digital television is made possible by using Internet Protocol over a broadband connection, usually in a managed network rather than the public Internet to preserve quality of service guarantees. Often, this service is provided together with Video facility on demand. In addition to this, there is provision to include Internet
services such as web access and Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). In cases when internet service is also provided, it may be called Triple Play.
2.2 What is not an IPTV?
IPTV is distinctly different from "Internet Video" that simply allows users to watch videos, like movie previews and web-cams, over the Internet in a "best effort" fashion with no end-to-end service management and quality of service considerations. Following are not IPTV:
Video streaming over internet
Watching TV on your PC(Personal Computer)
Best Efforts video services
Unproven Business models for media and TV services.
3. WHY IPTV?
The `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. That fulfils the promise at last of a single, secure network over which all services can be delivered.
3.1 Simple
EPG (Electronic Program Guide) that allows easy navigation, quick program information's, PIP (Picture in Picture) and PPV (Pay Per view) capabilities.
3.2 Personalized
IPTV enables you to personalize your view, profile and events. You can attach your TV with other devices such as Digital cam to view personal pictures or photos on your TV. You can also personalize your profile, parental controls, and television and account settings.
3.3 Advanced
With the help of EPG your DVR or PVR can be schedule for recordings of your programs either once or on a recurring basis. Get live TV notifications such as Caller ID, SMS and e-mail notification while you watch TV. It also provides program search capabilities. To enhance the quality IPTV provides following advanced features:
• Advanced Multimedia Program Guide
• Integrated Broadcast, VOD and DVR
• Fast scrolling & navigation
• Live picture-in- picture.
• Channel slide show
• Software-based tuning
• Advanced Video Applications with multiple PIP(Picture-In-Picture)
• Instant channel changing with richer navigation
• Quick and Responsive EPG for HDTV and SDTV.
4. IPTV NETWORK ELEMENTS
An IPTV system is made up of four major elements; all are generic and are common to any vendor's (or combination of vendors') infrastructure. This is a high-level overview and, in reality, many IPTV subsystems and networking solutions are required to make each incarnation of IPTV unique and of varying complexity.
Fig 2. IPTV Network Elements
Figure above also illustrates the two-way nature of an IPTV network, which contributes to many of the advantages IPTV has over traditional television service delivery models. It should be noted that the IPTV network elements combine to form an architecture known as switched digital video (SDV): Switched digital video (SDV) - Referencing the network architecture of a television distribution system in which only the selected channel(s) are distributed to the individual connected household. This enables the service provider to have no theoretical maximum linear channel count. IPTV vendors will have different variants of the SDV architecture. This is another advantage to using IP multicast for the broadcast television streams. The most common protocol used for switching channels in a SDV environment is IGMP (IP Group Membership Protocol).
4.1 IPTV Components
4.1.1 Video Head End
As with a digital cable or digital satellite television system, an IPTV service requires a video head end. This is the point in the network at which linear (e.g., broadcast TV) and on-demand (e.g., movies) content is captured and formatted for distribution over the IP network. Typically, the head end ingests national feeds of linear programming via satellite either directly from the broadcaster or programmer, or via an aggregator. Some programming may also be ingested via a terrestrial fiber-based network. A head end takes each individual channel and encodes it into a digital video format, like MPEG-2, which remains the most prevalent encoding standard for digital video on a worldwide basis. Broadband service providers are also beginning to use MPEG-4- based encoding, which has lower bit-rate requirements for encoding television signals. After encoding, each channel is encapsulated into IP and sent out over the network. These channels are typically IP multicast streams, however, they may be IP unicast streams as well. IP multicast has several perceived advantages because it enables the service provider to propagate one IP stream per broadcast channel from the video head end to the service provider access network. This is beneficial when multiple users want to tune in to the same broadcast channel at the same time (e.g., thousands of viewers tuning in to a sporting event).
4.1.2 Video Server
Video servers are computer-based devices connected to large storage systems. Video content, previously encoded, is stored either on disk or in large banks of RAM. Video servers stream video and audio content via unicast or multicast to STBs. Typical storage systems range from 5 terabit (Tb) to 20 Tb. Video servers are mostly used for VoD; however, they are also used for NPVR, which allows subscribers to record shows remotely on a device at the operator site. The key technical attributes of video servers are scalability in terms of storage and number of streams, management software, and variety of interfaces.
4.1.3 The Service Provider Core/Edge Network
The grouping of encoded video streams, representing the channel line up, is transported over the service provider's IP network. Each of these networks is unique to the service provider and usually includes equipment from multiple vendors. These networks can be a mix of well-engineered existing IP networks and purpose-built IP networks for video transport. At the network edge, the IP network connects to the access network.
4.1.4 The Access Network
The access network is the link from the service provider to the individual household. Sometimes referred to as the "last mile," the broadband connection between the service provider and the household can be accomplished using a variety of technologies. Telecom service providers are using DSL (digital subscriber line) technology to serve individual households. They also are beginning to use fibre technology like PON (passive optical networking) to reach homes. IPTV networks will use variants of asymmetrical DSL (ADSL) and very-high-speed DSL (VDSL) to provide the required bandwidth to run an IPTV service to the household. The service provider will place a device (like a DSL modem) at the customer premises to deliver an Ethernet connection to the home network.
4.1.5 The Home Network
The home network distributes the IPTV service throughout the home. There are many different types of home networks, but IPTV requires a very robust high bandwidth home network that can only be accomplished today using wire line technology.
4.1.5.1 Middleware: The IPTV enabler
Middleware is the software and hardware infrastructure that connects the components of an IPTV solution. It is a distributed operating system that runs both on servers at the Telco location and on the STBs. Among other things, it performs end-to-end configuration, provisions the video servers, links the electronic program guide (EPG) with the content, acts as a boot server for the
STB and ensures that all STBs run compatible software. The key technical attributes of a middleware are reliability, scalability, and ability to interface with other systems.
4.1.5.2 Set Top Box (STB)/Terminal
An IP set top box is an electronic device that adapts IP television data into a format that is accessible by the end user. The output of an IP set top box can be a television RF channel (e.g. channel 3), video and audio signals or digital video signals. IP set top boxes are commonly located in a customer's home to allow the reception of IP video signals on a television or computer for live TV and VoD, the STB supports an EPG that allows the users to navigate through the programming. The STB transforms a scrambled digital compressed signal into a signal that is sent to the TV. The STB hosts the middleware and is poised to become the center of the communications infrastructure within the home.
4.1.6Content Security
Conditional Access System (CSA)/Digital Rights Management (DRM)
A conditional access system (CAS) allows for the protection of content. Historically, a switched digital video network did not require CAS, since the network would perform content entitlement. In theory, it could still be the case if the device that performs the multicasting function could also determine whether the user is entitled to view the content. In several early IPTV trials, the content was not protected; however, this content was not very "fresh." As IPTV becomes more mainstream, content providers are mandating CAS and digital rights management (DRM), which not only controls the real-time viewing, but also what happens to the content after it has been viewed once. Generically, most CAS/DRMs are a combination of scrambling and encryption. The video feed is scrambled using a control word. The control word is sent over an encrypted message to the decoding device. The CAS/DRM module on the decoding device decrypts the control word that is fed to the descrambler. The key technical attributes of CAS/DRM are: smart card versus soft client; security; server scalability; and integration with encoder, video server, and STB.
5. IPTV PROTOCOL
As already discussed, IPTV covers both Live TV, i.e., multicasting, as well as stored video or VoD. The requirements for playback of IPTV are either a personal computer or a "set-top box" connected to a TV. Typically, the video content is a moving pictures expert group (MPEG) 2-transport stream (TS) delivered via IP multicast. This is a method in which information can be sent to multiple computers at the same time, with the newly released H.264 format pre-designed to replace the older MPEG-2. In standard-based IPTV systems, the primary underlying protocols used for IPTV are Internet group management protocol (IGMP) and real time streaming protocol (RTSP). Here, IGMP is the version 2 for channel change signalling for Live TV and RTSP for VoD. The NPVR (Network Personal Video Recording) system provides ultimate time-shifted viewing of broadcast programs, allowing subscribers to record and watch programs at their convenience, without the added expense and maintenance needed for a hard drive-equipped set-top box.
5.1 IGMP- Internet Group Management Protocol
multicast specification (Live TV)
connects client to local multicast router
PIM connects local and remote routers
5.2 RTSP- Real Time Streaming Protocol
Uni cast specification (VoD, N-PVR)
network control protocol
similar to http
VCR-like commands.
Currently, only one alternative exists to IPTV which is the traditional TV distribution technology covering terrestrial, satellite and cable TV. However, when there is a possibility for the cable TV, it can be upgraded to two-way capability system and thus also carry IPTV. Another alternative available is VoD which is usually delivered in the US over cable TV through the digital video broadcasting (DVB) protocol, but it is not labelled as IPTV services.
6. TYPICAL IPTV CONFIGURATION
A typical IPTV configuration from the digital subscriber line access multiplexer (DSLAM) to the customer premises is shown in figure. As shown, the video stream is delivered using ADSL2+ from the IP-based DSLAM to the user's ADSL2+ broadband router. The router, while supporting voice and Internet service, passes the video stream to the STB for decoding. The STB converts the video stream into required signals for displaying on the consumer's TV.
Fig 3. Typically IPTV configuration
6.1 DSLAM
A digital subscriber line access multiplexer(DSLAM) delivers exceptionally high speed data transmission over existing copper telephone lines. A DSLAM separates the voice-frequency signals from the high-speed data traffic and controls and routes digital subscriber line (xDSL) traffic between the subscriber's end-user equipment (router, modem, or network interface card (nic)) and the network service provider's network.
6.2 ADSL
At the present time, ADSL is the most widely deployed DSL flavour in the world. It is however incapable of supporting the necessary speeds for offering IPTV and HDTV services, as it can only offer up to 8Mbps broadband connectivity, subject to subscriber loop conditions. A newly proposed standard, the ADSL2+ technology, providing greater reach, higher bit rates, and added quality of service facilities, is now emerging as a possible solution, as new equipment implementing this ITU standard is being deployed in commercial networks. Furthermore, the ADSL2+ technology also implements the reach extension model. Thus, the main advantages of the new technology are its potential for greater reach and higher speed. The increased rates enable the so-called triple-play service concept, consisting of converged Internet-access, telephone, and TV/VoD services over a standard telephone line. In this context, access rate offerings above the standard ADSL range of 3-6 Mbps downstream are gradually becoming available, while in certain countries access rates above 20 Mbps are already becoming the norm.
6.3 IPTV System Architecture
Fig 4. Typically IPTV over DSL network
7.VIEWING IP TV
IP television channels can be viewed on a multimedia computer, standard television using an adapter, on a dedicated IP television, or on a mobile device.
Fig 5. IPTV viewing devices
7.1Multimedia Computer
A multimedia computer is a data processing device that is capable of using and processing multiple forms of media such as audio, data and video. Because many computers are already multimedia and Internet ready, it is often possible to use a multimedia computer to watch IP television through the addition or use of media player software. The media player must be able to find and connect to IP television media servers, process compressed media signals, maintain a connection, and process television control features. Control of the IP television on a multimedia computer may be per-formed by the keyboard, mouse, or external telephone accessory device (such as a remote control) that may be connected to the computer through an adapter (such as an infrared receiver). The media player software controls the sound card, accessories (such as a hand-set), and manages the call connection
7.2 Analog Television Adapters (ATVA)
Analog television adapters are devices designed to convert digital broadband signals into analog television formats (e.g. NTSC or PAL). Using ATVAs, it is possible to use standard televisions for viewing television channels that are sent over data network such as the Internet. Analog television adapters are commonly called "IP Set top boxes." An ATVA is basically a dedicated minicomputer which contains the necessary software and hardware to convert and control IP television signals. Analog television adapters (ATVA) must convert digital broadband media
7.3 IP Television (IPTV)
IP televisions are television display devices that are specifically designed to receive and decode television channels through the Internet without the need for adapter boxes or media gateways. IP televisions contain embedded software that allows them to initiate and receive television through the Internet using multimedia session protocols such as SIP. An IP television has a data connection instead of a television tuner. IP televisions also include the necessary software and hardware to convert and control IP television signals into a format that can be displayed on the IP television (e.g. picture tube or plasma display.
7.4 Mobile Telephone Television
Mobile telephones with multimedia capabilities may be able to watch television channels. Mobile telephones have limited information processing power, limited displays, and may have restricted access to Internet services. Multimedia mobile telephones contain embedded software that allows them to initiate and receive multimedia communication sessions through the Internet. Because of the limited bandwidth and higher cost of bandwidth for mobile telephones, mobile telephone media players may use compression and protocols that are more efficient than those used by standard IP television systems.
8.COMPARISION
8.1 IPTV vs. Conventional TV transmission Techniques
More than simply a new distribution and playback method, IPTV is poised to create an entirely new mindset about the television experience. Whereas current terrestrial broadcast television is the same content sent continuously to all consumers' homes, IPTV removes the fixed television schedule. Similar to how information on the Internet can be downloaded and viewed at any time, IPTV enables television programming to be available whenever each individual consumer demands it. In this way, each household can create their own custom content and viewing schedule.
This figure shows that as opposed to traditional broadcast television where every home receives the same programming, IPTV allows each consumer to customize their viewing schedule.
Fig 6. IPTV vs Conventional TVs
9. SAMPLE DIAGRAMS and DESCRIPTIONS
9.1 IP TV Video System
This figure shows how a basic IP television system can be used to allow a viewer to have access to many different media sources. This diagram shows how a standard television is connected to a set top box (STB) that converts IP video into standard television signals. The STB is the gateway to a IP video switching system. This example shows that the switched video service (SVS) system allows the user to connect to various types of television media sources including broadcast network channels, subscription services, and movies on demand. When the user desires to access these media sources, the control commands (usually entered by the user by a television remote control) are sent to the SVS and the SVS determines which media source the user desires to connect to. This diagram shows that the user only needs one video channel to the SVS to have access to virtually an unlimited number of video sources.
Fig 7. IPTV Video System
10. ADVANTAGES OF IPTV
Now, let us have a look at the various advantages of IPTV. It has already been established that
IPTV system conserves bandwidth. But there are many more advantages beyond this.
Interactivity among Internet, Video & Voice: In IPTV, a new level of interactivity among Internet, voice, and video can be established. This enables new types of services which were previously unavailable over stacked networks.
Numerous channels: Another very distinctive advantage of IPTV is that numerous channels can be beamed to the viewer.
Provides web-based training: IPTV can be very helpful in providing web-based training to courses.
Report to the operator: IPTV can report detailed levels of usage and viewer ship which can allow the operator to report statistics of programs/channels/adverts watched as well as be able to bill.
Quadruple play: Other than wireless communication, another advantage of IPTV is that if the customer has quadruple play (internet, television, telephone, mobile phone service).
11. DISADVANTAGES OF IPTV
There exist several barriers for IPTV before it truly can be embraced by the mass Consumer audience and new content providers. First, there is the question of broadband availability.
IPTV services depend on customers having access to high-speed Internet services. Concurrently, content providers must be able to reach their intended audiences. If a government agency wants to create an IPTV program about certain programs or benefits, but the intended audience does not have access to broadband, then there is no utility. Continued growth in the broadband market will be necessary in order for IPTV to take root as a viable programming option. Industry experts believe many of the technical hurdles to IPTV deployment have been overcome. -Transport is frictionless" according to one IPTV provider and the technology for consumers receiving and viewing video over IP is readily available.
Even though the technology has arrived for IPTV to flourish, some industry analysts believe standards will be required for the many different types of equipment and services. Without standards, experts believe, it will be difficult for IPTV systems and their many component parts to interact seamlessly. In the regulatory arena, there are several issues that affect IPTV deployment and Commercial success.
12. APPLICATIONS OF IPTV
Digital Broadcast TV: Customers get a conventional digital television through IPTV. This digital broadcast TV is delivered to subscribers via an upgraded cable TV plant or through satellite systems.
Video on Demand (VoD): VoD is a service which provides television programs per the demands of the subscribers. The VoD application provides freedom to the individual subscribers to select a video content and view it at their convenience.
Global Television Channels: As the name indicates, global television channels are TV channels which can be viewed globally. IP television channels are beamed through the Internet and, as it offers broadband data access, it can thus be typically viewed in any part of the globe.
Personal Media Channels (PMC): PMC is a communication service which is user friendly to subscribers. It allows a media user, for example, to select and view media from different media sources such as video or music.
In Business: In businesses IPTV may be used to deliver television content over corporate LAN's and business networks. The customized content delivery enabled by IPTV means reduced opportunities for theft of content.
13. RESEARCH ENHANCEMENT
At the time of research on this project we shared all our thoughts and ideas regarding different technologies related to our project and we gained knowledge in the area of our research.
Asadullah Mohamed:
The research has helped to learn a new topic and increase my knowledge a little bit in the communication field.
Kranthi Kumar Reddy Nagulapally:
Even though the idea about the pacemaker was put forward by me, the research on internet protocol helped me a lot in my subject dealing with different types of protocol and transmission technologies present in our system and also gained knowledge in the technologies we are used.
Pavan Kumar Yenugula:
The research methodology helped in doing my project very easy manner with effective results. I got good knowledge in technical field by sharing it with my team mates, which helped me, in improving my communication skills.
Sam Selvan:
My background was a blend of engineering and management. The research has helped to learn a very new and interesting topic, which I feel was very important.
Vamsi Krishna Motukuri:
The main advantage of this research methodology is that is makes us to start the project in the first semester and it helps us mainly in exploring the good results in our project. On the whole the research methodology enables us to think in various ways and o chooses what type of approach is needed in order to make a good impact with the project.
14. CONCLUSION
IPTV means new revenue for carriers, and its differentiated services suggest a huge potential benefit for both carriers and the subscribers they serve. With the coming of virtually infinite VOD and Time-shift TV, the industry is poised to witness the first radical advances in television since digital cable. However, while subscribers are accustomed to occasional service quality variance due to traffic latency for streaming video applications on their computers, they will have limited tolerance for similar issues that affect their long-familiar TV watching experience. After all, people do not subscribe to services based on technology, they subscribe based on quality of service, value, differentiation, and convenience. IPTV requires careful selection of new technology solutions that will ensure successful initial implementation, and scalability, enabling carriers who plan correctly to move on to their own cycle of optimization. The IPTV market must make itself free from closed solutions, which may hamper the following three goals: innovation, development, and competition.
In the future, IPTV is likely to be standard in tens of millions of population. As a result, the market is going to demand new innovative applications, end-to-end solutions and much more. The possibilities opened up really are limitless. With technology like this, it's no wonder that IPTV will be the TV usable by all societies of the world.
