BSNL to launch Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) in Karnataka soon

Daijiworld Media Network – Bangalore (NR)

Bangalore, Jun 26: Now it will be possible to watch any programme on TV at any time convenient to users,  as  BSNL will launch Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) in Karnataka in August. IPTV is a system capable of receiving and displaying a video stream encoded as a series of internet protocol packets.

This in simple terms implies that any viewer can ask for a channel or a particular programme or a movie at the time he/she wants it. And even in the midst of an ongoing programme, one can pause it and get back to it at one’s convenience. So basically a viewer will get all that a DVD today allows. And you pay only for what you see.

Which in effect also means that one can have a personal video library at home.. The users can watch any movie from over a choice of films. This facility BSNL broadband will provide its users. According to the chief general manager Karnataka Telecom T S Kuppuswamy the broadband facility will offer Bangalore customers voice, data and video.
 
Moreover on a time shift basis, one can watch one's favourite programmes: The facility will allow e-education, where slide shows, video lectures and other modes can be used to impart education through the net. The e-education initiative is not new and is available for several premier institutions like the IITs already.

Users will have to purchase a set top box to use this facility. The box is known as WICE — Window for Infotainment, Communication and Entertainment. It can be installed for a small fee after paying a security deposit. The broadband service is offering it as a value addition and it has already been launched in Pune.

CSIR has supported this project, under the triple play broadband technology which is on par with what is available worldwide. The franchisee for broadband here is India Online.

What is IPTV?

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a digital television service is delivered by using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection. A general definition of IPTV is television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks.

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 "Triple Play" service (adding mobility is called "Quadruple Play"). IPTV is typically supplied by a service provider using a closed network infrastructure. This closed network approach is in competition with the delivery of TV content over the public Internet, called Internet Television. In businesses, IPTV may be used to deliver television content over corporate LANs.