Logic Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a system that allows television services to be delivered through the IP networks, instead of through traditional cable and satellite signals.IP technology allows information to be sent and received over any broadband, Ethernet or optical network connection. It seems very similar to digital cable, as both services deliver a stream of encrypted data to a set top box in the home.The main difference is the connection being used to send the information.Normally with cable and satellite, all of the content is being sent to the customer’s home and right to their set top boxes.This means there is a lot of data being sent through one pipe.With IPTV, the content is only sent to the customer from the network, once it is selected.IPTV also allows for two-way interactivity, versus a one-way cable or satellite broadcast network. This means viewers have more options to interact, personalise and control their viewing experience. It allows for more features such as replaying shows that previously aired, or current shows from the beginning and access to on-demand content, otherwise known as video on demand.As all set top boxes in the home are connected on the same network, IPTV enables viewers to watch a show recorded on the digital video recorder (DVR), to be accessible from any room in the home.IPTV is also very different than streaming Netflix or YouTube videos over the public internet. Videos on the internet can be subject to buffering due to low speeds, or high traffic. IPTV content is carried over a managed network, which allows for the control of video quality and reliability.While the content is sent over a managed network to control quality, there are still bandwidth requirements to ensure quality for standard and high definition video.The more services and high definition set top boxes being used, the higher the bandwidth requirements will be.IPTV is still evolving, but there are many benefits of this advanced technology.It is the future for delivery of home entertainment and there is much more to come.This week’s column is submitted by Shira Litwack of Logic. She can be contacted at 441-296-9600.