TCP/IP Tutorial and Technical Overview - IBM Redbooks

Real-Time Control Protocol, and Stream Control Transmission Protocol. We
explain protocols and technologies in later sections of this chapter.
21.1.2 Business benefits and applications
As we mentioned earlier in this chapter, IPTV offerings stem from competing
needs between cable and phone service providers. Of course, new IPTV
technologies and applications, in turn, benefit content providers, as well as new
user experience.
IP services provide a number of benefits:
► To the users, IPTV technology enables them to select the content they want
and pick the time they want to watch. They can use the devices they want and
available to them. Thin clients will be embedded in various devices.
► The content providers add new distribution opportunities. They can provide
targeted custom TV services and commerce with the collection of usage data.
► The application service providers can simplify integration of IP content and
services (such as IP packetized weather, games, photos, and music on TV).
For example, TV can be integrated with broadband home devices though a
set-top box (STB). The IP STB is the TV’s gateway to digital music, home
videos, and photos.
► The network infrastructure gets filled with new traffic to increase utilization of
the ever-growing fiber bandwidth.
► The cable and phone service providers find a level play field to compete in
trip-play for data, voice, and video.
► Traditionally, cable and wireless offered separate (no overlap) services with
different network infrastructures. As they move toward the same service
space and with a common IP domain, we (the authors) predict integration and
mergers across cable and phone industry, as a consequence of the same
triple-play ground place.
Chapter 21. Internet Protocol Television 749