IPTV and OTT Services

IPTV delivers video and audio content to the computers attached to the network based on the Internet protocol (IP). In IPTV content is delivered through dedicated, managed network. So it follows a walled garden ecosystem. In this IPTV the content transmits over the internet to a dedicated set-up-box. It requires a device to be connected to a dedicated broadband based connection to avail the service and considered as a primary requirement.

Over the Top (OTT) does the video streaming over publicly accessible Internet connection. That’s why it is also called as Over the Top. In OTT content is delivered through open internet, unmanaged network. So it follows a open ecosystem. In this the content transmits over the internet instead of satellite or cable. Generally its content type is not primarily premium. It can be viewed on any device data or Wi-Fi and also it does not require a dedicated broadband based connectivity for availing the service.

• IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) delivers video and audio content to the computers attached to the network based on the Internet protocol (IP).

• In IPTV content is delivered through dedicated, managed network. So it follows a walled garden ecosystem.

• While in IPTV the content transmits over the internet to a dedicated set-up-box.

• It plays like regular TV only streamed over the internet rather than traditional satellite or cable.

• Its content type is primarily premium.

• While it requires a device to be connected to a dedicated broadband based connection to avail the service and considered as a primary requirement.

• The major platform players are Telecom Service Providers and special IPTV platform vendors like Microsoft Mediaroom ( now Ericsson), Cisco, ALU.

• It uses Multicast. But Initial unicast burst and during channel change leading to Multicast join.

• IPTV services like U-Verse (AT&T), Prism TV (CenturyLink) etc.

• Its service reach or scope is local.

• OTT (Over the Top) does the video streaming over publicly accessible Internet connection. That’s why it is also called as Over the Top.

• Its content type is not primarily premium.

• It does not allow for playing the content whenever required such as live-streaming sports.

• In OTT the content transmits over the internet instead of satellite or cable.

• In OTT content is delivered through open internet, unmanaged network. So it follows a open ecosystem.

• It can be viewed on any device data or Wi-Fi and also it does not require a dedicated broadband based connectivity for availing the service.

• The major platform players are Online Video Platforms like Kaltura and Brightcove, CDN Players like L3 and Limelight and specific cloud service providers like Amazon.

• It uses Unicast (HTTP), Simulated Multicast (UDP/TCP) routing topology.

• Its service reach or scope is global.

• Popular Video on Demand services like YouTube, Netflix, Sky Go, BBC iPlayer etc.