IPTV Information was established to help decipher the jargon and acronyms that are found nearly everywhere on the topics of IPTV, video on demand, networking, and TV services. While most service providers try to shelter their consumers from the technicality involved with their service (i.e. Digital Phone service for a VoIP offering or Max Interactive service for an IPTV offering), it is valuable to know exactly what makes the evolving world of TV so different from the past. Don’t get us wrong, not all has changed, but there are new technologies and new forms of old technologies.

The list of glossary terms you see on the right hand side is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to terms relating to IPTV. Now help us make this a more informative site:

• Post revisions or additions for any IPTV-related term or subject. Our mission is to accurately provide as much detail on each subject but also convey it as simple as possible.
• If you believe we're missing a word relating to IPTV, contact us and let us know.
• Know of other IPTV information, such as books, events, guides, FAQs, etc., that you believe would be valuable for the average consumer? Contact us and share it.

Now onto the big question of what is IPTV?

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is broadcast-quality television and/or video signals that are delivered to subscribers or viewers using a broadband connection over Internet Protocol (IP). While IP stands for Internet Protocol, it does not actually mean the television content is streaming over the Internet. IP is simply the same method, protocol, or technology that enables you to access the Internet and IP-delivered television content is utilizing the same technology for delivery.

IPTV operates on a different premise than traditional satellite or cable television in that only selected programming and on-demand content are delivered to the consumer. With Satellite and cable, all channels are being pushed all the time to the consumer's home rather than a per-selection basis. IPTV's ability to provide two-way communication (you request a program from the TV guide and the program is delivered to you) offers true interactivity for the customer with the environment. HDTV, movies, past TV shows, and all other content can be distributed on demand and service providers can tailor the requested content and advertising based on customer preference.

IPTV also offers such potential as on-demand video gaming and because it is using your broadband connection, it can interact with other Internet services such as Voice over IP (VoIP). Consumers may have caller ID displayed on their television. The potential is truly unlimited.

Have more questions about IPTV? Check out our new IPTV FAQ.

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