BSNL launching IPTV in Karnataka in August 2007

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) will launch internet protocol television (IPTV) in Karnataka in August 2007. This means that it would be possible for users to watch any program on television at any time as per their convenience.

BSNL has already provided IPTV in Pune, Maharashtra.

IPTV is a system capable of receiving and displaying a video stream encoded as a series of internet protocol packets. Simply put, a viewer can ask for a channel or a particular program or a movie at the time he wants it. And, even in the midst of an ongoing program, one can pause it and get back to it at one’s convenience.

In short, one will get all that a DVD today allows, and one needs to pay only for what one sees.

This, in effect, also means that one can have a personal video library at home. The user can watch any movie from over a choice of films.

Moreover, on a time shift basis, one can watch one’s favorite programs. The facility will allow e-education, where slide shows, video lectures and other modes can be used to impart education through the net.

Users will have to buy a set-top box to use the IPTV facility. The box, called Window for Infotainment, Communication and Entertainment (WICE), can be installed for a small fee after paying a security deposit.

How does IPTV work?

It 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.

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.

BSNL’s IPTV service will be supported by the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).