IPTV is an acronym for Internet Protocol Television. It refers to television services transmitted via an internet protocol network instead of the traditional cable, broadcast, and satellite TV solutions.
The IPTV industry was worth $50.9 billion in 2021. Studies project that the industry will grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.8% to about $115.2 billion by 2026. Notably, more recent studies suggest that the industry may grow to about $194 billion by 2026. Key takeaway: the future is promising for IPTV service providers.
Are you upgrading your IPTV service provider business or starting one? Here is a comprehensive guide on IPTV solutions for business to help you start or upgrade your IPTV business.
A Brief Introduction to IPTV for Beginners
Are you thinking of setting up an IPTV business? It is essential to first familiarize yourself with the industry.
IPTV is a relatively new video content solution that has been touted as being revolutionary for the video content industry. Essentially, IPTV is a video content service that transmits television programming and video content via the internet. In contrast, traditional television programming transmits video content via satellite, broadcast, and cable.
IPTV’s greatest benefit over traditional television programming for the end consumer is flexibility. Users can choose what they want to watch, like browsing through a virtual video store. They can also use other added features such as recording, rewinding, fast-forwarding and restarting video programs, as opposed to the rigid live broadcasts of traditional TV programming.
Notably, IPTV services come in varying shapes and forms. Here is an overview of the five main types of IPTV services:
- Video on Demand – Essentially, VoD means that the user can choose which video to watch from your collection of video content.
- Near Video on Demand – NvoD works like pay-per-view programming whereby users can choose which content to watch, but all content has a fixed schedule.
- TV on Demand – This service entails users paying for every program they watch. Users can rent or buy video content.
- Live Television – Essentially, this is similar to watching live TV broadcasts. However, the TV signals are transmitted via the internet instead of traditional satellite, cable, or broadcast.
- Time-Shifted TV – This service lets users record their shows and watch them later. However, the shows are only available temporarily until the service provider (you) decides to remove them from their directory.
Each type of IPTV service has varying advantages and shortcomings for users and service providers. However, you can combine and offer multiple IPTV services to your audience.
Essential Requirements for Starting or Upgrading Your IPTV Business
Ideally, you will need the following components to start or upgrade your IPTV business:
● Middleware
Essentially, the middleware is your IPTV system’s cornerstone. It connects your IPTV services with your customers’ set-top boxes and facilitates the transfer of data. It also supports the user interface that users need to operate the system.
● Media Player
The media player captures data streams from your IPTV server software on your customers’ set-top boxes. It then converts these data streams into video and audio.
● Content Delivery Network (CDN)
The content delivery network (CDN) facilitates the delivery of content from your IPTV servers to the customers’ set-top boxes. It requires a content distribution network to work.
● Over-the-Top (OTT) Applications
You will also need OTT solutions to run on smart TVs and smart mobile devices such as phones and tablets. Smart TVs come with installable apps, and you can develop your own white-label TV service for your clients to use on their TVs. You will also need OTT applications for your clients to use on their smartphones and other smart devices.
● Set-Top Box
Your customers will need a set-top box to access your services and connect to your system’s middleware. It is advisable to develop high-quality set-top boxes for reliability and durability – ideally, you want your clients tuned in for as long as possible.
● Customer Interface
You will also need to develop a customer interface via which users can operate the system. The customer interface should be integrated into your set-top boxes, white-label TV platform, and OTT applications. Ideally, the interface should be easy to use to make your IPTV services and video content more appealing.
Why Venture into the IPTV Industry?
IPTV is the future of the video content industry. The industry is growing at an incredible rate, as highlighted earlier. Notably, there are several factors driving the adoption of IPTV services among your potential customers:
- More people prefer video-on-demand to traditional live broadcasts.
- More people prefer HD-quality video content, and IPTV delivers video content of better quality than traditional TV programming.
- The growing adoption of 5G technology will make it easier to deliver your IPTV services and video content to your customers.
Most notably, there are various ways to monetize your IPTV services. Overall, IPTV service providers can expect a continuously growing demand for their services, making this the most opportune time to venture into the industry.
