IPTV Video On Demand (VOD)

IPTV Video On Demand (VOD) describes a system for the storage of video and multimedia material such that it can be accessed on demand by any authorized user from any TV or PC attached to your corporate network. Content on an IPTV video on demand system is unlimited - recorded lectures for the education sector, training and reference material for business, movies for the hospitality industry. IPTV Video On Demand (VOD) integrates seamlessly with our IPTV systems for distribution of live TV.

Users select the content they wish to view from an indexed list displayed on their viewing screen. Exactly what an individual user has access to is controlled by the IPTV VOD system administrator. The user has control of playback with facilities to pause, fast forward, rewind and can adjust the picture to any size.

Your library is stored digitally on a central IPTV video on demand network appliance and played back across your data network using IPTV streaming techniques to the viewing points.

Where your network is used for video streaming of live events - a CEO address or keynote speech for instance – the live video stream can be recorded and added to your library of content. Similarly if your network is used for IPTV streaming of TV channels, these may be recorded to your IPTV video on demand server to be indexed and added to your library.

An IPTV video on demand system can be scaled to support any number of users, requires no additional cabling and digital technology guarantees DVD quality at every viewing point. Individual video players, recorders, leads and DVD discs are replaced by a single reliable central video on demand server making content available instantly at the click of a TV remote control or PC mouse button.

IPTV video on demand leverages the investment in your data network to provide a video distribution solution which extends video to the desktop and brings stunning quality pictures to your big screens.

FAQ - IPTV VOD

1. What is Video On Demand (VOD)?

   In simple terms it's the same as popping a DVD in your DVD player and viewing it at your convenience only in this case all the video is stored centrally on a VOD server and you can view the streams using a media player (Windows Media Player, VLC, etc).

2. What is the difference between VOD and IPTV?

   IPTV is live television. VOD is recorded. IPTV is distributed as a single data stream using multicasting which any user with the appropriate rights rights can pickup. VOD is a one-to-one service which is unicast to a single viewer.

3. Does VOD consumes more bandwidth than IPTV

   Yes, it tends to. Say, for example, you have 10 users requesting one 4 Mbps stream (ie the same channel). The bandwidth consumption in VOD would be 10 x 4 = 40 Mbps whereas in IPTV it would be just 4 Mbps

4. Do you have any recommendations for a VOD server?

   We can recommend a VOD server but it is based on the number of users you expect to view streams and the amount of content you want stored.

5. Are there any security issues associated with having VOD on our network?

   No. VOD system is completely secure with connections only between and the VOD equipment and your LAN. It does not depend on external connections.

6. Can we watch VOD in full screen on a PC?

   Yes. You can adjust the video image to fill your monitor.

7. Can we have the VOD user interface customised to our corporate brand?

   Yes. The user interface on your TV and PC screens can be customised to your exact requirements to include your corporate colours and branding.

8. Can we view VOD on our TVs and Plasma screens as well as on our PCs?

   Yes. An IP Set Top Box or IPTV Receiver connects the TV or Plasma screen to a data network outlet where you wish to display the VOD service.

9. Are there any distance limitations?

   Distance limitations are the same as for standard Ethernet. Wherever you can install a data network outlet VOD will work.

10. I have seen references to network video, streaming over ethernet , IP video , video over IP and LAN video. Are these the same as IPTV?

    Yes, the basic technology of video streaming is known by many different names. Apart from video over IP and LAN video, IP video and streaming over Ethernet and network video, it is also sometimes referred to as network TV.