IPTV is a new and exciting way of delivering television services. Previously, there were basically two 'wireless' ways of receiving TV (aerial and satellite) and one 'fixed line' method (cable). IPTV is a new 'fixed line' service, the difference with cable being that you do not need cable infrastructure in place to receive it.

Instead, IPTV is delivered via an ADSL telephone line, which is an upgraded standard telephone line capable of receiving broadband internet (virtually all phone lines in the UK are now ADSL enabled). The television programmes are delivered using Internet Protocol, which means that individual programmes can be 'downloaded' onto a set top box, or TV stations can be 'streamed', to watch live like an ordinary TV service.

IPTV might also refer to specific systems in educational establishments and businesses that use the same technology to share media internally, although this is not the most widespread application of IPTV. IPTV should also not be confused with 'internet TV', which refers to either website versions of TV stations (e.g. BBC iPlayer) or user submitted content (e.g. YouTube), delivered to the user's computer, and is highly dependent upon the user's own broadband speed and reliability.

IPTV, in contrast, will have a dedicated bandwidth set aside, to allow a reliable service, indistinguishable from other forms of TV delivery.

Benefits

Because IPTV is delivered down a telephone line, there is the possibility for huge savings by taking telephone, broadband and TV services all from the same company. IPTV may allow a bigger range of TV service providers to enter the market, allowing you to take advantage of more competitive deals than have previously been available, and most customers of either Sky or Virgin Media currently take their phone and broadband from the same company anyway.

Because an internet connection is two-way, there is scope for high-speed interactive services. This allows users to choose which programmes, sports events and films they want to watch, which can be downloaded onto the set top box for watching later.

The technology also allows for streaming two stations at once, so you can watch one station, whilst browsing another in the corner of the screen. It also allows TV to be paused, stopped and rewound, in a similar way to a DVD, as well as recording two stations at once.

Providers

There are currently two companies offering IPTV type services in the UK. BT Vision offers a 'hybrid' service, combining the strengths of terrestrial TV with those of IPTV. Ordinary TV channels are delivered by BT's own version of a Freeview Set Top Box, freeing up phone line bandwidth, while subscribed channels, and pay per view services are sent via the ASDL internet line to the set top box.

This is done seamlessly, so users should not notice a difference based on what type of channel they are watching. BT Vision is available across the UK, dependent only upon the line speed in your area.

Tiscali TV offer a similar service, with more emphasis on subscribed channels, with a similar range of channels as are available on Sky or Virgin. Tiscali TV is currently only available in parts of the South East, as well as Manchester, parts of the Midlands and Yorkshire, and further expansion is expected.