With the advent of support for HD (High Definition) resolutions on decoders, and System-on-Chip (SoC) integrated decoders rather than more cumbersome software solutions, the market had begin to adapt IPTV-based interactive video services. Today these services include VoD (Video on Demand) and EPG (Electronic Program Guide). But with emerging next-generation networks and technologies, the ground is ripe for introduction of full interactive video services to residential and business customers based on IPTV and IP set-top-box models.

TELCO TV & IPTV – Current Status

As consumers continue to search for complete service packages that include voice, video and data, they will naturally begin to consider telco TV. In addition, telecom operators with significant broadband deployments seeking new sources to generate revenue will find IPTV-based telco TV a natural extension of current network infrastructure. IPTV is a system where digital television service is delivered using IP network infrastructure. In the residential market, IPTV is often provided in conjunction with Video-on-Demand (VoD) and may be bundled with other Internet services, such as Web access and VoIP. The commercial bundling of IPTV, VoIP and Internet access is referred to as “Triple Play." IPTV is delivered to residential subscribers using an IP set-top-box (IP STB).

The development and delivery of value-added services is key to the long-term viability of the telco TV (IPTV) business model. These services will be built upon IP STBs that deliver full interactivity.

Today’s IP STBs allow only a limited range of interactive services. These include VoD (Video-on-Demand), mentioned before, PVR (Personal Video Recorders) and EPG (Electronic Program Guide). These services are either already available, or in late stages of development. Therefore, IP STB manufacturers have very little to work with to differentiate their IP STB offerings from the competition.

This is where the technology that enables manufacturers to turn conventional IP STBs into full-fledged, live interactive video service platforms comes in. RADVISION’s technology plays an important role in this trend and offers all the technology and expertise needed to develop live face-to-face interactive video services on STB platforms.

IP STB of the Future

RADVISION’s vision is to transform the IP STB into a true, interactive and rich communication center – the household’s communication epicenter. This can be achieved by adding video conferencing technologies to the IP STB itself, which enables a variety of new ways to use the IP STB.

According to recent market research published by Frost & Sullivan (October 2006): “The adoption of common standards for IPTV interoperability is crucial if there is to be mass adoption of interactive visual communications in the business and consumer markets. The implementation of open standards developed by video conferencing offers the means of connecting these disparate islands of users in a manner similar to that of the IM federation, which is already successfully uniting the IM population."

Not only should interactivity not be limited to content; live interaction between people is a springboard for an entirely new paradigm of communication.