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An IP Set Top box is an electronic device that adapts IP television data into a format that is accessible by the end user. The output of an IP set top box can be a television RF channel (e.g. channel 3), video and audio signals or digital video signals. IP set top boxes are commonly located in a customer's home to allow the reception of IP video signals on a television or computer.
IP STBs can have limited functionality such as IPTV only service or it may be a combined unit that can receive signals from other sources such as standard television channels (RF Tuner), satellite receiver or digital terrestrial television (DTT).
An IP television is a device that is specifically designed to video digital television signals through the IP data networks (such as the Internet) without the need for a signal conversion set top box. IP televisions contain embedded software that allows them to initiate and receive television through the data networks using standard protocols such as IGMP and SIP.
- Broadband TV
- Wi-Fi TV
A content aggregator is a company that obtains the rights from multiple content providers to resell and distribute through other communication channels. A content aggregator typically receives and reformats media content, stores or forwards the media content, controls and/or encodes the media for security purposes, accounts for the delivery of media and distributes the media to the systems that sell and provide the media to customers.
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Middleware is the software programs that operate between the core application layer of a system and a lower layer of the network. An example of middleware is electronic programming guide (EPGs) that reside in cable converter boxes that allow a customer to select from a list of available video programs.
- Electronic Programming Guides
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IPTV distribution equipment is the hardware (physical products) that route, switch or temporarily store and forward IPTV signals between the head end and the customer’s IPTV equipment (such as a set top box). IPTV distribution includes IPTV DSLAM (with IGMP and IP Multistream capability), video distribution servers, IPTV edge routers and video switches.
- IPTV DSLAM
- Video Distribution Server
- IPTV Edge Router
- Video Switches
Digital rights management (DRM) is the software and unique DRM hardware that provides the assignment and management of usage rights to digital media. DRM involves the control of encryption, key management, user rights provisioning and monitoring for rights violations. DRM systems are typically incorporated or integrated with other systems such as content management system, billing systems, and royalty management. Some of the key parts of DRM systems include:
- Encryption
- Key Management
- User Rights Management
Conditional access systems are equipment and process that are used to allow the access, selection and transfer of services and media to authorized users and devices. Conditional access systems can use access control and display equipment (such as set top boxes) that allow the user to view and select, transfer or view media.
- IGMP
- SIP
Test equipment is a device or assembly that can measure or verify that a particular product or system to determine if it meets specific requirements or if it is capable of performing specific functions or actions.
- Laboratory test equipment
- Field test equipment
A media encoder is a device or circuit that converts a signal into a media format that is suitable for transmission over a communication channel.
- MPEG
- VC-1
- Other
Mobile video is the transferring of signals that carry moving picture information to mobile devices. Mobile video is commonly associated with supplying video signals to mobile telephones.
- Media Gateways
- DVB-H
- WiMax
An IP television headend is the part of an IP television system that selects and processes video signals for distribution into a IP distribution network. A variety of equipment may be included at the headend including satellite dishes to receive signals, content decoders and encoders, media servers and media gateways.
- Media Servers
- Media (TV) Gateways
IPTV network management is the process of configuring equipment in the network that provides IPTV services. IPTV network management includes the setup (provisioning) of services, system maintenance, and repair (diagnostic) processes. Network management systems are commonly composed of a network management server computer and network management software.
A system (usually a combination of software and hardware) that receives call detail and service usage information, grouping this information for specific accounts or customers, produces invoices, creating reports for management, and recording (posting) payments made to customer accounts.
- Mediation Device
- Rating
- Invoicing
A systems integrator is a company or person who assists with the defining, selecting, combining and configuring multiple types of systems to operate together to perform specific functions and/or services.
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Program Editing Tools
An ad insertion server is an application server that inserts advertising media during pre-determined time segments. This process allows different advertising messages to be sent to specific viewers.
Ad insertion is the process of inserting an advertising message into a media stream such as a television program. For broadcasting systems, Ad inserts are typically inserted on a national or geographic basis that is determined by the distribution network. For IP television systems, Ad inserts can be directed to specific users based on the viewer's profile.
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A premises distribution network is the equipment and software that is used to transfer data and other media in a customer's facility, home or personal area. An IPTV PDN system connects television and media sources each other and to IPTV network connections. Some of the common types of PDN are Ethernet, Wireless LAN, Wireless LAN, and Phoneline Data.
- Ethernet
- Wi-Fi
- Phoneline Data
- Coax
- Powerline
The video on demand server is an application server that receives requests for video or multimedia programs and provides access to the requested media for authorized users.
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Digital asset management is the system, software or processes that are used to store, transfer, categorize and distribute digital media. IPTV media management systems may allow for the modification of program content descriptive tags (meta tags) along with scheduling and transferring analog (e.g. video tape) and digital media files.
- Asset Storage |
