IPTV - Internet Protocol Television

In short IPTV as the TV service running on IP network. While referring to "TV service" it does not mean just the regular TV channels. The IPTV enables the huge potential to send various type of media incliding video, audio, graphic pictures, text and Animation. The most important factor is its Interactivity.

Understandng the jargon 

The IPTV term is may be used for a service delivering media streams on IP networks. So it can be delivered to a PC, a Set Top Box or a media center. The industry has categorized term "IPTV" specifically for a TV service running on a private/Telco network where QOS is measurable. The streaming on public Internet is considered as Internet TV.

The main factors of considerations are:

1. Targeted audience

2. Delivery Infrastructure - Network

3. Content

4. Technology

Comparison- IPTV, Internet TV and Web TV

IPTV - Streaming videos on multicast enabled networks. The streams are delivered to users primarily on a non-PC device connected to TV. Usually IPTV services are run by service providers such as Telco or MSO company who own the networks. The service is restricted to subscribers of that service provider's network. The advantage is the stability of networks and highly maintained QOS.

Internet TV - Internet TV refers to streaming over open Internet. The streams are delivered to users primarily on a non-PC device connected to TV. The service spans across multiple networks and countries. It's not restricted to a particular network owner. The disadvantage is the Internet bandiwdth is not guarenteed and varies for different networks. The Internet TV service tends to use lower bitrates to be able to offer consistent streaming experience with least possible interference due to bandiwidth fluctuations.

 Web TV - Web TV is similar to Internet TV but it is offered to end users on a PC.The Web TV has gained popularity with the advent of User Generated Content (UGC) combined with social networking.