Interactive TV Services for IPTV

Danish IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a broadband television content distribution method that enables a more personalized and interactive user experience. IPTV will mean a fundamental change in viewing habits. Viewers will be able to see what they want, when they want. Interactive television services will be a key differentiator for the multitude of IPTV offerings that are emerging. Interactivity through a fast two-way connection will elevate IPTV ahead of today’s television.

IPTV brings together television, internet and telephone. Like cable or satellite television, IPTV uses a set-top box (STB) that allows viewers to watch hundreds of channels and order movies via video on demand (VOD). IPTV uses broadband ADSL, the same technology that offers high-speed Internet to the computer. This opens the door to much more interactivity and the potential for thousands, rather than hundreds, of channels.

Find what happens

All IPTV services will offer basic interactivity to support browsing and searching for large amounts of content. An Electronic Program Guide (EPG) will allow viewers to navigate the linear and on-demand content that is available.

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EPGs are likely to allow viewers to view show listings up to two weeks in advance and also review shows from the previous seven days’ broadcast schedule. A powerful search function will allow viewers to search for shows by title, genre, and keywords. Filters will allow viewers to display lists of movies, music, pay-per-view events, and high-definition shows.

The EPG will be customizable by viewers, who will be able to create their own list of favorite channels and content. In addition to the full screen layouts, the EPGs will have a mini overlay mode that will allow the viewer to continue watching the current show while browsing through the schedule.

Personal video recorder

Many IPTV set-top boxes will incorporate a personal video recorder (PVR) that will allow you to record interactive content and programs. Viewers will be able to watch one program while recording another. They will also be able to use interactive services or videos on demand while recording in the background. While watching linear TV programming, viewers will be able to pause and rewind live television.

The PVR will be programmed using the Electronic Program Guide. Intelligent series linking will allow episodes of the show to be recorded according to preferences; first executions, repetitions or all appearances. Movie and show trailers will contain interactive links that can be selected to schedule a recording. Remote programming of the recording will also be possible using a mobile phone or the web.

Enhanced TV

With IPTV, viewers will be able to watch much more television at the same time. Sports fans will be able to watch six games at once, on the same screen, or study a game from multiple camera angles. Spectator participation will be encouraged through voting, contests, and messaging services.

Advertising

Interactive advertising will expand traditional linear advertising. It will allow advertisers to provide product information in the form of an interactive on-screen brochure. This will reinforce the brand’s messages and encourage viewer engagement with the product. It will also allow a direct element to be added to any television campaign, capturing viewers’ responses.

Communication services

The bi-directional nature of an IPTV connection makes it ideal for providing person-to-person communication services. Instant messaging services will allow viewers to “chat” via text messages while continuing to watch television. Video conferencing on television will allow virtual family reunions when family members are spread out around the world.

The services will be used as standalone applications and as supplements to the programming. Friends can chat while watching a show “together” at different locations. Telephone programs will be able to show callers, linked directly from home.

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