Related Sections: Home Theater Internet
AT&T brings you a new way to channel surf: IPTV
We've already got TV via broadcast, cable, and satellite, but now the phone companies are elbowing their way into the mix as well. AT&T is planning to expand its Internet Protocol Television, or IPTV, network, which delivers TV signals via a broadband connection along with standard Internet service. The upshot is a virtually limitless number of channels with on-demand and DVR-style features. One issue still being resolved is HDTV, which gobbles up huge chunks of bandwidth. Instead of relying on expensive fiber-optic cable strung right into peoples' homes, à la Verizon's FiOS service, AT&T's IPTV network relies on compressing signals over existing phone lines, which may not be enough to offer reliable high-definition streams. Test of the services are being done now in a few communities in Texas, but look for more widespread use of IPTV in the next few years.
By Nico31 at 7:45 PM ON 06/05/06
Mhhh it exists in Europe since 3 years. Very interesting, but quality depend of your position from relay. In France need to be Mhhh it exists in Europe since 3 years. Very interesting, but quality depend of your position from relay. In France need to be <2000m for a good stuff
By ckalecki at 10:16 AM ON 06/15/06
I worked on a research project for AT&T's IPTV initiative in grad school. The interesting thing about IPTV is actually called project lightspeed which is the fiber backbone they're putting in place to support IPTV.
That's high speed internet at 25 Mbps w/ lightspeed instead of cable's top speed of 8Mbps!
They're also going to have set-top boxes to compete with cable's triple play of VOIP phone, cable and high speed internet. It's a way for the old telco's to stay in the game.
on your cellphone!
Text DVICE to 72434
editor@dvice.com
ckalecki:
I worked on a research project for AT&T's IPTV initiative in grad school. The interesting thing about IPTV is actu...More »