Like most businesses, the video surveillance sector tends to centralize and consolidate its systems to reduce costs and take advantage of new upgraded technology. This article discusses the advantages of an unexpected jump that could cause the premature obsolescence of Digital Video Recorders in the security industry iptv subscription. IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, enables all business systems like access control, fire alarm, phone, and computers to operate under one network. Video transmission over a network utilizes what is known as a virtual matrix as opposed to CCTV matrix switches. To visualize the difference, think of the difference between the portable CD players people used to carry to play one album at a time and the iPods now in fashion that can store hundreds of thousands of songs.

In its first ten years of existence the DVR has created a seriously high quality method of storing video images without any of the degradation of the former standard, the analog VCR tape. DVR provides efficient fast search capabilities and easy reviewing of the video, however the digital cameras use a server with analog video inputs and they are hooked up by coaxial cable just like analog cameras. There are a limited number of inputs and outputs for connecting with other systems and devices so once the inputs are full, if you want to connect to a control center you have to add another unit. Another drawback is that most DVR software uses non-standard digitization, compression, and closed circuit codes. This makes high-level integration with communications centers difficult. Although DVR security cameras have integrated hi-tech features like motion video, pan, tilt, and zoom, the limits on their flexibility become obvious when compared to IPTV.

It seems surprising that a better format would appear so suddenly but IP solutions offer significant advantages that would lower overhead by reducing redundancy and peripherals, plus provide for a much easier management of the systems. This is especially true for multiple locations and companies providing or using centralized recording and monitoring. By using convergence technology only one infrastructure needs to be maintained that can control all functions: intrusion detection alarms, temperature control, IP video, etc. which reduces costs and enables easier merging with new technology and software upgrades.

Better compression methods have overcome the initial problems with the heavy bandwidth for transmitting used with IPTV. There are two main formats used: Motion JPEG and MPEG4. The lower bandwidth per video stream of the MPEG4 gives it an advantage over the browser-based MJPEG but it needs a codex or applet for browser Web viewing. In a control center, the virtual matrix allows switching any video stream to any decoder due to decoders connected to all the monitors.

The Internet that created a dynamic revolution to almost all new technologies has affected the television in a very big way. Gone are the days of watching TV channels via cable. Now in this Internet age television experience is becoming more interactive and personal. Instead of being bombarded with more than a hundred channels, you will get content that you opt to receive with a much richer experience.

Whatever you are looking for, be it a new video on demand, a digital video recording, an instant channel changing or a personalized media sharing, you’re sure to find something to suit among the range of goodies offered to you by the new IPTV, powered by the Microsoft Media room platform, delivering an entirely new connected and personalized TV experience for Indian consumers. In India, IPTV has made its presence early in November 2006 with MTNL taking in the first step and others following. Now Reliance is about to make a bigger splash in the Indian television experience, by signing a $500-million deal with Microsoft to provide internet television and allied services to Indian consumers from March 2008. With the launch of IPTV- a new revolution in technology, there is going to be a big change in the way consumers experience television.

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is the delivery of broadcast-quality television and video signals to subscribers over a broadband connection using the Internet Protocol (IP). The significant feature is the provision of two-way interactive communication, which allows consumers to watch television while using the telephone line and broadband internet connection. Through IPTV, television content could be viewed through technologies used for computer networks, which in the past, was unsuccessful with slower download speed. Now the situation change as residential IPTV is expected to grow at a brisk pace as broadband is becoming more common among the Indians. The service will be powered by Microsoft’s Media room Internet protocol television (IPTV) software.

This revolutionary new IPTV will give viewers complete control over home entertainment with an imaginative approach and relentless innovation in various new features like video on demand (VOD), digital video recording (DVR), instant channel changing, and personal media sharing. At the click of a button from the comfort of their homes, the subscribers can enjoy a connected entertainment experience that will soon allow them to watch their favorite shows on their TV or PC.