IPTV definitions, borders blurring

As online TV viewing becomes a more common habit and TV service provider competition increases, the lines between traditional cable TV, IPTV and over-the-top online video content distribution are blurring. IPTV is no longer a technology distinction separating one group from another. The throng of service providers now crowding the path toward the home include not only AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Time Warner Cable and their ilk, but Netflix, Blockbuster, Apple TV and a host of others are right along with them, and in some cases may work together with them to deliver a combination of content that customers are demanding.

Playing well with others is a lesson that may not come easily to some current TV service providers. As confusing and as complex as things seem now in the TV market, it may be just the beginning. Telephony has a special report on how the IPTV market is changing, and it may have much to do with closed IPTV rollouts in which a single service provider does everything itself.

For more:
- Telephony reports on how IPTV is evolving
- Telephony outlines the new service provider universe

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