My day job is all about interfaces and interactions, I spend my time working with IPTV projects and yesterday I wrote the following summary to help new comers to IPTV find there way in how it effects them and, possibly, why they should be bothered:

As a consumer, you are being offered more choice, not just with what  you watch and when you watch it but also the source of content. There is a lot of content from independent labels, amateurs and top brands that does not get aired due to the massive costs and niche audiences.

As a producer, IPTV means that your content can be aired worldwide at a fraction of the cost. There are now many payment models delivery methods to get directly into homes, this evolution of the television service will empower you to pinpoint your niche audience

As a broadcaster, basically you no longer need a satellite and a base subscriber list of millions to extend the range of content you offer. Billing methods can be more transparent and the delivery mechanism can tell you what is being watched and by whom; this saves cost and will improve your offering to your audiences.

As a manufacturer, this is good news as you now have a new market to develop in… the bad news is it is not a secret and the competition is growing as quickly as the number of standards that you have to comply with.

If you want to quote me, feel free, the name is Benjamin Hobson