Impact of the Internet on Media Production

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV)

Internet Protocol television (IPTV) is a system through which Internet television services are delivered using the architecture and networking methods of the Internet Protocol Suite over a packet-switched network infrastructure, e.g., the Internet and broadband Internet access networks, instead of being delivered through traditional radio frequency broadcast, satellite signal, and cable television (CATV) formats.

IPTV services may be classified into three main groups:

• live television, with or without interactivity related to the current TV show;
• time-shifted programming: catch-up TV (replays a TV show that was broadcast hours or days ago), start-over TV (replays the current TV show from its beginning);
• video on demand (VOD): browse a catalog of videos, not related to TV programming.

IPTV is distinguished from general Internet-based or web-based multimedia services by its on-going standardization process (e.g., European Telecommunications Standards Institute) and preferential deployment scenarios in subscriber-based telecommunications networks with high-speed access channels into end-user premises via set-top boxes or other customer-premises equipment.

(Wikipedia)

Television companies can make use of this by broadcasting their programmes on the Internet which means that these programmes will get more coverage for less money and a lot more hits. It will advertise the programmes as well and distribute them. 

Through the development of IPTV the television industry has changed since a wider range of programmes are available therefore mainstream programmes will not be as popular. However, many programmes will be receiving more coverage and hits because of the development of online television and how accessible it is. 

We believe that as IPTV has developed many people along the stages in the television industry have all benefited. Producers will benefit as their programmes are receiving higher viewing rates, there will be more jobs available in advertising because of the developing online TV sites such as 4OD, distributors will also benefit because there will be more variety in where they are able to show the programmes. The consumers will definitely benefit, maybe the most, as they have a lot more choice in terms of what they watch, when they watch and where they watch it.