From IPTV to locally using a wired network, the method your business uses to transmit video can have a significant impact on its results. From speed to cost and convenience, each video transmission channel has its own set of distinct advantages and disadvantages.
Your choice of technology is particularly important in a live video environment, where a good broadcast quality can make or break the event for viewers.
In this post, we’ll compare three ways your business can transmit live video and list specific advantages and disadvantages of each option.
If you’re considering different types of video transmitting technology for your business, or just want to gain an understanding of modern digital video, the information below should help you gain a deeper understanding of which video transmission option is right for you.
Video Over IP (IPTV)
Video Over IP, better known as IPTV, involves the use of the Internet to distribute video from a specific source to viewers around the world.
In an IPTV broadcast, the video signal is transmitted from the source — most of the time, a video camera — to an IPTV encoder. The encoder converts the video into an encoded format that can be distributed online before transferring the live video feed to a server.
Viewers can tune in using their computer or smart device to watch the broadcast. They can also tune in using an IPTV decoder — known as a “set top box” — to decode the video into a format that’s compatible with their display.
The biggest advantage of IPTV is its scalability. Since the video content is transmitted over the Internet, it’s possible for tens of thousands of people (or hundred of thousands of people, for a major broadcast) to tune in using their own displays and mobile devices.
IPTV is also relatively inexpensive, making it great for small businesses that want to reach large audiences.
However, IPTV also has some downsides. Without a fast connection, latency can have a major effect on the quality of a broadcast for the viewer. It’s also important to have a powerful server if you plan on distributing your content to a large audience.
Wireless Video
Wireless video technology let your business to transmit live or pre-recorded video via a wireless network. Instead of using cables to connect a camera to a video source, you can stream video wirelessly from a video camera and transmitter to a receiver.
Although wireless video is becoming popular at home, it’s far more valuable for businesses as a method of transmitting live event video.
During a keynote presentation, for example, your business can use wireless video technology to transmit a camera feed to a receiver, which then broadcasts the content over IPTV to viewers at home or outside the immediate area.
The biggest advantage of wireless video is its value for events. If you need to transmit a video signal to several different displays within the same area, wireless technology is a fantastic way to do it.
However, wireless video does have some limitations. One is range. Because wireless networks have a limited range, many wireless video transmitters can only broadcast to devices in a select area. The maximum range for devices varies from 2,000 feet to up to two miles.
Fiber Optic Video
Fiber optic video transmission involves transmitting video from a source to a receiver using fiber optic cables. A fiber optic video system can either transmit video directly from a camera, or from a separate video source that’s connected to the fiber optic transmitter.
One advantage of fiber optic video is that it prevents quality loss, which is a common problem in live video situations. Because of the capacity and speed of fiber optics, video quality is high and losses are minimal or nonexistent.
Another advantage of fiber optic video technology is the distance it can cover. Since fiber optics are so fast, it’s possible to transmit video over a long length of cable without any latency issues, making fiber optic video ideal for events that take place over large areas.
Learn more about video, audio and data communications systems
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Contact us now to speak to our experienced staff and learn more about the best live video and video transmission options for your business.
