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The Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is a fantastic video and audio transmission or streaming protocol which has gained tremendous popularity in the recent years. It is a system in which video or audio content is delivered over the corporate network using internet protocol as opposed to the traditional techniques such as RF coaxial cables.
Businesses and government institutions are using IPTV systems to enhance communication, which is an integral function of any organization. For instance, IPTV technology provides a platform through which organizations can economically train their employees, pass instructions, and even hold video conferences. Sports enterprises and broadcast television are also making use of IPTV to secure their access to their video content more convenient.
An IPTV system will provide the enterprise with access to live DirecTV, Cable TV, over-the-air TV, internal video feeds, studio feeds, video on demand libraries, digital signage, emergency alerts and more all streamed over the network to smart TVs, set-top boxes, desktop computers, mobile devices, and tablets. It will improve corporate morale, communications, and safety.
If you are building your Enterprise IPTV headend, below is a checklist of the critical items you must have.
Digital Signage
Digital signage can merely be understood as a content distribution platform used to playback digital content to one or several displays or screens. Digital Signage is a cost-effective way of spreading a message or instructions throughout a building or area on electronic displays (such as LCD, LED or plasma displays). This cost-effective digital signage technology allows you to change or direct attention to a new message within a matter of seconds.
Digital Signage Technology is commonly found in restaurants, hotels, resorts, university campuses, corporate buildings, public access areas and government facilities. Your install should depend on its purpose. What do you intend to display? How important is it? The reason I ask is that consumer-grade displays are economical and may be necessary if you’re limited with your budget. Do you need a bright 4K image? In some cases, the answer is yes, in others, it’s no. Digital signage is sometimes used to provide relevant or important information to employees or workers. In other cases, digital signage is more customer serving, providing helpful, up-to-date information, news or even entertainment.
Therefore, digital signage is an integral component of the Enterprise IPTV Headend.
Encoders
An encoder is a device that converts video and audio information from baseband HDMI or SDI to an IP stream. This is usually necessary for purposes of distribution, standardization, and compression. Since the IPTV will be distributing and receiving videos in different formats, you will need a top quality encoder to convert them to the most compatible or convenient format. When using a DirecTV COM3000, encoders are typically not necessary since the COM3000 has IP streaming outputs. The encoders may only be needed for third-party Digital Signage and Media players, internal video feeds, or studio feeds that you want to integrate into the IPTV system.
Decoders or Set-top Boxes
Decoders or Set-top boxes are devices designed to convert the IP video and audio stream back to baseband HDMI or SDI. Thus, a decoder or Set-top box will be essential to your Enterprise IPTV System for you to delivery HD and 4K video to all your displays and TVs across the enterprise. A decoder or Set-top box is not necessary when using Smart TVs. Smart TVs essentially have the set-top box built in making an external set-top box unnecessary. This can be advantageous in applications when there is no location to hide the set-top box. When streaming IPTV to a desktop computer a set-top box is also unnecessary since the decoding engine is integrated into the web browser interface.
Transcoders
A transcoder is a device that is used to decompress encoded content, alter it, and recompress it. For instance, you may need it for your Enterprise IPTV Headend to assist you in the process of converting a video from legacy MPEG2 source, to H.264 video and AAC audio, best for streaming. This device can also help you when it comes to adding features such as logos, watermarks, and other graphics.
Others
Other important things that you need as you set up your Enterprise IPTV Headend include;
- Roof access for the DirecTV satellite dish
- Meeting with the IT department to discuss network requirements
- Enabling IGMP on the corporate network
- Network capable of passing multicast traffic
- Making sure the network has the appropriate capacity
The Takeaway
Overall, it is apparent building an Enterprise IPTV Headend requires professional assistance from a company such as VidOvation. The required hardware, systems integration and setup require a high level of skill and experience. Luckily, Here at VidOvation, you can find all the assistance that you may need to set up your Enterprise IPTV Headend. VidOvation is the industry leader when it comes to the provision of data, audio, and video transmission and distribution systems. We have the necessary experience and technology to help you build an efficient IPTV Headend for your business. Over the years, we have served businesses, sports enterprises, and even government institutions, and our track record speaks for itself. Get in touch with us today for more information about our products and services.
