TVTECHGUY - Your Cable, Satellite + PC to Tv Product Tester Guy

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Sunday, August 19, 2007

What is IPTV

This article is about internet protocol television. For public television broadcasting in Iowa, see Iowa Public Television.
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system where a digital television service is delivered by using Internet Protocol over a network infrastructure, which may include delivery by a broadband connection. A general definition of IPTV is television content that, instead of being delivered through traditional broadcast and cable formats, is received by the viewer through the technologies used for computer networks.
For residential users, IPTV is often provided in conjunction with Video on Demand and may be bundled with Internet services such as Web access and VoIP. The commercial bundling of IPTV, VoIP and Internet access is referred to as "Triple Play" service (adding mobility is called "Quadruple Play"). IPTV is typically supplied by a service provider using a closed network infrastructure. This closed network approach is in competition with the delivery of TV content over the public Internet, called Internet Television. In businesses, IPTV may be used to deliver
History
In 1994, ABC's World News Now was the first television show to be broadcast over the Internet, using the CU-SeeMe videoconferencing software.
Internet radio company AudioNet started the first continuous live webcasts with content from WFAA-TV in January, 1998 and KCTU-LP on January 10, 1998.[1] [2][3]
Kingston Communications (incumbent telecommunications operator in UK) launched KIT (Kingston Interactive Television), a DSL-based broadband interactive TV service in September 1999 after conducting various TV and VoD trials. The operator re-launched its VoD service in October 2001 via Yes TV, a provider of IP-based VoD service and solutions. Kingston was one of the first companies in the world to introduce IPTV and IP VOD over ADSL.
In the past, this technology has been restricted by low broadband penetration. In the coming years, however, residential IPTV is expected to grow at a brisk pace as broadband was available to more than 200 million households worldwide in the year 2005, projected to grow to 400 million by the year 2010. Many of the world's major telecommunications providers are exploring IPTV as a new revenue opportunity from their existing markets and as a defensive measure against encroachment from more conventional Cable Television services. In the mean time, there are thousands of IPTV installations within schools, corporations, and other institutions that do not require the use of wide area connectivity.
It is important to note that there has historically been many different definitions of "IPTV" including elementary streams over IP networks, transport streams over IP networks and a number of proprietary systems. Although (in Mid 2007) it is premature to say that there is a full consensus of exactly what IPTV should mean, there is no doubt that the most widely used definition today is for single or multiple program transport streams which are sourced by the same network operator that owns or directly controls the "Final Mile" to the consumer's premises. This control over delivery enables a guaranteed quality of service, and also allows the service provider to offer an enhanced user experience such as better program guide, interactive services etc.
By contrast "Internet TV" generally refers to transport streams sent over IP networks (normally the Internet)from outside the network that connects to the users premises. An Internet TV provider has no control over the final delivery and so broadcasts on a "best effort" basis. Elementary streams over IP networks and proprietary variants as used by websites such as YouTube are now rarely considered to be IPTV services.

Architecture
Broadcast IPTV has two major architecture forms: free and fee based. As of June 2006, there are over 1,300 free IPTV channels available. This sector is growing rapidly and major television broadcasters worldwide are transmitting their broadcast signal over the Internet. These free IPTV channels require only an Internet connection and an Internet enabled device such as a personal computer, HDTV connected to a computer or even a 3G cell/mobile phone to watch the IPTV broadcasts. See also: Internet television Mobile TV
In December 2005, independently produced mariposaHD became the first original IPTV broadcast available in an HDTV format. Various Web portals offer access to these free IPTV channels. Some cite the ad-sponsored availability of TV series such as Lost and Desperate Housewives as indicators that IPTV will become more prevalent.
Because IPTV uses standard networking protocols, it promises lower costs for operators and lower prices for users. Using set-top boxes with broadband Internet connections, video can be streamed to households more efficiently than current coaxial cable. ISPs are upgrading their networks to bring higher speeds and to allow multiple High Definition TV channels.
In 2006, AT&T launched its U-Verse IPTV service. Comprised of a national head end and regional video serving offices, AT&T offered over 300 channels in 11 cities with more to be added in 2007 and beyond. While using IP protocols, AT&T has built a private IP network exclusively for video transport.
Local IPTV, as used by businesses for Audio Visual AV distribution on their company networks is typically based on a mixture of: a) Conventional TV reception equipment and IPTV encoders b) IPTV Gateways that take broadcast MPEG channels and IP wrap them to create multicast streams.
IPTV uses a two-way digital broadcast signal sent through a switched telephone or cable network by way of a broadband connection and a set-top box programmed with software (much like a cable or DSS box) that can handle viewer requests to access to many available media sources.

Protocols
IPTV covers both live TV (multicasting) as well as stored video (Video on Demand VOD). The playback of IPTV requires either a personal computer or a set-top box connected to a TV. Video content is typically compressed using either a MPEG-2 or a MPEG-4 codec and then sent in an MPEG transport stream delivered via IP Multicast in case of live TV or via IP Unicast in case of Video on Demand. IP Multicast is a method in which information can be sent to multiple computers at the same time. The newly released (MPEG-4) H.264 codec is increasingly used to replace the older MPEG-2 codec.
In standards-based IPTV systems, the primary underlying protocols used for:
Live TV is using IGMP version 2 for connecting to a multicast stream (TV channel) and for changing from one multicast stream to another (TV channel change).
VOD is using the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP).
Currently, the only alternatives to IPTV are traditional TV distribution technologies such as terrestrial, satellite and cable. However, cable can be upgraded to two-way capability and can thus also carry IPTV.
NPVR (network-based Private Video Recorder)
Network Personal Video Recording is a consumer service where real-time broadcast television is captured in the network on a server allowing the end user to access the recorded programs on the schedule of their choice, rather than being tied to the broadcast schedule. The NPVR system provides ultimate time-shifted viewing of broadcast programs, allowing subscribers to record and watch programs at their convenience, without the added expense and maintenance needed for a hard drive-equipped set-top box. It's like having a PVR built into the network. In this way, services usually provided by popular consumer electronics hardware can be offered as network services. Subscribers can watch what they want, when they want, without needing yet another device or remote control.

Advantages
The IP-based platform offers significant advantages, including the ability to integrate television with other IP-based services like high speed Internet access and VoIP.
A switched IP network also allows for the delivery of significantly more content and functionality. In a typical TV or satellite network, using broadcast video technology, all the content constantly flows downstream to each customer, and the customer switches the content at the set-top box. The customer can select from as many choices as the telecomms, cable or satellite company can stuff into the “pipe” flowing into the home. A switched IP network works differently. Content remains in the network, and only the content the customer selects is sent into the customer’s home. That frees up bandwidth, and the customer’s choice is less restricted by the size of the “pipe” into the home. This also implies that the customer's privacy could be compromised to a greater extent than is possible with traditional TV or satellite networks.

Interactivity
An IP-based platform also allows significant opportunities to make the TV viewing experience more interactive and personalized. The supplier may, for example, include an interactive program guide that allows viewers to search for content by title or actor’s name, or a picture-in-picture functionality that allows them to “channel surf” without leaving the program they’re watching. Viewers may be able to look up a player’s stats while watching a sports game, or control the camera angle. They also may be able to access photos or music from their PC on their television, use a wireless phone to schedule a recording of their favorite show, or even adjust parental controls so their child can watch a documentary for a school report, while they’re away from home.

VoD
VoD stands for Video on Demand. VoD permits a customer to browse an online movie catalogue, to watch trailers and to select the movie he or she wants to watch. The playout of the selected movie starts nearly instantaneously on the customer's TV or PC.
Technically, when the customer selects the movie, a point-to-point unicast connection is set up between the customer's decoder (SetTopBox or PC) and the delivering streaming server. The signalling for the trick play functionality (pause, slow-motion, wind/rewind etc.) is assured by RTSP (Real Time Streaming Protocol).
The most common codecs used for VoD are MPEG-2, MPEG-4 and VC-1.
In order to avoid content piracy, the VoD content (the movie) is generally encrypted.

Triple Play
Traditionally, TV has come down one wire cable TV or a terrestrial antenna, the telephone has used another (the Plain Old Telephone Service - POTS), and the Internet has been available on either. Both cable operators and telco operators are starting to offer all three on one wire, which is more "cost effective". Triple play is an expression used by service operators describing a bundle of telephony, data and video via a single connection. Triple play also refers to the combination of three services (typically Video, Voice and Internet) bundled together to entice customers to purchase all three products at a reduced rate. A quadruple play bundle usually includes a wireless component. Note that "Triple Play" has nothing to do with IPTV in its pure meaning but apparently can be said one element of Video.

IPTV based Converged Services
Another advantage of an IP-based network is the opportunity for integration and convergence. Converged services implies interaction of existing services in a seamless manner to create new value added services. One good example is On-Screen Caller ID, getting Caller ID on your TV and the ability to handle it (send it to voice mail, etc). IP-based services will help to enable efforts to provide consumers anytime-anywhere access to content over their televisions, PCs and cell phones, and to integrate services and content to tie them together. Within businesses and institutions, IPTV eliminates the need to run a parallel infrastructure to deliver live and stored video services.

Limitations
Because IPTV requires real-time data transmission and uses the Internet Protocol, it is sensitive to: a) packet loss and delays if the IPTV connection is not fast enough; or b) picture break-up or loss if the streamed data is unreliable. This latter problem has proved particularly troublesome when attempting to stream IPTV across wireless links. Improvements in wireless technology are now starting to provide equipment to solve the problem.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions:
1. What is a Digital Cable Descambler/Filter?The digital filter stops the frequency signal that communicates with the digital cable box.
2. How do I connect it?The Digital Cable Descambler / Filter connects on the input side of the digital box where the incoming cable line is connected.
3. Is using the Digital Cable Descambler/Filter Legal?Yes! The filter is to be used as a digital signal booster to enhance your digital cable. You must abide by your state, federal and local laws. It is against the law to receive channels without paying for them so you must call your cable company when you are going to watch a special order channel.
4. If I connect it, can I remove it?Once the Digital Cable Descambler / Filter is connected it should not be removed unless the digital cable box is unplugged first.
5. Does the Digital Cable Descambler / Filter work on all digital cable boxes?Not all, it works on digital cable boxes that allow you to order PPV with your remote control. If you order PPV by calling a toll-free phone number the filter will not work. However, we do send a neat trick with our secret instruction to get call-in ones also.
6. Will it work in my city with my cable company?It does not matter what city you live in or what cable company you have.
7. Do reset and installation instructions come with the filter?Yes, we send them with all orders of our digital filters.
8. Does the box need to be reset before the filter will work?It doesn't, but it is best to do so to see that you can before ordering too many movies.
9. Do I still have to order the pay per views? Yes, you won't be able to tell the filter is even on there. Order your pay per view, then when your bill comes you'll see that you haven't been charged.
10. How, when, why do you ship? We ship via United States Postal Service out of Dayton, OH. It will come directly to your mailbox! We ship the same day. This doesn't mean you will get it the same day. It just means we process your order fast. It usually takes 3-7 business days to arrive but can take up to 10 business days depending on your location.
11. Can I take the filter off after I've watched pay per views?You will need to repeat the reset instructions that come with the filter before taking it off. If you don't reset it first, it could result in charges.
12. How do I know the memory is reset? The box will temporarily forget the channel programming when it's reset.
13. Is there a money back guarantee? No, due to many problems with customers using our product and other problems we no longer offer a money back guarantee. The purchase is as is.
14. Can the cable company detect it?The only way they can detect it is if you invite them into your house without taking it off first or if you don't follow the simple instructions.
15. Will it work on Satellite or normal cable?Sorry but it will not. It's for digital cable only.

Where to buy Digital Cable FIlter { HPF-54M High Pass Filter}

The best and fastest wholesaler for this item is tvgizmo.com

I have ordered from other companies but none ship faster and are more reliable, they have them cheap too. On ebay they sell fpr 20 dollars and tvgizmo.com sells them for 8.99 each, and they sell them by the boxes for even cheaper.

IF YOUR BOX IS LOCKED UP

INSTRUCTION #1 If your box is locked up (you must reset before calling the Cable Company and the reset procedure is different when the box is locked up)

If your box happens to have a problem or the box has locked up due to incorrect installation or reset and is a Motorola, GI or Scientific Atlanta box, here is the reset procedure that does work to reset the memory of these boxes.

1. Unplug the power of your digital box and hold the on/off button and the setup button down and plug it back in.

2. Hold these 2 buttons down for 15 seconds and that will reset your box.

3. Remove the filter, call the cable company and have them reset your box.

4. Reinstall the filter and you will be good to go.

ALL Others:

5. Unplug the box, disconnect all cables and remove the filter.

6. Using a Jerrold or GI tool (available at Sears or Radio Shack) simply open up the box and disconnect the battery. Almost all the batteries inside are purple. It will do a cold reset every time the power is cut off.

7. After you plug the box back in, the box will say 0 and will be all the way to the right of the LCD. You have to call the cable company and tell them your box froze. They will tell you how to cold reset and ask you to do this. Play along and follow their lead. Once they send the re-initialization signal and the menus and on-screen programming are up and running with all the correct show times, put the filter back on and enjoy all over again.

8. Please remember to always take the filter off for re-initialization or you won't get the PPVs. There is no need to modify the box until the PPVs stop coming in. There are a few systems that don't use a system for security but every cable company will eventually! Every cable company programs their boxes differently.

INSTRUCTION #2 IF YOUR BOX HAS LOCKED UP

1. Starting when the box is on, hold power and select for 20 seconds.

2. As soon as you let them go unplug the box, wait 30 seconds, then plug it back in, now your memory is clear.

3. Take off the filter and plug cable directly into box.

4. Call your cable company and tell them that your guide is not showing and they will send a reset signal to your box. First they will ask you if you have tried some stuff, tell them you have tried everything and no guide is showing.

5. As soon as they tell you that they sent the reset and are telling you to wait until you see the time up, put the filter back on.

INSTRUCTION #3 IF YOUR BOX HAS LOCKED UP

FOR MOTOROLA DCT-2000-1 INSTRUCTIONS.

1. Unplug the box

2. Hold power and select and while holding both buttons, plug the box back in without letting go of the 2 buttons

3. Call the cable company and have them reset your box.

Warning: Do not try this method unless you want to talk to your cable operator. Your box and guide will not work and you will have to call to reset the box and the guide. So it does reset the box, but PPV purchases remains.

RARE CASES

If for some reason you have a rare model that doesn't reset with any of the directions above:
For this rare scenario there is only one thing that can clear the memory and that is a magnet. A normal magnet that you get from a hardware store will do. You will need to open the box with a screwdriver, alan wrench, or other appropriate tool (can be bought at radio shack) and then apply the magnet to the box's memory chip. Look for the black memory chip and leave the magnet on it for 5 minutes. Do this to anything resembling a memory chip.

After that you can remove the filter. If the box isn't working right, call the cable company and tell them that your kids were messing with the box and that it's not working right. They will reprogram it over the phone. If you open your box and don’t see a chip but a purple battery then you should use the below instruction. If you think you have both and are in doubt email us….

1. Unplug the box, disconnect all cables and remove the filter.

2. Using a Jerrold or GI tool (available at Sears or Radio Shack) simply open up the box and disconnect the battery. Almost all the batteries inside are purple. It will do a cold reset every time the power is cut off.

3. After you plug the box back in, the box will say 0 and will be all the way to the right of the LCD. You have to call the cable company and tell them your box froze. They will tell you how to cold reset and ask you to do this. Play along and follow their lead. Once they send the re-initialization signal and the menus and on-screen programming are up and running with all the correct show times, put the filter back on and enjoy all over again.

4. Please remember to always take the filter off for re-initialization or you won't get the PPVs. There is no need to modify the box until the PPVs stop coming in. There are a few systems that don't use a system for security but every cable company will eventually! Every cable company programs their boxes differently.

MOTOROLA BOXES

Note: If you have a phone line plugged into the back of the box, you must unplug it and leave it off

Motorola DCT 2XXX Series (follow this procedure, but just in case there are more below): follow these instructions: Unplug the power, Hold the ON/OFF switch and guide button down and plug it back in, Hold for 15 seconds and release. After that unplug it when you go to sleep and leave it unpluged for 12 hours. The box should then be reset. If after the reset your box shows “0” on the LCD display, turn of your box from the power for about 5 minutes and then turn it back on, that should bring you back to channel 2

1. Keep everything plugged in (for now)

2. Power on TV and cable box

3. Now, unplug your cable box from the electrical outlet

4. One person must hold in the power and guide button together for about 20 seconds.[ If you do not have the guide button-use the select button instead- Sometimes the SELECT button is located only on the remote.]

5. Have another person plug the cable box back into the electrical outlet while the first person holds the power and guide button

6. Continue to hold the power and guide button until you see the guide clear in approximately one minute (you will see this on the TV screen)

7. Once you see the TV go "haywire" the box has reset. Most users will experience their guides not being ready for about an hour. Don't be alarmed, it will come back.

If above instructions do not clear your memory use the below instructions:

OR

1. Leave the filter attached to the terminal.

2. Press and hold the SELECT and POWER buttons on the cable box at the same time for about 20 seconds. [Sometimes the SELECT button is located only on the remote.]

3. Next, immediately remove the POWER CORD of your cable box from the POWER SOURCE of the box (If you cannot remove from the box itself, then remove it from the OUTLET IN THE WALL).

4. Wait 30 seconds.

5. Finally, reconnect the power cable to wherever you disconnected it from and wait for the box to make a “click” sound before turning it back on.

6. The box memory should now be cleared.

OR

If you look thru the vents on top of the box (some boxes have it some don’t) there should be a small blue “thing” (not sure what it’s called) with a button facing forward. The “thing” should be labeled 'SW100' but possibly something else(so just look for something that looks like what’s described). If you poke something long and skinny thru there (some use an Allen Wrench) and press the button the box will shut down and reset itself.

OR

Unplug the power of your digital box and hold down the ON/OFF button and the SETUP buttons and plug it back in. Hold these two buttons down for 15 seconds after powering ON and release.

OR

Unplug the power, hold down the ON/OFF switch and GUIDE buttons (may be on remote) and plug it back in. Continue holding for 15 seconds and release.

OR

Simultaneously press VOL+, VOL- and INFO buttons on the front of your Digital Cable Box and hold until box shuts down. Release the buttons and box will automatically reset. Press CBL on remote to turn Box on. Menu screen will need to be reloaded may take a few seconds/minutes.

OR

It is also possible to clear the memory by repeatedly plugging/unplugging the cable box from the power outlet. While at the same time, repeatedly pressing the POWER button on the box (leaving the filter attached).

OR

One way to reset the cable box is to de-magnetize the memory. Just get a giant magnet and drag it across the top your cable box until it “zaps”.

TVTECHGUY - Your Cable, Satellite + PC to Tv Product Tester Guy

Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Free Streaming Internet Channels List

Sunday, August 19, 2007

What is IPTV

FAQS

Where to buy Digital Cable FIlter { HPF-54M High Pass Filter}

IF YOUR BOX IS LOCKED UP

RARE CASES

MOTOROLA BOXES

Search through millions of videos

Articles

TV News

Wholesale TV Gizmos

TVPog.com

About Me