Terminology » Other Wireless » Traditional TV vs IPTV: Key Differences Explained

Traditional TV vs IPTV: Key Differences Explained

iptv traditional tv television video technology

This article compares traditional TV and IPTV, highlighting the distinctions between these two television delivery methods.

Traditional TV

traditional TV

Figure 1: Traditional TV Connectivity

As illustrated in Figure 1, traditional TV relies on either a satellite dish antenna or a Yagi antenna to receive television signals. There are two primary ways these antennas interface with a TV set:

  • Direct: The antenna is directly connected to the TV using a balun.
  • Indirect: The antennas are located at the cable TV or satellite TV service provider. These antennas receive signals from national and international satellites. The information is then distributed, along with video-on-demand content, to subscribers via cable connections.

In the traditional approach, users typically require separate subscriptions for voice and internet services from telephone companies (telcos) or Internet Service Providers (ISPs). This is a key limitation that IPTV technology addresses.

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television)

IPTV architecture

Figure 2: IPTV Architecture

Figure 2 depicts the architecture of IPTV. As shown, it needs a separate network infrastructure, which facilitates content preparation, delivery, and storage based on user preferences.

IPTV delivers video, data, and audio through a single connection. This eliminates the need for separate connections and subscriptions from telephone companies, ISPs, and cable TV service providers for voice, data, and television services. This consolidation can lead to cost savings and simplifies the user experience.

Feature Comparison: Traditional TV vs. IPTV

FeaturesTraditional TVIPTV
About the technologySimple, and doesn’t require a service provider if antennas are directly connected to the TV set.Requires separate and complex hardware/software to provide the IPTV service to subscribers/users.
ApplicationsPrimarily provides live video viewing, one channel at a time. Users have limited control over the program being viewed. Content is managed by broadcast TV service providers.Provides both live and on-demand channel viewing. Multiple channels can be viewed on a single display screen. Users can pre-program which channel to view and at what time. Offers additional services along with video, such as internet and voice calls.
InstallationSimple installation, requiring only an antenna and balun (in direct connections) or a coaxial line connection from the cable TV service provider (in indirect connections). Cable TV service providers often require a set-top box (STB) for TV services.Requires a dedicated IPTV set-top box, and the TV should be IPTV compliant. IPTV services can also be accessed on laptops, tablets, and mobile phones.
Advantages/disadvantagesThree separate connections are needed to obtain TV, internet, and telco services in the traditional approach.One IPTV connection provides all three services: voice, data, and TV (video).
CostGenerally cheaper.Can be costlier, requiring separate monthly charges and potential add-on charges based on downloads.