Since its inception in 1994 many different definitions of IPTV have appeared, including elementary streams over IP networks, transport streams over IP networks and a number of proprietary systems. The official definition approved by the International Telecommunication Union focus group on IPTV (ITU-T FG IPTV) is as follows:

“IPTV is defined as multimedia services such as television/video/audio/text/graphics/data delivered over IP based networks managed to provide the required level of quality of service and experience, security, interactivity and reliability.”

Another official and more detailed definition of IPTV is the one given by Alliance for Telecommunications Industry Solutions (ATIS) IPTV Exploratory Group on 2005:

“IPTV is defined as the secure and reliable delivery to subscribers of entertainment video and related services. These services may include, for example, Live TV, Video On Demand (VOD) and Interactive TV (iTV). These services are delivered across an access agnostic, packet switched network that employs the IP protocol to transport the audio, video and control signals. In contrast to video over the public Internet, with IPTV deployments, network security and performance are tightly managed to ensure a superior entertainment experience, resulting in a compelling business environment for content providers, advertisers and customers alike.”

One definition for consumer IPTV is for single or multiple program transport streams (MPTS) which are sourced by the same network operator that owns or directly controls the “last mile” to the consumer’s premises. This control over delivery enables a guaranteed quality of service (QoS), and also allows the service provider to offer an enhanced user experience such as better program guide, interactive services etc. In commercial environments IPTV is widely deployed for distribution of live TV, video playout channels and Video on Demand (VOD) material across LAN or WAN IP network infrastructures, with a controlled QoS. In 1994, ABC’s World News Now was the first television show to be broadcast over the Internet, using the CU-SeeMe videoconferencing software. The number of global IPTV subscribers is expected to grow from 28 million in 2009 to 83 million in 2013. Europe and Asia are the leading territories in terms of the over-all number of subscriber. But in terms of service revenues, Europe and North America generate a larger share of global revenue, due to very low average revenue per user (ARPU) in China and India, the fastest growing (and ultimately, the biggest markets) in Asia. The global IPTV market revenues are forecasted to grow from US$12 billion in 2009 to US$38 billion in 2013

Need to Qualify, Maintain and troubleshoot IPTV circuits ?

VStream Analyzer Turns any PC into a Powerful IPTV Analyzer

• Automatically tests all channels and indicates pass/fail results
• Complete Set Top Box (STB) emulation
• Full Motion Picture video preview of all analyzed IPTV streams
• Simultaneously analyzes multiple IPTV streams
• Accurate audio and video MOS score
• Comprehensive Video and Transport Stream statistics
• Advanced Video Perceptual Quality Metrics
• Operates with Windows XP/Vista/7
• Contact us for more details

Frederick Engineering ParaScope mPA ADSLx IPTV Copper Bundle

Advanced handheld chassis with 7″ touch screen high-resolution display, dual 10/100 Ethernet ports, USB port, SD card port, VGA port. Includes ADSL1/2/2+ module, IPTV Analysis Suite, and Copper Module Bundle.

ParaScope mPA’s features include:

• Large 7” bright touch-screen LCD and rugged enclosure
• Unmatched ease of use with Pass/Fail results. Use at customer premises, remote location or the central office and reduce truck rolls
• Copper qualification to identify physical layer faults and qualify the local loop for handling triple play services. Suite of tools includes integrated digital multi-meter (DMM), RFL meter, Longitudinal balance meter, TDR etc

Complete service verification to determine the upstream and downstream rates, emulate the modem or STB, PING the ADSL or Ethernet and much more. Ethernet testing facilitates FTTX deployments. Triple Play Analysis including IPTV and VoIP QoS measurements, streaming video, phone emulation and more over ADSL1/2/2+, VDSL2 and 10/100 links.

ParaScope mPA Product Page and Data Sheet

CASS Test System

The Navy recently awarded an $83 million contract for e-CASS development, production and testing. The AN/USM-636(V) Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) is the US Navy’s standard automatic test equipment family. It provides intermediate, depot and factory level support, both ashore and afloat, for testing all Navy electronics, from aircraft to ships and submarines.

CASS has been around since 1990, and it’s time for an upgrade. The Navy is planning to replace the existing 5 CASS mainframe systems with the next-generation electronic CASS (e-CASS) system. US Naval aviation currently uses 713 CASS stations for testing of aircraft electronics. CASS is also used at the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) and in 9 foreign countries.

The new e-CASS system will replace the following 5 CASS mainframe systems:

• Hybrid – The CASS Hybrid station provides the core test capability for general purpose electronics, computers, instruments, and flight controls.

• Radio Frequency (RF) – The CASS RF station provides Hybrid station test capability plus electronic countermeasure, electronic counter-countermeasures, and electronic warfare support measures; and fire control, navigation, tracking, and surveillance radar, and radar altimeter support capability.

• High Power – The CASS High Power station provides RF station capability plus the capability to test high power radar systems, such as the APG-65 and APG-73.

• Communications/Navigation/Interrogation (CNI) – The CASS CNI station provides RF station capability plus communication, navigation, interrogation, and spread spectrum system support capability.

• Electro-Optic (EO) – The CASS EO station provides Hybrid station test capability plus support capability for forward looking infrared, lasers/ designators, laser range finders, and visual systems.

In addition to these systems, the Navy uses a mobile CASS variety called the Reconfigurable Transportable CASS (RTCASS), supplied by Boeing. RTCASS provides a man-portable CASS configuration using COTS hardware and software to meet USMC V-22 and H-1 support requirements as well as to replace mainframe CASS stations at USMC fixed wing aircraft (EA-6B, F/A-18 and AV-8B) support sites.

Lockheed Martin, Boeing,  and Northrop Grumman supplies CASS electro-optic subsystem and DRS Technologies provides CASS high-power subsystems. (source www.defenseindustrydaily.com)