Broadband Television

Broadband television describes the process by which professional quality video and audio content is delivered to a television set via a broadband Internet connection attached to a broadband television receiver, also known as a set-top box. The receiver can be used with any existing content delivery or video delivery network worldwide. Since video files are not downloaded to the receiver, no computer or other recording device is necessary. Applications and video files are stored on Internet servers controlled by the network or distributor. Broadband television differs from Internet TV in that the primary models for Internet television are streaming Internet TV or selectable video on an Internet location, typically a website. Broadband television differs from IPTV in that IPTV offerings are typically offered on discrete service provider networks, highly managed to provide guaranteed quality of service and good bandwidth, and usually requiring a special IPTV set-top-box. However, some definitions of IPTV, such as that defined by the ITU and the DVB, use the term IPTV as a superset of both 'managed' IPTV and Internet TV.

The receiver uses H.264 over Transport Stream and RTSP control, WMV streaming technology (MMS and RTSP) and unique implementation of ISMA 2.0 support for streaming H.264 over the Internet. § Solid-state circuitry in the receiver uses media system on a chip (SoC) and Linux software technologies. Initial boot codes are embedded in the solid-state circuitry. § The receiver will play video codecs from Windows Media, DIVX, Mpeg 4, H.264, Mpeg2, Mpeg1 and QuickTime. The server-based interface uses standard HTML. § All changes to the interface are done on the server of the network or distributor. § Content is modified on the server and can be added or deleted quickly. § Receiver connections to the television include S-video, RCA composite video, component video, DVI, HDMI, stereo RCA audio, S/PDIF RCA audio 5.1 surround, power and Ethernet. § The receiver can display video content in standard definition and high definition up to 1080i. § Aspect ratio can be changed via the remote to crop, letterbox, squeeze, zoom, wide, pillarbox and panorama. § NTSC / PAL, 16:9 / 4:3 are supported.

The receiver provides advanced HTML functionality fully integrated with extensive JavaScript API that controls video playback and STB-server interactions over Telco and Internet television networks. HTML-based OSD and multi-lingual support enable flexible text rendering and localized user interface implementation. A hand-held remote control allows users to navigate a preprogrammed interface that can display live, on-demand and/or linear video content. Each receiver has a unique serial number and can be traced, tracked or monitored. This allows the network or distributor to confirm that the box is in use. Data tracked includes amount of usage, time of day the box is in use, type of content viewed, location of the box, types of products purchased and types of advertising viewed.

Broadband television provides a platform from which unlimited content can be viewed on a television. Since a subscription to a traditional cable service is not required, broadband television is especially attractive to content providers whose distribution area is limited due to cost. Sub-networks may be established to broadcast specific, proprietary content and to be viewed by a select audience. The select audience may consist of any group identifiable by any criteria determined by the network. Sub-networks can employ interactive messaging via video or text to each member or directly back to the sub-network. Viewer interactivity/responses can be monitored real-time. Each receiver can display a unique user interface customized based upon viewer preferences.

Revenue for broadband television replicates the revenue model of conventional television broadcasting: advertising fees that support traditional ‘free’ television to the viewer, subscription fees to certain highly desired content and pay-per-view fees. In addition to the above, additional revenue is available to distributors that sell broadband television receivers. The distributors earn what is called a carriage fee for content viewed using receivers placed into service by that distributor.

Broadband television relies upon profiles and preferences unique to each viewer to target advertising messages. Advanced reporting tools allow for measuring ad effectiveness. Each viewer has the ability to purchase the advertised product instantly or browse and shop within the advertiser’s website. Clicking a button on the remote can trigger a quote for a product or service. Afterwards, the viewer can return to watching the television show where they left off.