We have all seen the evolution from Doordarshan to cable TV, and finally the cable guy making way for DTH and CAS. Though picture, sound and content, too, improved over the years, there were still a few things missing, like the control over what you watch and when, to being able to record programmes, or watch something you missed.

All this changed with Tata Sky+, which allowed users to pause, rewind and even record live TV. Around the same time Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), also entered India. Though it gives the impression that you would have to sit and wait for TV to stream in, Internet TV just means TV signals will come in through the broadband wires.

IPTV has some advantages over DTH. Since the TV comes to your house over cables, rain can’t affect the transmission. The service is more interactive and you can use the TV to order a pizza or do a video conference. Since the service is unicast—the signals streaming into your house will differ from what your neighbour gets—every time you pay to watch a movie you have the option of watching from the beginning and not where the movie is playing at that point of time, like in DTH.

IPTV is not exactly new to India. MTNL has been providing the service for sometime, but I wanted to stay as far away from iControl after hearing about its slipshod manner customer service. The market has, meanwhile, been evolving with more players coming in. The latest entrant is Airtel, which has finally exorcised its fears, and started its service in New Delhi and nearby areas. Airtel, being a major player in the telecom space, also gives you the Triple Play option of having phone, broadband and television from one service provider with a single bill.

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