Watching your favorite sports event used to mean two things only: buying tickets to see the game live and waiting for it to be broadcast on television. Things have changed nowadays as sports fans now have a better option in the form of IPTV or Internet Protocol Television.
IPTV is a broadcasting method that makes use of Internet lines to deliver video feeds. It does not rely on a browser in order to function. Instead, an IPTV provider connects a decoder box to your television for you to be able to view videos. The videos are given to you online and in real-time. The only important requirement for you to enjoy IPTV service is a high-speed Internet connection (specifically high bandwidth broadband).
How IPTV Works
To receive IPTV content, you will need to have a set-top box or an IPTV box. This box is connected to your television source or Internet line/broadband. The box receives packets that it reassembles so that the video stream is decoded into an acceptable format.
The set-up box is like the menu or the basis for what a viewer wants. An «operator» gets content from producers and broadcasters and this is what is converted in to the IPTV video format.
A high-speed Internet connection is essential in making sure that the packets are received without disruption or delay.
What It Can Offer Sports Fans and Broadcasters
In the past, it was quite difficult to follow a game’s progress if you are stuck in traffic or swamped with tons of paperwork in the office. Today, IPTV has made it possible for sports broadcasters to deliver games whenever and wherever. Viewers are given three options as to how they want the content given to them. Linear or Broadcast TV allows for live streaming of games and sports events. VoD or Video on Demand enables users to choose what they want to watch and how they want to watch it. They can pause, forward or rewind the video. This way, they’re sure to catch every breathtaking moment of their favorite sports games. IPTV users can also choose to use their personal video recorders whenever there’s a match or sports event that they want to record.
Here are other IPTV advantages that both sports fans and broadcasters can enjoy:
- IPTV broadcasts are in high-definition so it’s definitely a higher quality experience compared to traditional TV viewing technologies.
- Unlike satellite TV, IPTV is not easily affected by storms and other similar weather disturbances. For sports broadcasters, this means uninterrupted delivery of sports events in the easiest way possible. For sports fans, this is equivalent to unparalleled excitement when watching their favorite sports events.
- Greater interactivity compared to traditional broadcast TV means users can control what programs to watch and even when to watch them (via VoD).
- Viewers are more into the program or game because of the interactivity feature. For instance: they can use their remote to vote for their favorite player of the game. IPTV gives them an opportunity to be part of the most important sports events.
- Sports fans can use the camera selection feature when watching games or events. This offers a more personalized way of viewing videos.
- For sports broadcasters, streaming live games, matches and events becomes easier and more convenient. IPTV also offers more opportunities for lesser known sports like kayaking and sculling to be exposed to the viewing public.
- Sports teams and broadcasters can also use the medium for extra revenue and fan reach through advertising and promotions. Broadcasters can even dedicate one channel to a specific sport – like mountain biking or rugby. Football and sports stadiums in the UK now use IPTV to bring games to larger audiences when they happen and as they happen.
IPTV also works on smartphones, iPods and personal computers. Because of this, sports broadcasters are assured of wider exposure and fans get uninterrupted viewing of video content coming from different parts of the world.
Conclusion
Internet Protocol Television has made sports broadcasting more exciting. Sports broadcasters now have more options (in terms of creativity) in bringing their content to the public. It offers them more choices in getting and sustaining the attention of sports aficionados. It is the perfect choice of broadcasters in delivering live games to those who may not have the time or the means to buy tickets and watch the game personally. Best of all, IPTV presents a lot of opportunities for broadcasters to encourage people to embrace sports as a fan, a follower or as an aspiring athlete.