Why video over IP is a game-changer for broadcasters

From video on demand (VOD), to over-the-top (OTT), to free ad-supported streaming television (FAST), platforms are proliferating in the modern media landscape. They’re often cloud-based and have different receive requirements, making it hard — if not impossible — for traditional satellite solutions to connect with them. That’s where video over IP comes in.

What is video over IP?

Video over IP (internet protocol) refers to the transmission of video content over internet networks. It’s often abbreviated AVOIP or AV over IP, which stands for audio-visual over internet protocol. Why? The “V” was already taken: VOIP stands for voice over internet protocol, a technology that allows people to make voice calls using a broadband internet connection instead of a traditional phone line.

Unlike traditional satellite broadcasting methods, video over IP utilizes existing internet infrastructure, providing flexibility, scalability, and cost efficiency. This means you can deliver video streams to various devices, including computers, smartphones, and smart TVs. You can also leverage real-time streaming, video-on-demand, and interactive services, making video distribution over IP a versatile solution for modern challenges.

How does video over IP work?

Video over IP works by encoding video content into digital data packets, which are then transmitted over terrestrial IP networks. These packets travel through routers and switches to reach their destination devices, where they are reassembled and decoded for playback.

Video over IP distribution runs on standard internet protocols, which is why it's compatible with various devices and platforms. It’s also efficient. Advanced compression techniques minimize bandwidth usage while maintaining quality. This enables seamless streaming and on-demand viewing over diverse network conditions.

Traditional AV vs AV over IP

Traditional video distribution for broadcasting uses satellites to transmit video signals over large areas. This method involves uplinking content to a satellite, which then broadcasts the signal to various receiving stations and viewers. Satellite video distribution requires significant infrastructure, including ground stations and satellites, and it is often costly and complex to manage.

Broadcast video over IP, on the other hand, is sent through internet networks using IP technology. Video over IP is more cost effective, scalable, and flexible, allowing for easier customization, real-time adjustments, and detailed viewer analytics. Unlike satellite distribution, video over IP leverages existing network infrastructure, reducing costs and enabling more dynamic content delivery.

Are AV over IP solutions secure?

AV over IP solutions are secure, yet there is a common misconception that they’re less secure than traditional satellite video distribution. AVOIP can be just as secure, using video over IP standards to mitigate concerns about unauthorized access, data integrity, and distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks. Secure encryption protocols, such as TLS (Transport Layer Security) and AES (Advanced Encryption Standard), protect data from unauthorized access. Multi-factor authentication (MFA), secure login procedures, and role-based access control (RBAC) better authenticate users, and digital signatures and checksums verify the integrity of video content.

Examples of video over IP solutions

With the rise of VOD, OTT, FAST, and other streaming services, video over IP is more in demand than ever. Here are some of the most common terms you’ll see.

IP streaming

IP streaming refers to the broader method of delivering multimedia content, including live broadcasts, VOD, and real-time streaming, over the internet. IP streaming includes services like Netflix and Hulu, but also platforms like YouTube live streams, Twitch, and music streaming services like Spotify.

Internet protocol television (IPTV)

While IP streaming covers a broad range of multimedia, internet protocol television leverages video over IP technology to deliver specific television services, including live TV, OTT programming, and interactive TV, over a managed network infrastructure. IPTV often includes additional features such as electronic program guides (EPGs) and time-shifted media.

Video on demand (VOD)

VOD is another subset of IP streaming that focuses on the ability to select and watch video content whenever they choose, rather than at a scheduled broadcast time. VOD content is stored on a server and delivered to the user upon request. It can be part of a larger service, including IPTV, or stand-alone platforms like Netflix.

Video over IP technology: Unicast vs. multicast

Video over IP has plenty of advantages over satellite distribution. However, to get the greatest benefits, you need to understand the differences between unicast and multicast distribution — and why multicast is better.

Unicast IP video distribution

Unicast IP distribution protocol, also known as point-to-point protocol, involves the transmission of video content from a single sender to a single receiver over an IP network. Each user requesting content initiates a separate data stream from the server. This method ensures personalized and direct communication between the server and each client, but it can strain network resources and increase server load during peak usage times.

Multicast IP video distribution

Multicast IP distribution protocol, on the other hand, involves sending a single stream of video content to multiple recipients simultaneously within a network. The content is sent once from the source and then replicated by the network infrastructure to reach all subscribed users. This method is highly efficient for broadcasting live events, especially sporting events. It allows for maximum customization, because multiple feeds won’t strain the network’s bandwidth.

Get the best ​​video distribution over IP with LTN Wave

Video over IP distribution is a future-ready solution, and broadcasters need to understand what to look for in a provider. As the ability to regionalize and customize content becomes more and more essential for monetization, unicast AVOIP will no longer cut it. These solutions can leave you with escalating costs as multiple versions drive up egress and processing fees. Unicast networks are also unreliable and lack business intelligence, introducing inefficiencies and complexity.

LTN Wave, on the other hand, is an efficient, high-bandwidth, low-latency, fully managed multicast network. It’s the ideal bridge from satellite to video over IP, with end-to-end management and built-in business intelligence that’s designed to de-risk migration, enable hybrid distribution, and lower CapEx. Take the next step by signing up for a demo today.