IPTV anyone ?

IPTV is just TV programming services offered using internet.But the big question is :-
Do users really switch on to IPTV ? Is it really going to take over television ?
Is it going to result in an epic battle between the mobile operators like Ericcson and Orange ?

Or is it going to be a damp squib ?

The answer is simple.

Time will tell.

IPTV will definitely attract more subscribers because of its obvious advantages :-

a) I can see a program at any time I want see it.

b) Suppose I am watching a sports match. I dont like commentator "X". I can select a commentator "Y". This is something which is not under user control. (Atleast, right now , in India).

c)Suppose a reality show(or say a fashion show ) is being shown on IPTV , I can select the camera of mychoice and check out the program. (Okay I admit this is an advanced option, and it actually turns the user into a cameraman).

d)The last but not the least, you require an internet connection and a device like a PC or even as small as a 3G phone.Just imagine after a hectic meeting, you just switch on your mobile phone and watch a good comedy, presumably discreetly.You can also have a small screen in your car too.

e)Now suppose you watch an ad for a book. And you may click on it and an order and a delivery can be made. An instance of interactive advertising . This promises agressive advertising (which can smetimes be mailicious too)

The disadvantages of IP TV (according to me ) :-

0. Slow. You have to admit it. Right now an IP TV is in its infancy.But it may not match the quality of our regular broadcast Television

1. Many a time, I just want to switch on TV and browse a channel and just lay back. I may not know what exactly to watch !!

So as I saw the news article on zdnet, I thought I should pen my thoughts on IPTV :-)

Related links :-
a) ZDNET
b) iSuppli's survey on IPTV