Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - Video On Demand

Answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) about Video on Demand (VOD).

1. What is Video On Demand (VOD)?
2. What is the difference between VOD and IPTV?
3. Does VOD consumes more bandwidth than IPTV
4. Do you have any recommendations for a VOD server?
5. Are there any security issues associated with having VOD on our network?
6. Can we watch VOD in full screen on a PC?
7. Can we have the VOD user interface customised to our corporate brand?
8. Can we view VOD on our TVs and Plasma screens as well as on our PCs?
9. Are there any distance limitations?
10. I have seen references to network video, streaming over ethernet , IP video , video over IP and LAN video. Are these the same as IPTV?

1. What is Video On Demand (VOD)?

   In simple terms it's the same as popping a DVD in your DVD player and viewing it at your convenience only in this case all the video is stored centrally on a VOD server and you can view the streams using a media player (Windows Media Player, VLC, etc).

2. What is the difference between VOD and IPTV?

   IPTV is live television. VOD is recorded. IPTV is distributed as a single data stream using multicasting which any user with the appropriate rights rights can pickup. VOD is a one-to-one service which is unicast to a single viewer.

3. Does VOD consumes more bandwidth than IPTV

   Yes, it tends to. Say, for example, you have 10 users requesting one 4 Mbps stream (ie the same channel). The bandwidth consumption in VOD would be 10 x 4 = 40 Mbps whereas in IPTV it would be just 4 Mbps

4. Do you have any recommendations for a VOD server?

   We can recommend a VOD server but it is based on the number of users you expect to view streams and the amount of content you want stored.

5. Are there any security issues associated with having VOD on our network?

   No. VOD system is completely secure with connections only between and the VOD equipment and your LAN. It does not depend on external connections.

6. Can we watch VOD in full screen on a PC?

   Yes. You can adjust the video image to fill your monitor.

7. Can we have the VOD user interface customised to our corporate brand?

   Yes. The user interface on your TV and PC screens can be customised to your exact requirements to include your corporate colours and branding.

8. Can we view VOD on our TVs and Plasma screens as well as on our PCs?

   Yes. An IP Set Top Box or IPTV Receiver connects the TV or Plasma screen to a data network outlet where you wish to display the VOD service.

9. Are there any distance limitations?

   Distance limitations are the same as for standard Ethernet. Wherever you can install a data network outlet VOD will work.

10. I have seen references to network video, streaming over ethernet , IP video , video over IP and LAN video. Are these the same as IPTV?

    Yes, the basic technology of video streaming is known by many different names. Apart from video over IP and LAN video, IP video and streaming over Ethernet and network video, it is also sometimes referred to as network TV.

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