BDM100_Internet_Harlan
My article from HowStuffWorks.com explained the workings, potentials, and pitfalls of internet based television. Internet Protocol Television, or IPTV, is a means of streaming audio and video programing online for viewing. Commonly viewed on a computer, new hardwares like AppleTV are making it possible to stream larger amounts of programing to a television through an internet connection. The advantages of the the internet make it possible to gain access to wider arrays of programming than that which is offered by a traditional cable or satellite provider. Not only is this beneficial for audiences, but for content producers as well. Hosting and sharing your own programming across the internet is easier and far less expensive than through conventional major television networks. The major drawback to IPTV is the amount of necessary bandwidth. With an internet connection, data can stream at lower speeds when in high demand, as opposed to cable, satellite, or over-the-air broadcasts. In order to successfully transfer the necessary data, programming often requires being spit into separate smaller portions, slower play back, and lower quality. As many advances as have been made recently, these problems will surely be dealt with in time, and IPTV is on its way to becoming a more viable source of media in the future.
http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/internet-tv.htm