IPTV & Encoding Glossary

Technology for transmitting audio and video signals over IP networks instead of traditional dedicated AV cables.

The amount of data processed per unit of time, typically measured in kbps (kilobits per second) or Mbps (megabits per second). Higher bitrates generally mean better quality but require more bandwidth.

Temporary storage area that holds video data before playback. Buffers help smooth out network fluctuations but add latency.

Software or hardware that compresses (encodes) and decompresses (decodes) video and audio data. Common codecs include H.264, H.265, and AAC.

A file format that wraps video, audio, and metadata together. Examples include MP4, MKV, and TS (Transport Stream).

An adaptive bitrate streaming protocol that enables high-quality streaming over the internet using standard HTTP servers.

The number of individual frames displayed per second (fps). Common rates are 24fps (film), 30fps (NTSC), and 60fps (smooth motion).

A proprietary audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed video and compressed/uncompressed audio from an HDMI-compliant source device.

A master facility for receiving television signals for processing and distribution over an IPTV or cable system.

An HTTP-based adaptive bitrate streaming communications protocol developed by Apple. Works by breaking the overall stream into small HTTP-based file downloads.

The most widely used video compression standard. Offers good quality at moderate bitrates with wide device compatibility.

Successor to H.264 that offers up to 50% better compression efficiency. Ideal for 4K video but requires more processing power.

A protocol used by IP hosts to report their multicast group memberships to routers. Essential for IPTV multicast deployments.

Television content delivered over Internet Protocol (IP) networks. Unlike traditional terrestrial, satellite, or cable formats, IPTV offers the ability to stream source media continuously.

The delay between video capture and display. Critical for live events and interactive applications. Measured in milliseconds or seconds.

A network transmission method where data is sent from one source to multiple destinations simultaneously. Highly efficient for IPTV distribution within a LAN.

A working group of authorities that develops standards for coded representation of digital audio, video, and data.

A royalty-free protocol for bidirectional transport of video over IP, developed by NewTek. Popular in broadcast and production environments.

The number of pixels in each dimension that can be displayed. Common resolutions include 1080p (1920x1080) and 4K (3840x2160).

A protocol for high-performance transmission of audio, video, and data between encoder and server. Widely supported by streaming platforms.

A network control protocol designed for use in entertainment and communications systems to control streaming media servers.

A network protocol for delivering audio and video over IP networks. Often used in conjunction with RTSP.

A family of digital video interfaces first standardized by SMPTE in 1989. Common in professional broadcast equipment.

An open-source video transport protocol that optimizes streaming performance across unpredictable networks with secure streams and easy firewall traversal.

Multimedia that is constantly received by and presented to an end-user while being delivered by a provider. Can be live or on-demand.

The process of converting a video file from one format to another, or changing its bitrate/resolution while maintaining the same format.

One-to-one transmission from a single sender to a single receiver. Used when each viewer needs an independent stream.

A logical grouping of devices that appear to be on the same LAN regardless of their physical location. Often used to isolate IPTV traffic.