Ericsson launches end-to-end IPTV solution

Ericsson has announced an end-to-end IPTV (Internet Protocol TV) solution that will make possible a complete range of IPTV services, such as broadcast TV (both standard and high-definition quality), video on-demand, network personal video recording, and electronic programming guides.

Ericsson’s solution provides telecom-grade performance, meets scalability requirements and involves complete life-cycle management.

It also includes guidelines for integration with IP Multimedia Subsystem (IMS) functions, such as charging and end-user authentication, which is unique on the market. It combines its portfolio with key products from world-leading partners.

Claes Odman, Ericsson vice president for multimedia solutions, said, "IPTV is much more than traditional TV broadcast over the IP network – it is about integrating media with communications services to deliver personalized, interactive television no matter where the viewer is."

The end-to-end solution is the first step in Ericsson’s long-term evolution of TV services.

"Based on our broadband experience, our standardization efforts and our global IMS leadership, Ericsson has a long-term vision for TV and a migration path to help operators meet the challenge," Odman said.

Ericsson’s vision of personalized IPTV services delivered over broadband is based on open standards, including the combination of Digital Living Network Alliance (DLNA) technologies, for digital entertainment, with the IMS standard for delivering enriched communications services.

Ericsson said it is committed to working with appropriate standardization bodies to achieve economies of scale and interoperability in IPTV reference architecture and interfaces.

The evolving IPTV service will also offer advantages for end-users over traditional broadcast-TV services because it will allow full personalization and interactivity.

IPTV also promises integration of content and communication services, as well as converged services across mobile terminals and home devices.

IPTV service providers will benefit with the ability to launch and upgrade service offerings quickly and easily.

Ericsson’s first end-to-end IPTV solution also includes the Middleware Application Server and Content Distribution Platform, which are based on software from IP video delivery leader Kasenna.

Ericsson IMS can provide fixed, mobile and enterprise users with a range of new services, such as IMS Push to Talk, IMS weShare (combinational services for sharing media while talking) and IMS Multimedia Telephony (including IP telephony and IP Centrex). More IMS services are being developed.

DLNA is the prevailing standard for home networking. It was founded by worldwide industry leaders in consumer electronics, mobile and PC industries in 2003.

More than 250 member-companies, including manufacturers, software and application developers, hardware vendors, retailers and content providers, support DLNA with the vision of a interoperable network of CE, mobile and PC products in the home.