IPTV Pushing Out Traditional Cable

IPTV is taking over the air waves and pushing traditional cable television near retirement – at least that is the plan for the Brown University’s system. Computing and Information Services is the one helping it right along.

In the fall of 2005, Brown introduced its pilot IPTV program through Video Furnace. The success has led the University to reconsider the entire broadcasting set up that exists on campus today. If it decides to completely replace cable with the newer IPTV, there will be some exciting changes that will be included.

The program that began in 2005 will be getting additional channels that will double what is currently offered. The IPTV service will be extended into the classrooms and it will be available for viewing with on campus televisions (currently it can only be viewed on computers).

The existing cable system at Brown is obsolete and replacement parts for any repairs are no longer even manufactured. It is time to upgrade, and the University feels that this would be the time to make the switch to IPTV.

The new IPTV will require set top boxes for viewing on a television. The University intends to purchase set top boxes for the shared areas (like dining halls and lounges) and make others available for renting by students in order to keep costs down for them.

The specifics for the IPTV system are still being hammered out, but it will prove to be exciting for everyone involved.