A Brief History of Video Over IP
Video over IP has an interesting history and it is interesting to learn a little bit about what IP video really is. Basically, video over IP simply refers to the way Internet Protocol, also known as IP, is used to send video and audio. This is simply the step that followed video and audio being delivered over WAN or wide area networks.
Over the years telephony technology has been developed and all of these developments have worked to allow video over IP to exist. Basically, a technology was discovered for use with the phone companies and it was called ATM or asynchronous transfer mode. This was used to for transmitting and switching digital voice date. With the information age it was important to have a type of technology that allowed for moving large amounts of data. The ATM system worked well but as computers and the Internet evolved IP took its place. This was a big decision because changing core networks is no easy or cheap job, but it was a worthwhile one. Telephone companies realized they could save a lot of money by moving voice traffic over IP since all of their data was already transported that way. This decision forced the hand of broadcasters to make the same decision and switch to IP for video transmission. However, lots of research was needed on how to transfer video over IP and a lot of analyses was conducted. Soon, both audio and video were sent over IP and the ATM system was put to rest. Today IP is the best method of sending conference over IP video to homes, businesses, or other computes.
It really is interesting that video over IP could have gotten its start from telephone companies and their changing technologies. However, this is exactly what happened. It truly is interesting to see one thing lead to another as far as technology is concerned and to see how different technologies play on one another. ATM was the best way to send video and audio for some time, but things changed and IP came in and took its place. Who knows if things will change again, but looking back at history it is not entirely crazy to think it will since the only thing constant is change! And that is the basic history of how video over IP came to be. It took a lot of building on old and different technology, but video over IP was born.
Television Goes Green
December 2, 2008 by admin
Filed under Television
A wise Muppet creature once astutely commented that it’s not easy being green. Indeed, conserving energy, putting the environment first and working with “green” technology is not always the easiest course of action. However, there are many steps that individuals can take to help make the world a healthier and more sustainable place to live, from high-ranking politicians to local Internet consumers. Factory emissions and fuel economy standards are some of the biggest issues facing large companies. On a smaller scale, the individual consumer faces decisions on whether or not to buy green products (anything from recyclable grocery materials to artificial golf turf) and conserve natural resources.
In May 2008, a number of networks dedicated the month to awareness of energy conservation. Along with changing their websites and logos, their advertising efforts sported their intent as well.
Direct TV is promoted a green campaign on its website, highlighting four satellite specials that are dedicated to green living. One of the most exciting programming features was the Planet Green Network. This channel is produced by the same educated minds over at the Discovery Channel, and highlights eco-conscious programming detailing basic recycling practices to educational content on green production facilities. The network offered 250 hours of original programming that helped green supporters to stay firm in their resolve and help undecided viewers take action for the first time.
Forecast Earth is another feature devoted to green causes, produced by the Weather Channel on channel 362 and airing on Saturdays and Sundays. This informative series highlights climate, specifically the climate change crisis and how it is affecting different parts of human society. The show reviews the latest news and scientific developments along with expert commentary as to how these changes will affect earth in the near future. As the title suggest, this show is the “forecast” for tomorrow’s earth.
Over on the HGTV the show “Hidden Potential: Looking for a Green House” first airing in May was a reality show focusing on creating an eco-friendly house. The show takes place in Portland and follows a young family who want to create an eco-friendly house with the help of a design expert. Using computer-generated graphics, the household begins the adventure of designing a new age house built in the best interest of Mother Earth. The show follows the “competition” of three different eco-friendly homes, each created with a different vision and strategy. Like any hit reality show, Hidden Potential includes entertaining interviews and well “crafted” suspense.
Then there was the special “Rock Solid: Eco Masons Dean and Derek Go Green” airing on the DIY Network, described as a softer and greener side of tumble stonemasonry, specifically, softscape and hardscape construction. The show offered many ideas in renovation ideas for home building and home improvement along with an in-depth review of various green products.