AT&T Launches IPTV Service in Texas

AT&T's new TV sevice, which is delivered via IP technology, boasts 200 channels, including HBO, MTV, ESPN; Discovery Channel and A&E, along with all three major broadcast networks. It also offers several hours of on-demand programming. According to company officials. One difference is that it offers fast channel changes, so that when viewers flip through channels, there is no lag. This is a common problem with many digital cable TV systems. The sevice also offers picture-in-picture channel surfing, so that viewers can continue watching their current show while getting a glimpse of what is available on other channels.
One of the primary differences between AT&T's offering and Verizon's FiOS TV - which was announced the same day - is that FiOS TV is delivered via fiber-to-the-home, whereas AT&T is extending fiber only to nodes which are close to homes (also known as "fiber-to-the-curb"). Because it has limited bandwith to devote to its video service, AT&T is delivering it using IP technology.
Even though AT&T's service costs much less to deploy, its network is riskier from a technology perspective because it uses new and evolbing technology. Many experts agree that eventually all TV networks will use IP to provide more interactive content, which means all eyes will be on AT&T as it expands its service later this year.