High Performance Adaptive Video Services Based on Bitstream Switching for IPTV Systems

As the next generation network gains increasing attention, IPTV has been recognized as an efficient way to provide key IP multimedia services. Compared to conventional TV services, IPTV is sensitive to the IP network characteristics such as packet loss, delay and jittering. In addition, the potential long delay in channel switching is another significant challenge for IPTV systems. In this paper, to improve the QoS (quality of service) and QoE (quality of experience), we propose a framework which includes (1) introducing server-side bit-rate adaptation to deal with bandwidth variation; (2) multicasting low bit-rate videos for preview of multi-channel programs and Picture-in-Picture (PiP); and (3) using a two-step P-frame switching mechanism to reduce the delay in channel switching. Our results from a real-world test-bed show that the proposed framework greatly improves the perceived video quality and user experience at the client side.