Introduction to the P2PTV Network

Today I'll be introducing you to a network that is quite different from others. P2PTV is a peer-to-peer TV network. Mainly based in China, this network allows users to stream live content over the internet. This can be done in 2 main ways, as I've written in my other post; streaming from your browser or streaming content over a special client.

The same system used in the BitTorrent network is applied here; when you stream the live broadcast, you simultaneously upload the same stream to another user and so on. This keeps the P2PTV network alive. The time between the original broadcast (on TV) and the stream is around 2-3 minutes, but that doesn't make much of a difference.

The term tracker is also used here. Trackers connect the users who are streaming the live broadcast to each other, so they can upload/download the stream easily.

You can also make your own channel at home by using a TV tuner card (sold seperately). The card can stream what you're are watching to other people around the world through a client or a website.

Advantages of Illegal Broadcasting:

• Broadcasting via a P2PTV system is usually much cheaper than the alternatives and can be done by private individuals.

• No quality of service (QoS). Compared to unicasting (the standard server-client architecture used in streaming media) no one can guarantee a reliable stream, since every user is a rebroadcaster.

• Each viewer is a part of a chain of viewers which all can have a negative or positive influence on the reliability of the stream (by having a slow PC, a filled downlink or uplink or an unreliable consumer grade DSL or cable connection).

I hope this information taught you something new. Stay tuned for more great posts on P2P Heaven!

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