Converging Technology - When TV meets PC

Computer and communications technology has been on a collision course for some years. The emergence of generally available broadband has made the introduction of broadcast TV onto computer technology a reality.
Traditionally television was a one-way process. The broadcaster produced a schedule of programmes which were beamed out to anyone who happened to be watching with the right receiving equipment. Computer technology changes the broadcast into a potential two-way communication.

 Many broadcasters are now embracing this new broadcasting environment and providing TV programmes over the internet. This is called IPTV (internet protocol TV) or PCTV (Personal computer TV). Further, TV signals were originally (and still are in many places) distributed using analogue technology. This type of transmission is prone to interference and diminution of signal strength caused by many factor including geography, weather and local buildings. Digital technology is overtaking the analogue process and has a number of important advantages. Firstly, it is almost totally resilient to interference and therefore picture quality is significantly enhanced. The picture shown on your television is as clear as when it leaves the studio. Secondly, the television picture can have a much higher pixel density. This has led to the introduction of HD (high definition) TV which was not possible using analogue technology.

This technology presents both opportunities and challenges to the traditional broadcasters. On the one hand broadcasting becomes interactive and viewers can request to watch programmes when it is convenient for them rather than according to the broadcaster's schedule. On the other hand, subscription-based TV now faces competition from IPTV. The set-top box, sold by subscription by the cable and satellite operators, is only a specially configured PC with special software to access the programmes.
Video on Demand and Pay per View services are now possible using this technology and many providers are springing up using this technology. It is possible to get 1,000s of TV channels over the internet without the need to purchase a set-top box from a broadcaster.
This is achieved by purchasing for a one-off price a software package which allows the receipt of television programmes into your PC. The display technology is already there on your PC in the way of your computer screen. TV programmes transmitted in this way are compatible with the screen technology on your computer. Unwittingly, you have already purchased the necessary components in your PC for watching television. The only extra you do need is the software to receive the TV programmes.

Source: http://goarticles.com/article/Converging-Technology-When-TV-meets-PC/1517973/