Published: June 20, 2025 by Rungreung Huanraluek
What is the difference between Over-the-Air IPTV (OTT IPTV) and In-House IPTV?
Centralized TV system MATV SMATV CATV IPTV : Part 8
Internet-Based IPTV (OTT IPTV)
Internet-based IPTV (OTT IPTV) is designed for residential homes and general users. Subscription-based internet service providers deliver TV channels via the public internet. The signal quality depends on the internet speed and the bandwidth management for each channel, which must be suitable for the number of viewers. Content can be watched on various devices, including smart TVs, IPTV boxes, smartphones, tablets, and computers, without needing antennas or satellite dishes. The content offered by OTT IPTV is divided into two main types:
(1) Broadcast TV / Live TV
Broadcast TV or Live TV is aired according to a schedule. Viewers must watch programs at their scheduled broadcast times, such as general digital TV channels (Channel 3, Channel 7, ThaiPBS, etc.) and international channels like HBO, Cinemax, CNN, BBC, Discovery, ESPN, etc.
(2) Video On Demand (VOD)
Video On Demand (VOD) allows viewers to select and watch content whenever they want, without waiting for broadcast times. This includes movies, series, and various entertainment programs available on platforms like Netflix, Disney+, HBO GO, iQIYI, Viu, Apple TV+, YouTube Premium, TrueID, AIS Play, etc.
Internet-based IPTV (OTT IPTV) is a convenient and flexible option suitable for general users who want personalized TV viewing anytime, anywhere, as long as they have an internet connection.
In-House IPTV / Private IPTV
In-House IPTV / Private IPTV, also known as Hotel IPTV or Hospitality IPTV, is a system specifically designed for service businesses such as hotels, resorts, and hospitals. Its purpose is to provide a modern TV viewing experience and allow for efficient internal management.
In-House IPTV or Private IPTV for hotels, resorts, and hospitals operates through the establishment's internal network infrastructure (LAN or WiFi). It involves installing signal reception and conversion equipment (IPTV Headend) and utilizes either an internal IPTV server (controllable at all times) or a cloud-based control system (controllable at all times with internet access) owned by the organization. Viewing various content does not necessarily require an internet connection. A significant advantage of Private IPTV is its high stability; it continues to function normally even if the external internet goes down or has issues (excluding streaming content that relies on the internet, such as YouTube or Netflix). In-House IPTV or Private IPTV can be divided into two main forms:
(1) On-Premises IPTV Server System:
This system grants the business owner full control over system management, including channel administration, usage settings, and system maintenance, without relying on the internet. This results in high stability and security.
(2) Cloud-Based IPTV System:
This system is controlled via a service provider's server located outside the organization, requiring an internet connection to access the control system. If the internet goes down, system management and customization may be temporarily unavailable, although some content viewing might still function.
In-House IPTV / Private IPTV (or Hotel IPTV / Hospitality IPTV) is a suitable choice for service businesses like hotels, resorts, and hospitals that require a highly reliable TV system that can be controlled internally and offers an excellent viewing experience for guests or users. It also helps promote a modern and high-quality image for the organization.
