For user, one user will need a EPON (or GPON) modem, can connect internet, connect IPTV and a fixed telephone.
FTTB scheme: Service providers also can put a EPON (or GPON) modem (have multi RJ45 Ethernet ports) on the corridor. If one user will need both IPTV and internet access service, can use 2 twisted - pairs connecting the modem to user's home, one twisted - pair for IPTV, the other twisted - pair for internet access service. So can save the cost than FTTH scheme.
User can choose to buy IPTV service only without internet access and fixed telephone. If user will choose to buy internet access service only, usually some service provider will give some free TV Channels for watching. User also can choose to buy IPTV service and fixed telephone without internet access service.
When user will want to watch IPTV, can use a twisted pair cable to connect EPON (or GPON) modem and set-top-box.
About the set-top-box, in order to reduce cost, most of service providers will not use exclusive set-top-box. Service provider will make ROM for some common chip schemes of set-top-box, and user can brush the service provider's ROM to the set-top-box. The ROM will also support auto update.
If user's set-top-box have multi operating system coexisting, when user brush the service provider's ROM to the set-top-box, only replace the pre-installed video and audio playing system.
For many service providers, if a IPTV user pay fee to the service provider, service provider will give user a infrared remoter adaptation the IPTV service's ROM (whether user's set-top-box model).
Many service providers will also discount to sale set-top-box (with the service provider's ROM) if user buy the service provider's IPTV service.
Some service providers will provide a client (for Android only.) for watching IPTV.
Some LCD TVset, the operating system (firmware) will integrate many common service providers' IPTV system, can support live TV channel (based on IP multicast) and VOD.
For satellite VOD TV channel (push VOD) broadcasting to the IPTV, the IPTV service provider will be authorized to broadcast the push VOD TV channel to their IPTV system, the service provider receive the push VOD TV channel from satellite, and decrypt the encryption data stream (CA system), and save the video flies on service provider's server' harddisk, when use want to watch one of the video program, need to pay fee. The TV channel broadcasting station will use internet to connect the IPTV service provider, to remote management their paid TV channel (include live TV channel and push VOD channel) and management IPTV user pay fee to watch paid channel.
For some live TV Channel, When IPTV service provider receive the live TV Channel' stream from satellite, can be saved on service provider's servers, the live TV stream can be cutted many video files auto (One TV program as a video file. In accordance with the EPG information to cut the saved live TV stream become many video files.) by service provider. So IPTV users can choose any one of the TV program to watch in any time(IPTV users can use VOD mode to watch the TV channel). And the live TV Channel broadcasting station can use internet to remote management and monitor IPTV users watching their TV program, and billing will be convenient.
But in USA and Australia, many CATV service providers will still use traditional HFC network. For live TV channel, will still use DVB-C for broadcasting. CATV service providers providing internet access service, will still use HomePlugAV, HomePNA, EMoC etc.. CATV Service providers will also use HomePlugAV, HomePNA, EMoC etc. to provide IPTV VOD service. Many CATV Service providers will use EOC (HomePlugAV, HomePNA, EMoC etc.) to provide fixed telephone service (based on VOIP), so the EOC terminal equipment (HomePlugAV, HomePNA, EMoC etc.)(for home use) will support VOIP function and have a RJ11 port for fixed telephone.
In USA in most of dispersive residence areas, CATV service providers will still use SMTS & Cable modem for internet access and VOD service.
