Convergence Terms and Definitions

On this page you will find an ever-changing list of convergent media terms and definitions. Please feel free to email t.johnson@ttu.edu with any suggestions you might have about this list. We would love to hear from you.

IPTV

IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is the delivery of programming by video stream encoded as a series of IP packets. IPTV can be free or fee-based and can deliver either live TV or stored video. It can be bundled with other Internet Protocol services, including VoIP and high-speed Internet access.

Source: http://searchnetworking.techtarget.com/sDefinition/0,,sid7_gci1112181,00.html

Internet protocol television, or IPTV, uses a two-way digital broadcast signal that is sent through a switched telephone or cable network by way of a broadband connection, along with a set top box programmed with software that can handle viewer requests to access media sources. A television is connected to the set top box that handles the task of decoding the IP video and converts it into standard television signals. The Switched Video Service (SVS) system allows viewers to access broadcast network channels, subscription services, and movies on demand.

Source: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/Internet_protocol_television.html

 

Instant Messaging

Abbreviated IM, a type of communications service that enables you to create a kind of private chat room with another individual in order to communicate in real time over the Internet, analogous to a telephone conversation but using text-based, not voice-based, communication. Typically, the instant messaging system alerts you whenever somebody on your private list is online. You can then initiate a chat session with that particular individual.

Source: http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/I/instant_messaging.html

Instant messaging (IM) is an Internet protocol (IP)–based application that provides convenient communication between people using a variety of different device types. The most familiar today is computer-to-computer instant text messaging, but IM also can work with mobile devices, such as digital cellular phones, and can incorporate voice or video. Although there are a number of free Internet-based messaging services, IM is a feature that carriers can offer to increase customer loyalty and add value to their service offerings.

Source: http://www.iec.org/online/tutorials/instant_msg/

 

Internet Radio

Internet radio is a broadcasting service transmitted via the Internet. Not every internet "radio station" has a corresponding traditional radio station. Many internet radio stations are completely independent from traditional ("terrestrial") radio stations and broadcast only on the Internet. Broadcasting on the Internet is usually referred to as streaming.
Because the radio signal is relayed over the Internet, it is possible to access the stations from anywhere in the world—for example, to listen to an Australian radio station from Europe or America. This makes it a popular service for expatriates and for people who have interests that may not be adequately catered for by their local radio stations (such as progressive rock, anime themed music, 24/7 stand up comedy, and others). Some of the internet radio services offer news, sports, talkback, and various genres of music—everything that is on the radio station being re-broadcast.
Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_radio

Listening to radio broadcasts via the Internet. Using streaming techniques, high-quality audio can be delivered to users at their computers. There are more than 4,000 audio broadcasts on the Internet sponsored by all types of organizations as well as traditional radio stations. The audio is played via a software media player or a browser plug-in that supports streaming audio formats such as those from RealNetworks and Microsoft.

Source: http://computing-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Net+radio

 

MUD

A computer program, usually running over the Internet, that allows multiple users to participate in virtual-reality role-playing games.

Source: http://www.answers.com/topic/mud-1

MUD stands for "Multi-User Dimension" (D&D fans sometimes refer to it as "Multi-User Dungeon" because of some of the similarities between MUDs and D&D). A typical MUD allows as many as 20 (sometimes more) people from all over the Internet to be simultaneously connected to and playing the game. When playing a MUD, you are able to interact real-time with other players. Because of this, new players often view MUDs like being connected to a "chat room" on a BBS.
Source: http://www.coremud.org/mud.html