Broadstream Communications has announced its IP TV transport network and content delivery service. By outsourcing content aggregation and traditional head-end functionality, Broadstream enables telecom service providers to quickly and cost effectively offer the highest quality in digital TV programming over their telecom networks.

An official release informs that Broadstream's IP TV Transport Network enables telcos to offer a wide variety of both network and local channels, as well as pay-per-view and video-on-demand programming over an all-digital IP network. Broadstream will commence provision of services in the first quarter of next year. It claims to have already signed a number of advance orders from service providers eager to offer IP Video without the exceptional equipment and operational cost of installing a full digital video head-end facility.

The Broadstream IP TV Transport Network -- jointly developed by leading equipment manufacturers and service providers, including Tandberg Television and Skystream Networks -- is a first-of-its-kind platform. It completely centralises the aggregation, real-time digital encoding and IP encapsulation of programmer content, suitable for distribution through xDSL, fiber or wireless networks. Broadstream manages and maintains both the live programming streams and edge equipment installed at the service provider facility 24 hours a day from its Network Operations Center.

The release adds that Broadstream plans to offer over 100 video and audio programmes in full digital quality, through agreements with nearly every major broadcaster and programmer in the US.Broadstream has stated that its business model is truly disruptive as it destroys the previously held notion that only large service providers could offer IP Video services over their telco networks. Key Broadstream features and benefits include no up-front equipment costs, local encoding platform for local affiliate stations and regional sports networks.

Broadstream has received programmer support from the likes of ABC and Starz Encore. ABC will be an inaugural programmer transported on the Broadstream service. Tandberg has stated that Broadstream represents everything it is striving to accomplish as a global leader in digital encoding and satellite modulation products.