Baku, Azerbaijan, Jan. 23
By Huseyn Valiyev – Trend:
The Teleradio Production Association is evaluating the technical condition of Azerbaijan’s IPTV market, a source in the country’s TV market told Trend.
The association sent a written appeal to market participants so that they provide information on the technical characteristics of the signal compression system and the availability of certificates, according to the source.
"Almost no companies that provide IPTV services in Azerbaijan use certified equipment," the source noted. "The companies use mainly Windows and Linux servers, rather than equipment of specialized manufacturers, as it costs a lot of money. By carrying out the so-called market’s technical condition check, the Teleradio Production Association is trying to standardize the IPTV market."
There are no single norms and standards in the IPTV market in Azerbaijan, and because of this, many companies save money and don’t purchase high-quality and specialized equipment, the source said.
Presently, about 10-15 major Internet service providers (ISPs) of Azerbaijan use their own systems to provide IPTV services, according to the source.
In some CIS member countries, one common service - OTT (over-the-top content) - is created and certified, which is licensed and provided to ISPs, telecommunications companies, the source noted.
In turn, ISPs commercialize the service under various brands, the source added.
"This is very convenient, as it allows companies to save a lot, while meeting all standards," the source said. "The application of such practice in Azerbaijan is already being considered. This would lead to a healthy market, since all participants would be able to work according to generally accepted rules."
