Step 2: How to Start IPTV Business. IPTV Middleware [2022]

Read More of Our 9-Part Series

1. How to Start Your Own IPTV Business
2. Step 2: IPTV Middleware (this article)
3. ​Setrix​ ​Media​ ​Player
4. ​Applications​ ​for​ ​Smart​ ​TV
5. ​Tablet​ ​and​ ​Phone​ ​Applications
6. Set​ ​Top​ ​Box (STB)
7. Content Delivery Network
8. Custom​ ​Interface
9. ​Support​ ​and​ ​Launch

What is IPTV middleware and why is it used?

With the advent of diversity in IPTV services, a realization came about that developing services by making set-top boxes even more complex was not going to be efficient or feasible, since implementing the software part of the service on a set-top box required updating, maintenance, and unsafe mechanisms to update the firmware on set-top boxes. To simplify the process of introducing to new services, controlling them, and implementing services that would be impossible in the classic television system, a new part called ‘Middleware’ appeared in IPTV or OTT. 

Middleware is the general term for anything that is meant to aid communication between more than one separate program or manufacturer. It is the most integral element of the IPTV headend, which links the IPTV services with the set-top boxes and provides the interface. Similar to people who speak different languages needing some kind of translation to communicate with each other, applications that are running different types of software, or functioning on different platforms, inevitably need help in communicating with each other. This is where middleware comes into use.

What is IPTV Middleware?

IPTV Middleware is the software that connects two or more software applications so they can be compatible with each other and then exchange data. It is one of the primary components of an IPTV since it is Middleware that determines the Graphical User Interface (GUI), transmission logic, control algorithm, and all other sets of services that the subscribers will be able to avail.

It is not possible to build an  IPTV solution in the absence of Middleware. There are countless IPTV Middleware developers on the market, hence each kind of Middleware has its unique features: the devices it is compatible with, the CAS systems it works with, the video servers supported, the user interface, the billing systems, API, and the cost of technical support.

Many use IPTV/OTT Middleware as IPTV CMS software because it provides tools for video content management: uploading, editing, and organizing. There is the functionality to analyze the performance of all videos and customer preferences. 

Don’t be misled by the words “OTT” or “IPTV” going along with the word “Middleware”. IPTV and OTT refer to the type of network (closed or open), while Middleware is software. IPTV Middleware and OTT Middleware are the same programs. Nothing is changed in it regardless of the network type.

Examples of OTT / IPTV Middleware technologies or features are something like:

• Full management of IPTV Infrastructure
• Business Intelligence: Real-Time Authentication, Billing, and Detailed Reporting
• Available for a wide range of set-top-boxes
• Payment Functionality. Streamlined Payments – No complicated billing processes are required
• Advanced features: Pause, Rewind, Stop, Fast Forward, Scene Selection, Schedule PPV Content, Pause Live TV, Catch-Up, Timeshift, EPG
• CMS – Video content management and analytics data extraction
• CRM – Management of interactions with customers and their analysis

How IPTV Middleware works

There are 3 generations of IPTV Middleware clients available as of yet. IPTV Middleware has made it relatively easier for developers to properly implement communication as well as input/output, so they can concentrate on the specific purpose of their application.

• The 1st gen Middleware is IP STB with a Web-based administration interface.
• 2nd gen is the low-level software that provides Graphical User Interface (GUI) on the set-top box.
• The 3^rd gen of IPTV/OTT Middleware provides services to applications that are different from those available from the operating system.

Many modern Middlewares offer the option to cover a large number of devices. So, for instance, for Amino boxes (with Opera browser) and Mag250, HTML with the interface will be returned. Typically, an IPTV Middleware is not supposed to have any interaction with the video stream, and only provides URLs to set-top boxes in order to watch channels or movies. An IPTV/OTT Middleware also has the function to monitor channels, in order to announce that the channel can’t be watched or to not show a specific channel due to an error.

Nora Middleware

IPTV Middleware is straightforward, highly intuitive, and allows you to execute and oversee advancements, services, and new features on a request basis. Nora Middleware is an established OTT/IPTV solution in India, the USA, Brazil, Germany, and other countries.

Launch your IPTV System Today!

Read More of Our 9-Part Series

1. How to Start Your Own IPTV Business
2. Step 2: IPTV Middleware (this article)
3. ​Setrix​ ​Media​ ​Player
4. ​Applications​ ​for​ ​Smart​ ​TV
5. ​Tablet​ ​and​ ​Phone​ ​Applications
6. Set​ ​Top​ ​Box (STB)
7. Content Delivery Network
8. Custom​ ​Interface
9. ​Support​ ​and​ ​Launch

Interested in our IPTV and OTT services? Learn more about Nora and Setplex