Datacasting is a combination term that merges “data” and “broadcasting.” It encompasses the concept in multiple media, such as internet, television, radio, and satellite broadcasting. In the 21st century, the term generally refers to digital signals. In previous decades, it also included analog signals. IP datacasting refers specifically to data on the internet. IP stands for “internet protocol.”

Inexpensive and Powerful

IP datacasting is both cost-effective and high-powered, which makes it ideal for the dissemination of information to large audiences quickly and efficiently. In addition to its entertainment uses, IP datacasting is an essential part of distance learning and research among students, professors, and scholars.

Just about a decade ago, companies that wanted to break new ground took the concept of datacasting and tailored it to the emerging smartphone market. IP datacasting had moved from the realm of televisions and desktop computers into DVB-H, which stands for “digital video broadcasting-handheld.” As smartphones took over the worldwide cellular communication network, they and the companies that broadcast information had sort of an “unspoken partnership” that drove both the ongoing development of newer and better technologies and heretofore unknown applications of those technologies.

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Notable Uses

For example, let’s say that there were 50 students who lived in 50 different cities and towns around the world who wanted to see a live lecture delivered by some luminary in their chosen field of study. Rather than have those 50 students pay for transportation to a central location that might be hundreds or thousands of miles away from them, the luminary would deliver the lecture over the internet. Each of the 50 students would tune in on a mobile device.

The same technology is used when it comes to pay-per-view sporting events. Stadiums or arenas that only hold thousands can be expanded to worldwide audiences that number in the millions. When Floyd Mayweather fought Conor McGregor, 4.3 million people purchased pay-per-view tickets at a cost of either $89.95 or $99.95, based on whether or not the purchased broadcast was in high-definition. That means that this single fight generated almost $400 million of revenue. IP datacasting is, therefore, a giant part of the 21st-century digital world.

What Does the Future Hold?

The “buzz word” of “the world to come” is “convergence.” The idea is for different media channels to come together in one massive data stream from which users will be able to pick what they need. One day, it might be the latest episode of their favorite show that they missed. The next day, it could be that meeting about marketing with the overseas mid-level managers. After that, it’s the niece’s birthday party back home when someone is overseas too.

All devices would have access to this “mega-stream” on an ad hoc, a la carte basis. There wouldn’t be a set “TV package” for which someone would pay nor would there be a “set” anything else. Everything would be accessible at any time and any place. The world is growing by leaps and bounds, and the “corners of the world” have never seemed so close.

Source: Technopedia