An IP media server refers to a common, shared IP media-processing platform for a broad range of IP audio, video, fax and speech applications in a next-generation VoIP or IMS services network. Some types of real-time media processing powered by the server include playing a ringback tone, media clip, or audio menu prompt in an IVR application; collecting digits from a telephone or mobile device; recording a multimedia message for future playback; or mixing multiple audio or video streams into a conference.

Recently, IEEE (News - Alert), a technical professional organization revealed what it thinks will be the 12 top consumer electronic trends this year and forecasted   that streaming Web-based video will continue to garner interest from consumers. In 2012, “the U.S. will reach a tipping point when users will extend beyond the tech-savvy and early adopters of Wi-Fi enabled TVs,” Richard Doherty, IEEE senior member, said in a statement.

The spread of this trend will largely be caused by the expansion of video capable devices that are introduced to the market. In fact, Doherty stated that by the end of 2012, nearly 50 percent of U.S. households and 35 percent of Canadian households will watch Internet video on full-sized TV screens directly from embedded IP video capable devices or add-ons such as videogame consoles, Blu-ray players or net media players.

I guess we will have to wait and see where the IP media server industry heads in 2012, but one thing that’s for certain is that the outlook will be positive. Verizon (News - Alert) has already hopped on the media server bandwagon, stating that sometime this year the company will be launching an IP media server product for its FiOS (News - Alert) customers, which will be a single hardware device that will forever end the requirement for set-top boxes. Boasting the ability to stream HD TV to all devices in the home including TVs, gaming systems and tablets such as the iPad, this server could completely revolutionize the industry. To read the full article, click here.

Want to learn more about the latest in communications and technology? Then be sure to attend ITEXPO East 2012, taking place Jan. 31-Feb. 3 2012, in Miami, FL. ITEXPO (News - Alert) offers an educational program to help corporate decision makers select the right IP-based voice, video, fax and unified communications solutions to improve their operations. It's also where service providers learn how to profitably roll out the services their subscribers are clamoring for – and where resellers can learn about new growth opportunities. To register, click here.

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