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Internet TV services such as Joost, Brightcove and YouTube, are getting a lot of attention. But IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) which sends content to subscribers through a broadband connection but independent of the Internet is also gaining popularity.

The providers of Internet TV have no control over the Internet and thus video quality can vary, however it’s popularity is aided by the fact that only a PC is required.

IPTV has emerged from broadband operators wanting to use their networks to provide video services. Certain technological advancements and the increasing penetration of broadband services has made this desire feasible.

IPTV providers use their existing broadband networks to guarantee video quality by providing a dedicated IP video stream without using the Internet. An IPTV service requires a set top box to take the broadband connection and provide a video interface for connection to a TV. This can be expensive, but that same set top box enables viewing features such as digital recording.

In general, IPTV is still catching on, but some of the flagship IPTV providers include FastWeb in Italy and AT&T U-Verse and Verizon FiOS TV both in the US.

Now UK’s BT is getting confident enough to sell IPTV seriously. Last night they launched TV commercials claiming that BT Vision is “Britain’s most flexible digital TV service”. BT Vision is touting it’s Video on Demand (VOD) capabilities and video recorder technology at flexible prices from from 29 pence to £2.99 (US$6).

To get BT Vision, you need BT Total Broadband, but the sales rep would be glad to sign up up for that. They offer a free V-Box to record programs, but you’ll pay £90 (US$17 in installation and connection fees. A monthly subscription to TV On Demand & TV Replay costs £9 (almost US$1 per month, and pay-per-views begin at 79 pence.