This thesis conveys an understanding of the growth of internet protocol TV and video, and whether there are means, with or without the help of the U.S. government, in finding a workable arrangement for both copyright users and holders, whilst maintaining a healthy economic environment, allowing individual rights in using digital media for private and education purposes, and protecting individuals and companies' intellectual property rights on the World Wide Web. The thesis includes an historical analysis about how the U.S. government has regulated and de-regulated television historically, primarily, to illustrate how they served their initial purpose but might have difficultly in providing solutions for the progression of IPTV. This study explores the history of television, mainly the short and recent evolution of online television, and the opportunities and consequences that TV programming might have when offered for access on the Internet. The Internet has enabled new forms of media for both national and international communities; however, the relatively low cost of entry and access is striking when a slew of intellectual property and copyright pirates can thrive in such an environment. The main aim of this study is to investigate how IPTV can thrive on the Internet without succumbing to the same economic constraints, and illegal piracy, as the music recording industry has, whilst providing social, cultural and entertainment content in a protective, yet usable way for all parties involved.
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