The IP network is clearly the network of choice for distributing services to end user. It has already been demonstrated to scale globally and provides a cost effective way to reach each end user at the desktop, classroom or residence. The speeds required for video applications are so high, that the video information must be compressed in order for it to be delivered over IP connections currently available for the foreseeable future. Unfortunately, compressed video has severe limitations. When video information is gathered in its original form, whether by camera or computer-generation, it is gathered in uncompressed form.
Uncompressed video represents the raw data that comprises the image.
Effective manipulation of video information is accomplished via this raw data. Thus video recording, video editing, graphics creation, fades and effects, and video switching are commonly done using uncompressed signals. Only when those signals are completely finished and ready to be delivered to the end user without further modification are they compressed. This also results in the most efficient compression, since the original source is as noise-free as possible and eliminates the compressor from the burden of encoding noise. This model is common in the broadcast television industry.