IPTV provides telecommunication operators the opportunity to better serve the video market and better compete with the industry transition to HD (High Definition) and unicast video (e.g. Video on Demand), both creating challenges to the existing CATV (Cable TV) and SAT (Satellite) providers. One of the main challenges in IPTV is the line rate of the access lines, which is predominantly ADSL.OptiBand will focus on optimizing the bandwidth of IPTV for the delivery of multiple HD streams over a single ADSL line, and by that enabling multiple HD channels per household.OptiBand will conduct in-depth research and development regarding the efficient distribution of video content using smart data drop algorithm within the telecommunication aggregation networks, while preserving quality of experience according to both objective and subjective metrics.While preserving existing IPTV networks models and leaving existing infrastructures intact, OptiBand will introduce innovative technology of encoding, streaming and transporting of video content from head-end sites, through the entire IPTV network, down to the home networks.The consortium will conduct design, development, integration and demonstration of the video content data dropping algorithm. The video content data dropping algorithm technology will be introduced through simulations, lab integration and trial by real IPTV users in Telecom Italy.In the global economy environment, cost optimization and investment protection are mandatory requirements for any business decision. Therefore, leveraging the European and worldwide existing ADSL deployments and providing seamless integration to existing solutions and encryption schemes are keys to the success of OptiBand.OptiBand consortium gathers leading operator, vendors and research entities in order to consider the entire IPTV network, including economical aspects, of delivering premium video content over existing installed base.