System and method for facilitating channel change operations in an Internet Protocol television ("IPTV") system are described. One embodiment is a method of implementing a channel change in an IPTV system comprising a set top box ("STB") connected between a TV and an access network. The method comprises, responsive to a request to view a new channel, the STB sending a control message to the access network to join an IP multicast group pair comprising a normal video stream and a companion video stream for the new channel; and responsive to receipt of the control message, the access network transmitting to the STB the normal video stream and the companion video stream.