What Is IPTV (Internet Protocol Television)?

Just a few years ago, televised content could only reach our homes through an antenna, satellite, or cable provider. But these days, consumers get TV programming differently. Many users choose to get their shows and movies on devices via the Internet, which is achieved with the help of IPTV services. In this article, learn what IPTV is, how it works, and how to choose the service that works best for you.

What is IPTV?

IPTV, or Internet Protocol television, is a service that delivers television content over Internet Protocol networks rather than through traditional cable TV, broadcast TV, or satellite signals. It's essentially TV over IP.

From a viewer's perspective, it means accessing multiple TV channels using your Internet connection. IPTV services let you watch live programs from various devices like smartphones, PCs, and smart TVs.

The inception of IPTV has transformed the way viewers consume TV programming. Its flexibility has broken the constraints of time and location; you're no longer tied to specific schedules or locations to watch your favorite shows.

Some IPTV services charge a monthly subscription fee, while others are free to use. The paid ones are relatively more affordable than high-priced cable subscriptions. Most paid IPTV services offer live TV channels. You can stream sporting events like NFL games directly to your laptop or smartphone.

IPTV service providers often facilitate these services. In reality, many enterprises use their existing IP networks to distribute internal video content.

How IPTV works

IPTV delivers television content through the Internet. The live content broadcasts over the web and you can watch it on Internet-connected devices.

The content relies on a managed network, like a local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), or dedicated network. These are all based on IP networks. Unlike a public network, a privately managed network gives the provider more control over the video traffic. The IPTV method incorporates servers for content storage, which grants users the freedom to watch programs whenever they want as long as the provider supports this feature.

In IP television delivery, content transfers over IP networks through a unicast method. This method ensures that each user receives a separate stream of content from the server. Unicast is used for on-demand content.

A graphic showing IPTV devices

IPTV services primarily utilize IP multicasting with IGMP (Internet Group Management Protocol) for live television broadcasts. The technology is also used in conjunction with RSTP (Real-Time Streaming Protocol) to deliver on-demand programs like movies, TV shows, or recorded programs in real time.

Steps to the IPTV content delivery process

The content delivery process can be summarized in a few steps:

  1. The user makes a request. You can select a program on your IPTV app.
  2. Communication with the provider occurs. The request travels through your Internet connection to the IPTV provider's servers.
  3. The content is delivered. The provider locates the requested program and transmits it as data packets over the Internet. Specific protocols, like Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), help with efficient delivery.
  4. Your device decodes the data and plays it back. Your device receives the data packets and decodes them using an IPTV box or app. The decoded information is then displayed on your screen as a video stream.

Internet Protocol television providers rely on robust Internet infrastructure, often utilizing fiber-optic cables. Content can be delivered as live broadcasts or on-demand for later viewing.

Types of IPTV services

IPTV is not limited to just transmitting classic TV shows. It encompasses a wide range of services, from Video on Demand to live TV.

Video on demand (VoD)

Video on demand (VOD) is one of the most recognizable forms of Internet Protocol television. As its name intuitively implies, VOD is the content that viewers, subscribers, or customers can watch whenever it suits them.

It empowers users to take control of their content consumption. Well-known examples of IPTV and VOD in action include popular services like Netflix and Hulu. These platforms offer subscribers an extensive library of movies and TV programs for a recurring monthly fee.

Live IPTV

Live IPTV streaming is exactly what it sounds like: watching live television programming in real time. It functions in the same way as traditional broadcast television does; the only difference is that Internet Protocol television is delivered online instead of through traditional cable TV channels.

One popular use of live IPTV is watching sporting events. This method is convenient because it enables people to stream a game on their devices as it occurs. Live IPTV examples include Fox Sports Go, Hulu Live TV, and Sling TV.

Time-shifted TV

If you miss an episode of a show and want to catch up on it at a later date, you'd typically use time-shifted IPTV. It allows users to replay shows from the beginning.

The difference between time-shifted IP television and VOD is the longevity of the content. Time-shifted media offers content that is only available for a limited period after it airs on TV. Once this period expires, the content will no longer be accessible for viewing. In contrast, VOD provides access to a library of content that users can watch at any time, regardless of when it originally aired.

How to watch IPTV on your actual TV

Not everyone owns a smart TV, but that doesn't limit you from watching live television on your own schedule. However, if you want to watch Internet Protocol television on your TV set, then you need to do one of the following:

  • Upgrade to a smart TV. Smart TVs are designed to stream content directly via the Internet. This means that users can access IPTV channels without additional devices. Smart TVs come pre-equipped with the necessary software and capabilities for IPTV streaming.
  • Purchase a set-top box. If you have a regular TV, you need a device that can convert the IPTV streaming signals into a format that your TV can understand and display. Examples of these devices include Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire Stick, or USB dongle sticks like Google Chromecast.

Components of an at-home IPTV system

The typical components of an at-home Internet Protocol television system for those without a smart TV include a wireless Internet connection, a router, and a set-top box or USB dongle stick.

  • A wireless Internet connection is required to stream IPTV content into your TV. It allows for the seamless transmission of TV channels and shows over the Internet.
  • A router is necessary to connect your home network to the Internet. This router will then connect to your set-top box, which will receive the IPTV signals and convert them into a format suitable for your TV.
  • A set-top box or USB dongle stick is necessary for converting the IPTV signals into TV-friendly ones that your television can display. It acts as the intermediary between your Internet connection and your TV, thus allowing you access to a variety of channels.
  • Other digital devices can access IPTV content.

Advantages and disadvantages of IPTV

IPTV services have several advantages compared to other streaming technologies. They provide access to a vast array of live TV channels and on-demand content from around the world. They also provide high-quality, high-definition content delivery that offers a superior viewing experience to some other methods.

Additionally, with Internet Protocol television, users have the flexibility to watch content on multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. It requires no additional physical infrastructure, making it highly cost-effective compared to traditional cable TV services. Users can also create their viewing schedule.

On the other hand, Internet Protocol television only thrives on a strong and stable Internet connection. Any form of packet loss or latency can significantly impact the viewing experience. Legacy networks, particularly those relying on older copper cable infrastructure, may struggle to deliver the high bandwidth necessary for Internet Protocol television, resulting in limited channel selection and lower video resolution.

The Internet Protocol television industry is growing fast. Services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV offer a mix of live TV channels, on-demand content, and time-shifted capabilities to cater to diverse entertainment preferences.

Other large companies, such as Google, Netflix, and Microsoft, offer video streaming services to their users via smart TV sets.

How to choose an IPTV service

If you think you might want to use an Internet Protocol television service, then keep these factors in mind.

  • The quality of the content library. The service should offer a diverse range of channels catering to your interests. This includes local channels, international options, sports networks, and genre-specific channels.
  • Legal concerns. While legitimate IPTV services exist with subscription fees, some providers offer illegal access to copyrighted material. Be cautious of free services, because they might offer unreliable streams.
  • The pricing and packages. Compare the pricing plans and packages offered by different providers. Then, you can find the best plan for you - one that delivers the best content selection for an affordable price.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a VPN with IPTV?

Yes, because there are precautions when using IPTV platforms. A VPN can potentially unblock geo-restricted IPTV content and enhance privacy.

What is an IPTV box?

An Internet Protocol television box is a type of set-top box that decodes IP signals and converts them into an audio and video format that your TV can understand.

Internet Protocol television has risen in popularity primarily because online content consumption is at an all-time high. IPTV offers an unparalleled level of convenience, which most viewers expect in today's on-demand age. Telecommunications companies have also improved their offerings to meet consumer demands.

What does IPTV stand for?

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol television.