Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is popular among the entertainment freaks. It is used for accessing live TV channels and video-on-demand content from all around the world on the internet. Unlike cable TV services, it lets users stream entertainment content in good streaming quality. For those who are not aware of IPTV, we have provided in-depth details on What IPTV is, how it works, and the things you must do before watching any IPTV service on your streaming device.
What is IPTV?
IPTVs are streaming services that let you access live TV channels in different countries using the internet connection on your device. Both free and premium services are available on the market. It uses advanced features like EPG, TV catch-up, and Anti-Freeze technology to provide the best TV streaming experience. Using IPTVs, users can watch their favorite shows at any time without any schedule.
Who Can Opt for IPTVs?
Nowadays, IPTVs are attractive to many people worldwide. If you are not aware of IPTVs, here is an explanation of who they are meant for.
- Internet Protocol TVs are an excellent platform for movie freaks as they contain a massive collection of the latest movies in multiple languages on their video-on-demand library.
- IPTVs broadcast live sports events from all over the world. So, it gives an opportunity for sports lovers to stream their favorite sports from anywhere.
- IPTV is also an excellent choice for spending your valuable time with your family. In addition, it offers multiple connections so that it can be accessed by each individual and device at home.
- IPTVs are the best option for those who like to watch international shows rather than local shows. They also provide frequent updates on international news.
How Does Internet Protocol Television [IPTV] Work?
Internet Protocol Television delivers its service through a dedicated network, like Digital Subscriber Line connectivity. A private network gives its operators control over the video traffic and, by extension. It also gives the ability to ensure the uptime, bandwidth, reliability, and quality of the service.
Unlike cable TVs, an IPTV service uses a unicast format and sends only a single program at a time. The remaining content will be stored on the Internet Service Providers Network. The content you select will only be sent to your device.
If you change the channel, the new channel will be transmitted to your device directly from the provider’s server. To access an IPTV service, you need a set-top box or other customer premises devices like fiber optic, Wi-Fi router, or broadband internet connection.
Different protocols used by Internet Protocol TV services are mentioned below.
- IP multicasting with Internet Group Management Protocol– IPv4-based live streaming
- Real-Time Streaming Protocol– Video-On-Demand programs
- Multicast Listener Discovery Protocol– IPv6 networks
- Real-Time Messaging Protocol– Common protocol
- Hypertext Transfer Protocol– Common protocol
Types of IPTV Services
Internet Protocol TV services are available in three different types, as mentioned in the list below.
- Live TV – It broadcasts the shows when they are streaming live on the television.
- Video-On-Demand – This IPTV format allows you to go directly to the company’s official website and select the content you wish to watch.
- Time-Shifted TV– It is based on time and helps you watch regular broadcasts at your convenience time.
IPTV Compatible Devices
IPTV services are compatible with most of the streaming devices, from Smartphones to Smart TVs and even gaming consoles. Here are the supported devices of IPTVs.
| Android Smartphones & Tablets | iPhone & iPad | PlayStation |
| Android TV | Apple TV | Xbox |
| Windows PC | Amazon Firestick | Kodi |
| Mac | Samsung Smart TV | MAG Box |
| Linux | LG Smart TV | Fomuler |
| Nvidia Shield | Roku | Enigma2 |
Advantages and Disadvantages of Streaming IPTV Services
All entertainment services have their own advantages and disadvantages. Here are some of the merits and demerits of IPTVs.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| It is easy to set up and access on popular streaming devices. | It needs a standard internet connection to stream live TV and shows. |
| Offers multiple extra connections based on subscription. | This can create legal troubles for the users by providing copy-righted content. |
| It provides an ad-free streaming experience. | It requires a decoder to watch TV channels and shows. |
| Compatible with IPTV players and provides playlists. | The service can be taken down suddenly without any intimation. |
| Ensures buffer-free streaming by using stable servers. | IPTVs may contain some location-specific content that cannot be accessed in your region. |
List of Best Service Providers
Some of the popular IPTVs are listed here. These services provide thousands of live TV channels and Video On Demand content at a reasonable price.
| IPTV Name | No. of Channels | No. of VOD | Price | No. of Connections |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| IPTV Trends | 19,000 | 64,000 | $18.99 | 5 |
| UNO IPTV | 18,000 | 1,00,000 | $15 | 1 |
| Pure IPTV | 13,500 | 89,000 | €10 | 1 |
| Apollo IPTV | 17,000 | 80,000 | $15 | 1 |
| Flash IPTV | 18,900 | 85,000 | $9.99 | 1 |
Importance of IPTV Players
While many IPTVs support in-built media players, there are a number of service providers that require external player support. All those popular choices support file formats, including M3U playlist, Xtream Codecs, MP4, FLV, MKV, etc.
| IPTV Player Name | Price |
|---|---|
| Smart IPTV Player | €5.49 |
| IPTV Smarters Pro | Free |
| GSE Smart IPTV Player | $2.49 |
| XCIPTV Player | Free for 7 Days |
| Set IPTV Player | €15.99 |
Is IPTV Legal?
No. IPTVs are illegal to use. But, we couldn’t conclude that all services are safe to use. There are a lot of service providers available in the market. So, it is hard to check the legality of a service provider. Also, some services don’t share their legal side transparently on their website. There are possibilities for IPTVs to deliver some copyrighted content. Accessing content from such service providers will also cause legal issues for the users.
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Things to Do Before Watching IPTVs
Since it is hard to find the legal side of a service, you must do certain things before watching any service on your streaming device.
Connect a VPN to your Device
You need to connect a VPN to your streaming on your device while watching any service on your device. A VPN lets you surf the online anonymously. It masks your IP address and never lets third parties track your online activity. These services may also contain some geo-restricted content. Using a VPN, you can also stream content that is unavailable in your region by spoofing your IP address.
Use an Ad-Blocker
The free IPTVs work by getting money from ads. The ads shown on their website and app are about crypto investments and games that let cyber attackers easily spread malware functions. So, it is advised to use an ad-blocker on your device to remove unnecessary ads.
Make a Safe Payment
While making payments for the subscriptions to the IPTVs, make sure you use an official payment method like debit and credit cards and cryptocurrencies. Because the unofficial IPTVs may use illegal methods to make payments.
FAQ
Yes, watching content using IPTVs will consume a lot of data.
Yes. You need to use a VPN on your device while streaming any service.
Yes. You can watch live TV channels on IPTVs.
