What is IPTV and its Types?

IPTV is a service that makes television programs, channels, and other video content available to its users. The service uses a transmission control protocol suite to transmit and deliver the content to the end user. Unlike traditional transmission services, that make use of antennas, dishes, or fiber optic cables 

Although the delivery of content on YouTube and OTT services like Netflix is also done through the Internet, the delivery of IPTV content differs in many ways. 

For example, users can subscribe to a “video on demand” service through which they can access  their favourite content on demand.

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An IPTV service delivers TV shows and on-demand video content via IP networks. Unlike conventional TV services that make use of cables and satellite signals to transmit data, IPTV transmits data over a private and managed internet network. 

IPTV offers its users access to multiple TV channels, some of which are free and some are available with a monthly subscription plan. Let us know more about the IPTV and its benefits for end users.

How IPTV works

IPTV delivers content over a managed private network that offers network operators more control over the traffic to ensure high quality of service, uptime, and bandwidth to their users. 

In a traditional TV service, all the programs are broadcasted in a multicast format and the viewer selects a program by changing the TV channel. In contrast, an IPTV service sends only a single program in an unicast format to the end user. Only the program or channel selected by the end user is received on their device.

When a user changes channel on his device, the service provider’s server sends a new stream to the user’s device. IPTV requires a broadband connection, WiFi router, and a set-top box. 

Which Devices work with IPTV

You can use an IPTV service on a wide range of devices. IPTV services work on personal computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, internet TV sticks, and boxes. Internet TV sticks like FireStick and Boxes like Fire TV are media players that are very easy to set up and use. 

IPTV services work with the following devices

• Apple TV
• Amazon Fire TV stick
• Roku Streaming Stick
• Now TV smart stick
• Chromecast with Google TV

Video Players

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If you are an Amazon Fire Stick user, you need a video player application to use the IPTV service. Almost all IPTV services require a video player to play the content. Some IPTV applications come with an in-built video player but not all of them. For some applications, users need to install a compatible video player to use the IPTV application. 

For example, Tivimate is an IPTV application that comes with its own video player. Tivimate allows you to access all the IPTV services offered by your service provider. Installing Tivimate on Fire Stick is quite easy and even new users can install it within a few minutes. 

Once installed successfully, users can easily integrate the TiviMate with third-party links to stream their favorite movies and TV shows. 

Types of IPTV Services

Let us know about some of the most popular IPTV services available. 

Video on Demand (VOD)

The VOD service allows users to watch movies and TV programs at any time. Some of the most popular VOD services are paid while some are free. Netflix, Hulum Disney+, and Amazon Prime are the most popular paid VOD services. Peacock, Tubi, Crackle, and Pluto TV are some popular free VOD services. 

Live TV

An IPTV service allows you to watch Live TV events such as sports events and award shows. Live content is broadcasted over the internet instead of conventional cable networks. Sling TV, Hulu Live, and Fox Sports Live are some popular Live TV services available for IPTV users.

TV on Demand

TV on Demand is the service for which users have to pay for individual TV shows and movies. Most of the options allow you to pay for every single episode you wish to watch or pay for the entire season. 

Apple iTunes and Google Play Store are the best examples of TV on Demand services. If you plan to watch multiple movies and TV shows, choosing a Video on Demand IPTV service can be a cost-effective option. 

On the other hand, if you are interested in watching only a couple of TV shows or movies, then the TV on Demand would cost less. 

Summing Up

Choosing an IPTV service for your TV can open the doors to a new world of entertainment. However, you need to choose the right IPTV service provider for your family. Once you plan to have an IPTV service make sure the one you choose offers all the channels you want to watch at affordable prices. 

Another important factor to consider is the customer support that resolves any issues you face such as IPTV not working, downtime, or slow streaming speed. Now as you know much about getting started with IPTV, you can start researching about the services, if you are not already an IPTV user.