IPTV — Internet Protocol Television — is TV delivered over the internet instead of through a satellite dish, aerial or cable. If you've ever watched a channel inside an app, you've already used it.
How IPTV works
An internet protocol television service encodes each channel into a digital stream and sends it over IP networks — the same technology that carries websites and video calls. An app on your device (the IPTV player) receives that IPTV stream, decodes it and shows it on screen.
The three types of IPTV content
- Live TV — channels broadcast in real time, just like traditional television.
- Video on demand (VOD) — movies and series you can start whenever you want.
- Catch-up / time-shift — rewind to shows that aired earlier.
What you need to watch IPTV
- An internet connection — 20 Mbps for HD, 30 Mbps+ for 4K.
- A device: Smart TV, streaming stick, Android box, phone, tablet or computer.
- An IPTV player app such as IPTV Smarters Pro or TiviMate.
- An IPTV subscription that gives you a login or playlist.
IPTV vs cable and satellite
Cable and satellite need dedicated hardware and usually a long contract. IPTV streaming runs on devices you already own, moves with you between rooms and countries, and plans can be as short as one month. The trade-off: picture quality depends on your internet, so a stable line matters.
IPTV terms you'll hear
- M3U playlist — a link containing the list of channels. See our IPTV playlist guide.
- Xtream Codes — a login made of server URL, username and password.
- EPG — electronic programme guide showing what's on.
- IPTV player — the app that plays the streams. Compare them in the best IPTV player.
Ready to try it? Follow our setup guide or browse IPTV Headend plans.
