What is IPTV & How Does It Work?
In today’s digital world, television is crucial for home entertainment. Since various TV services are available, choosing one according to our requirements is essential. OTT apps like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO are highly popular, but some still prefer traditional cable TV subscriptions. Both options can be expensive, making IPTV an increasingly attractive and affordable choice. Now, you may be wondering, what is IPTV? Let’s take a deeper look at IPTV together, exploring its features and benefits in the ever-evolving landscape of home entertainment.
What is IPTV?
IPTV, short for Internet Protocol Television, represents a modern service that delivers television programming and video content over the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite. This is very different from traditional methods such as broadcast television, cable or satellite signals.
IPTV services are typically provided by service providers who deliver live television programming and on-demand video content over IP networks. Some companies use IPTV systems for internal distribution of video content. However, these implementations are much less common than subscription-based models due to complexity, network latency, and scaling issues.
IPTV is unique in its ability to deliver live TV programming through a variety of channels, making it more versatile than major OTT platforms. However, it shares similarities with these streaming giants in that it also boasts ubiquity and widespread accessibility. Additionally, unlike traditional cable or satellite connections, IPTV allows multiple TVs in a home to share a single subscription.
How Does IPTV Function?
IPTV relies on broadband connectivity, with fiber optic broadband being preferred for its always-on connection, high speeds and minimal downtime, thereby enhancing the entertainment experience. While traditional TV transmits analog signals over cables, IPTV uses a managed, private Internet network. Unlike the live delivery of content in traditional TV, IPTV includes servers to store the content and gives users the freedom to watch programs at their convenience (provided their IPTV provider supports this feature).
The content delivery process is simple and can be summarized into a few steps:
1. The user requests a specific program and the IPTV provider receives the request.
2. The IPTV provider handles the request and transmits the video stream from its server to the end user.
3. The content stream is transmitted to the user-side gateway through a secure private network.
4. Content is delivered to the playback device in packets via the Real-Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP), optimizing seamless playback.
Exploring IPTV Varieties
IPTV comes in three distinct varieties :
1. Video on Demand : With this option, you can visit the streaming service website, select the movie or TV show you want, pay and enjoy the content at your leisure. This model is known for its flexibility, as many IPTV providers now offer on-demand services to compete with popular OTT streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
2. Time Shifting : Time shifting IPTV is all about scheduling so that you can enjoy content at your preferred time. You can rewatch old content for a limited time (usually a few days) and then it disappears. Any older content is considered Video on Demand (VoD).
3. Live TV : This IPTV model broadcasts programs instantly, reflecting the limitations of traditional cable TV. Viewers lack the flexibility to decide when and where to watch. IPTV providers offering live TV include FOX Sports Go, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and CBS Sports HQ.
All these types of IPTV can run on your PC and set-top box or any digital TV. All of these types of IPTV can be used on the public internet or hosted private networks that work in the same way.