What is IPTV?
Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) is a service that delivers television content, including live channels and on-demand media, over IP networks (the internet) rather than traditional cable or satellite formats. It requires a high-speed internet connection and allows users to stream content on various devices like smart TVs, smartphones, and computers.
Key features of IPTV include:
- Live and On-Demand Content: Users can watch live TV, as well as video-on-demand (VOD).
- Interactive Features: Many services offer catch-up TV, allowing viewers to watch previously aired programs, as well as pausing and rewinding live TV.
- Flexibility: Content can be accessed on multiple devices without the need for traditional set-top boxes, often with better pricing than cable packages.
- Infrastructure: Unlike cable TV, which uses coaxial cables for RF signals, IPTV streams data packets directly to the user’s home network.
Legal IPTV services are often provided by telecommunication companies, such as Bell or Rogers, but there are also many third-party apps available, which can sometimes be unverified and risky.