WHAT IS IPTV?
IPTV means Internet Protocol Television
The delivery of television content over the web instead of via satellite or cable. This technology allows you to stream media continuously from an online source and enjoy a show with minimal disturbance.
IPTV services give you access to multiple TV channels through your internet connection. Most such services charge a monthly subscription fee, while a few are free. The paid ones are often more affordable than traditional cable subscriptions. Better off, they enable you to stream videos on your schedule instead of the schedule set by the cable provider.
Some IPTV services let you stream live content similar to how it works on cable. For instance, you can stream sporting events directly to your PC or mobile phone.
Types of IPTV services
These IPTV services let you stream real-time events, often sport matches, speeches, or award shows. The live content broadcasts over the web, and you can watch it on any device connected to the internet, including your smartphone. Compare this to cable, where you can only stream to a TV set.
Video-on-demand services let you access videos without the constraints of a broadcasting schedule. You get a library of content that you can watch at any time. You can stream movies, documentaries, reality shows, and other types of content exactly when you want. Your favorite shows will adjust to your schedule instead of yours adjusting to the shows.
TV-on-demand services let you watch movies or shows individually instead of a recurring subscription granting you access to a library of content. Here, you’ll have to pay for each piece you want to watch, making it seem less enticing than video-on-demand.
Precautions when using IPTV platforms
1. Use a VPN
A virtual private network (VPN) service helps you stay private online by hiding your true IP address and creating an encrypted connection between your device and your internet service provider.
For instance, you can be in Brazil and browse using an IP address in the US. If there’s any legal requirement for your ISP to provide the IP addresses of users who watched pirated content online, they won’t be able to identify your true IP address. Instead, they’ll only pinpoint the IP address offered by your VPN provider, which doesn’t tie to your real identity.
Furthermore, a VPN lets you access content restricted in your region. You can switch between IP addresses of different countries to watch content available in those regions but unavailable in yours.
Use of VPN may also allow use of your internet connection without throttling by your ISP.