What Is IPTV and How Does It Work?
A simple guide to IPTV in the UK: how it works, what you need and how it compares to traditional TV.
IPTV in one sentence
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers live TV channels, films and series over your internet connection instead of an aerial, satellite dish or cable. If you can stream a video online, you can watch IPTV.
How IPTV works
Your IPTV provider sends TV channels as data streams over the internet. An IPTV player app on your device receives those streams and plays them, just like any other video app. You log in once with your details (Server URL, Username and Password, or an M3U link) and the app loads the full channel list and TV guide.
- Live TV: channels broadcast in real time.
- Video on demand (VOD): films and series you can start whenever you like.
- Catch-up: rewatch programmes from the last few days on supported channels.
What you need
- An internet connection (10 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K)
- A compatible device: Smart TV, Firestick, Android box, phone, tablet or PC
- An IPTV player app
- An IPTV subscription
IPTV vs traditional TV
With IPTV there is no installation, no engineer visit and no long contract. You can watch on several devices, take your subscription with you when you travel and pay once for the period you choose.
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