What is IPTV and how does it work?

IPTV or Internet Protocol Television is very similar to using Netflix and YouTube. Your TV signal is delivered via the internet and not via cable or a satellite dish, allowing for a simpler and cleaner TV setup. Since data is streaming over the internet, it’s also easier to access 4K HDR content, and to enable interactive features.

How does IPTV work?

IPTV works much like traditional TV except that the broadcast happens over the internet and not via a dedicated TV transmission network such as cable or satellite. Since the signal is broadcast over the internet, any internet-ready device like a smartphone, smart TV, or tablet can access and view the signal with the right app and credentials.

IPTV vs traditional TV

– Traditional TV is delivered via a coaxial cable (cable TV) or via a satellite directly to a receiver (satellite antenna) in your house.

– IPTV delivers streaming TV channels to your television via your existing internet connection (broadband, Wi-Fi, and mobile data).

IPTV transmission process

– A TV network uploads live shows and events to an authorised IPTV server.

– The raw video data is compressed for transmission.

– Raw data is either transmitted immediately as live TV, or stored on a server for VOD services

– Subscribers sign in via an IPTV provider’s app.

– The IPTV provider will authenticate your request and start transmitting data to your device.

– Almost all smart devices will be able to access IPTV content.

What are the different types of IPTV

Broadly speaking, IPTV is categorised as follows:

1. Live TV: This works like traditional TV where channels are streamed live and you can only watch whatever is streaming at the moment you started watching.

2. Video on Demand (VOD): This is similar to Netflix, Prime Video, and other OTT services. Subscribers are offered a library of content and they can choose to watch anything in the library at any time.

3. Time-shifted TV: This is a mix of VOD and live TV where shows that were broadcast earlier can be watched again at a separate time. However, the windows to watch later might be restricted to a week or two from the original transmission date.

Hybrid versions of the above IPTV types are also available, but are less common.

What are the benefits of IPTV?

– Infrastructure costs come down drastically

– TV content can be made available on demand

– Access to a wider range of content is possible

– Higher quality content is possible

– A wider range of devices can access TV content

– IPTV providers benefit from a more streamlined revenue source

Supported devices

Any device that can decode video and run an app is potentially supported. This includes smartphones, smart TVs, smart set-top boxes, and even your PC.

FAQs

Q. Is IPTV available in India?
Yes. Airtel recently launched its IPTV service across India and several smaller IPTV services are available.

Q. Is IPTV a replacement for cable or satellite TV?
Yes, IPTV can replace traditional TV infrastructure

Q. Are IPTV services expensive?
At this time, no. IPTV providers like Airtel are bundling internet services with IPTV services at little to no increase in cost.

Conclusion

IPTV services are a necessary and welcome evolution of traditional TV services. By streaming content over the internet, IPTV allows for higher quality video transmission at no additional infrastructure cost. Potentially, the cost savings will be passed to users.