What is IPTV? A Complete Guide to Features and Functionality
Have you heard about the term IPTV? Once in a while, there is a chance you might have come across it, but don’t know what IPTV means. Well, if you are also wondering about this, then don’t worry, you are not alone. The term simply means Internet Protocol Television, a method of transmitting television over the internet. So, your next question will be, how does it work? To put it simply, it utilizes your internet connection to bring live TV, movies, and on-demand content all at your fingertips instead of traditional cable and satellite. In this blog, let’s understand all these things in detail.
What is IPTV?
Television has seen a number of technological advancements over the last few decades, with IPTV without a doubt the one that is developing the fastest because it resolves the issue that existed with old cable and satellite systems. Additionally, it displays cutting-edge capabilities like HD and UHD streaming, multi-device access, and content recommendations.
How does IPTV work?
Functioning of IPTV depends upon a combination of internet protocols and server-based technologies to disseminate video content. Here are the main components of IPTV:
- Acquisition of content
The IPTV service providers collect content from several sources such as TV, network, Studios, etc. Later on, same content is encoded into a digital format compatible with IP networks, making it prepare for internet delivery.
- Servers for storage
After acquisition comes storage, in this stage, the encoded data is stored on robust servers designed and built to manage a large amount of data and stream content effortlessly.
- Content delivery
The moment you select a channel or program; it gets transmitted from the IPTV server to your device with the help of an IP based network. Usually, this happens on the provider’s private system. But it can also take place via the public as well. It can be a private, managed network operated via IPTV service provider who less commonly known as public internet.
- STB or App
More oftenly, the users get access to IPTV services via a dedicated set-top box offered by your IPTV service or through an app on a Smart TV, phones, tablets, and more.
- Display and decoding
The STB or IPTV app decodes the received digital signal over the internet and features it on your television or device.
Different Types of IPTV
Let’s walk through the different types of IPTV, each one with its own advantages.
- Live TV
Similar to cable TV, this allows users to watch live television broadcasts in real time. This is commonly utilized to broadcast live streaming events like dramas and news. Examples of this category include BBC, Hulu Live, and more.
- Video on demand
The functioning of VOD services is in line with your OTT providers, where you just need to subscribe and you are on your way of to getting access vast library comprising videos which you can simply watch at your convenience.
Among the consumers, this format is highly popular due to its flexibility and has led several IPTV service providers to offer either on-demand services in order to compete with famous OTT platforms Netflix, Amazon prime, and more.
- Time-shifted TV
It is also gone by the name catch-up TV lets users to watch previously broadcasted TV shows at a later time. When it comes to the major difference between Time Shifted and VOD is that time shifted allows you to access older content for a limited time, at least for a few days, before it disappears. For this use case, the best example of an IPTV service provider is the BBC.
Benefits of IPTV
Here are some of the major benefits of IPTV in USA:
- Personalized viewing experience
The ability to provide a more personalized and interactive viewing experience is one of IPTV’s main advantages. More freedom and control over whether to pause, rewind, or fast-forward content is available to the user.
- Diverse range of content
The IPTV platform comes packed with Indian IPTV channels, movies, and dramas from different genres. Also, IPTV services grant worldwide access, letting users to stream content from diverse geo locations.
- Cost effectiveness
When you compare traditional cable TV and modern IPTV, the modern IPTV is a more cost-effective platform. As a user only requires to pay for the channels they really wish instead of making payment for a channels package they might not be interested in.
- Easy to use
If you are looking for IPTV in the USA, then you will find various streaming services which is not only simple to operate but can also be accessed from a wide range of devices such as smart phones, tablets, and smart TVs.
Final Thoughts
In the end, we can say IPTV is going to completely transform the way we watch content. The only things nations need to deal with are to simplify their legal complexities, because for an ordinary consumer, it’s a hassle. He/she wants the things simplified, not terrified.