Recently, a computer protocol known as IPTV has been created. Later, it will replace traditional television transmission protocols. Having said that, what is IPTV really, what are its advantages and features? Zoom on the operation of an IPTV box.
Definition of IPTV
IPTV or Internet Protocol TeleVision is a method of television transmission that uses the Internet to function. In order to better understand this new concept, it is wiser to give a little reminder about conventional transmission protocols, which therefore do not use IPTV. It is possible to intercept this flow with an iptv box.
In general, the transmissions of the television channels are carried out from the satellite or hertzian systems in order to allow the broadcasting of the programs. Each subscriber having a TV, an antenna and a decoder can therefore receive a signal at home via the microwave or satellite network.
The classic process shows a great shortcoming, however, because the viewer cannot control what he is watching. To follow broadcasts, subscribers will have to refer to channels which plan daily programs in advance with already very precise schedules. Which is not the case with IPTV.
Indeed, in addition to operating via the Internet, it allows users to choose their own programs. In other words, they are free to follow what they want, when they want. You should know that IPTV is not just limited to platforms like Netflix, YouTube, etc.
How does IPTV work?
The main purpose of IPTV is to access television on demand. When the viewer searches for a program on the Internet, he receives the signal corresponding to his request. Since data traffic occurs over the Internet, the use of a satellite dish or other antennae to receive broadcasts. On the other hand, the user must have an ISP or Internet Service Provider as well as a connection. That said, it can still use a satellite TV signal receiver, combine or alternate their use, although these are two completely independent concepts.
How to view IPTV?
One of the strengths of IPTV is that it can be displayed on various media in the form of software or hardware such as web browsers, set-top boxes or even smart TVs.
Online on the web
Unlike some television transmission protocols, abonnement IPTV is compatible with Google Chrome, Opera, Safari, Mozilla Firefox or Microsoft Edge. Its use is quite simple. You can do this by subscribing to an IPTV service provider and connecting to the streaming URL. Thus, it is possible to access the various programs, to make their choice and to watch them for free.
However, for a good online IPTV experience on the web, it is essential to have a powerful device without it being a pro gaming PC. The speed of the Internet connection must also be excellent otherwise you may encounter bugs while watching your programs.
Via digital television
Obviously, to watch TV programs, you need a TV set. And IPTV is not lacking in this condition. However, it should be noted that only smart TVs can receive programs broadcast via IPTV. Otherwise, it is possible to connect a computer to the TV via HDMI.
In order to enjoy IPTV on a smart TV, you need to download and install an IPTV application upstream. The choice of the latter is quite wide depending on the geographical location. To find them, there are online libraries. Regarding the configuration and the operating mode, they depend from one model to another.
Using an IPTV box
An IPTV box is also an alternative to benefit from IPTV. It is a device generally running Android, identical to a decoder for receiving IPTV signals. So all you need is a good internet connection.
However, the IPTV box is quite practical since it has several additional features, including:
- recording favorite shows to follow them later
- internet browsing
- reading various removable media
- webradio
The strengths and weaknesses of IPTV
Comme mentionné plus haut, l’IPTV est assez pratique et offre de nombreux avantages :
- simple and easy setup and does not require cable installation.
- The user can fully control what they watch
- It is possible to pause the program and rewind or advance the viewing
- works on multiple platforms
- An excellent quality / price ratio
Like everything else, IPTV also has some drawbacks, such as legal problems associated with its use, transmission bugs due to the overload of central servers. TV programs are also unavailable without a broadband internet connection, etc.
The legality of offers on the Internet
There are two categories of IPTV Premium services namely legal and illegal. Legal IPTV services are therefore those that comply with the rules in force and have the rights to broadcast multimedia content on the web. In order to have access to these services, in general, the subscription is chargeable.
As for illegal IPTV services, they do not have any authorization whatsoever. The retransmission of the programs of television channels is carried out without their authorization. The use of these services is liable to sanctions by HADOPI or the High Authority for the Dissemination of Works and the Protection of Rights on the Internet.
