IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. Instead of receiving channels through a satellite dish or a cable line, you receive them over your internet connection. If you have ever watched a live broadcast inside an app on your TV or phone, you have already used the same idea.

How IPTV works

A traditional broadcaster sends every channel to your home at once and your box picks one. IPTV works the other way round: your device asks for the one stream you want, and only that stream is sent to you. That is why IPTV can offer large channel line-ups and on-demand libraries without special wiring.

There are three main kinds of content:

• Live TV – channels broadcast in real time, such as news, sport and entertainment.
• Video on demand (VOD) – films and series you start whenever you like.
• Catch-up TV – programmes that have already aired and stay available for a limited time.

What you need to get started

• A stable internet connection. As a general guide, allow about 10 Mbps for HD and about 25 Mbps for 4K on each screen that is playing.
• A compatible device. Smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Android TV boxes, phones, tablets and computers all work.
• A player app. This is the app that loads your channel list and programme guide.
• A subscription. Your provider gives you the login details the app needs.

Useful terms

• EPG – the Electronic Programme Guide, an on-screen schedule of what is on now and next.
• M3U – a playlist link that lists your channels.
• Xtream Codes login – a username, password and server address. Most apps accept this instead of an M3U link.
• Connections – how many devices can watch at the same moment on one subscription.

How to choose a plan

Start with how many screens will be watching at the same time, because that decides whether you need one connection or two. Then think about length: longer plans cost less per month, while a one-month plan is a low-risk way to try the service on your own devices and connection first.

It is also worth checking that the provider offers support you can actually reach, a programme guide, and a clear refund policy.

Next steps

Ready to try it? Have a look at our plans and pricing, or contact us if you would like help choosing.

Looking for a quick overview of plans and prices? See our Smart4K IPTV guide for Canada and the USA.