IPTV is an up-and-coming format to watch all your favorite TV shows, movies, news, and listen to songs. Regular TV users realize the advantages of IPTV and are slowly moving towards this technology.
But it can be pretty confusing if you are new to this. So, we are here to make things simple for you with a beginner’s guide to IPTV. Let’s get started!
What Is IPTV?
IPTV or Internet Protocol Television provides all the services that a regular cable or satellite offers and much more. It delivers the services through Internet Protocol (IP). Hence, you need a good and stable internet connection.
Additionally, it works more like a live TV platform where you can watch anything being broadcast right at that moment. It could be a live football or cricket match, a game, or a reality show.
You can also request a Video On Demand (VOD) where whatever you want to watch will be available to you. This is a much better platform than all the streaming platforms combined because you don’t have to subscribe to all channels.
For instance, you don’t have to take a subscription to Netflix, Hotstar, Hulu, or ABC separately to watch their content. You can directly request it through IPTV, and it’ll play on your TV. However, you need to find some IPTV providers. You can check out this blog to read more about the premium IPTV providers.
What Are The Advantages of IPTV?
IPTV comes with immense advantages. Let’s check out the list:
1. Economical
IPTV is economical since you only have to subscribe to the IPTV app, and the rest will remain free to you.
2. Easy To Access
Setting up IPTV is like setting up a set-top box for your TV. Then you only need to download the IPTV app to watch your favorite show or movie. Hence, the entire process is easy and hassle-free.
What Are The Disadvantages of IPTV?
1. Stable Connection
Getting a stable internet connection is sometimes a bit of a task. At times, your wifi stops working, or the speed slows down, in which case you won’t be able to watch anything properly.
2. Buffering
If you don’t have a good internet connection, expect a lot of buffering. Some users have also reported buffering after every 30 seconds. Moreover, if several people are watching a movie at one time, the buffering problem can arise again.
How To Set Up IPTV?
Weighing all the pros and cons, you might have decided if you want to go for IPTV or stick with your cable connection. If you are inclining towards the former, then this is how you can set up IPTV and watch anything you like at any time.
Step 1: Get an Android TV Box
An Android TV box is already equipped with the necessary connection that the IPTV needs. You should replace the cable box with the Android TV box to avoid all the hassle. Moreover, a standard cable won’t support the IPTV, so you’ll have to get a Smart TV.
Step 2: Install the IPTV App
The next step is to download the IPTV app. You just have to search on Google Play already installed on your TV and download from there.
However, there are certain things that you have to keep in mind while downloading the IPTV app.
Step 3: Geographic Location
The location plays an essential part because it ensures better connectivity. If there is an IPTV connection near your area, always go for that. It will play the things that you are aware of.
If you want to explore, you can also choose a VPN and have access to a variety of channels from all over the world.
Step 4: Compatibility
Not every IPTV app connects well with the Android box. So, you’ll have to search well before you get the app. You can also download the best IPTV apps compatible with every set-top box.
Step 5: Get the Subscription
Your next step is to subscribe to the specific channels. For instance, if you want to listen to music, you can subscribe to the music channel. Similarly, you can subscribe to sports, news, and movies channels too.
Some channels are available for free, whereas others are available at a low price. Both types of channels are reliable so that you can subscribe to any.
Step 6: Establish a Connection
Finally, establish a connection like this:
- Now that you have the subscription to the channel, you will get an m3u link that helps connect the IPTV to the IPTV providers.
- Open the IPTV app and go to the playlist section to enter the URL.
- Click on next and then click on done.
- Your IPTV app is officially installed, and you are ready to explore the services and packages available to you.
Final Thoughts
While many people are comfortable with their regular cable setup, others want to experiment with the new services. IPTV services are not new, but they gradually gain momentum.
We hope this article helped you understand the basics of IPTV and how you can download one to get the best TV experience.