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What’s IPTV? EVERYTHING you can do, and what channel lists are
IPTV: what it is, EVERYTHING you can do, and what channel lists are
Let's explain what IPTV is and its advantages and disadvantages compared to Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming services. It is a method used by some service providers to allow access to their online TV package, with extra features like live program rewinding.
We'll also mention IPTV channel lists or M3U lists, a subworld created around this technology to access certain channels through specific applications. However, it lacks the quality and features offered by official services.
What is IPTV
Literally, IPTV stands for Internet Protocol TV, or Television over Internet Protocol. In other words, it's IP Television, a way to transmit TV over the Internet using a method different from conventional streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO, among others. In Spain, some providers like Movistar use it to offer their TV channels.
Traditionally, TV channels have broadcasted their transmissions through antennas, satellites, or cables. However, both digital terrestrial and satellite channels simultaneously stream their broadcasts live or on demand, using protocols different from those commonly used on the web.
What IPTV does is create a private and direct network between the service provider offering the channels and the user. This allows you to receive these channels without connecting to the internet, provided your router or decoder is turned on. Channels are transmitted on demand, and the provider reserves part of your bandwidth for IPTV. If you have 100 Mbps, for example, IPTV might be allocated around 30 or 40 Mbps, leaving the rest for your regular internet usage.
Dedicating specific bandwidth for reception ensures maximum quality in transmissions and enables the reception of more TV channels. It also ensures that to legally access channel packages, you have to subscribe to the service.
The video of the channels is compressed using special software and sent to the IP address of the requesting client. As a user, you need a special decoder to receive the signal, decompress it, and decode it to view it clearly. Service provider receivers often have additional features, such as program recording or local storage.
Advantages and disadvantages compared to OTT services
When it comes to TV channels, Over-The-Top (OTT) services are those we know as streaming TV, like Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, or HBO. In some cases, a provider like Movistar offers both its IPTV service and an OTT version like Movistar+ Lite.
OTT services are not tied to any TV or telephone service provider. While OTT services broadcast their signal openly, and anyone can register and access their content, accessing IPTV channels requires more than just registration. You need a decoder to receive, decompress, and decode the signal.
OTT services don't have reserved bandwidth. This means that reception quality may depend on the available bandwidth, and if you're using your connection for a bandwidth-intensive task, the streaming quality might suffer. This is not an issue for IPTV, as having reserved bandwidth ensures sufficient signal for the best image quality.
Another advantage of IPTV lies in the decoders, offering extra functions not available in OTT services. You can usually record several days of programming or rewind a live program because it's a personalized broadcast. Additionally, you can easily purchase content such as movies that are available before their release on streaming services.
As for disadvantages, relying on a provider for a receiver can be a clear drawback. IPTV services are often more expensive or included in bundles, and having IPTV means you won't be able to fully utilize your internet bandwidth, as a percentage is dedicated to channel reception.
Another significant disadvantage is that IPTV is delivered directly to your home, while other streaming services are accessible from anywhere through their official mobile applications.
What are IPTV channel lists
One reason IPTV is popular is not necessarily because people seek to subscribe to this type of television, but because there are ways to access many of these channels without needing a provider through so-called "IPTV lists" or "M3U lists."
These lists store addresses for accessing IPTV channel broadcasts through remote IP addresses. They typically use the M3U format, as well as others like M3U8 or W3U, hence the name "M3U lists." Various programs, including Kodi or VLC, and more specific ones like Wiseplay, can play these lists.
With these lists, you usually can't access the content sent by providers to their customers. Instead, you can access free IPTV channels, other channels not broadcasting on the internet, or even paid lists allowing access to different channels without a decoder, directly from your mobile.
However, these lists are not always a secure method to consume this type of television. For one, these lists may sometimes be used as bait to compromise your security, hosted on pages with various types of malware waiting to be installed on your computer.
Sometimes, they may also be illegal broadcasts where an IPTV user is recoding and transmitting the signal they receive. These broadcasts have no guarantee of quality or durability, and operators may pursue them, potentially causing interruptions. Hence, if they are paid, it's advisable not to take the risk.
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