My TV viewing habits were set by satellite and cable TV 20 years ago. No matter the broadcast schedule, I could not watch what was being broadcasted. I had to make plans to watch a show that I missed or stay up until the very last minute to catch a rerun.
Twenty years later, with faster internet speeds, I have been freed from the constraints of scheduled programming. This “liberation” has led to the well-known phrase “cord-cutting,” which refers to switching from satellite and cable TV broadcast to IPTV.
What is IPTV, and how does it work?
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a method of delivering TV programming over the internet. Unlike traditional television, IPTV allows two-way interaction between the user (and the TV provider). Users can select what and when they want it to be viewed via Video on Demand (VOD).
Traditional TV broadcasts content live, while IPTV stores broadcast content on servers. The content stored on the servers can be transcoded into digital format and sent via the internet to the user. Once the packets arrive at the user’s place, they are recorded in a format their TV can read.
A set-top box can be connected to the TV via HDMI cables or AV cables if the TV cannot transcode the digital format. The set-top box converts the digital format into a code and sends it to the TV.
IPTV Categories
The following content formats can be broadly categorized as IPTV:
- Time-Shifted TV
This allows viewers to view previously broadcasted content, such as conferences and sports events. The IPTV provider will usually remove this content after a few days. - Live IPTV
Live TV allows streaming live television broadcasts directly to the user. This is very popular for sporting events, historical occasions, and even live breaking news. - Video on Demand
Video on Demand is simply accessing an extensive library of video content, which users can request to be viewed at their leisure. It works in the same way as other OTT providers like Netflix and Hulu.
Conclusion
IPTV has seen steady growth since the early 2000s and shows no sign of slowing down. As internet speeds and latency improve due to technological developments such as 5G, IPTV will become more widespread.
Best IPTV Streaming Site
Get your IPTV subscription now on CTVN. It is the best IPTV provider in America, Canada, and the UK.
Online TV streaming is available. You can also stream various sports streams like MLB streams, NFL streams, and streaming NBA Live.
