From the industrial era to our contemporary world, television (TV) has continually reinvented itself. It has progressed along with the various developments in electronics and communication technologies.

So, does this mean that the future of television is already with us? Popularly known as IPTV, it is one of the newest iterations of traditional home screens. With the Internet connection, IPTV is the next step in home entertainment.

IPTV allows you to choose the type of programming you want at a time that is convenient for you. Whether it's classic programs such as soap operas, news or information programs, IPTV gives you the flexibility to match your preferences.

What is IPTV, and how exactly does it work?

IPTV stands for "Internet Protocol Television". Users receive television broadcasts over the internet instead of using satellite dishes, fiber optic cables or antennas. In other words, IPTV broadcasts video content and programs directly over the Internet.

While IPTV content delivery differs from OTT services like Netflix or online video platforms like YouTube, it shares most of their advantages. For example, IPTV allows users to watch content on demand, thanks to cloud technology and the servers on which it stores content.

After a user selects a program they would like to watch, that content is changed to digital format and transmitted to their playback device via Internet Protocol. The content in question will be optimized and compressed for streaming before it reaches the end users.

What are IPTV devices?

The devices come in many forms and are connected to your television. From "sticks" to set-top boxes, they enable streaming through your TV. These devices are usually connected to the TV via AV cables, HDMI, or even a Wi-Fi connection for newer models.

If you opt for IPTV streaming from your PC or smartphone, you don't need a set-top box or stick because computers and smartphones can already decode the data received via the Internet Protocol. On the other hand, if you have an application like Kodi installed on your PC, all you need to do is integrate a Kodi IPTV add-on and enjoy tens of thousands of live channels, movies, TV shows and radio stations.

Types of IPTV formats

As mentioned above, IPTV offers different video formats and additional services that go beyond watching traditional TV shows. Here are three content formats that most IPTV services offer:

Video on Demand (VoD) - IPTV VoD works the same way as most OTT providers: users access a vast library of videos at will after paying a subscription fee.
Live TV - Like traditional TV, live IPTV allows users to stream TV shows in real time. Live TV is mainly used to broadcast live events such as conferences, sporting events, etc.
Catch-up TV - This service allows users to watch previously broadcast TV programs at a later date.

Key benefits of IPTV

  • Cost-effective entertainment option - Using your existing IP network, PCs and TVs, without the need for an over-the-air signal distribution system or a separate satellite, significantly reduces costs and offers a better return on investment.
  • Flexibility and scalability - IPTV allows you to add new video and TV sources and users anywhere there is an Internet connection, without degrading the picture.
  • Enhanced security - Any Internet access to streaming programs can be blocked at the firewall for increased security and regulatory compliance.
  • Rapid deployment - IPTV's ease of management and scalability allows for rapid deployment of new video, TV and broadband services as needs and preferences change.
  • Extended access control - Controlling content by group or user also enhances security and regulatory compliance.
  • Streaming content from anywhere - IPTV allows mobile users to keep up with the latest events, news, and favorite shows, no matter where they are.
  • A commercial-free experience - Many people hate commercials, so being able to quickly scroll through or skip them is a significant quality of life improvement.

Where to get an IPTV subscription?

There are many IPTV providers on the market today. Just Google "IPTV subscription" to find dozens of the best IPTV providers. However, before you buy an IPTV subscription, make sure you use the trial version to establish its viability. Also, make sure the subscription offers all your favorite channels.

Is IPTV the future of television?

Today, people have less time to spend on traditional TV and the demand for personalized content is skyrocketing. That's why it's becoming necessary in today's world to take advantage of the flexibility that IPTV offers. And with online video platforms providing on-demand content at an all-time high, the traditional TV industry must find a way to compete. Fortunately, IPTV has proven to be the perfect practical solution!