IPTV may be a term of which you are unfamiliar. However, chances are, you have already used it or even use it regularly.
What is IPTV?
ITPV is a means of watching TV that uses your Internet connection instead of a cable or satellite provider. It stands for “Internet protocol television.” You have probably already heard of VoIP, which means “voice over Internet protocol”, reference What is a VoIP Phone and how it works? [FAQs and Samples]. Essentially, IPTV is very much the same but involves how you watch TV.
When thinking about IPTV, you might consider streaming services like Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime Video. These are a few examples of the services. Unlike a regular cable or satellite TV subscription, IPTV can be used on multiple TVs in a home.
Another difference is that with IPTV, you can choose a show you want to watch anywhere and at any time. It isn’t like cable or satellite TV, where a specific show is airing at a certain time and you can’t simply pick whatever you want to watch during that time frame.
How Does IPTV Work?
IPTV is not like channel surfing as you know it through traditional means. Instead, it is more like browsing the Internet due to an Internet connection being the only requirement for watching TV. It works by a viewer clicking on their choice of a TV show or movie, requesting it through a video that is delivered through a variety of servers and delivered over the Internet.
There are three different types of IPTV formats. They include the following:
- Video on demand (VOD): VOD is the streaming of any video you want whenever you want it. You choose something to watch and it’s delivered to you over the Internet. Examples of VOD include Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
- Time-shifted media: Time-shifted media is essentially on-demand content. This is generally content that broadcast networks allow viewers to catch up on when they have missed shows during the normal day and time they air. This type of IPTV has a limited time for viewing. Most networks allow viewers to watch within a specified amount of time, usually a month, before the content expires.
- Live IPTV: It is also possible to watch shows live through IPTV. This is similar to regular TV. Examples include Hulu Live TV and Sling TV.
IPTV as a Business
As a business, IPTV is only increasing in popularity and usage by the day. More people than ever are choosing to cut the cord and stream their TV content. It is considered a highly secure and reliable means of television entertainment.
Due to its huge demand, more people are starting IPTV business as well. It is a growing field and there is always more demand for streaming content. It can also be a highly lucrative business that gives you the opportunity to gain a loyal customer base.
Generally speaking, anyone is capable of starting IPTV business that can become widely successful. If you have any previous streaming experience, you can very quickly and easily get the hang of things. It could be something as simple as creating a streaming application that is compatible with smart TVs, game consoles, streaming players, smartphones and tablets or a media player that allows customers to view content through your chosen platform.
IPTV is a great option for users who want to watch TV whenever and wherever. It can also be a great business opportunity that can prove lucrative.