How IPTV works
With IPTV, video is sent as data over the internet, the same way a web page or a video call is. A provider makes streams available from its servers, and an app on your device, called a player, requests them and plays them on your screen.
Because everything travels over your internet connection, you do not need a dish, a decoder from a cable company or an aerial socket. A compatible device and a stable connection are enough.
What you need at home
- A compatible device: a Smart TV, an Android TV or Google TV box, a Fire TV, an Apple TV, a phone, a tablet or a computer.
- An IPTV player app installed on that device.
- A stable broadband connection. As a rough guide, streaming services commonly recommend about 5 Mbit/s for HD and 15 to 25 Mbit/s for 4K, per screen.
- An active subscription, or a trial, from a provider.
IPTV compared with cable and satellite
Cable and satellite use dedicated networks and equipment. IPTV uses the internet connection you already have, so it works on more of your screens and does not need installation work.
The trade-off is that picture quality depends on your connection. A wired connection or good Wi-Fi gives the most stable result; a congested network can cause buffering.
How to choose an IPTV service
- Clear prices and durations, with the number of devices stated for each plan.
- A way to try the service on your own device before paying.
- Real contact details and support that answers.
- Plain terms explaining what is included and how activation works.
General information, reviewed by the Streamovas team. Player menus change between versions, so the exact wording on your screen may differ.