Are you eager to know what is IPTV? In this blog, we will take a closer look at what is IPTV, what is IPTV box, how it works & its architecture. We will also discuss the best IPTV devices, the types of IPTV services, the future of IPTV solutions, and everything else you need to know about IPTV! Continue reading
IPTV is one of the most popular forms of content consumption online. There are numerous channels broadcasting content online, and that is made possible by deploying FAST platforms using Playout solutions. Scheduled programming is still very much existing. While it is important to embrace it, delivering an online internet-based scheduled programming solution requires streaming software providers like Muvi Playout.
Before we get into what IPTV is and how it works, let’s make one thing clear here. Users searching for IPTV are simply looking for ways to watch their regular favourite TV channels on the internet, and that can be achieved. Going by the numbers here, while people have started watching content as and when they like, there is still a significant population that prefers otherwise, and that is an untapped market.
The global Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) market size was estimated at USD 68.84 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 200.22 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 16.8% from 2024 to 2030.
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IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. It refers to television content that is delivered over an Internet Protocol (IP) network, rather than through traditional satellite or cable television formats. It can deliver both live and on-demand content.
IPTV allows users to stream different types of media content, such as live TV channels, movies, and videos. The only thing they require is an active Internet connection.
Hence, the viewers can watch their favorite programs on various devices, including TVs, computers, smartphones, and tablets, using apps or software that support IPTV services.
So, in simple terms, we can say that IPTV is a system where digital television service is delivered to the subscriber through Internet protocol technology. You watch your TV shows via the Internet.
So, is it the same as VoD streaming apps like Netflix? No, there is a slight difference.
IPTV is slightly different from digital video that is accessed by millions of users on sites or apps like YouTube or Netflix because it lets you watch live TV shows on different channels. So, it is not limited to one particular platform.
But it has similarities too. It shares quite a bit of the same ubiquitous, pervasive nature. Also unlike standard cable or satellite connection, in IPTV multiple TV sets can use a single subscription within a home.
Streaming is not just restricted to IPTV solutions. IF you’re planning to go into the online streaming market, it has to be with a solution that delivers clout-based Linear TV, which is scheduled programming, and also makes some space for the emerging FAST channels. Muvi Playout is a one-stop software solution that can help you launch your very own internet-driven cloud streaming service, both for linear streaming as well as FAST streaming.
So the question here is, is IPTV enough? Well, the answer is no. Today, what broadcasters want is flexibility in terms of what they are streaming to the audience and how they are doing it. IPTV falls short.
To understand how IPTV is different from traditional TV, let’s compare the traditional mode of viewing TV with IPTV –
| Traditional TV (Cable and Satellite TV) | IPTV |
| Cable and satellite both function by enabling users to “tune in” to specific channels within that signal and the fundamental difference is that cable is via a wired connection whereas satellite is wireless (until it reaches your house, anyway). | IPTV system uses an Internet protocol (IP) based network to deliver TV channels to users’ set-top boxes. Internet networks differ from cable and satellite by offering content through the same client-server model that renders email, websites, and other Internet-based services. |
| A prime example of Cable TV is Time Warner Cable which is delivered via coaxial cable connection and an example of Satellite TV is from providers like DirecTV which is transmitted and delivered to the viewers via radio waves. | As we will see mentioned further in this blog, IP or Internet Protocol is the language that is used for transferring data packets between computers attached to the internet network. And, in IPTV, the consumer requests and receives TV Shows, and Video content is delivered to the viewer via Internet Protocol (IP) based networks instead of cable or satellite. |
| Cable or satellite where content is broadcast in real-time, on a transmit-and-forget model. | The IPTV server has the ability to store the programming on servers at the transmitting end, allowing users to request the content over the Internet at any time. |
IPTV is much more similar to browsing the internet than traditional channel surfing. It merely uses IP (Internet Protocol), a transport protocol that is a delivery mechanism to deliver the videos to the viewer.
When the viewer clicks on any TV program or requests the video, video from different sources (servers) is divided into data packets and sent over the internet. Video servers transmit programs through fiber-optic cable to existing households via an internet connection and requests are sent out and shows are sent back.
Let’s take a look at the IPTV architecture to better understand how IPTV works.
Depending on the network architecture of the service provider, there are two main types of IPTV architecture that can be considered for IPTV deployment: centralized and distributed.
The centralized architecture model is a relatively simple and easy-to-manage solution. Because all media content is stored on centralized servers, it does not require a comprehensive content distribution system.
Centralized architecture is generally good for a network that provides relatively small VOD service deployment, has an adequate core and edge bandwidth, and has an efficient content delivery network (CDN).
Distributed architecture is just as scalable as the centralized model, however, it has bandwidth usage advantages and inherent system management features that are essential for managing a larger server network.
Operators who plan to deploy a relatively large system should, therefore, consider implementing a distributed architecture model right from the start. Distributed architecture requires intelligent and sophisticated content distribution technologies to augment the effective delivery of multimedia content over the service provider’s network.
Broadcast content from Satellites and Local Antennas is received by the central unit. The central unit is where live TV channels and AV sources are encoded, encrypted, and delivered in the form of IP multicast streams.
The Central unit will also contain the Advertising Servers, Live TV Streaming Servers, Video on Demand (VOD) servers & platform, and is where on-demand video assets are stored and served as IP unicast streams when a user makes a request. The VOD platform may sometimes be located with and considered part of, the IPTV’s central unit.
The requested videos and TV Channels are delivered to the viewer via the delivery network which consists of a robust internet uplink via Fiber Optics from the IPTV broadcaster’s end.
The viewer will receive this signal at their end via their local or preferred internet service provider which can vary from a range of options like broadband, fiber optics, DSL, etc..
Every system has its pros and cons, and IPTV is not an exception. It has a lot of benefits for the users, let’s take a look at some of them first.
In short, IPTV works best in those areas which have good internet connectivity. So, if you have a stable internet and HDMI-enabled TV that can connect to Wifi (if needed), then you should definitely go for it.
We are slowly transitioning into a global community of content-consuming people. What it means is that content is no longer restricted by language or the region of broadcast. A person in Asia can watch American Football, and an American can surely enjoy Korean dramas thanks to the internet. IPTV, being largely a telecom operator-based entity, fails to deliver content at an international level. There are questions of its legality as well.
So what does a broadcaster actually want? The answer is viewership. Viewership can scale only if the content goes global, and OTT is the way to achieve it, along with Playout for scheduled programming requirements.
OTT lets you stream your content all over the world, and platforms like Muvi One provide solutions that help you monetize your streaming with ease. Additionally, if scheduled programming is your area of focus, why not simply go for playout solutions that offer a much-improved streaming experience for the user and flexibility for the operator?
| Aspect | IPTV | Playout |
| Purpose | Delivery of TV content over IP networks to viewers | Preparing and scheduling content into a TV channel feed |
| End User | Viewers / Subscribers | Broadcasters, TV operators |
| Layer in Workflow | Distribution Layer (last mile) | Content Preparation Layer (before distribution) |
| Content Type | Live TV, VoD, Catch-up TV | Linear channels, scheduled programming |
| Technology Focus | Streaming protocols, CDN, middleware, apps | Automation, scheduling, ad insertion, graphics |
| Example in Use | Watching Star Sports via the IPTV app | Star Sports’ backend system scheduling cricket match + ads into one linear feed |
Playout is an enhanced streaming software solution for scheduled programming. It comes with a huge list of features that make it an ideal choice if you’re looking for a software solution that can resolve all scheduled programming tech requirements.
Streaming is a thriving business and a large chunk of it comes form the internet. If your content has to reach the masses it has to be via the internet and what a service provider like you need is the ability to reach audience via the internet. Muvi with 2 of its major offerings can deliver you exactly that.
Today content is streamed not just on TVs but a plethora of platforms starting with mobile devices, tablets, laptops and what not. Muvi One can deploy your content securely across all of them. Yes, you heard it right!
With support to 14+ ecosystems and a robust content management and deployment architecture, Muvi One can take your idea to the global audience without you having to write a single line of code.
Features of Muvi One OTT Builder
The list is actually quite long. Why not simply try Muvi One today? Get a free 14-day trial now.
We get it. Scheduled programming is not dead and is still preferred amongst many audiences and regions. If you are looking to start your own cloud-based linear TV or FAST channels and need a platform to manage the backend, Muvi Playout is all you will ever need.
Muvi Playout as a broadcast playout software solution helps you seamlessly manage your content, expand revenue streams, and grab global markets. With features like its unique drag and drop style EPG, you can create broadcast-level scheduling with minimum time and maximum efficiency.
Get a free 14-day trial today
An IPTV, or Internet Protocol TV lets you access video and audio content from the internet. It is powered by an IPTV Box, which is a special Set-Top Box that can access the internet. So, the IPTV box decodes the data received from the internet and plays it on your TV screen.
A linear TV cannot access content from the internet. But, an IPTV can access content from the internet.
In traditional television, which basically means satellite television, lets you watch content being broadcasted over satellite TV channels. But an IPTV lets you access content from the internet and stream them on your TV screens.
The different types of IPTV services are:
With the massive growth of IPTV services like Roku Channel, Tubi, and Pluto TV, it is evident that they are going to capture the market of linear TV in the near future. More than 35% of people are already using TVs for streaming online content.
Yes, IPTV services are available in most countries nowadays.
Based on our review, the following are the best IPTV service providers:
An IPTV box is a set-top box that can interpret the internet protocol signals and convert them into a format that is readable by your TV.
Not really. You can connect with an IPTV without any VPN too! However, we do recommend you use a VPN so that you can stream all the local content more securely.
Roku is one of the most popular examples of IPTV providers, especially in the North American region.
IPTV GitHub is a collection of 8000+ Free Live and publicly available IPTV channels from all across the globe.
Written by: Debarpita Banerjee
Debarpita is a Content Writer with Muvi. With around 2 years of experience in content creation, she has worked across industries like SaaS, EdTech, eLearning, AR-VR, and Metaverse. She believes in delivering content that can be of some value to the readers. In her free time, she likes to try her hand at website and app development.
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