Quick answer
What does IPTV stand for?
Internet Protocol Television.
How does IPTV work?
A provider receives TV channels, encodes them into digital streams and sends them from its servers to your device over the internet. Your IPTV app downloads the stream a few seconds ahead and plays it, much like Netflix or BBC iPlayer.
What do you need to watch IPTV?
Three things: a broadband connection of at least 15 Mbps, a device such as a Firestick, Smart TV, phone or computer, and an IPTV subscription that provides the channels and an app to play them.
IPTV vs Sky, cable and Freeview
Satellite and cable need a dish or a line installed and usually a long contract. Freeview is free but limited to basic channels. IPTV needs no installation, works on any screen in the house and combines live TV, sport and films in one service.
Types of IPTV
Live IPTV streams channels as they are broadcast. Video on demand lets you pick films and series at any time. Catch-up or time-shifted TV lets you watch programmes that have already aired.