Explainers
What Is IPTV? The Best Plain-English Explanation for Canadians
You have probably seen “IPTV” on a friend’s Firestick or in a cord-cutting discussion. So what is IPTV exactly, and how is it different from cable or Netflix? This guide explains it in plain English.
What is IPTV, in one sentence?
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is television delivered over an internet connection instead of through a cable line, a satellite dish, or an antenna.
What is IPTV and how does it work?
- The provider receives TV channels and prepares them as digital streams.
- The streams travel over the internet, the same connection you use for web browsing, to your home.
- A player app on your TV device, phone, or computer connects with your login, shows the channel list and guide, and plays the channel you pick.
Because it uses your internet, IPTV works on almost any screen with the right app: Firestick, smart TVs, Android TV, Apple TV, iPhone, Android, and computers.
The three types of IPTV content
- Live TV: channels streamed as they air, like cable: news, sports, and scheduled shows.
- VOD (Video on Demand): movies and series you start whenever you want.
- Catch-up / timeshift: on some channels, the option to watch programmes that aired in the past few days.
Managed IPTV vs internet IPTV
When people ask what IPTV is, it helps to know there are two kinds:
- Managed IPTV is what telecoms like Bell (Fibe TV), Telus (Optik TV), and SaskTel (maxTV) sell. It runs over their own network to their own box, and you usually need their internet.
- Internet IPTV (sometimes called OTT) runs over any internet connection to an app. Broadcaster apps like CBC Gem work this way, and so do independent IPTV services like iptvvpro.
Both are IPTV; the difference is who controls the network and the equipment.
What you need to watch IPTV
- A stable internet connection: about 10 Mbps per HD stream. See internet speed for IPTV.
- A device: Firestick, smart TV, Android TV box, Apple TV, phone, or computer. See the devices page.
- A player app such as TiviMate or IPTV Smarters. See the best IPTV app guide.
- A subscription login from your provider.
IPTV vs cable vs satellite vs Netflix
| Delivery | Live TV | On demand | Equipment | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cable | Coaxial line | Yes | Some | Rented box |
| Satellite | Dish | Yes | Limited | Dish + receiver |
| Netflix | Internet | No | Yes | Any device |
| IPTV | Internet | Yes | Usually | Your own device |
For detailed comparisons, see IPTV vs cable, satellite vs IPTV, and IPTV vs Netflix.
What is IPTV good at? Pros and cons
Advantages
- Usually much cheaper than cable or satellite.
- No contract, no installer, no rented boxes.
- Works on many devices, at home and away.
- Broad line-ups, including international and French channels.
Things to consider
- Depends on your internet speed and home Wi-Fi.
- Line-ups can change over time.
- Quality varies between providers.
- Legality depends on content licensing. See Is IPTV legal in Canada?
Is IPTV right for you?
If you have a decent internet connection and pay more than a few dollars a month for TV, IPTV is worth a look. Most households set it up in about 10 minutes with the setup guide. Still learning the jargon? The IPTV glossary explains every term, and our IPTV Canada homepage shows how iptvvpro works.