IPTV SMARTERS
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is revolutionising how millions of people in the UK watch television. With access to over 40,000 channels and 160,000 films and series from any device, IPTV represents the future of entertainment. In this comprehensive guide, we explain everything you need to know about this technology that's transforming our viewing habits.
Whether you're a curious beginner or an experienced user looking to optimise your experience, this guide will walk you through step by step. You'll discover how IPTV works, what advantages it offers over traditional cable, and how to choose the best IPTV subscription for your needs.
What exactly is IPTV?
IPTV, or Internet Protocol Television, is a method of delivering television content that uses the Internet rather than traditional infrastructure like coaxial cable, satellite dishes, or terrestrial aerials.
Unlike traditional television that broadcasts programmes linearly at fixed times, IPTV offers unprecedented flexibility. You can watch your shows live, access video on demand (VOD) catalogues, or even restart a programme from the beginning thanks to catch-up TV features.
This technology has seen exponential growth in the UK in recent years. According to estimates, over 3 million British households already use some form of IPTV, whether through telecom providers' set-top boxes or dedicated services like IPTV SMARTERS.
The difference between IPTV and regular streaming
Many people confuse IPTV with streaming platforms like Netflix or Disney+. While both use the Internet, there are fundamental differences:
- IPTV: Broadcasts live TV channels + VOD, simulates traditional TV experience with an Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
- OTT Streaming: Offers only on-demand content, no live channels or linear programming
The major advantage of IPTV is combining the best of both worlds: you keep the experience of channel surfing whilst benefiting from a massive catalogue of films and series to watch whenever you want. This versatility explains the growing success of premium IPTV services in the UK.
How does IPTV work technically?
Understanding the technical workings of IPTV will help you optimise your experience and choose the right equipment. Here are the key steps in the process:
1. Content acquisition and encoding
IPTV providers capture television signals from various sources: satellites (Astra, Sky, Freesat), cable networks, or directly from broadcasters. These streams are then encoded into optimised digital formats like H.264 or the more recent H.265/HEVC which offers exceptional 4K Ultra HD quality.
2. Server storage
Content is stored on powerful servers, often geographically distributed to ensure minimal latency. The best IPTV services use CDNs (Content Delivery Networks) to ensure smooth delivery, even during peak hours.
3. Internet distribution
When you select a channel or film, your device sends a request to the server which transmits the video stream in real-time. This is why a stable Internet connection is essential for a buffer-free experience.
4. Decoding and display
Your device (Smart TV, Android box, Fire Stick, etc.) decodes the stream and displays it on your screen. Modern IPTV apps automatically handle quality adaptation based on your Internet speed.
Ready to discover premium quality IPTV?
IPTV SMARTERS offers you 24 hours free trial to test our 40,000+ channels and 160,000 VOD titles.
Start Free TrialDifferent types of IPTV services
Not all IPTV services are created equal. It's important to understand the different categories to make an informed choice:
Telecom provider IPTV
Set-top boxes from Internet providers (BT, Virgin Media, Sky) offer a form of IPTV. However, their offering is often limited to UK channels and international options require costly add-ons.
Independent Premium IPTV services
Specialist providers like IPTV SMARTERS offer much larger catalogues with channels from around the world. These services typically provide:
- Thousands of international channels (sports, cinema, documentaries, children's)
- All premium sports channels (Sky Sports, BT Sport, TNT Sports) to watch the Premier League and Champions League
- A massive VOD catalogue with recent films and complete series
- Multi-device compatibility
- More competitive prices than traditional bundles
The 8 major advantages of IPTV over traditional TV
Why are millions of people abandoning cable for IPTV? Here are the main reasons, detailed to help you understand this revolution:
1. Substantial savings
A complete cable subscription with sports channels can cost over 100 pounds per month in the UK. A premium IPTV subscription often offers more content for a fraction of the price, sometimes from just 29.99 pounds for 6 months.
2. Total flexibility
Watch your programmes on your TV, smartphone, tablet or computer. Travelling or at home, your content follows you everywhere. Check out our guide to set up IPTV on your Smart TV.
3. Massive catalogue
While a cable bundle offers a few hundred channels, IPTV can offer over 40,000, covering every country and theme imaginable.
4. Superior picture quality
The best IPTV services offer content in Full HD and 4K Ultra HD, often surpassing the quality of traditional satellite broadcasts. Discover how to enjoy 4K quality with IPTV.
5. Integrated video on demand
Access tens of thousands of films and series, from the latest blockbusters to cinema classics, all included in your subscription. Explore our library of films and series VOD.
6. No long-term commitment
Unlike traditional providers who demand 12 to 24 month commitments, most IPTV services offer flexible plans without binding contracts.
7. Simple installation
No engineer or satellite dish needed. An Internet connection and an app are all you need. Follow our tutorial to install IPTV on Fire Stick in minutes.
8. Advanced features
Electronic Programme Guide (EPG), cloud recording, live pause, multilingual subtitles, parental controls... IPTV offers features that cable cannot match.
Comparison table: IPTV vs Cable vs Satellite
| Criteria | Premium IPTV | Cable | Satellite |
|---|---|---|---|
| Number of channels | 40,000+ | 200-500 | 500-1000 |
| Films/Series VOD | 160,000+ | Limited | Limited |
| Max quality | 4K Ultra HD | Full HD | 4K (limited) |
| Average monthly price | 5-15 GBP | 50-120 GBP | 30-80 GBP |
| Multi-device | Yes | No | Limited |
| Installation | Simple (app) | Engineer | Dish |
Which devices are compatible with IPTV?
One of the great advantages of IPTV is its near-universal compatibility. Here are the different devices you can use to enjoy your programmes:
Smart TV
Connected televisions from Samsung, LG, Sony, Philips and other brands natively support IPTV applications. This is the most convenient solution for a big screen experience. Check out our complete guide to set up IPTV on Smart TV.
Android TV boxes and Fire TV Stick
Devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box or numerous generic Android boxes offer excellent performance for IPTV. They transform any TV into a complete media centre. Learn how to install IPTV on Fire Stick.
Smartphones and tablets
IPTV apps for iOS and Android allow you to watch your programmes on the go. Ideal for commutes or travel.
Computers (Windows, Mac, Linux)
Players like VLC, Kodi or dedicated web apps allow access to IPTV from your computer. Check out our guide to the best IPTV players to choose the right software.
How to choose the best IPTV service in the UK?
Faced with the multitude of offers available, here are the essential criteria for making the right choice:
1. Service quality and stability
Prioritise providers with high-performance servers and a good reputation. Frequent buffering ruins the experience, especially during live sports events.
2. Channel catalogue
Check that the service offers the channels you're interested in: sports (Premier League, Champions League, F1), cinema, documentaries, international channels, etc.
3. Video quality
Ensure the service offers HD and ideally 4K to fully enjoy your modern screen.
4. Customer support
Good 24/7 technical support makes all the difference when problems arise. IPTV SMARTERS offers responsive customer support via WhatsApp and email.
5. Trial period
A serious service always offers a free trial period to test before committing. IPTV SMARTERS offers 24 hours free trial.
Why choose IPTV SMARTERS?
- 40,000+ TV channels from around the world
- 160,000+ films and series VOD
- Quality up to 4K Ultra HD
- Compatible with all devices
- 24/7 customer support
- 24h free trial with no commitment
Frequently asked questions about IPTV
Is IPTV legal in the UK?
IPTV as a technology is perfectly legal. What matters is using a service that respects broadcasting rights. Premium IPTV services like IPTV SMARTERS operate within the legal framework. For more details, read our article on IPTV legality in the UK.
What Internet connection do I need for IPTV?
For an optimal HD experience, a minimum connection of 10 Mbps is recommended. For 4K, plan for 25 Mbps or more. A fibre connection offers the best performance. Find all the details in our guide on Internet connection required for IPTV.
Can I use IPTV on multiple devices?
Yes, most IPTV subscriptions allow multi-device usage. With IPTV SMARTERS, you can watch on your TV, smartphone, tablet and computer.
Does IPTV work abroad?
Yes, this is one of the great advantages of IPTV. You can access your UK channels from any country, ideal for expats or travellers.
Conclusion: IPTV, the future of television
IPTV represents a major evolution in how we consume television content. With its advantages in terms of cost, flexibility, choice and quality, it's no wonder this technology is winning new users every day in the UK.
Whether you want to watch Premier League matches, enjoy the latest cinema releases on VOD, or simply have access to thousands of international channels, IPTV offers a complete and economical solution.
Ready to make the leap? Discover IPTV SMARTERS offers and enjoy 24 hours free trial to form your own opinion. You can also contact us with any questions.