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What is IPTV? The Ultimate Guide to Internet Television in 2024

Updated December 18, 2024 | 15 min read

Smart TV with modern IPTV streaming interface

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is revolutionizing how millions of Americans watch television. With access to over 40,000 channels and 160,000 movies and series from any device, IPTV represents the future of entertainment and the ultimate cord-cutting solution. 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 optimize 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.

Table of Contents:

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 antennas.

Unlike traditional television that broadcasts programs linearly at fixed times, IPTV offers unprecedented flexibility. You can watch your shows live, access video on demand (VOD) catalogs, or even restart a program from the beginning thanks to catch-up TV features.

This technology has seen exponential growth in the USA in recent years. According to estimates, over 10 million American 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 Program 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 while benefiting from a massive catalog of movies and series to watch whenever you want. This versatility explains the growing success of premium IPTV services in the USA.

How does IPTV work technically?

Understanding the technical workings of IPTV will help you optimize 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, cable networks, or directly from broadcasters. These streams are then encoded into optimized 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 movie, 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.

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Different 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 (Verizon FiOS, AT&T U-verse) offer a form of IPTV. However, their offering is often limited and expensive, especially when adding premium sports packages.

Independent Premium IPTV services

Specialist providers like IPTV SMARTERS offer much larger catalogs with channels from around the world. These services typically provide:

  • Thousands of international channels (sports, movies, documentaries, kids)
  • All premium sports channels (ESPN, Fox Sports, NBC Sports) to watch NFL, NBA and MLB games
  • A massive VOD catalog with recent movies 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 cutting the cord and switching to 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 $150 per month in the USA. A premium IPTV subscription often offers more content for a fraction of the price, sometimes from just $34.99 for 6 months.

2. Total flexibility

Watch your programs on your TV, smartphone, tablet or computer. Traveling or at home, your content follows you everywhere. Check out our guide to set up IPTV on your Smart TV.

3. Massive catalog

While a cable bundle offers a few hundred channels, IPTV can offer over 40,000, covering every country and genre 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 movies and series, from the latest blockbusters to cinema classics, all included in your subscription. Explore our library of movies 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 technician 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 Program Guide (EPG), cloud DVR, 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 channels40,000+200-500500-1000
Movies/Series VOD160,000+LimitedLimited
Max quality4K Ultra HDFull HD4K (limited)
Average monthly price$6-15$80-180$50-100
Multi-deviceYesNoLimited
InstallationSimple (app)TechnicianDish

Read our detailed IPTV vs Cable comparison

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 programs:

Smart TV

Connected televisions from Samsung, LG, Sony, Vizio 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, Roku, or numerous Android boxes offer excellent performance for IPTV. They transform any TV into a complete media center. Learn how to install IPTV on Fire Stick.

Smartphones and tablets

IPTV apps for iOS and Android allow you to watch your programs on the go. Perfect 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 USA?

Faced with the multitude of offers available, here are the essential criteria for making the right choice:

1. Service quality and stability

Prioritize providers with high-performance servers and a good reputation. Frequent buffering ruins the experience, especially during live sports events like NFL games.

2. Channel catalog

Check that the service offers the channels you're interested in: sports (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL), movies, 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+ movies and series VOD
  • Quality up to 4K Ultra HD
  • Compatible with all devices
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 24h free trial with no commitment
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Frequently asked questions about IPTV

Is IPTV legal in the USA?

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 USA.

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 fiber 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 US channels from any country, ideal for expats or travelers.

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 cord-cutters every day in the USA.

Whether you want to watch NFL and NBA games, 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 cut the cord? Discover IPTV SMARTERS offers and enjoy 24 hours free trial to form your own opinion. You can also contact us with any questions.

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