What Is IPTV? Definition, How It Works and Key Terms

IPTV explained simply: what it is, how it works, the equipment you need, how it differs from satellite and streaming apps, and the key terms (M3U, Xtream Codes, EPG).

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television: television delivered over the internet. Instead of arriving through a satellite dish or an antenna, channels, catch-up and films are sent as video streams to an app on your screen.

How IPTV works

The provider sends the channels from its servers. Your player app connects to those servers with personal login details, then shows the list of channels and content. Everything travels over your internet connection: its stability matters as much as its speed.

The equipment you need

You need three things: an internet connection (about 25 Mbps of stable speed for 4K), a device that can install an app (Smart TV, Android box, Fire TV Stick, phone or computer) and a subscription that provides the login details. The full list is in our article on IPTV compatible devices.

IPTV, satellite and streaming apps: the differences

Satellite TV needs a dish and a decoder; streaming apps such as Netflix or Showmax deliver their own licensed catalogue in their own app. IPTV is the delivery method itself: channels and on-demand content over the internet to a player app. Many licensed broadcasters use IPTV — legality depends on the content rights, not on the technology.

Key IPTV terms

M3U

An M3U link is a playlist containing all the channels; some players, such as VLC, open it directly.

Xtream Codes API

The most common login method: a server address, a username and a password, entered in the app.

EPG

The EPG (electronic programme guide) shows what is on each channel now and over the next few hours.

What next?

To move from theory to practice, read our guide to comparing IPTV services, then see how IPTV compares with DStv and streaming apps and what our IPTV South Africa service includes.