What is IPTV and how does it work?

IPTV meaning

IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. Instead of receiving channels over the air, by cable or by satellite, your screen receives them as data packets over your internet connection. You can watch live TV and, depending on the service, catch-up and video on demand (VOD).

How does IPTV work?

1. The provider encodes channels as digital video streams on its servers.
2. Your internet connection (fibre, cable, VDSL or 5G) carries those streams to your home.
3. A player app (on smart TV, box, phone…) decodes the stream and displays it with a programme guide (EPG).

There's "operator IPTV", bundled with your broadband and a set-top box, and OTT IPTV (over-the-top), which works over any internet connection. IPTV Suisse Abo is an OTT service, so you keep your current internet provider.

IPTV vs cable vs satellite

Go further with our IPTV vs Swisscom TV and cable comparison.

What do I need for IPTV?

• Internet: 10 Mbit/s for HD, 25 Mbit/s for 4K.
• A device: smart TV, Android TV box, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, computer, phone or tablet.
• An IPTV player app: IPTV Smarters Pro, TiviMate, GSE Smart IPTV, VLC…
• An IPTV subscription from a provider that holds the rights. See our pricing.

Pros and cons of IPTV

Pros

• No dish or coax cable
• TV on every screen at home
• Modern TV guide and favourites
• Usually far cheaper than cable

Cons

• Needs a stable connection: on weak Wi-Fi the picture may stutter
• Quality depends on the provider. Choose a legal service with real support.