Once we used to speak using the cable telephones. Then, we moved to select an IPTV Service Provider to use phones that only could help you with texts and calls and also gave you the chance to play games like Snake. Slowly, we got smartphones that opened up a whole new world with just the touch of our fingers.
You see technology keeps developing and making the world an easier place. Right now, you may still be using the traditional cable network for television. But, there is another similar service on the rise offering much more than the traditional Television network does.
This is the IPTV services we are talking about. Apparently, you get the television services and with it much more through the IPTV service. The main difference is that IPTV offers you services through the Internet.
You have to first know what an IPTV service is before moving on to selecting an IPTV service provider. So, let’s figure out everything we can for now about the IPTV services that you are probably about to get.
What Exactly is an IPTV Service?
As mentioned, it is a television service provided to you using the Internet. However, it is not any television service. You do not just wait all day for your favorite program or miss your favorite program when you are busy. This is a service that takes away the disadvantages of a traditional TV service. Here are the things it offers:
- The traditional channels yet more: An IPTV service does not take away the usual things television does for you. What it does it provide you with all that just by adding more to it. You get to access the ordinary and premium channels both through an IPTV service.
- On-Demand Services: Video on Demand (VOD) is a popular service that IPTV service that usually makes people just go for it. Through this feature, you get exactly what you want to watch right when you want it. There is usually a collection of movies and TV-series that you can access using the VOD service. You just have to select it.
- Live Streams: IPTV services also feature live streams. The problem with live streams is that you may miss the show because you were busy. But, IPTV services have a solution for that as well. In fact, it lets you record shows. Thus, you can not only stream live TV online but also record it for later use.
- EPG ( Electronic Program Guide): Yes, IPTV sure does offer a lot of helpful features but all these would have been meaningless if you could not get to use them easily. The EPG service of the IPTV services lets you play, pause, resume, stop, record, etc the various shows. You are not bound by any time constraint. Everything is available to you.
- Play on any device: While traditional Television services are meant to be played on the television only, you get a different kind of flexibility with IPTV services. Apparently, you have the choice to play the media on any device you want- it can be your television or it can be your smartphone. Whichever you are comfortable with.
How to select an IPTV Service Provider: The Guide
Now when you buy products there is a hard and fast rule about how you have to select. But, when it comes to services like this- it can get quite confusing. Therefore, this guide is for you to know about the concerns you ought to have.
1) The device you will be using the service on
As mentioned earlier, with an IPTV service you can enjoy whatever you get on a number of different devices. You may have a television with a huge screen in your living room or a smartphone of great quality. Then again, each of these devices come with their own shortcomings.
For example, you may find it a bit difficult to navigate on a television set. Again, the screen of the smartphone will not provide you with the best display. However, the smartphone will make navigation very easy while the television will make the display great.
In these cases, you can opt for an android TV box. What these boxes do is connect the service to your television. You can navigate using the box. As a result, all the problems get solved but yes, you have to pay to get these problems solved.
Now, the catch is- not all service providers provide service that is compatible with all devices. So, if you already have a device at home or in mind then you better check that the service provider you are starting to like is compatible with your device or not. Or else, all those services will go down a black screen that does nothing for you.
2) The Selection of Channels
What are you getting the IPTV service for? To stream media. Now, not all media will suit your tastes. You will never like all the channels there are.
However, you should like most of the channels that your IPTV service provider provides you with. Well, IPTV service providers do not always provide the same kinds of channels or the same number of it. Different service providers provide a different selection of channels.
If you are a sports fan then you should look for the channels that you would normally watch. Again, if you watch movies and series more then you have to look for channels that not only show these but also show the ones that are your type of movies and series.
Apart from that, you get to watch both ordinary and premium TV channels. Usually, these IPTV services provide 15000+ channels for you to choose from.
3) The kind of services the service provider provides
Well, you already know what IPTV services are capable of doing. However, the bad news is that not all IPTV services do what one IPTV service can do. What we mean is that some do not offer you with live streams, some cut out the sports section, etc.
Therefore, determine what you want- TV channels? Movies on demand? TV-series on demand? Live Streams? Whatever it is, pin it down. Then, look for an IPTV service that offers the service.
However, there is another thing you have to consider in this case. Make sure you check the range of the service that they offer. Sometimes you may not know what to watch and you may not want to watch what you always watch. In these cases, if you choose the right range and right content then you can explore and find something that really feeds your soul.
4) The location you reside in
IPTV service providers have many limitations. One is location. One IPTV service provider does not serve worldwide. But, in your particular location, there may be multiple service providers at work. What you have to do is choose the one that serves the best way in your location.
The actual concern is the content they are capable of providing. Apparently, there are restrictions in certain regions about the channels that can be broadcast there. Therefore, check these restrictions out so that you know what you can get and what you cannot.
Again, there are certain rules the service providers follow themselves. Beware of them because some may restrict you from getting what you exactly want and others may provide you with exactly what you want while restricting things that do not even matter to you.
5) The Speed of the media
The common problem when you are using the Internet is the lack of speed, buffering, loading, etc. Now, if it is the fault of your Internet service provider then that’s a different issue. But, when everything else is going on smoothly but your IPTV service is taking a break- it’s your IPTV service that has a problem.
This has everything to do with the IPTV service provider’s network and server. Firstly, the IPTV service provider should have a server that rarely goes down. Secondly, the speed of the server should be good enough for high-quality streaming. Thirdly, the IPTV server should have enough space for all the services it provides.
Apparently, they are not capable of maintaining unlimited content. Above all that, the IPTV service provider should have a proper maintenance schedule. Or else, you will be hit with the “No-network” messages when you need the IPTV service most.
Apart from that, check out the IPTV description. Most of the good ones say “99.99% Uptime”. While some services do fluctuate from this score, it is best to choose one that mentions it. Never forget to read the reviews to find out if the IPTV service provider actually maintains such a good uptime and speed or not.
Sadly, there are not many good ways to figure out if the IPTV service provider speed is good enough or not. It is mostly the reviews you have to rely on. The trial period is never long enough for you to figure out the technical issues.
6) The Interface
One of the main reasons that people tend to use IPTV services is that it is easy to use. Now, what makes it easy for you? The user-friendly interface. Now, this interface varies too from one service provider to the other.
Apparently, it is the EPG- Electronic Program Guide that makes things easier. And, the various service providers use the many different ones. Thus, you have to check out the format of this guide. Does it let you select what you want to select easily?
Then, does it let you do everything you want to do? Like play, pause, record, etc. After determining all these, you have to choose one that either you like or that you can get used to.
7) The Trial Period you get
Pretty much all IPTV service providers offer you a free trial period. This is for you to find out if the particular service provider is for you or not. Now, the main thing you have to check in this case is the channel selection.
Some service providers give a month trial period, others a week, and many just a day. It is not very possible to judge all the sides of the service within such a short time. However, what you must do is check out the channels because that is mainly how you have to utilize the trial period.
Also, this gives you the opportunity to check out the interface as well. How you get to navigate through the various content and how they are really arranged. Depending on all these you either subscribe to the service you do not- no pressure.
It is very much like dating before taking the relationship to a new level.
8) Problems people usually face
You need to know whether the speed will be good enough or not. In fact, you need to know what other problems you may face. You have to decide if those problems are something you can deal with or not.
But, how do you know all these? From reviews! Or through word of mouth. You have to listen to other people or read other people’s comments to see what could become an issue for you. This way you can get yourself ready for the battle. More importantly, you can decide if the battle is for you to fight.
9) VPN Compatibility
No, you do not really need a VPN to access the IPTV services. However, a VPN can help in many ways. Especially, if there is a lot of restriction in your area or for your service provider- VPN can help you access the content you have been meaning to access.
Other than that, it also helps you keep your identity hidden. Well, this is nothing much but it protects you from intruders or hackers. That is why in case you have a hunch that you may need VPN then it is best if you check that the service provider is compatible with VPN use.
10) The Packages
You will get to choose from a number of package options. Firstly, the trial period option is there. Secondly, you may get to choose from weekly packages, monthly ones or even semi-annual and annual ones.
The longer time period ones will cost you less as they work as a bundle. You know with higher risk comes higher return? That is the principle they follow when it comes to price.
The price range is usually very similar for all the different service providers. Therefore, you do not have to worry about it all much. Just choose the time period wisely.
11) The Method of Payment
Usually, if you subscribe online you can pay through your Credit Card, Paypal, etc. However, there are certain service providers that do not accept all kinds of payment formats. This is why you have to check that the methods of payment the service provider uses are suitable for you.
12) Customer Service
When you visit the website or description section of any IPTV service provider, you will see one common thing. That is- “24/7 Service”. What does it mean?
You know what it means. In fact, it means that no matter when you face trouble, be it midnight, dawn or weekend, you can contact the customer service to get their support. Now, people do not always stick to what they say.
This is why you have to check the reviews again. You have to see if they are true to their words and if the customers have been responded to.
By now, you should know very well that network failures and a number of other problems are quite common for services like IPTV services. But, it is the customer service and their will to fix your problem that often makes the biggest difference.
How to get your very own IPTV service?
The steps are luckily much simpler than the considerations you have to take when choosing an IPTV service provider. Let us check the steps out.
1. Check out the various IPTV Service Provider sites
You can start by looking for the ones that are available in your area. Then, go to each of the sites and check out what they offer. The first thing you should check out is device compatibility. Because you probably have a device you plan to use the service on.
Then, check the reviews and come to a decision. Which IPTV service are you going to subscribe to? Well, that is what this whole article is about so going make us proud.
2. Subscribe to the service
You will find that the next steps are quite clearly given on the site. You will firstly have to click on the subscribe button. Then, you have to give them all the information they ask for- the payment information is the most crucial one.
Even when you are going for a free trial period- the payment information is something you must provide. You can always unsubscribe after the trial period if you are no longer interested.
3. Provide your device with the M3U link
This is the most crucial step that connects your device with the IPTV service. Apparently, when you complete the subscription steps, the service provider will send you an M3U link. You have to set this link in your device to access the IPTV services.
It may be your android box you are using or you could just download an app that offers the IPTV services. Then, you go to the settings and find where to put this M3U link. Once you do, you can start streaming the IPTV media content.
How to tell if the IPTV service is legal?
While it may come to you as a surprise, IPTV service is not illegal itself but how people use it can make it quite illegal. Apparently, people often do the act of streaming piracy, violating the owner’s right, and more. These activities are illegal but the service itself is not.
With time these acts are being considered more seriously and punishments are being arranged. People often are tracked down and banned from using the services and even the Internet. Then, people are also taken to court and fined.
Now, how do you know if the service you are using is legal or not? There are a few ways.
- Illegal IPTV services are usually anonymous. You will either see a weird name or find no name at all. So, one of the ways of determining if the IPTV service is illegal is checking its name. And, also looking for it in the legal IPTV service list.
- The Illegal IPTV services do not have the proper media publishing rights. This is something you can check out on their sites. Other than that, Area 51 is a famous name in the illegal IPTV services list. The name speaks for itself, doesn’t it?
Use VPN with your IPTV Service
Yes, it is not absolutely necessary but it is surely better if you do use a VPN. Because you see you can not only use the illegal IPTV services accidentally but there can be others trying to take information from you. VPN is something that keeps you anonymous and hides your information.
So, you get the protection you need. So, look for a good VPN service and an IPTV service provider that is compatible.
In conclusion
IPTV service is not really a huge deal but it can really change the look of your leisure time. What matters more is the availability of many of them. You will surely get confused when choosing because most of them offer the same kind of features.
But, what makes a difference is what exactly do you want? Depending on that look for channels and features that fulfil your desires. And, then take a look at the price.
This way your leisure time will be like never before. Full of comfort and fun.
Disclaimer: IPTVAdviser.com does not verify the legality or security of any add-ons, apps or services mentioned on this site. Also, we do not promote, host or link to copyright-protected streams. We highly discourage piracy and strictly advise our readers to avoid it at all costs. Any mention of free streaming on our site is purely meant for copyright-free content that is available in the public domain.
Disclosure: IPTVAdviser.com is a reader-supported blog. When you buy a product(Hardware, device, accessories, or VPN, we’re not affiliated with any IPTV service or app) through links on our site, we may earn a commission.
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