IPTV allows a user to stream content they want to watch along with the ability to bargain shop for the best prices.
It is a good option when you are looking for specific content such as sports, movies, TV shows, and much more.
Using the name IPTV is generic since it covers so much in the way of streaming from online sources.
The first step with any IPTV setup is to find a reliable service provider for the content you are looking for.
For example, to get Filipino or Spanish TV channels you would need to find a good IPTV provider that streams this content.
The same for other things such as sports, if sports is what you are looking for, first find the IPTV provider that is streaming the content you are looking for.
Keep in mind IPTV providers have gotten a bad name as there have been many fly-by-night companies that stop streaming leaving the customer with no streams.
For this reason, unless you know they are a good provider don’t spend too much upfront and only pay monthly.
There are many free options available also but these rarely last for long and go down quickly.
IPTV Set Top Box Streaming Hardware Options
- Use a Computer
- Use an Android TV BOX
- Dedicated IPTV boxes
Using a laptop or desktop computer is a good way to stream IPTV content.
The only real downside is they can be large and unsightly sitting next to a TV if you wanted to watch your shows on a big screen TV.
This can be a good option since most everyone has a computer there is no need to go out and but new equipment.
Also a PC especially newer ones can pack in a lot of hardware that makes streaming no problem along with a familiar operating system.
There are many software packages to stream IPTV with a computer such as VLC media player which is a popular free option.
Android TV has taken over many people’s TVs as the source for streaming video content.
There are many boxes available from cheap to top-end units that also can do gaming such as the Nvidia Shield.
In the past using an Android TV required using software such as STB emulator but most IPTV services will now have an Android app.
STB emulator can still be used but it is much simpler to find services with an app.
Most dedicated IPTV setup boxes use Android based boxes so if you already have one it likely just needs to be setup.
If you already have an Android TV box definitely use it has even low-end android TV boxes should be able to stream IPTV sources.
There are also many dedicated set top boxes that come ready to run with popular options being the Mag 250 / 254 boxes.
The Mag boxes are the original way to stream IPTV content and are still the go-to boxes for many.
Mag boxes run Android OS and are set up to stream content from an IPTV service provider.
Buying a Mag box may be the best option if you have limited technical knowledge, although with the many YouTube videos and how-to articles most should be able to setup one up themselves.
Summary
The above are options for streaming IPTV video content into your home over the internet.
If you are just starting out with IPTV than I would suggest using hardware you already have such as an old computer or Android TV box.
There will be some technicality but with the many guides online shouldn’t be too much of an issue for most.
Everything comes down to what is the best option for you to stream video content into your home, often what works for one person doesn’t work for another.
One person will have no problems with a large computer next to there TV while another will want a nice box that fits neatly in place.
If you do decide to buy a box be sure to read the reviews on Amazon, forums, or other sources to be sure it is the right fit for you.
My service provider is bankrupted and I have no more service. On my tv the message says to contact my service provider ??? What can I do to set-up my IPTV box?