Looking for the best IPTV service? Read on before choosing.
Gone are the days when viewers had to wait for their favorite movies and TV shows to be aired by broadcasters to watch them; at least as far as internet streaming and IPTV services are concerned.
Today viewers can simply go online and use the above mentioned services to find the content they want when they want it. This is by far the most significant advantage of IPTV over traditional broadcasting.
With more and more consumers now waking up to the benefits of only paying for content that they want to watch, the IPTV scene has blown up with numerous service providers competing for the attention of viewers. This makes identifying and choosing the best IPTV service somewhat of a challenge to the average consumer. Use the information below as a guide to the right service.
What Is IPTV?
Before we look at some of the factors to consider when it comes to choosing the right service provider, let’s first define what IPTV is.
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol TV. Simply put, IPTV sends TV shows to viewers via their standard internet connection. This sets it apart from traditional TV broadcasting, where shows are sent to receivers through radio waves or light signals in fiber optic cables. With traditional broadcasting, viewers have to follow the set airing schedule when it comes to watching TV shows. IPTV on the other hand allows subscribers to watch exactly what they want, when they want, so long as the service provider has the rights to the content.
How IPTV Works
IPTV delivers content to viewers in three different ways. The first is through VOD (Video On Demand); this simply means that viewers watch the videos they want; this is exactly how video streaming services work. The second is through Live IPTV; in this case, viewers watch live shows such as sports matches.
Lastly we have Time Shifted Media. This simply means that viewers can be able to watch previously aired content. A perfect example of this is BBC’s iPlayer. It is however worth noting that the content provided through this method is only available for a limited amount of time.
To watch IPTV you need to have a set top box or smart TV or computer or compatible mobile device. You need this hardware to receive and decode the signal sent through your internet connection.
Now that you understand what IPTV is, and how it works, we can now move ahead to the factors to consider when it comes to choosing the best IPTV service provider.
Channels
IPTV allows consumers to watch what they want when they can. Different service providers offer different channels. As previously stated, reputable service providers can only offer content which they own the rights to.
In most cases, service providers offer different packages, each of which is composed of a specified number of channels. Before choosing an IPTV service provider, it is important for you to go through the list of channels on offer. This will help you identify a provider and package that matches your entertainment needs.
The best service provider should offer a good mix of channels featuring news, sports, TV shows and movies among others.
Customer Support
IPTV is a relatively new concept to many consumers. As such, you are bound to need some help or clarification during the set up stage or with any issues you encounter later down the line. With this in mind, it is important that you opt for a service provider who has invested in value adding and responsive customer support.
Furthermore, the right service should also have a well established online community where customers can access relevant information, share their thoughts and ask questions where necessary.
Subscription Cost
The IPTV service provider you end up choosing should charge a reasonable subscription fee, that’s in line with your budget. Over the years, cable subscription charges have grown exponentially; in most cases, people end up paying for a huge volume of content that they will never watch.
Since there are many service providers, offering different subscription packages at different prices, it is up to you to shop around and match your available budget with a suitable package that has all the features and channels you want.
Reputation
Choosing to only consider experienced service providers that have worked to build a positive reputation among users is the first step to choosing the best IPTV service provider. To learn as much as possible about the reputation of the service providers you are looking at, checkout online testimonials and reviews left by other people using the services.
Availability
IPTV service providers differ in terms of availability/access. Some service providers only offer content from a given country, while others bring together content from a variety of geographical regions. If you wish to watch international content, then you should choose a service that offers the same.
It is also important to note that access to some content may be controlled in some geographical areas. For instance, service providers based outside the US may have limited access to some US shows. As such, be sure to find out whether the services under consideration are subject to any restrictions when it comes to access to your preferred TV content.
If you plan on moving in the near future, find out whether the service you are looking at serves in the region you will be moving to.
Buffering
It is important that you choose an IPTV service that has a strong and healthy download speed. Slow loading times lead to choppy and frustrating streaming. This can quickly turn into a nightmare, as watching your favorite shows takes much longer than necessary.
In the same breath, make sure that the speed of your internet connection is up to par with the capabilities of service you end up choosing.
Featured Apps
If you are looking for a feature rich IPTV experience, then you should pay closer attention to each provider’s list of featured Apps. Take the time to research some of the apps to learn more about what they do, before deciding how important they are to you. These apps can help facilitate engagement with live content or help make it possible for you to enjoy added functionality such as VOD (Video-on-Demand) streaming.
Device Compatibility
As previously stated, viewers can watch IPTV on a variety of devices including, mobile devices, smart TVs and computers. It is however worth noting that not all services support viewing on all these devices. Furthermore, you might want to choose a service that allows you to stream content on a number of devices simultaneously, especially if you have a large family.
Note that some services use apps for streaming while others stream via specific devices. Evaluate your needs and preferences before making your final choice.
Content Quality
For the most satisfying viewer experience, it is essential that you choose a service that streams high quality content. This means that the picture and audio should be of the best quality, at least as per your own standards. Furthermore, features such as subtitles should be available whenever necessary.
You should be able to find out whether the service provider in question offers genuine or bootleg content by simply assessing its quality.
As it stands, the number of IPTV service providers is growing by the day. Average consumers are spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing the perfect service, suited to their diverse needs. Choosing the best IPTV service provider will be much easier with the above considerations in mind.
