How does an IPTV service work?

IPTV is the process of delivering content over an IP-based network that uses the Internet. This content is generally audiovisual, although such networks can be used to send other information, such as program guides. In order for an IPTV service to work, the provider must first prepare, encode, and then distribute the content over its network, typically a user will need a set-top box to watch programs, but increasingly, desktop computers, laptops , tablets and even mobile devices. Phones are used.

There are four main steps that an IPTV service must follow to deliver content to its customers. For most television programs, this will imply that the provider gets the rights of whoever owns the programming, in terms of movies, this may be a studio and, in the case of a sporting event, this may be the official sports body. The rights obtained will generally give the IPTV provider permission to redistribute the programming.

With this content obtained, the provider will have to code it to ensure that only customers who have permission to see it do so. This coding stage is usually carried out after the provider has received the content from a satellite source; Typically this process will also change the format of the schedule to make it suitable for distribution over the IP-based network.

The IPTV service generally uses broadband connections based on existing phones. For this process to be successful, there must be enough bandwidth to deliver the content to the client decoder, otherwise users may have trouble streaming the content. Bandwidth problems are becoming more frequent in countries with legacy telephone systems that are simply unable to carry so much information, in such cases fiber optics are being used to enable faster data rates.

The next element of the service is generally called "middleware". This is essentially the user interface that the client uses and should subsequently provide an easy and simple way to access the desired content. This usually takes the form of an EPG (Electronic Program Guide), but it can also be much more interactive with picture-in-picture or search functionality based on the titles, actors, or categories of the show.

The final piece in the iptv france service puzzle is the set-top box. Ultimately, this is the device that brings content to television, runs middleware, and decodes the information. Ultimately, it must function effectively, not be too expensive, and also robust enough to withstand the wear and tear of a home. Alternatively, there are some services that allow IPTV to be viewed on other devices.