Noob here, looking for some information on IPTV services.

by visivopro

Hey everyone

Not sure how active this sub is but I would love for someone to explain IPTV to me like I'm a 5 year old. I'm pretty tech savvy but I am having trouble finding concrete info about the service or subscription area.

I understand what the MAG254 and such set top boxes are but what I do not understand is how the actual services or subscriptions work(mac address and yadda yadda)? What companies should I trust my money with? How do I set one up when I am ready to choose? Are their legit subscriptions vs not so legit subscriptions? What service has the best bang for my buck?

I was over at a clients house the other day and he had one with all the premium movie channels and adult channels and local US channels and everything, about 1000 or more. It was set up for him by a third party so he couldn't really give me much info as he just turns it on and uses it.

Anyhow any help would be great or just point me in the right direction and give me a kick. Thanks a bunch!

Sipde

Start here: http://iptvtalk.org/forum.php There is a lot of good info there.

flipberkheimer

Iptv is Internet Protocol Television, meaning that by utilizing an internet address, a video stream can be procured. There are many programs and devices to facilitate this.

My opinion: Im not a fan of the pre loaded set top boxes like you mentioned. Usually they are way too expensive for services that can be had for free. I run the kodi software on a rasberryPi2. With some googling and reading you can have the same set up as your friend, yet customized for you personally. See r/kodi and r/addons4kodi. Also, I dont trust any of these "providers" as Ive heard too many stories about people losing the service, or the $$, or the provider gets caught by the law, or all of these things. I am very into the gray area tv streams, just not willing to pay for them.