Is there any reference floating around where I can learn more about IPTV? I currently am subscribed with a service and watch via kodi, but I'm lost on a whole bunch of the basics. What are IPTV emulators? EPGs? m3u8's? Magbox's? How do resellers vs providers work? Just a ton of info out there that I can't seem to find in a nice tidy package and I'd really like to learn more about these services.
It's very frustrating looking for IPTV information online because most sites are full of the same marketing speak and hype words that the kodi promoters are using and it's just awful.
resellers vs providers - the people who obtain the tv channels from satellite boxes and cable boxes sell their streams to IPTV providers. The 'originators' of the channels often will not see directly to the public.
IPTV providers will often purchase from multiple originators to put together a package that they sell. Particularly to provide backup if one originator has problems and also to provide channels from multiple countries. Resellers sell the package that the IPTV providers put together using their own branding and their own pricing, it can cheaper than the IPTV provider or more expensive. This is a simplified representation, there are a multitude of variations.
MAG box (such as MAG 254) - a box that provides an experience very close to that from a cable or satellite box. This is all it does but it does it well.
EPG - Electronic Programme Guide. Provides details of the current and future programmes for each channel.
M3U8 or M3U Playlist - plain text files that describe where media files (tv channels/VOD/etc.) are located.
STB Emulator - similar to a MAG box but a software emulation of a cable/satellite box. Again to give you a similar look and feel.