OAP new to the IPTV world, have Mini PC with windows 10 installed, thinking of installing a IPTV stream to it. 1 Which is the easiest way to have IPTV streamed? as far as understand on a Pc there are 4 options, Kodi, VLC, PleX and Web browser. 2 How and why is a VPN required? 3 How reliable are the IPTV providers? 4 What sort of package should I aim for? i.e. monthly, quarterly etc.
Any help or advice gratefully recieved
Just to add one more bit of complexity - you could always run an STB (set top box) emulator on your windows machine, you just have to use bluestacks (an android emulator for windows). This means you would be running an emulator inside of an emulator, but it works great! I use it all the time on my windows machines.
You could be up and running today with a test subscription - install bluestacks (shareware - if you're OK with ads periodically it's completely free) then once bluestacks is installed open and launch google play store and download "stb emu" (again free version). Then find yourself a good reseller that will offer you a day or two trial and test it out. The advantage of using stb emu instead of Kodi or VLC is so you can take advantage of timeshifted shows and VOD.
You could also use perfect player if you wanted.
Make sure to read up on the reviews
Other users said it and I'm gonna say it again, buy an STB. Don't use Kodi for IPTV, save yourself the hassle. You will get all intended features using an STB, not to mention the sic AF remote that comes with the T1 and T1+
There's perfect player and progtv for windows, give it a try as well.