Unsure how this will be received. But there is some form of delusion in this sub about IPTV, mostly n00bs yes. Whether it's from lack of technological knowledge or just believing what some other uninformed fool told you to garner a sale.
Preface:
I am not against or bashing IPTV (legal or otherwise). I think there just needs to be some clarification. The reference point will also be FTA [Free-To-Air]. As the concept is very similar, just minus the hardware reqs that were need for FTA.
Basis:
"IPTV" is LEGAL. As the literal concept of IPTV is just the broadcast or 'delivery', of TV over the Internet. For those from the satellite hacking days, this spans the same ground as FTA. There are legitimately legal channels that are free. IPTV being things like Pluto, that provide "internet" or digital TV for free online / FTA being legal and legit free channels broadcast unencrypted if you had the means to receive those signals (ie: dish, lnb pointed that azimuth, fta receiver).
You have legit 'IPTV' services, while not sold as "IPTV"...Hulu Live, FuboTV, YTTV, Sling, etc..are also technically IPTV. A paid service you pay for that provides you the 'Internet Protocol Television'.
This Sub (/r/IPTV)
IPTV is legal to the extent the content itself is truly provided as such. Whether it's implemented into a platform such as Pluto (IPTV) or it's FTA (Satellite) and the channels are broadcast in an unencrypted format.
Just think even for a second...say you have 2 options. You pay for cable / satellite at $50-$60USD/min-per-month for 'X' amount of channels, that do NOT include Premiums (HBO, SHO, Cinemax, FLIX, etc) much less ESPN+, DAZN, PPVs.
Yet "IPTV Providers" offer you all of this for $5,$6,$9, $15, $20/month. If you can't do that math, you really just don't understand.
VPNs
While this concept will vary to some, to myself there is 0 leeway. VPN 100% of the time (an no, just because IPVanish is advertised on a large of providers [to earn some affiliate monies], doesn't mean they are the best VPN, sure it works, but it's not the only VPN for IPTV). You can research other reputable ones or use them, whatever...this isn't about the VPN provider.
If the IPTV service you are using says you can't use a VPN, don't use them. Yes this may be their best practice because they are trying to prevent abuse of "max" connections, and connecting VPN's make that difficult to monitor with regards to validity.
Yes depending on hardware itself, using a VPN/OpenVPN uses more physical resources on the streaming device (if it's lower end streaming stick, etc) and can effect speeds. Albeit, the speed decrease is still far sufficient to the minimums require for "streaming".
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This is "just the tip". Apologies for any typo's in advance. Jack Daniel's doesn't proof read. But there is plenty of info to digest
There are literally millions of people who are connected to IPTV servers at any one time. The chances of you being targeted and sued is so remote it's almost laughable, especially since suing you as an end user achieves absolutely nothing. Targetting providers, sure, that can have an impact but the reality is you cut off one head and three more pop up (all hail Hydra). The most aggressive thing that can really be done is happening in the UK. ISPs are being told to block "illegal" IPTV services when football is on. This doesn't stop anyone in the UK from using a VPN and watching anyway.
Crap you read on torrentfreak and these other sites are articles bought and paid for by people trying to scare you.
Use a VPN, and don't worry about it.