# IPTV explained

URL: https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-explained/

> IPTV explained simply: live TV delivered over the internet instead of cable or satellite, what you need to watch it, and how it differs from streaming apps.

**IPTV** stands for Internet Protocol Television. It means TV channels delivered through your internet connection rather than through a satellite dish, an aerial or a cable network. You watch with an app on a smart TV, streaming stick, phone or computer.

## What you need

You need | Example | 
An internet connection | 15 Mbps or more for Full HD | 
A device | [Fire TV Stick](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/install-iptv-on-firestick/), Android TV, Samsung or LG TV, iPhone, MAG box | 
A player app | [TiviMate](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/tivimate-iptv-setup/), IPTV Smarters, IBO Player | 
A subscription | Viking IPTV, which sends your login by email | 

The app and the subscription are separate: the app is the remote control and screen, the subscription is the channels.

## How it feels to use

After logging in, you see a channel list grouped by country or theme and a [TV guide](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/epg-tv-guide-explained/) showing what is on now and next. You change channels like on cable. Many players add favourites, search, catch-up on some channels, and recording.

## IPTV vs streaming apps

Netflix-style apps are on-demand: you choose a title and press play. IPTV is mainly **live**: scheduled channels, news, and sport as it happens. Some services include both.

## IPTV vs cable and satellite

Delivered by | Your internet | Cable network or dish | 
Equipment | Any compatible device | Provider's box | 
Contract | Usually prepaid plans | Often long contracts | 
Works abroad | Usually yes | No | 

## Is it legal?

IPTV is a technology, used by many licensed broadcasters and telecom companies. Whether a particular service is legal depends on whether it holds the rights to its channels in your country. Read [is IPTV legal](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/is-iptv-legal-guide/).

Next: [how IPTV works](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/how-iptv-works-explained/) and our [IPTV glossary](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-glossary/).

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## Questions and answers

**What does IPTV mean?**

Internet Protocol Television: TV channels delivered over the internet.

**Do I need a special box for IPTV?**

No. A smart TV app, a streaming stick, a phone or a computer is enough.

**Is IPTV the same as Netflix?**

No. IPTV is mostly live channels; Netflix is on-demand.

## More iptv explained guides

- [M3U playlist explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/m3u-playlist-explained/)
- [Xtream Codes login explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/xtream-codes-login-explained/)
- [EPG: the IPTV TV guide explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/epg-tv-guide-explained/)
- [IPTV catch-up explained](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-catch-up-guide/)
- [Recording IPTV: what works](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-recording-guide/)

[All IPTV Explained guides](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-guides/explained/) · [Every IPTV guide](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/iptv-guides/)

## Sources and official links

- [TiviMate (official site)](https://tivimate.com/)
- [TiviMate on Google Play](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=ar.tvplayer.tv)
- [IBO Player (official site)](https://iboplayer.com/)
- [Amazon Fire TV help](https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GT7SEJC9WHMFWPPV)

**Viking IPTV Editorial Team**

We open every provider site on our list, record what it offers and re-check the whole list regularly. [Our methodology and disclosure](https://blog.vikingiptvofficial.com/about/).