IPTV: How Does It Work, Cost, Features & More

IPTV, commonly referred to as Internet Protocol Television, is a digital broadcasting technology that delivers television content over the internet. IPTV has many advantages over traditional cable and satellite TV. For instance, it's much cheaper and since the content is delivered over the internet, you can enjoy the service on any device that has an internet connection. This is precisely why IPTV is an excellent option for people who are on the go.

IPTV: Detailed Overview & How Does It Work?

IPTV is more like internet browsing than traditional channel surfing. It uses an internet protocol to make content available for streamers with ease. When a viewer requests a video or clicks on a TV program, video from several sources (servers) is split into data packets and delivered over the internet. Video servers send programs to existing households via internet connection via fiber-optic cable, and requests and shows are returned.

Internet protocol television operates uniquely. The process of broadcasting shows via IPTV is similar to any other online activity, such as sending an email, loading a web page, or downloading a file. When someone downloads a file, the contents of the file do not appear on their device simultaneously. The file separates into thousands of tiny parts known as packets as it downloads.

Each of these packets carries unique data and is adaptable enough to transit via many routes as needed. Packet switching is the method through which all data travels over the internet. The internet provides a hyper-efficient means to transmit things from origin to destination by dividing a piece of information into smaller bits and sending it piece by piece to the end-user.

Benefits of using IPTV

There are a variety of features why you might consider using IPTV. However, the most significant advantage of implementing IPTV is that it can be readily connected to various IP-based devices such as high-speed internet or VoIP. We've outlined some of the considerable benefits of using IPTV in the area below.

• IPTV does not require the usage of a connection cable because it operates on a computer network, whether it is new or old.
• Unlike traditional cable TV, where content is continuously played across a network of cables, IPTV content is only played when requested by the user.
• IPTV allows for streaming both live and pre-recorded video and audio content.
• Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) offers a wealth of options at a reasonable price point when it comes to daily entertainment.
• It's one of the most widely compatible, working with TVs, LCDs, and other displays, and it contributes to the delivery of high-quality digital video.

Now that we have a better understanding of IPTV let's dive straight into the various Indian IPTV service providers and their costs.

Cost of IPTV Services Providers in India

IPTV Service by MTNL

MTNL iControl IPTV is a service that allows MTNL customers to customize their television viewing experience. With its Time Shift capabilities, consumers can stream TV shows whenever they want. This way, your outdated TV can no longer dictate what you watch or when you watch and the days of "appointment TV" are past.

MTNL uses its current broadband network in Delhi and Mumbai to provide this service to its MTNL broadband users. Traditional television broadcast, time-shifted television, video, and music on demand, and video-calling on TV were available when the service first launched. MTNL IPTV packages range from Rs 180 to Rs 400 per month, based on the plan chosen by the customer.

IPTV Service by BSNL

In 2020, BSNL, in collaboration with M/s Cinesoft, introduced an IPTV service in Kerala (IPTV Service Provider). BSNL IPTV services are available to new and existing BSNL FTTH broadband customers in Kerala. Now, the corporation is offering another value-added service to its Fiber broadband subscribers.

The BSNL IPTV services include 160 free-to-air (FTA) channels and 163 pay-per-view (PPV) channels, including HD channels. Customers can pick and choose the bundle that best suits their needs. The existing Android TV or Android TV box is sufficient for the BSNL IPT services; hence no separate Set-Top-Box is required.

Users may install the IPTV app on Android TV or Android TV Box like any other OTT app. Users who do not have an Android TV can instead utilize an Android TV Box. BSNL offers a variety of IPTV service packages, with the most basic starting at as little as Rs 130 per month.

iControl IPTV

iControl is a well-known television connection supplier that provides many television channels through its high-quality and dependable services. MTNL's iControl is India's first IPTV service, using the internet protocol to transmit signals. iControl IPTV offers 200 movies and 120 channels and rewind, pause, and fast forward capabilities, which are quite popular among Indians. iControl IPTV connections allow you to stream your favorite channels and movies on demand for a monthly fee of Rs. 199/month.

IPTV Service by Bharti Airtel

Bharti Airtel, India's largest private telecom operator, is poised to deploy IPTV (Internet Protocol on Television) services, sometimes known as triple play (phone, data, and video), in the country soon after starting DTH cable operations. Customers will be able to order pizzas and book cinema tickets in real-time on their televisions, as well as record programs for seven days, rewind, forward, and watch movies on demand (MOD). The customer would be required to pay Rs 3999 as a one-time activation fee. Afterwards, you will be charged following the available plans, which include:

1. Magic Home Pack for Rs. 999 per month includes 256 kbps broadband speed, unlimited downloads, a landline connection, and 135 channels.
2. Combo Pack for Rs. 599 per month includes 117 channels and 256 kbps broadband connection with a data limit of 2.5 GB.

Bottom Line

IPTV is a relatively new technology that is growing in popularity. Faced with competition from cable-based rivals in the last decade, traditional telephone companies have had little choice except to reinvent themselves as information service providers, providing both Internet connectivity and phone services.

The more powerful and enterprising among them perceive a new commercial opportunity in reinventing themselves so that they may simultaneously provide telephone, internet, and television services. All three services are already available in attractive packages from cable companies, and IPTV allows telephone companies and broadcasters to collaborate and compete.