Demystifying IPTV: Key Terms and Concepts Explained
Ever found yourself lost in the jargon of IPTV? With the rise of streaming, understanding these terms is crucial. Dive into this comprehensive glossary and become an IPTV pro in no time!
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television)
A system where television services are delivered using the Internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network, as opposed to traditional satellite or cable.
OTT (Over-The-Top)
Streaming services that provide content directly to users over the internet, bypassing traditional cable or satellite TV platforms.
VOD (Video On Demand)
Allows users to select and watch video content on demand, rather than at a scheduled broadcast time.
EPG (Electronic Program Guide)
An on-screen guide that displays scheduling information for current and upcoming broadcast programming.
M3U Playlist
A text file format that stores multimedia playlists, commonly used for IPTV channels.
STB (Set-Top Box)
A device that connects to a television and an external signal source, converting the signal into content displayed on the screen.
Middleware
Software that acts as a bridge between the IPTV server and the end-user device, facilitating user interaction.
Multicast vs. Unicast
Multicast sends data to multiple users at once, while Unicast sends data to a single user.
CDN (Content Delivery Network)
A system of distributed servers that deliver content based on the geographic locations of the user and the origin server.
Streaming Protocol, RTSP, HLS, MPEG-DASH
Protocols that define how multimedia content is delivered and presented to end-users. RTSP, HLS, and MPEG-DASH are popular examples.
QoS (Quality of Service)
A metric that measures the performance quality of a service, ensuring optimal streaming experiences.
Latency and Buffering
Latency is the delay before data transfer starts. Buffering involves pre-loading data to ensure smooth playback.
Bitrate, Codec, and Transcoding
Bitrate is the amount of data processed per unit of time. Codec compresses and decompresses data, while transcoding converts one file type to another.
DRM (Digital Rights Management)
Technologies that control access to copyrighted content, protecting it from unauthorized use.
Bandwidth
The maximum rate of data transfer across a network.
Reseller
An individual or company that purchases services with the intention of reselling them.
PPV (Pay-Per-View)
A model where viewers pay to watch individual events or shows.
Multiscreen and Adaptive Streaming
Multiscreen allows content viewing on multiple devices. Adaptive streaming adjusts video quality based on the viewer’s internet speed.
Zero-rated Streaming
A practice where certain streaming services don’t count against a user’s data usage.
Discover the Best IPTV Services
Ready to dive deeper? Check out IPTV-GURU’s “Top IPTV Providers” list to find the best services tailored to your needs.