IPTV explained: Everything you need to know

Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), sometimes referred to as broadband television, is a system where digital television services are delivered over the internet by using Internet Protocol. The video channels and programs are delivered to the television sets or any internet enabled device through a broadband connection, instead of being delivered through the conventional cable or broadcast formats that deliver limited live TV channels. More recently the IPTV service has become more recognised as a paid service, coming in the form of either a one-off payment or via subscription. In layman’s terms, another word for IPTV services is streaming TV.

How does an IPTV service work?

The process involves sending and receiving video streams which are encoded into a series of IP (internet protocol) “packets”. This is the same method used by the Internet and other computer networks.

The difference is that data packets pertaining to IPTV are transferred over separate, closed networks, independent of the one used for the Internet. This provides the benefit of a less congested, more efficient means of delivery, allowing for higher quality and more interactive features.

As the competition grows in the IPTV service market, IPTV is now offered as a bundle together with broadband connection or internet access plus with the VoIP which is referred as “Triple Play” service.

So this service is a complete package that allows customers to watch TV, browse the internet and make a long distance calls using the VoIP. This service is typically provided by a service provider using a closed network infrastructure. It is very important to compare pay TV services as most of them will be much cheaper if you will subscribe for their bundled deals.

There are several advantages IPTV compared to other technologies we have seen in the past and today. Also IPTV comes in different forms because of its broad meaning, which means there are multiple kinds of IPTV providers.

Live Stream Internet TV

Live stream Internet TV has the same as getting television through a series of cable wires throughout the antenna. The information about internet TV was transmitted as data over the internet. You can also find a greater variety of TV shows online from different streaming services compared to cable TV.

The only difference being that instead of being delivered digitally over the air to your antenna through traditional channels, you’re streaming it via the internet and your internet connection (ideally from a reliable internet service provider), either by phone line in ADSL 2+ or via cable broadband, using a variety of streaming devices (Apple TV, Telstra TV select smart TV, Android TV box, Fire TV, and more).

Use our search library to find your next TV and movie.

The advantage of IPTV is that a lot channels and functions are available that you won’t find on regular cable channel or Pay TV. So if you can’t get cable, then IPTV is an easy and (usually) cheap solution with more features.

Delayed Broadcast

Delayed Broadcast (aka Time-Shifted IPTV or Catch-Up TV) replays a film or TV show that was broadcast hours, or sometimes even days beforehand. The best IPTV service providers often have a storage buffer where they can save a full show in a certain amount of time.

During this time a customer has the chance to watch it all over again if he missed it. Once the allotted time has passed the IPTV provider will dump the episode/film to make space for more recent broadcasts. Viewers can discover a catch-up service’s programming schedule via an Electronic Program Guide (EPG).

There is also Start-Over TV which works on a similar principal. As long as a viewer tunes in during an episode or movie they will be given the option of restarting it from the beginning.

This option does not last as long as the previous service, as a customer will usually not have the option of restarting a movie once the movie itself has finished.

Video On Demand (VOD)

VOD is a system which allows users to select and watch/listen to video or audio content (AVOD) on demand. IPTV technology is often used to bring video on demand to televisions and personal computers.

Catch up TV is a form of video on demand. VOD is similar to the On-Demand service provided by cable television, or even just renting a DVD. Customers browse a series of titles and decide on whichever they wish. After making a selection the stream should begin momentarily.

Many VOD services also offer a subscription option. Streaming services such as Netflix and Zune Pass ask for a monthly fee from their customers and in return offer unlimited access to their massive media libraries.

If you’re a huge movie buff and love seeing new films then this option may work out to be cheaper than paying for movies individually.

What are your IPTV options in Australia?

For watching entertainment and sports, finding the best IPTV service means having the right streaming plan. The best IPTV services in Australia are streaming TV’s major players, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Stan, and Foxtel Now.

Newer options have proven to be just as popular with the likes of BINGE and Disney Plus becoming favourites in Australia. There are some unverified IPTV services around too, but better stick to reputable ones (legal IPTV services) to ensure excellent service.

Visit this page to find the right streaming TV plan and service for you or you can check out some of the latest streaming offers below.

Last audited 3 March 2025