Interactive television is your favorite films and programs at a convenient time and without annoying advertising, a good signal in any weather and for a nominal fee. In some local networks, it is a nice bonus for subscribers. We suggest that you familiarize yourself with this technology, the features of its use and the settings of the lists of IPTV channels.
IPTV: general information
IPTV technology is based on the transmission of the Multicast video stream. This is a broadcast from one point to many subscribers. The provider of Internet TV services has satellite or cable reception equipment. It is connected to a media server transmitting data in mpeg2, mpeg4, mpg format. It is also possible to broadcast high definition HD video over the Internet.
IPTV is called interactive television, as users can choose the list of watched films and programs, use delayed viewing, “parental control”. There is a karaoke function and other features that the provider provides in real time.
Each IPTV user has its own geographical location. Based on it, the operator improves the quality of service:
- selects targeted advertising for customers;
- controls the rating of gears;
- keeps track of active connection points.
Internet tv reception
To receive a signal, an ordinary computer can be used, as well as an STB set-top box (IPTV tuner). It converts data packets received over the Network into a video signal for a TV. IPTV can be viewed even with just one cinch or RCA connector. But only through the STB-box.
For televisions equipped with the SmartTV function, an additional receiving device is not necessary. Converting data packets into a video signal occurs directly on the motherboard.
STB-box is a hardware decoder of IP-television signal. In a computer, software plays its role. For broadcasting in IPTV format, only 10 Mbps Internet bandwidth is sufficient. No need to wait until the entire video file is uploaded to the subscriber device. Playback goes directly in real time and as Internet packets arrive.
Therefore, IPTV is called "streaming video." The bandwidth of an ordinary twisted pair is sufficient for high-quality viewing of programs and films. At the same time, it does not require additional connections of auxiliary equipment, except for the STB signal decoder or IP tuner.
Features of using IPTV through a router or ADSL modem
Internet television always broadcasts in groups. The video stream arrives simultaneously to all devices on the LAN connected to a router or modem. In order to avoid problems with router overload, it must support the IGMP, or Multicast function. If the STB-box is used, it is necessary to select a separate router port for the set-top box, as well as enter channel lists into its IPTV parameters.
The IGMP standard works only on IPv4 networks. In IPv6, Multicast transmission is implemented differently. If the IPTV / IGMP enable point is not in the router or modem, and the model supports this function, then it is worth updating the firmware from the manufacturer’s website.
Configuring a router for digital television
Here are some examples of configuring routers from various manufacturers for IPTV, in the presence of an STB-box.
For TP-link:
- In the browser line, type the standard login address.
- Username is admin, password is admin.
- Section "Network", subsection "Bridge".
- The line - “LAN port, in the“ Bridge ”with WAN mode” select the desired port under the STB-box.
For ZyXEL:
- In the browser line, type the standard login address.
- Username is admin, password is 1234.
- On the left, select "Home Network", a subgroup of "IP-TV."
- “Assign LAN connector”, line “TVport mode”.
- Next, in the “Connector for the receiver” select the desired port.
For NetGear:
- In the browser line, type the standard login address.
- Username is admin ”, password is password.
- To the left of the "Quick Navigation Menu" page. In it, mark the submenu “Settings”, and then - “Internet port settings”.
- In the sub-item “Redirect the stream for the set-top box to” the required port is registered.
For ASUS:
- In the browser line, type the standard login address.
- Username is admin, password is admin.
- In the left part of the list, select "Local Area Network".
- In the window that opens, select "IPTV". In the line "Select STB port" specify the port required for the STB-box from those proposed.
The username and password are correct for the default settings. In other cases, parameters set by the user are used.
Configure IPTV Channel List
The most common IPTV channel list format is m3u. Represents a playback file for Windows Media Player. Its content does not always meet the interests of the user, but it is editable. Setting up an IPTV channel list of the m3u format comes down to removing unnecessary programs.
Another channel viewer is IPTV Player. To use it, you need to add it to the antivirus exclusion list. If you encounter difficulties with the configuration, it is recommended to disable the firewall.
Interactive TV Features
To attract new users of Internet TV services, providers often post playlists on their IPTV sites - m3u channel lists for free. Future customers are introduced to the capabilities and benefits of technology.
Free channels of various local networks, in which Internet television is broadcast as a bonus to connected subscribers on an ongoing basis, are very popular. A web channel list for IPTV is provided by the provider, but it can also be downloaded from the Internet. In search engines, you can easily find links where both the lists themselves and instructions for creating or editing them are available.
Distribution and popularity
Currently, the number of providers providing IPTV services is growing every month. The advantages of Internet television over terrestrial and satellite are the lack of antennas and cables. Also independent of weather conditions, there is no attachment to a fixed program guide, the ability to choose movies to watch.
Quite a lot of interesting programs and films in free broadcasts. As an example, the provider "Triolan". IPTV channel list is shared and regularly updated automatically, expanding the amount of available content.
IPTV is a new round of telecommunications development along with IP-telephony based on Internet connection. Interactive television development trends demonstrate its active growth and relevance.