IPTV Programming Options

[yuzhanin]

I find IPTV a very interesting topic. Hunting for streaming TV channels on the Internet can be as interesting as tuning to distant shortwave signal or scanning the sky for obscure satellite TV signals.

However, IPTV on this board is an unfortunate subforum with only one thread. I will try to list ways to find IPTV programming sources in hopes of getting additional contributions on the subject.

There are several sources for Internet TV streams:

1) Commercial TV Service Providers

The two main players here are Verizon (FiOS TV) and AT&T (U-verse). These services offer in excess of 200 channels and are marketed as a replacement for your cable or DTH satellite plans. You view the available channels via a set-top box, not unlike the cable or satellite services they replace. No Internet connection is required (although may be bundled with). Expect to pay $30 and up depending on the level of service selected.

2) Online Streaming TV Providers
There is a much wider variety of providers here. The providers may include individual programming providers offering one or two of their own channels as well as "aggregators" who offer a wider selection usually grouped around a particular interest. Each provider offers a handful of channels that can supplement the selection provided by the "standard" players. The available channel selection might be similar to what is available on FTA satellites: religious, special interest, ethnic and local programming. You will need a broadband Internet connection and a computer connected to the TV in your living room to watch the channels. Expect to pay from a few dollars to $30-$40 for a couple to two dozen channels.

3) Individual Online TV Video Streams

This is the most diverse category. Most TV streams in this category are free and can be freely found on the Internet. Video quality can be low and availability can be spotty when a provider's servers are overloaded. You will need broadband internet and a PC to view the programming. An alternative (or an addition) to a full-blown PC is a media-streaming device. These wired or wireless devices connect to your local network. They either come with a list of available online streams and access them directly off the Internet, or connect to server software running on your PC that has a list of available streams/channels.

4) P2P TV-Sharing Software

This is the gray area of Internet TV programming. P2P software offers a wide selection of programming. When an individual provides a TV channel through his software, all other people watching it help redistribute the signal. A PC and a broadband connection is required. Unfortunately, in many situations, watching some channels is outright illegal. Some channels available via P2P are copyrighted material that should not be rebroadcast.