The way we watch TV is changing – many of us lead busy lives and struggle to keep up with the set TV schedules.
More and more people want to watch their favourite shows when they like, instead of being restricted to set schedules. IPTV is a great way to watch video content, whether it be movies, shows, or VOD (video on demand).
However, if you’ve never used IPTV before, you may be wondering if there are any risks. Is IPTV legal? How can you protect yourself against risks while using IPTV? And what exactly is IPTV? Read on to find out.
What Exactly Is IPTV?
IPTV is becoming increasingly popular. Short for ‘internet-based protocol television’, IPTV is a way that you can watch your favourite content, whether it be shows, movies, or on-demand TV.
However, instead of traditional viewing methods such as satellite or cable, IPTV allows you to view content through an internet connection. This negates the need for unnecessary cables and subscriptions – all you need is a viewing device, an IPTV subscription, and a stable internet connection.
Have you ever rushed home to watch the finale of your favourite show, but you still end up missing the start? You’re left with two choices – you either keep watching and accept that you won’t know what happened in the first few minutes, or you wait until the show has finished and watch it on catch up.
However, IPTV brings you the third option – you simply rewind the show or watch the show whenever you like (as long as it’s been aired!).
IPTV brings you content through a privately managed network (e.g IPS, LAN, or WAN). As IPTV has its own bandwidth, you’re far more likely to get better audio and image quality when watching your favourite shows.
As IPTV uses the internet rather than cables or satellite, you rely on a steady internet connection to watch content. This means that if you have an interrupted or slow internet connection, then this will affect the quality of the audio and image, and ultimately ruin your viewing experience.
IPTV is super easy to use. All you need is a viewing device such as a TV, mobile phone, laptop, tablet – pretty much any device with a screen that connects to the internet.
However, if your TV isn’t able to connect to the internet, you can still access IPTV. You’ll need to purchase a set-top box (e.g Roku or Fire Stick), which essentially connects to the internet on behalf of your TV as well as offers a variety of different apps. Set-top boxes can connect to your TV using an HDMI, a VGA, or an RCA for older TV’s.
There are countless quality IPTV providers on the market in 2024. If you’re looking to get started with IPTV and want to find the best IPTV providers, click here – or if you’re interested in becoming an IPTV reseller, click here.
Are There Any Risks Associated With IPTV?
IPTV is considered safe to use – however, it’s important that you understand the potential risks before using it.
Although this only poses a very small risk, one thing that you should consider is the IPTV box overheating. Always check the reviews of the box to ensure that it’s safe – and double-check that it has been through the relevant safety checks. Modified IPTV boxes may pose a small risk of overheating or even fires, so be cautious when using them.
IPTV can also put you at risk of being hacked. Devices that are using IPTV could potentially be hacked, and your personal information may be compromised.
Most devices with screens in 2024 have cameras – so if you use your phone or laptop, you may want to take extra steps to protect your device from being hacked. After all, you don’t want hackers accessing your camera as well as your personal data.
Another risk that can be associated with IPTV is the legalities. IPTV is completely legal – until you use it to stream copyrighted content.
Some IPTV providers don’t have clear guidelines so you may make the mistake of viewing illegal copyrighted content. In worst-case scenarios, you may face prison time for accessing and viewing copyrighted content.
How Do I Make IPTV Safer To Use?
First of all, avoid purchasing and using IPTV boxes that have been modified. Always check the reviews and be sure to purchase from known retailers, as opposed to opting for an unbranded box.
To avoid breaching copyright laws, be sure to research IPTV and how to use it safely. As long as you go through the correct channels – be sure to choose a provider that has done everything above board so you don’t have to worry about breaking the law.
As we’ve established, IPTV may put you at risk of cyberattacks. Thankfully, this is easy to protect yourself against. One of the best ways of protecting yourself against cyber attacks when using IPTV is by using a quality VPN.
What Is A VPN?
A VPN (a virtual private network) is a service that offers you protection when using the internet. VPNs essentially create an encrypted connection that your data uses, in the process hiding your IP address from various different bodies that want your data such as hackers, advertisers, and marketers.
Your IP address is essentially a variety of numbers that are allocated to your device. Every device that connects to the internet has its own individual IP address, whether it be your mobile phone, your tablet, your Firestick, or your laptop. This allows your device to connect to the internet – including other devices and websites.
VPNs work to change your IP address which also masks your location. This means that you have more freedom when browsing – especially if you live in an authoritarian regime.
