MacBook users have several options when it comes to streaming IPTV channels from a native app. Setting up IPTV on your Macbook requires knowledge of the IPTV protocol television.
Generally, you can watch IPTV for MacBook using many service providers that operate in your region. You’ll use their website and their own media IPTV player that supports your Apple Macbook such as Kodi media player, IPTV Smarters Pro and advanced IPTV player apps on the ‘Mac App Store’ such as GSE Smart IPTV.
Use VLC When Selecting IPTV for MacBook
If you’re sure about the channels you want to view, you can configure IPTV right into VideoLAN’s VLC Media Player, which is free.
- Install VLC.
- Tools menu > Preferences.
- Check “All” under Show Settings.
- Go to Advanced Settings > Video Codecs.
- Choose “FFmpeg” under Input/Codecs.
- In the FFmpeg menu, set hardware decoding to “Disable”.
- Go back to Input/Codecs header and set 3,000 as the value for “Network Caching”. Also set the NTU value to 1,500 on cable internet or 1,498 over a DSL connection.
- Save settings and quit VLC.
Now, the next step is downloading an IPTV playlist file. These files are in the “.m3u” format. You can download your favourite ones online. Drag and drop the file into an open VLC media player.
Alternatively, open VLC and go to Media > Open Network Stream > paste the m3u URL of the playlist.
What Is IPTV And How Does It Work on MacBook?
IPTV is a growing competitor to cable and satellite television. In simple terms, it’s any type of channel that works over the internet. Netflix is perhaps the most well-known IPTV service out there.
Not all IPTV services are branded. There are some on-demand programs and live TV shows that are broadcast directly to media players who have been preconfigured with IPTV protocols.
For an Apple TV, you’re stuck with the need to have a set-top box that can convert the IP (data packets on which the internet works) into video and audio data. A Macbook is, on the other hand, pre-equipped with handling all types of internet content and directly playing it, thus removing any need for dedicated hardware.
If you’re using your touch ID on your Macbook to access some form of IPTV content from your streaming service that’s blocked in your region or of a nature that you’d not want to associate yourself with, you’re recommended to first set up a VPN on your Macbook.
Choosing a VPN for IPTV
Let’s briefly go over the benefits of choosing a safe, reliable, and trusted VPN provider for your Macbook to stream IPTV content live and non-live.
Better IPTV Streaming With VPNs Is Possible
First off, in certain cases, VPN connections can improve your streaming experience and take it to the next level.
VPNs also get traffic congestion on their servers, but when they don’t, all users on that connection receive a better service. Also, if the particular server in question is physically close to the location of the content being accessed, you can expect to see gains in terms of better streaming quality and speeds.
You Get Privacy Protection
The strongest privacy protection for the everyday internet user and the media consumer is to go for a VPN. VPNs allow you to browse and stream safely.
Your Macbook’s IP address can be used to identify your location and yourself. Government agencies, your ISP, snoopers, and hackers of all sorts can misuse the open information that your IP address without a VPN connection is. Public wifi is even riskier.
You Can Unblock Restricted or Censored Content
If your region has some content censored or some service provider (can be an IPTV provider) doesn’t provide content in your region, the VPN will allow you to circumvent geological restrictions and access it freely.
VPN connections work by spoofing your geolocation, allowing you to access content that you’re not meant to access otherwise. This includes censored content as well as content that’s not made available in your region by the service provider or the ISP, intentionally, while being available somewhere else.
Get Around The Speed Limits Set By Your ISP
Your ISP sets limits on the maximum speed you can stream on. This applies to all IPTV providers regardless of your package or subscription model. This is called “throttling”.
This is done to decongest traffic and manage streaming requests in your region, though sometimes it’s used for corporate gains by providing competitive advantages to those who can pay the ISP.
A VPN connection on your Macbook breaks you free from these throttling limits imposed on your internet connection without your consent.
With VPNs, you can access the internet and stream your favourite TV stream on any IPTV device at the maximum possible speed.