IPTV has revolutionized the way we consume video content. But this method of distribution often leads to confusion in the minds of consumers. What is IPTV? How does it work ? What content is available? Is this legal? Are there any risks? So many questions that we answer in our article.
IPTV is a way of accessing television services through an internet connection. It complements, or even replaces in certain homes, traditional methods of accessing television, including terrestrial waves, satellite, cable or DTT. This technology has taken advantage of the democratization of very high speed to establish itself as a credible alternative, and even a reference for viewing television programs. IPTV is frequently associated with piracy. If this use cannot be hidden, IPTV represents much more than that.
What is IPTV?
IPTV is the abbreviation ofInternet Protocol Television, or internet protocol television. This name refers to the technical means implemented to allow users to watch television on the internet, whatever the screen. The distribution of content by IPTV is carried out by video streaming. It is possible to watch linear channels live or delayed, replays or video on demand (VOD).
Without you necessarily being aware of it, it is likely that you have already consumed video via IPTV. The catch-up platforms of major French channels like TF1+ or 6Play, services like Molotov or even SVOD players like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ or myCanal broadcast their programs via IPTV. Depending on the provider’s offer, IPTV can be in the form of a free or paid offer.
For the user, using IPTV is extremely simple. All you need is an internet connection with sufficient bandwidth and a compatible system. In France, a preferred means of access to IPTV is often the TV box from your internet service provider (ISP), whether Orange, Free, SFR or Bouygues Telecom. The television experience thus remains centralized within the operator’s services. Advanced features like saving and resuming a program from the beginning are usually offered.
Otherwise, a Smart TV, a TV box (Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Apple TV, etc.), a TV dongle (Fire TV Stick), a computer, a tablet or a smartphone provide access to IPTV-based services. . Today, even game consoles, home or portable (PlayStation, Xbox, etc.) are used for these purposes. On most video streaming platforms, it is necessary to create an account to start viewing content. Some also require a paid subscription.
IPTV, legal or not?
When we talk about IPTV in everyday language, it is often to discuss questionable practices allowing access to a large volume of content at a reduced price. If the technology has been widely adopted by many television and digital players within a legal framework, certain services which also claim to be IPTV are in reality pirate platformswho illegally distribute content for which they do not own the rights.
A few years ago, you had to invest in a box then pay a subscription to the pirate provider to access its IPTV offer. This practice still exists, but the criminals have made the process easier and reduced costs by managing to do without specific equipment. Now it is enough install an application on an Android TV box to benefit from such a service. These apps are banned and therefore absent from the Play Store, but they can be installed without much hassle via APK files.
What content is available on pirate IPTV services?
The catalog varies depending on the illicit platforms. On the most comprehensive services, subscribers have access to both live linear channels, notably from paid packages, as well as videos on demand. Sport plays a key role in these offers: football matches from around the world, NBA, Formula 1… There is something for every taste. We also find the main films and series available from the major SVOD players.
The objective of these illicit platforms is to centralize all the most popular genres of content to appeal to as many people as possible. The interface is more or less intuitive, practical and aesthetic depending on the IPTV service. It can draw inspiration from market references like Netflix for promoting and searching for content.
Pirate IPTV: what are the risks?
Over the years, France and the European Union have equipped themselves with a legal arsenal to try to combat the phenomenon of pirate IPTV services. Customers of this type of platform incur up to three years in prison and a fine of 300,000 euros for the charge of complicity in hacking.
The authorities are becoming increasingly assertive against providers of illegal IPTV solutions. Another risk is that a platform will be forced to shut down overnight. Subscriptions are often on an annual basis, so you will lose part of your money.
Some pirate IPTV services may hide malware, which can endanger your devices and steal your personal data for malicious purposes. Moreover, a particularity of this type of IPTV can be the presence of numerous unwanted advertisements within the interface. In addition to visual pollution, these advertisements can be dangerous if they host malware. Finally, these platforms can also earn money by selling your personal information.
The experience offered may also be inferior to that offered by legal platforms. Users may encounter bugs, slowdowns or stutters when reading content, for example. The image and audio quality is not always very good, due to low bitrates or the unavailability of 4K content.
Why is pirate IPTV popular?
In 2023, the Audiovisual and Digital Communication Regulatory Authority (Arcom) estimated that 5% of the French population used IPTV in an illicit form. Several reasons explain this success. First, the attraction of having access to all the content that interests us in one place. As we have already mentioned, hackers have succeeded in setting up systems that are increasingly simple to use for the end user. The configuration necessary to access an illegal IPTV service is within everyone’s reach.
And in case of difficulty, many platforms of this type have customer service. Generally, you have to use a messaging application (WhatsApp or Telegram) to be able to speak with an advisor. In the event of a technical or installation problem, the user therefore has the possibility of being guided. Enough to reassure customers who might hesitate to take the plunge. In addition, similar to legitimate IPTV services, some platforms now offer a free try, often from a day to a week. Here again, it is a question of reassuring the consumer, who has the guarantee that it is not a scam and that the content offered is of quality.
L’increase in prices and segmentation of the offer on legal platforms are also part of the arguments favored by pirate spectators. In recent years, we have seen successive price increases for subscriptions to legal services. Netflix and Disney+ have even started showing advertising within their least expensive offerings.
The continual appearance of new players on the market also requires enthusiasts to subscribe to several providers to access the content that interests them. Sports fans are undoubtedly the most affected by this phenomenon. Sports broadcasting rights are often split between several channels, particularly in football. Canal+, beIN Sports, RMC Sport, Eurosport, DAZN, not forgetting tech giants like Amazon and Apple who are also eyeing sports broadcasting rights… satisfying your passion is expensive. A single IPTV subscription is much more profitable. Many pirate IPTV users would not subscribe to legal solutions even if illegal offers did not exist.