The Basics

The following is provided as basics to how and what you can watch via the internet, for more detailed information on technical explanations please use one of the forums from below where you can ask questions of a technical nature.

1. The Internet

The use of the internet has made it possible for service providers and broadcasters to stream or provide you with TV. Most of the options we explain about offer seamless connectivity meaning technical ability is not required for you to easily view TV. The three main options of watching TV utilities the internets connectivity.

2. The Different Options

IPTV

We shall firstly look at IPTV which stands for Internet Protocol Television - There are many services now providing content from various countries. In short IPTV can be supplied via a IPTV set top box, in much way your satellite box works this is connected to the source being the satellite signal and the output which is visual to your TV, you select the channel and it is displayed on your TV. Well a IPTV box works without the use of a satellite dish the source is via supplied by either a broadcaster or and IPTV provider. You will connect this type of box to your TV and then to your internet router, when you select a channel it will stream it via the internet to your IPTV box onto your TV.

Placeshifting

Placeshifting is for an enthusiast or someone that simply wants it all ! There is more hardware involved in this but the idea behind it is simply amazing. Lets give you an example - You live in the UK and are moving abroad (doesn't matter where as long as you can get an internet connection) At the current time you have a Sky satellite box but in the country you are moving to you will not be able to receive this as you are not in the satellite footprint or you will have to purchase an expensive 4 meter wide dish. Well this is where place shifting steps in - your satellite box remains in the UK (which is legally receiving within the given satellite footprint) and you are going to shift the control and viewing of that box to where you are. There are various Placeshifting hardware coming out but we shall talk about the Slingbox something which has been on the market for a while and still the market leader. Connected to the satellite box is a Slingbox, this box will control the satellite box and send your picture to where you are receiving. Where ever you are in the world you can view what is on the satellite box, you can change the channel set recorders and do every thing as if the box was in front of you. This can be viewed on various devices including laptop, computer or your TV.

Internet Streaming

Internet Streaming - Simply watching TV that has been put onto the internet, you can go to various websites and watch live broadcasts. There are many out there but most of the time people wish to view broadcasters from their own country. Here you will be restricted in your viewing as you are outside of the UK if it is only intended for UK viewing. The use of a VPN connection makes your computer seem as if it is in the UK and you are able to view the content.