What Is IPTV? A Simple Guide for the USA & Canada
What is IPTV? IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television: TV delivered through your internet connection instead of a cable box, an antenna or a satellite dish. This simple guide explains how it works, what you need and how it compares with cable, for viewers in the USA and Canada.
How Does IPTV Work?
With IPTV, channels and videos are sent as data over the internet. A player app on your device receives that data and shows it as live TV or on-demand content. You do not need a dish on the roof or a provider box: a stable internet connection, a compatible device and a subscription are enough.
What You Need to Watch IPTV
- An IPTV subscription, such as a Moly IPTV plan.
- A stable internet connection.
- A compatible device: Smart TV, Fire Stick, Android, Apple TV, iPhone or computer.
- A player app, such as IPTV Smarters Pro. Player apps do not include channels: they only play what your own subscription provides. See the IPTV Smarters Pro setup guide.
IPTV vs Cable
| Cable or satellite | IPTV | |
|---|---|---|
| Delivery | Provider box, cable or dish | Your internet connection |
| Devices | Set by the provider | Apps on devices you already own |
| Contract | Often long-term | Depends on the provider; Moly IPTV plans run 1 to 12 months |
Want the numbers? Try the cable vs IPTV savings calculator.
IPTV Terms You Will See
- M3U: a playlist link that tells a player which channels to load.
- Xtream Codes: a login (username, password, server address) used by many players.
- EPG: the electronic program guide, the TV schedule inside the app.
- VOD: video on demand, movies and series you can start any time.
Where Moly IPTV Fits
Moly IPTV is an IPTV subscription for viewers in the USA and Canada: live TV channels plus movies and series on demand in HD, Full HD and 4K, an EPG TV guide and 24/7 support. You can test it first with a free 24-hour trial. Read the terms of use and refund policy before you buy, and see the Moly IPTV FAQ.
What Is IPTV FAQ
What does IPTV stand for?
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. It means TV delivered through an internet connection instead of cable, antenna or satellite.
How does IPTV work?
Channels and videos are sent as data over the internet to a player app on your device, which shows them as live TV or on-demand content.
Do I need special equipment for IPTV?
No special equipment is needed. You need a stable internet connection, a compatible device such as a Smart TV, Fire Stick, Android device, Apple TV, iPhone or computer, and a player app.
What is the difference between IPTV and cable?
Cable arrives through a provider box and often a contract, while IPTV arrives over your internet connection to apps on devices you already own.
What is an M3U link?
An M3U link is a playlist address that tells a player app which channels to load. Moly IPTV sends M3U and Xtream login details by email after your order.
What is EPG in IPTV?
EPG stands for electronic program guide: the TV schedule shown inside your player app. Moly IPTV includes an EPG TV guide.
