You’ve probably heard a lot about IPTV streaming lately, but you may be unsure how to enter this brave new world of streaming televised content. Those of us who are used to cable or satellite may conclude that IPTV isn’t worth the squeeze. I’m here to tell you that there really isn’t much of a squeeze.
Setting up IPTV isn’t all that difficult. It only takes five simple steps that anyone can learn. As soon as you finish reading this article, you can get started. That sounds good, right? Here are five simple steps to get you started with IPTV streaming.
Step 1 is to buy an Android TV box
For all intents and purposes, the Android TV Box will replace your cable box or satellite dish. IPTV setup based on Android box.
In addition to the media player and apps you’ll need to display your content, they have WiFi built-in so you can connect to your router. By connecting an Android TV box to any TV, any TV becomes a Smart TV.
Since there are countless Android TV boxes on the market today, I would be unjust to tell a beginner to just buy the first one they see. Therefore, I am giving you my top recommendation: the Nvidia Shield. A little more expensive than your average TV box, but for very good reasons.
Nvidia shield
The Nvidia Shield not only offers high-quality pictures thanks to its HDR and 4K support, but it’s also a fantastic gaming device. Its processing power is impressive, allowing you to run more intensive applications smoothly. Voice commands and Chromecast support are also available on the Nvidia Shield. There are even models that come with a gaming controller or a massive 500GB internal hard drive.
Shield TV Box from Nvidia
As another excellent IPTV box, the Formuler Z8 (check out my in-depth review) is also highly regarded, as is the Nvidia Shield. Z8 supports native IPTV streaming – no third-party apps are needed (so you can skip step 2).
Step 2: Install an IPTV application
To install IPTV on a traditional Android TV box, you will need to find an IPTV app. From the Google Play store that is already installed on your TV box, you can easily download these apps that will allow you to access your IPTV content.
Today, there are innumerable IPTV apps to choose from, just like with TV boxes. Many of them are free and of high quality. In order to load most IPTV playlists, you need to select an IPTV app that supports m3u and epg formats.
TiviMate IPTV Player is my recommendation for an IPTV app. The app is free, easy to install, and quick to use. With some customization features, you can organize your channels and playlists however you like. A nice UI is also included that resembles an EPG (Electronic Programming Guide).
Step 3: Choose an IPTV provider and order a subscription
For your Android TV box and IPTV app to actually run TV content, you’re going to need a subscription. An IPTV provider can help you with that.
There are a few simple factors to consider when choosing an IPTV provider, similar to choosing a cable or satellite provider. Your own location is the first consideration. It is best to find a provider in your area so that there is a reduced delay between when the stream leaves the provider and when it arrives at your home. It will help provide the strongest connection for the best signals, which will result in better performance.
Compatibility with devices is the second factor. It is important to make sure that your IPTV subscription will work on both the TV box and IPTV app you have chosen for yourself since not all IPTV service providers will work on all TV boxes.
The final factor is the type of content the provider offers. As with any cable or satellite provider, you should research what channels they offer. You will need a provider that offers a general package that combines movies and TV. IPTV providers that offer sports packages will be able to provide you with a specialized package that focuses on sports.
Compatibility with devices is the second factor. Ensure that the IPTV subscription you pay for will work on both the TV box and the IPTV app you have chosen for yourself as not all IPTV providers will work on all TV boxes.
Finally, it is important to consider what type of content the provider specializes in. You need to research what channels they offer, just like you would with any cable or satellite provider. To get a general package that includes movies and TV, you’ll need a provider that specializes in that. You will need to sign up with an IPTV provider that offers sports packages if you want a specialized package focused on sports.
Follow our simple step-by-step guide below to get started:
- Launch TiviMate on your Android TV box
2.The screen should be mostly empty with an “Add Playlist” button in the center. Then click on it
3.You will see a bar where you can enter a URL on the next screen
4.Enter the m3u link provided by your IPTV provider and then click “Next”
5.Select the Next button on the right-hand side of the Add Playlist window, and then click “Done”
6.TiviMate will now begin processing the playlist URL. Please wait until this process is complete.
7.When the playlist process is complete, select Done once more. Now you should be redirected back to TiviMate’s main menu. From here, you can browse any IPTV package content you want from a list of channels and categories.
8.To add TV Guide data, click left and select Settings (gear icon) and then select TV guide and TV guide sources. For all up-to-date EPG data, simply add source using the url provided by your IPTV service.
Step 5: Sign up for a VPN
In order to complete your IPTV setup, it is highly recommended that you acquire a VPN, or Virtual Private Network. VPNs are great tools for many reasons, but for IPTV streaming specifically, we’re going to focus on a couple.
When browsing the internet, a VPN is a fantastic way to protect your privacy. A VPN hides your real IP address from your internet service provider, so your ISP can’t see what sites you visit or what data you download or stream.
Throttling Can Be Prevented With VPNs
In addition, VPNs often prevent your ISP from throttling your bandwidth. Thus, a VPN actually boosts your streaming experience and reduces the number of times your internet signal weakens when streaming. By using a VPN, you’ll be able to enjoy streaming with fewer interruptions.
In addition, some IPTV services are being blocked, especially in the UK. By using a VPN, you can bypass those restrictions.
PureVPN is my recommendation. Over 140 countries are served by their servers, and they have an excellent reputation. When accessing online content, you can choose which region you want to access.
As a conclusion
We hope our 5 steps on how to get into IPTV streaming have encouraged you to enter this exciting new world of online TV content. The process of setting up is a lot easier and cheaper than people may realize, so we hope you are now motivated to start your own Android TV box journey.