In today’s world of constantly trying to lower expenses, many people are trying to cut the cord on their cable television in an effort to save money. This is not surprising as the prices have increased dramatically, making it difficult to afford for many. Luckily today with the advance in technology, consumers have many choices, of which the two most popular include internet TV and Internet Protocol Television. While these two methods of obtaining media have a common denominator, they are vastly different. Understanding which is right for you requires you to understand their differences in order to make the right decision.
The Main Difference
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Internet TV and IPTV have one major difference – the method in which they are broadcast. Internet TV is offered on a public domain, while IPTV is on a private network. This does mean that the content is protected and the speed might be a little faster, but that comes at a cost that many people are not willing to pay. Internet TV, on the other hand, is not restricted in any way shape or form, which means that you can stream what you want, when you want without worrying about paying high prices or having your fees go up at the end of a contract.
Access on-the-Go
Internet TV offers access to all of the shows and networks available anywhere that you have an internet connection. This means you can watch it on your Smart TV at home; Smartphone; tablet; or even laptop computer. Many people enjoy this flexibility as it does not restrict them to their family room – they can watch it while in the doctor’s waiting room, getting their hair done, or waiting for their child to finish an activity. With the ability to watch live TV online from anywhere – many people are embracing Internet TV. IPTV, on the other hand, requires the use of a decoder box, which is placed by your TV, much like a cable box, which limits your access to the shows you want to watch.
Cost
Everyone is concerned about cost, with good reason. Internet TV does provide free internet TV streaming by many providers. If they do charge, it is often a fraction of what cable companies charge. There are generally no contracts, down payments, or credit checks required for Internet TV. Many people choose to save money by using Internet TV. On the other hand, IPTV requires a charge due to the leasing of the decoder box. In addition, they may have other charges that add up on your monthly bill depending on your subscription. Every company offers different programs; you need to decide what networks you want and what you are willing to pay.
Access to Worldly Programming
Internet TV allows users to have access to programming that spans the globe. Are you interested in Spanish television? Or maybe you want to have close ties with those back at home by watching the same programming they do. Whatever the case may be, it is generally available with live TV stream on Internet TV. Because you are not restricted to certain programing times, you can grab whatever show you want to watch when you want to watch it – streaming it right to your device. IPTV has specific programming at specific times. You can think of it as traditional television that the big networks provide, working much the same as if you had cable television, just at a lower cost.
Watch what you want when you want
A large flexibility that surrounds Internet TV is the ability to watch what you want, when you want. This allows for what is commonly known as “binge watching” or catching up on all of your programs at once. For instance, if you missed the first season of your favorite sitcom, you can sit down and watch it streaming through your television or tablet for as many hours as you can handle. IPTV, on the other hand, restricts you to their programming, much the same as cable would.
The differences between Internet TV and IPTV are vast – but most come down to cost and flexibility. If you desire as system that can be brought with you wherever you have an internet connection, then Internet TV is the way to go. It allows you the flexibility you need without high costs. IPTV, on the other hand, will cost more than Internet TV and is restricted to the televisions or devices that have the decoder box with them. The flexibility and cost savings alone are enough to convince many consumers to cut the cord and give Internet TV a try!
Do you use Internet TV or IPTV in your home? If so, have you cut the cord on cable too? Let us know what you think about how it is working for you in the comments below.