Internet Speed Depending on the speed and stability of your internet, this will impact any streaming or IPTV service. Usually, 2Mbs stable download speed would be required for good quality, though not HD TV streaming. At this speed, you will receive at most standard definition television & in some instances slightly higher. There are also specialist services which will allow speeds as low as 0.7Mbps to function. HD can require 5-6Mbs depending on specific provider and how they encode their content.

Subscription free IPTV services, are reliant on what is freely available on the internet. There can be no genuine guarantees given with a freely hosted service. It is reliant on no one as you are not paying! Often servers can get overloaded with too many people trying to connect, which leads to pictures stuttering, freezing or disappearing altogether.

Subscription based services – you are paying a provider to host the content and to provide a standardised quality of picture, defined channel list & supplied with a simple to use set-top box. Other features include 7 days catch up TV, 7-day program guide & some also offer ‘video on demand’.

What is catch up TV? This type of service may be familiar to UK users, however, those overseas have traditionally been locked out due to geographic regional blocking from UK providers. This allows you freedom from a TV schedule, as there is no need to be in at 8 PM to watch Eastenders or your favourite program – you can watch it the following day or a few days after if you have missed. No need to record (though an option too).

Wi Fi or Cable connection? When trying to obtain the best internet speed possible, there can be speed losses associated with using Wi-Fi. This will depend on distance or placement of router, in relation to the IPTV set-top box. Losses in speed can be between 10% – 50%. When using IPTV the fastest internet connection possible is the most important factor for picture quality and stability. We recommend using equipment that can accept a direct ethernet hard wire Cat 5 cable connection – same type as your router / PC. If it is difficult to get a CAT 5 / Ethernet cable connection, it is also possible to use ‘home network plugs,’ which send the internet signal around your mains power loop. You can use these if router on a different floor or room, to main television.

IPTV – subscription-based services & set-top box combined. These type of systems are closest in use to a traditional type set top box (UK Sky, Freesat or similar) & easiest to use. A receiver is supplied, which you connect a cable directly to your router & TV. This is a paid for & hosted service, so streams should be stable and certain boxes will also auto update, making this the most simple to use & basic way of receiving UK & other Northern European TV without a satellite dish in most locations throughout the world. Pros: The easiest system to use. Ideal for all users wanting a simple interface. As streams are paid for & remain the same, they should stable. Multiple language options. Good for those looking for an easy to use, TV solution. No requirement to be technically minded. 7- day program guide, similar to UK Sky or Freesat Catch up TV and on demand is also available with some services. Cons: You pay a yearly or monthly fee for the service provided. Usually €15 – €40 per month depending on the package, some offer just the UK free to air terrestrial channels, other packages offer premium content.

Subscription based services & related hardware. – Offers easiest user interface for IPTV equipment – examples MAG, Formuler, Blademedia, Opus Guaranteed quality & channel selection (with a good service provider). Catch up TV Weekly program guide. Video on demand content.  

Hybrid systems & Satellite TV vs IPTV With satellite systems, there are no restrictions on bandwidth or internet speeds nor need for the internet itself – though optional for additional functions. Satellite TV is not reliant on the internet for TV reception. Satellite TV offers the highest quality format. IPTV does allow catch up TV services outside of the UK IPTV allows multiple satellite reception – this type of satellite content, may not be available via satellite signal in your location – leaving the only option of TV via the internet. Hybrid systems are now available which combine both satellite & internet.

Smart TV’s For those considering using UK smart televisions in Spain, this will not allow you access to BBC iPlayer or the other UK catch up TV services as these are geographically blocked. As soon as TV is connected to the internet in Spain, the Spanish IP address will be detected. This limits many of the functions for expatriate users of smart TV’s. To access this type of additional UK specific content as will require additional router & VPN subscription. Alternatively IPTV services offer access to these type of catch up services.