IPTV vs Satellite tv/Cable tv And Cardsharing: The Comparative Analysis

We all have various means of watching television programs. These include but are not limited to; IPTV/WEB TV/Internet tv, DTH Tv, and cable tv. Of all the earlier mentioned, IPTV is the newest/ However, its growth and popularity are growing at an alarming rate. Today’s article is all about IPTV vs Satellite Tv. And for this write-up, I will categorize television broadcasting into two.

On one side, we have IPTV(also often called video streaming, Web TV, or Internet TV). On the other hand, we have satellite TV(this also includes card sharing) and cable TV. Suffice it to say that I am not going into the architecture of IPTV or satellite tv, as I have already talked about that here and here. Moreover, this post will focus on these features that separate IPTV as technology regarding how the program is delivered from Satellite Tv. I will try to cover the known and unknown distinctions as much as possible.

IPTV vs. Satellite tv: Key Similarities

Indeed, it is very difficult to separate IPTV from satellite TV because it is possible to use both simultaneously. Also, you can use more and less of the other in everyday situations. To elaborate, you can have a streaming app from your satellite service provider and your satellite tv subscription. That streaming app is IPTV. Furthermore, this streaming device may be acquired independently of any paid satellite tv provider. This can be legal or illegal. You can search through my site to learn about legal issues involving IPTV or satellite TV.

Another area of similarity is that both technologies satisfy the television need of their consumers, and finally, on the similarities.

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What is Satellite TV?

     According to Wiki, Satellite television is a service that delivers television programming to viewers by relaying it from a communications satellite orbiting the Earth directly to the viewer’s location. The signals are received via an outdoor parabolic antenna called a satellite dish and a low-noise block downconverter.

Cable and satellite TV differ more than just how they deliver television programming. Cable TV is less likely to be affected by the weather but is typically more expensive than satellite TV.

IPTV DEFINITION AND FORMS

By definition, IPTV refers to Internet-based Protocol Television where Internet is used to deliver TV programs & Videos that are either live or on-demand. IPTV is a system where digital television service is delivered to the subscriber through Internet protocol technology via the medium of broadband or Internet connection.

Forms/types of IPTV services

• Live television:
  Live streaming means broadcasting as it happens. It’s like watching live television on the computer screen or your TV. In this format, we can’t pause or skip through a broadcast that doesn’t interest us.
• Video on demand:
  This is similar to the playlist. Here videos, clips or episodes are arranged by titles or in categories like news, sports, or music videos.
• Near Video on Demand: A pay-per-view video service for multiple users subscribed to nVoD. The content broadcasting schedule is compiled beforehand, and subscribers can look at the schedule and watch content according to their interests.
•  Time-shifted TV: Time-shifted TV lets subscribers view live broadcasts later so they can playback and resume at their convenience. A rewind option is also provided for TV programs.
• TV on Demand (TVoD): Selected TV channels are recorded to be viewed whenever convenient.

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IPTV vs. Satellite Tv – The Complete Differences 

1. Data consumption: IPTV consumes a load of internet data bundles born by the subscriber. With satellite TV (from paid providers), the consumer/subscriber needs note to invest in data plans. Even the updates are done free of charge by the providers.
2. Uplink/downlink:  Satellite tv combines uplink and downlink(downloads)/ Although this might not be known to the end-user. IPTV – Only works on download
3. Internet connection speed: This affects IPTV more. If your internet is poor, it will cause problems. This problem ranges from lagging, distorted audio, and blurred visuals. On the opposite, satellite Tv requires no fast internet. Even card-sharing can work well with a 2g network. This distinction is why IPTV is not performing so well in Africa currently.
4. Reliance on the Internet: IPTV will not work without the Internet. Satellite or cable tv will
5. Availability of contents:  For example, you will hardly find a satellite tv provider that openly offers Porn in Africa. I know Tvsat and Canal do. However, it is highly restricted. IPTV, on the other hand, has more than enough access to adult content. Moving forward to other programs. Only on IPTV can you be in Nigeria and watch Hulu, Netflix, sky sports, Bein, and so on. Satellite tv only gives you programs that are available in the package of your satellite tv provider. By extension, you can only watch programs within your SSP’s specific territory. This is one of the reasons why IPTV will never die.
6. No particular Installation: IPTV offers a stress-free installation. It is simply a plug-and-play service/ I mean, you don’t need a dish, and neither would you need a professional installer. On the other hand, satellite TV requires an antenna and all that comes with it. You need to install it to get it working correctly.
7. Cost: IPTV is comparatively cheaper than cable TV for the subscription.
8. Effect of weather: Bad weather and IPTV services are not correlated. Whether it is windy, raining, or thundering, as long as you have your internet, you will have an uninterrupted viewing on IPTV. Satellite tv signal is susceptible to bad weather.
9. It offers pay-as-you watch or Video-on-demand solution: You can save data bills by not watching unnecessary programs on IPTV. Also, you can choose to watch the selected content. As for satellite tv, you get both what you need and what you do consider relevant to paying for a particular subscription. Many credible IPTV service providers offer you services you need only.
10. The mobility of service: It will be bizarre for any sane person to move around with a complete satellite tv package. This means you need to move the dish, receiver, and cables. IPTV can go with you everywhere you have the internet. Even your palm can accommodate IPTV. No wonder many SSPs now offer it as an add-on service. You can also use this across the border.
11. The issue of freezing: Generally, a good IPTV service is as smooth as your internet connection. In other words, you will not notice any lag or hang if your internet is fast. On the other hand, satellite TV can freeze for a couple of reasons. 1. if you are using Cardsharing, overloading of the server will cause freezing. 2. If the weather is bad, it freezes annoyingly.
12. Time lag problem of IPTV: Due to the uplink before downlink, IPTV time tends to lag compared to satellite tv. This can spoil some fun when watching live events. The only solution is to be far away from those using satellite tv to watch the same events as you. Your live program transmission on IPTV can be 2 to 5 minutes behind satellite tv. That is huge, especially for die-hard soccer fans.
13. Device compatibility: Satellite tv offers you a close-end package. IPTV can work across many platforms and screens. All you need to do is get the right one. Android, Windows, Ubuntu, iOS are all supported by IPTV.
14. Image quality: The best IPTV offers a better collection of HD channels. To get Full HD on most satellite TVs, you must change your hardware and subscription. Even at that, you will get fewer compared to IPTV.
15. It’s a two-way communication where the consumer can interact with the service provider. For example, a consumer can request to watch a movie from the TV guide, and the service gets delivered.
16. Freedom of choice: The consumer has a greater choice over what they want to watch because of higher functionality and content than regular broadcast or cable television services.
17. Security and privacy concern: To be safe and free from identity theft, hacking, or virus infection, you must use a VPN with your IPTV service. Also, you must make sure you subscribe to a credible IPTV service. Free IPTV can cause a lot of problems for your computer. On the other hand, your satellite tv provider must protect you and your device. And you can sue them if any privacy issue arises.
18. Heath concern: There were instances whereby I had an electric shock as a result of water entering through the LNBF>>LNBF cable down to the receiver. On rare occasions, after unplugging the decoder, I still feel the shock. Please always watch your dish installation, especially after heavy downpours.

IPTV vs. Satellite tv: Summary and Conclusion

In my introduction, I specified that we use satellite tv and IPTV interchangeably or simultaneously. However, poor countries may have no choice but to opt for cable tv or card sharing. Give a poor man a full IPTV box, and he will throw it back at you. In a nutshell, it isn’t easy to disentangle one from the other. Overall, I will give it to IPTV as the technology is enjoyable mainly to the privileged, while satellite tv is for everyone. Now that you know the distinctions, you can decide how much you prefer one over the other. If the post makes common sense, please share it.