Television over the Internet - IPTV, live stream, app and media library

TV over the Internet - if you want to stay up-to-date, just take a look or zap elsewhere away from the TV in the living room, you can use this type of TV offer. But how do the various offers from IPTV to live stream to media library selection or other VoD offers differ? Here you will find a small overview with suitable information, app examples and the like. So you can use computers, tablets, cell phones and similar devices as television alternatives.

Television over the Internet - example IPTV

IPTV describes the reception of TV content, i.e. public and private TV channels, via the Internet (IP line). The abbreviation stands for "Internet Protocol Television" in full. The usage via computer and mobile phone becomes clear; sometimes IPTV is not understood as such because a set-top box (for example from Telekom, Vodafone or 1 & 1) is used on the television; or the Apple TV. 

The box or receiver is used to receive television channels via the network and output them to the television, monitor or beamer / projector. Similar to an extensive TV app, the receiver usually entails monthly costs. Depending on the package booked, public and private channels, additional programs, pay TV, HD channels and the like can then be viewed. As already shown above, providers are usually the network providers.

Watch TV over the Internet - example live stream app

Then there are also some apps that make watching television more flexible over the Internet. Because instead of a box on the television, all you need to use it is an app on the iOS or Android cell phone, tablet, Mac or PC, etc. Even in the Browser many of the offers can be used, so that devices that are not compatible with the app can also be used. For example, with the Apple TV link above, you can find my description of the Waipu.tv service. 

In addition to Waipu, there are also providers and apps such as Zattoo, TV Spielfilm LIVE, Magine TV and many other offers for iOS, Android, macOS, Windows and so on. The basic range of channels is usually similar. The final price is then based on this and on the channels / packages booked. A free trial subscription is possible. You can find details from the relevant providers for TV streams and the apps or web app pages required for this. 

Broadcasters' own live streams

Free television over the Internet using apps or browsers is usually also possible thanks to what individual channels offer. Public broadcasters stream their programs online for free and in real time. From ARD and ZDF to Phoenix and the “third party programs” to arte and 3sat, there are many interesting offers. Here are a few examples to give you an idea:

• ARD livestream
• ZDF live stream
• Phoenix livestream
• WDR / NDR / MDR
• 3 sat

But private television stations also offer a live broadcast stream on their websites; including ProSieben, Sat 1, RTL and whatever they are called. It is not uncommon for there to be advertising - both in front of the stream offer, in the middle of it or in front of and between the VoD offers, i.e. the programs and clips that have been uploaded for viewing. If the same advertisement is shown three times in a row that you cannot skip, you need a little patience.

Catch up on television over the Internet - media libraries & YouTube

Don't you want to receive real-time television over the Internet, i.e. not watch live programs, but rather catch up on individual programs, reports, documentaries, films and series? When and where is it convenient for you? Then you are in the right place in the media libraries. In the case of public law, the (own) content is usually available at least seven days after broadcast as "Video on Demand" (VoD). Private broadcasters also put their programs on the web so that you can catch them up via streaming. 

The live streams linked above usually take place in the media libraries. Personally, I can of course recommend those from arte and 3sat;) In addition, some stations have YouTube channels that serve as a media library replacement or extension. Because then ratings and comments from viewers are also possible there (if not deactivated). In addition to comprehensive transmitter channels such as arte on YouTube There are also certain topic channels like those too Joko & Klaas from ProSieben or the Tagesschau from ARD. 

Conclusion on the topic

Watching TV over the Internet on TV sets, smartphones, laptops or computers and other devices is possible in many ways. In addition to a free media library with a free live stream and / or media library, there are also complete offers from network operators via DSL, VDSL, cable and the like; short IPTV. For the latter, additional devices or your own apps are usually required. Broadcasters or broadcasting families also offer Internet television via their websites. 

In addition, YouTube is often used to make content accessible - and free of charge. From a set-top box to an app from Waipu, Zattoo, Magine and Co. to apps that everyone uses anyway, everything is possible. The price ranges from free to a monthly subscription with equipment rental. Which internet television via DSL, cable or cellular do you use or which providers and apps can you recommend for what reasons? Feel free to leave a comment! 

Jen Kleinholz( Founder & Sir Apfelot )

Jens has been running the blog since 2012. He acts as Sir Apfelot for his readers and helps them with technical problems. In his spare time he rides electric unicycles, takes photos (preferably with the iPhone, of course), climbs around in the Hessian mountains or hikes with the family. His articles deal with Apple products, news from the world of drones or solutions to current bugs.