An Increasing Trend of Cord-Cutting
In recent years, the number of people in Canada using cable television has tailed off as more citizens have opted for alternatives. One of those alternatives is the Internet Protocol Television, or IPTV, which delivers a television service over the internet rather than through traditional cable.
While IPTV is not itself a “large selection of channels all in one place,” it does allow people to access “a broader selection overall,” with channels from all over the world, and to do so in places where conventional cable wouldn’t reach.
In addition to these benefits, IPTV is typically cheaper per month than a regular cable bill, and it offers television solutions (i.e., modern solutions such as time-shifting) so that you can watch a program whenever you like, not just when it’s on.
This is a comprehensive guide on how to set up IPTV Canada for uninterrupted and seamless streaming so that you can start (or, hopefully, continue) enjoying the rise of newer, more innovative television solutions.
Understanding IPTV
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. Instead of delivering content through traditional broadcast and cable formats, IPTV allows you to stream televisual content through your internet connection. This style of delivery takes advantage of your existing broadband infrastructure, and as the name suggests, your internet connectivity, to have so-called ‘channels’ or ‘shows’ sent directly to the television in much the same way that Netflix, Stan, or Kayo does, with interactive multimedia sent across IP-based networks.
In addition to simply being a far superior form of broadcasting—one of IPTV’s primary advantages as an alternative to mainstream broadcasting is the cost. Depending on which subscription you opt for, the financial benefits can be significant, and often it makes sense to select a lower-cost alternative to normal cable and satellite program packages. For starters, these packages are riddled with channels that nobody wants. Conversely, IPTV offers bespoke, as well as comprehensive packages, leading to network television solutions that appeal to those wanting a channel on ‘freeview’, those wanting to ‘cut the cord’, and those seeking their own channel, that includes a mobile application.
Choosing the Right IPTV Service Provider in Canada
I think if you live in Canada and you want to get the best TV watching experience, you need to research IPTV in the country.
You have to think about which channels you prefer to watch—or which ones you might dislike! Different providers offer different channel packages, and so you might encounter an unfortunate situation where your favorite channels aren’t available on a certain provider.
Pricing would be the other big thing to consider. You need to compare the costs of all the IPTV providers to see which you think is the best value for money. Customer support can also be a big factor in your overall experience, and so choosing an IPTV provider that is well-known for looking out for its customers can be a great idea.
But which providers offer the most reliable TV streaming experiences?
That would be the other thought you should have in the back of your mind—what do other people think about X, Y, and Z provider? Which ones offer 4K quality, or high-definition screening?
Going into the details can often be the best way to make a judgment call on this type of product, and IPTV is no different! In Canada, there are a few IPTV providers that are recognized more than others because they resonate with audiences in a way that is totally unique:
Essential Equipment for IPTV Setup
Smart TVs are leading IPTV candidates because they already have streaming apps integrated into the set. This integration streamlines the electronics considerably so you don’t have to mess with external devices, which is a great thing when you’re just trying to use the TV. As viewing becomes more diversified, with something like the massive library of internet content available, the television can remain your central device for visual consumption. You’ll flip between the old-style TV shows, the films you’ve recorded (or Tivo’d), and the almost unlimited ‘digital video world’ that is out there waiting for you. The viewing space is as user-friendly as it could possibly be, requiring you to do nothing more than sit back, relax, and binge.
But what if you don’t have a smart TV? Well, no problem at all! You can use any device that has an HDMI port. Just plug in an Amazon Fire Stick, for example, and you are freed up to join the world of streaming IP.
Like with any form of streaming, however, you’ll need a good internet connection. We recommend at least a 10-megabyte per second speed and a wired connection for the clearest picture.
Step-by-Step IPTV Setup Process
Setting up IPTV on a smart TV or streaming device starts by downloading an IPTV app (like IPTV Smarters or Perfect Player) that is compatible with your device. Go to the store where you download apps, search for the one you want to install, and install it on your device. Once installed, you enter your IPTV service details (should include an M3U playlist URL or EPG link) that you have been given from your IPTV provider, which is how you will access channels and programming.
Inside the app, you will see a place to manage the video quality of your service. Be sure to set the video quality based on your internet’s speed. A higher video quality will require a faster internet, so be certain to run a few tests to figure out the optimal video quality for the internet speed you will be receiving.
Many IPTV services have channels that come fully equipped with a built-in TV guide so that you can see a TV program, similar to what your cable or satellite TV service is currently offering. The TV guide will show you all IPTV provider’s channels, schedules, and a way for you to add reminders of when a certain TV show or movie is scheduled to play so you don’t forget to watch. The built-in TV guide menu is a great feature when you are browsing channels.
Troubleshooting Common IPTV Issues
While the rise of streaming services has changed entertainment’s future, the pesky problems of the past still linger on the periphery of our Netflix binges: buffering and connectivity. For instance, that “buffering” message on your screen typically means that your internet connection is too slow and can’t keep up with the amount of data you’re trying to stream (watch). It’s the pits when you’re at an important part of a movie or show (not that there’s ever a good time for it), but it’s an issue you can, for the most part, control. Check your internet speed. There are great sites that do this, and if you can confirm you have a slow connection, it’s probably time to consider upgrading those internet speeds.
So what can you do if you’re having trouble connecting to the internet, or if your connection just altogether isn’t that strong? Start with the easy stuff: Restart your router and make sure your device is in Wi-Fi range; close other apps on your device that are eating up bandwidth/using Wi-Fi—even if they’re not in use, they can still suck it up in the background of your device; if you do have poor internet connection/Wi-Fi, don’t rely on mobile data—not only is that going to be slower, but it will also use up the mobile data on your plan; if you have to use mobile data, make sure you have at least three or four SVGA bars and a stable network connection.
Conclusion
If you’re a cord cutter in Canada, setting up IPTV has never been easier. With a host of user-friendly services on the market, this article will guide you through the essential stages, from picking a reputable provider to setting up your devices, in an easy-to-understand way. With a little extra know-how, you’ll have no problem saying goodbye to Bell, Rogers, or whichever company still sends you a monthly bill for old-school TV access.
I want you to be able to access the few channels or the specific content that you want to watch and nothing more! I myself have done enough exploring to know that viewers who switch to IPTV (i.e., cord cutters) want options rather than larger bills—why not contribute to this web page yourself and increase the knowledge of our fellow readers? Feel free to comment below or ask a question about IPTV. Let’s craft the ultimate guide as a knowledgeable and money-saving community of viewers.