How it works, in one paragraph
A TV channel is a continuous video stream. With a dish, that stream comes down from a satellite. With IPTV, it comes from a server over the internet. Your app connects to the server with your login and plays the stream, much like an online video, except that it's live.
What changes compared with a dish
- Nothing on the wall: no dish, no cable to the roof, no installer.
- It works in any room with Wi-Fi, and on your phone when you're away from home.
- Movies and series to watch when you like come alongside the live channels.
- The weather no longer matters, but your internet connection does: a slow or crowded connection affects the picture.
What you need
- A home internet connection: around 10 Mbps is enough for one HD screen (see how much speed you need).
- A device: a Smart TV, a Fire TV Stick, an Android box, a phone or a computer.
- A subscription, which gives you the login details for the app.
Live channels, movies and series
Live channels show whatever is on air right now, exactly like normal TV, including matches and news. The movie and series library (often called VOD, video on demand) works like a streaming app: you pick a title and press play.
Most apps also show a programme guide, so you can see what's on next without changing channel.
How to start without risk
Any serious service lets you try before you pay. Thabit's free 24-hour trial runs on your own device and connection, so you see the real picture quality before deciding. Our free trial checklist shows what to test in those 24 hours.