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Guide 101 · Internet TV
How to watch TV over the Internet
Today, the Internet lets you watch much more than videos on a computer.
You can watch:
- movies;
- series;
- live TV;
- sports;
- news;
- free content;
- on-demand shows.
There are several ways to do it.
The right choice mainly depends on what you want to watch.
Step 01
1. Subscription streaming services
These are the best-known platforms.
For example:
- Netflix;
- Crave;
- Prime Video;
- Disney+;
- Apple TV.
These services generally have their own application.
You choose a subscription and get access to the catalogue offered by that platform.
They mainly offer:
- movies;
- series;
- documentaries;
- original productions;
- children’s content.
No service has everything
A series available on Netflix may not be available on Crave or Disney+.
It is therefore common for people to use more than one platform.
Step 02
2. LIVE TV over the Internet
You can also watch actual television channels live over the Internet.
Why reduce or replace cable?
Two reasons come up often:
1. Reduce costs
Traditional television packages can include:
- many channels people never watch;
- equipment rental;
- extra options;
- bundled packages.
Internet TV can often make it possible to choose a solution that better matches what someone actually watches.
Depending on someone’s needs and the services selected, this can make it possible to significantly reduce the television bill.
Be careful:
Internet TV is not always less expensive.
If someone stacks several subscriptions, the total bill can also increase.
2. More choice
Internet TV generally offers more flexibility.
Depending on the service, someone can look for an option that is more:
- French-language;
- English-language;
- international;
- focused on LIVE TV;
- focused on movies and series;
- or combines several types of content.
You can also choose different applications and devices based on your needs.
A simple example
With traditional cable, the provider mainly decides which packages are available.
With Internet TV, there are several types of options and more ways to build a setup that matches your viewing habits.
Depending on the service, you may find:
- live television channels;
- news;
- sports;
- live events;
- a program guide;
- movies and series;
- on-demand content;
- replays.
You may hear several terms:
- Internet TV;
- LIVE streaming;
- IP television;
- IPTV.
What does IPTV mean again?
IPTV means:
Internet Protocol Television
It is simply a technology used to distribute television over an IP network.
We have a separate guide that explains this subject in more detail.
There are several types of services
Some services are more focused on:
- French-language content;
- English-language content;
- international content;
- LIVE TV;
- movies and series;
- a combination of LIVE TV and VOD.
This is why it is important to choose based on your needs, not only on the advertised number of channels.
Step 03
3. Free content
Not everything streamed over the Internet requires a subscription.
For example, there are:
- YouTube;
- official apps from certain broadcasters;
- ad-supported platforms;
- free channels offered on certain Smart TVs;
- content streamed free on the Web.
Some platforms use advertising instead of a subscription to fund their content.
Step 04
4. Rent or buy only what you want to watch
Some platforms also let you rent or buy a movie, show or other individual content.
This can be useful when you want to watch something specific without adding another monthly subscription.
This model is available on some major video platforms.
Step 05
5. Not all LIVE TV services are the same
This is probably the most important part when looking for live television over the Internet.
Two services may look similar but be very different.
A service may be more:
- French-language;
- English-language;
- international;
- LIVE-focused;
- VOD-focused;
- suited to certain applications;
- suited to certain devices.
The number of channels does not tell the whole story
A service with a very large number of channels is not automatically better.
You also need to consider:
- compatibility;
- stability;
- which applications can be used;
- the required device;
- the type of content you want.
Step 06
6. How to choose what fits your needs
Start by answering a few simple questions.
What do you want to watch?
- mainly live TV;
- mainly movies and series;
- both.
What content orientation are you looking for?
- French-language;
- English-language;
- international;
- several at the same time.
What device do you own?
- Smart TV;
- Formuler;
- Android Box;
- Android TV / Google TV;
- Apple TV;
- phone;
- tablet;
- other.
Which application can you use?
The selected service must be compatible with:
your device → your application → its connection method
How many screens do you use?
One television and a home with several screens do not necessarily have the same needs.
need → device → application → service
Step 07
7. Not sure what to choose?
There are many possibilities, and compatibility between a device, application and service can quickly become confusing.
It is best to check before paying for a device, application or service.
Conclusion
There is no single best way to watch television over the Internet.
Some people mainly want Netflix and a few movies.
Others mainly want LIVE TV.
Others combine several options.