IPTV streaming

[Tyche]

I've been using this for awhile, and I don't think I've seen discussion on BG about it. So, here's a brief rundown for those that would like to cut the cord, keep their channels (and more), and very likely pay less per month than cable.

IPTV streams are essentially cable packages you buy online and stream through some type of media box. Most streams support firestick and Android TV (I personally use an Nvidia Shield TV). Some support iOS, and all support PC/Kodi. Packages are usually broken down into monthly, quarterly, or yearly payments. And it's typically very cheap compared to cable with more offerings (free PPV, HBO, etc!)

Setup requires a modicum of comfort with technology. If you've setup a firestick with Exodus or similar, setting up an IPTV box should be easy. One you sign up, there's usually included instructions for setup of each service on different devices.

One particular downside is simultaneously streams. This is usually understandably limited. Can't be sharing one account with all your friends and family. Really not much different than Netflix. Assuming you're running everything with a router in your house, you should be able to simultaneously run streams from multiple TVs in a single residence.

A couple of services I have used.

Smoothstreams: heavy focus on sports. They will usually have any major sporting event, including all NFL games and pay-per-views. Quality is good. They have some channels up unrelated to sports (news, ESPN's, HBO, cinemax, etc). But sports takes precedent. They have an Android app that works great on smartphones. Kodi integration works very well. Their electronic programming guide is awful. You can download a third party epg for Kodi that works well, but it requires some digging to find it. Service is about $12 a month, paid quarterly. I've had this service for about a year.

Vader Streams: just started using this. It'll probably lead me to not renewing my smoothstreams account. They have hundreds and hundreds of channels and just as much or more sports as the above service. They have channels from all over the globe, including a lot of SkySports and British programming if you're into premier/euro league football. Not sure if PPV is included, I have reached out to admins to ask. There hasn't been anything I've attempted to watch since I purchased this. They def have about every premium channels such as HBO, cinemax, etc. They also have a wide selection of on-demand movies, including 4k on-demand content. The electronic programming guide is excellent. Works flawlessly. Price is $130/yr or you can choose to pay monthly, quarterly, etc for slightly higher per-month cost.

If anyone uses any other IPTV services, I'd love to hear a review of them.

[Salodin]

I started using the local tv subscription on Hulu, and it works for what it is, but the integration could be much better. It's also twice the cost of what you listed so I'm def gonna check these out. You mentioned on demand, are the offerings similar to what Hulu has in regards to new shows and whatnot? What about dvr for live programming, is that available?

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[Tyche]

No DVR, but the on-demand section usually has new shows up to just about anyTV series within a day.

[Tyche]

Well, you could DVR with Kodi and an HTPC.