IPTV glossary
The terms you will meet when choosing a streaming service, in plain English.
- IPTV
- Internet protocol television. Television delivered over an internet connection instead of an aerial, satellite dish or cable.
- Streaming
- Playing video as it arrives over the internet rather than downloading the whole file first.
- Bitrate
- The amount of data per second used by a video stream, usually measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Higher quality needs a higher bitrate.
- Mbps
- Megabits per second, the usual unit for internet speed.
- Buffering
- A pause in playback while the device waits for more video data, often caused by a slow or unstable connection.
- HD
- High definition video, commonly 1280 by 720 or 1920 by 1080 pixels.
- 4K
- Ultra high definition video with about 3840 by 2160 pixels. It needs a 4K-capable device, content in 4K and a faster connection.
- Set-top box
- A small device that connects to a television to play streaming apps or services.
- Smart TV
- A television with built-in apps and an internet connection.
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet
- Two ways to connect a device to your router. Ethernet uses a cable and is usually steadier than Wi-Fi.
- Content licence
- Permission from a rights holder to supply or show their content. A lawful service relies on licences for what it provides.
- Subscription renewal
- The point at which a subscription ends or continues for another billing period, depending on its terms.