TV over the Internet with IPTVnator
Couch Surfing
Thanks to the IPTV standard and free software, you can view your favorite channels on Linux without any problems.
Traditional audiovisual technology and modern multimedia computer applications continue to converge. In the past, Linux has been behind the other platforms when it comes to streaming free-to-air TV programs, because of a lack of software. IPTVnator is a young project that is trying to close that gap [1].
Technologies
Conventional broadband reception for television requires additional hardware, such as a receiver for DVB-S, DVB-T, or DVB-C. However, Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) [2] lets you view the daily TV program on the Internet without additional components. IPTV programming has a number of advantages over broadband offerings. Viewers can access the entire range of content offered without a fixed connection and without special receivers.
In addition to public broadcasters, users have the choice of numerous small regional stations that you can receive over the Internet from anywhere in the world. Modular channel lists let you view channels from other countries and continents. Bandwidths of around 4Mbps are already sufficient for standard-definition (SDTV) reception of TV broadcasts via IPTV. But to view programs in high-definition (HDTV) quality, you need a bandwidth of at least 8Mbps, which is within the range of many modern DSL lines. The IPTV software used on the PC relies on buffering to ensure continuous reception even in the event of bandwidth fluctuations.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Introducing matrixOS, an Immutable Gentoo-Based Linux Distro
It was only a matter of time before a developer decided one of the most challenging Linux distributions needed to be immutable.
-
Chaos Comes to KDE in KaOS
KaOS devs are making a major change to the distribution, and it all comes down to one system.
-
New Linux Botnet Discovered
The SSHStalker botnet uses IRC C2 to control systems via legacy Linux kernel exploits.
-
The Next Linux Kernel Turns 7.0
Linus Torvalds has announced that after Linux kernel 6.19, we'll finally reach the 7.0 iteration stage.
-
Linux From Scratch Drops SysVinit Support
LFS will no longer support SysVinit.
-
LibreOffice 26.2 Now Available
With new features, improvements, and bug fixes, LibreOffice 26.2 delivers a modern, polished office suite without compromise.
-
Linux Kernel Project Releases Project Continuity Document
What happens to Linux when there's no Linus? It's a question many of us have asked over the years, and it seems it's also on the minds of the Linux kernel project.
-
Mecha Systems Introduces Linux Handheld
Mecha Systems has revealed its Mecha Comet, a new handheld computer powered by – you guessed it – Linux.
-
MX Linux 25.1 Features Dual Init System ISO
The latest release of MX Linux caters to lovers of two different init systems and even offers instructions on how to transition.
-
Photoshop on Linux?
A developer has patched Wine so that it'll run specific versions of Photoshop that depend on Adobe Creative Cloud.