There are several misconceptions about the idea of cord-cutting. People aren’t getting rid of cable because they don’t want to watch TV anymore; they’d rather do it more conveniently and affordably.
Technology has changed and people want to take advantage of that. This doesn’t mean that TV is going away, just that we have to change how we approach it.
Learning how to watch IPTV on Plex is one way you can cut the cord and start watching TV on your terms.
What is Plex?
To keep things simple, Plex is an all-in-one media streaming solution that works on most devices. Plex takes your music, pictures, and videos and streams them to other devices with Plex installed allowing you to have remote access to everything on your Plex.
How to Use Plex
Using Plex couldn’t be easier. All you have to do is download and install the Server software onto your devices. The app is compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, NAS devices, and devices running NVIDIA Shield.
Once you set the server up, you next have to download the app to the device you want to stream content to and then set up your Plex account.
Once the app has been downloaded, accessing Plex is simple. Click on the app on your device and you can access all of the content.
Many products let you do this, including:
- Every major web browser
- Smartphones
- Smart TVs
- Games consoles
- Roku, Firestick, and other streaming devices
- Windows/Mac devices
As handy as this feature is, the standout feature for cord cutters is being able to stream IPTV through Plex.
What is IPTV?
Many have already adopted IPTV and are using it, even if they don’t know they are. Streaming services such as Hulu and Netflix are perfect examples of IPTV.
The term “IPTV” refers to “Internet Protocol TeleVision.” The name is apt, given that the software delivers television programming through the internet rather than the fibre optic cables you might be used to.
IPTV gives you access to content that might not be carried by your cable provider, giving you more freedom of choice.
IPTV itself is split into a few different categories, including;
Video-On-Demand
Most people are aware of video-on-demand content by now. Hulu and Netflix operate on a video-on-demand platform. Most streaming services fall under this model.
VOD is the most accessible and convenient form of streaming, but new companies like to keep new media close to their chests. Newer content is generally made available through other methods.
With an IPTV subscription through Plex, you can access many of your favourite movies and TV shows in one place.
Time-Shifted Media
Time-shifted media is becoming more popular over time. The idea is that companies make certain content available within a period after it airs.
iPlayer is a great example of this. Users can watch any program as much as they want up to a week after it airs.
You won’t be able to watch an entire season in a day, but time-shifted media is perfect for catching up on an episode or two.
Live IPTV
IPTV is another thing that’s just what it sounds like. The difference between standard TV and live IPTV is the medium used to broadcast it.
Live IPTV also allows access to things only available through PPV, making it a popular choice for sports fans who want to keep up with their teams.
What You Need to Run IPTV on Plex
It became more difficult to run IPTV on Plex once the system removed plug-in support. This doesn’t mean it’s impossible, however.
Here’s everything you need to watch IPTV on Plex.
An IPTV Tuner
Plex removed plug-in support but still always users to connect TV Tuners to a server. You can use an IPTV Tuner to stream IPTV through Plex. This allows you to use DVR and channel filtering too.
The two most popular TV Tuners for Plex right now are xTeVe and TVTelly. Both of these are free to use and simple to install onto a Plex Media Server.
Plex Pass and IPTV Subscription
You need a subscription to Plex to stream live TV. The subscription costs very little, and you get a discount by getting several months at once. The cost is much cheaper than cable, but you should know it’s coming.
You also need an IPTV subscription from a provider. These subscriptions are m3u files that tuners connect to. Some IPTV services are free but not all of them are.
XML EPG Data and VPN
These two things aren’t necessarily required, but they’ll make your life much easier.
Plex doesn’t provide XML TV listings. Plex has a relatively detailed listing with an Electronic Program Guide (EPG) but it may not cover your IPTV service. Having an external XML source removes the issue.
If you want to have a complete list of every program available on every channel, then you need an XML source. The good news is that your IPTV provider should also give you an XML file.
We recommend using a VPN to protect yourself when using IPTV and access more content. People use VPNs to connect to Hulu and Netflix to watch more shows unavailable in their region.
VPNs also help you protect your online privacy. Most of the content available through IPTV is legal, but when you have thousands of stations in the mix it becomes difficult to guarantee nothing shady is going on. A VPN protects you in these situations.
Why Stream Through Plex TV?
We appreciate this sounds like a lot of steps, but using Plex Media Servers for IPTV is relatively straightforward. It won’t take nearly as much time as you expect.
The reward for your efforts is also worth it – the ability to stream anything you want on any device for a fraction of the cost of cable.
Pros
- Greater access to programs
- Cost-effective
- Available anywhere with an internet connection
- Freedom from cable companies
- Wide range of supported devices
Cons
- Not all IPTV providers are created equal
- Several subscriptions at once
- Takes some time and effort to do
- Questionable legality for some areas
Final Thoughts
Once you get your IPTV service box up and running, you’ll see just how impressive and convenient it is. You’ll question why you ever dealt with cable at all knowing something so simple, cheap, and effective was available.
We truly believe IPTV is the future of television and we hope we’ve helped you get started.
