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
US / Canada
UK / Australia
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
-
openSUSE Joins End of 10
openSUSE has decided to not only join the End of 10 movement but it also will no longer support the Deepin Desktop Environment.
-
New Version of Flatpak Released
Flatpak 1.16.1 is now available as the latest, stable version with various improvements.
-
IBM Announces Powerhouse Linux Server
IBM has unleashed a seriously powerful Linux server with the LinuxONE Emperor 5.
-
Plasma Ends LTS Releases
The KDE Plasma development team is doing away with the LTS releases for a good reason.
-
Arch Linux Available for Windows Subsystem for Linux
If you've ever wanted to use a rolling release distribution with WSL, now's your chance.
-
System76 Releases COSMIC Alpha 7
With scores of bug fixes and a really cool workspaces feature, COSMIC is looking to soon migrate from alpha to beta.
-
OpenMandriva Lx 6.0 Available for Installation
The latest release of OpenMandriva has arrived with a new kernel, an updated Plasma desktop, and a server edition.
-
TrueNAS 25.04 Arrives with Thousands of Changes
One of the most popular Linux-based NAS solutions has rolled out the latest edition, based on Ubuntu 25.04.
-
Fedora 42 Available with Two New Spins
The latest release from the Fedora Project includes the usual updates, a new kernel, an official KDE Plasma spin, and a new System76 spin.
-
So Long, ArcoLinux
The ArcoLinux distribution is the latest Linux distribution to shut down.