IPTV involves delivering audiovisual and other content over an IP-based network like the internet. For an IPTV service to work, the provider must obtain programming rights, encode the content, and distribute it over their network using sufficient bandwidth. Customers need a set-top box or other device to access the content through the provider's user interface, which typically includes an electronic program guide.

1. IPTV is the process of delivering content over an IP based
network which uses the internet. Typically this content is
audiovisual although such networks can be used to send
other information such as programme guides. In order for
an IPTV service to function the provider must first prepare,
code and then distribute the content over their network,
typically a user will need a set top box in order to view
programmes although increasingly, desktop computers,
laptops, tablets and even mobile phones are used.

2. There are four main steps which an IPTV service must
follow in order to deliver content to its customers. For
most television programming this will involve the provider
obtaining the rights from whoever owns the
programming, in terms of movies this may be a studio and
in the case of a sporting event this may be a sports' official
body. The rights obtained will typically give the IPTV
provider permission to redistribute the programming.

3. With this content obtained the provider will then have to
encode it to ensure that only those customers that are
permitted to view it do so. This encoding stage is usually
carried out after the provider has received the content
from a satellite feed; normally this process will also
change the format of the programming to make it suitable
for distribution across the IP based network.

4. The IPTV service typically uses the existing phone based
broadband connections. For this process to be successful
there must be enough bandwidth to provide the content
to the customer's set top box, otherwise users may have
problems in streaming the content. Bandwidth problems
are becoming more prevalent in countries with legacy
phone systems that are simply incapable of carrying so
much information, in such instances fibre optics are being
employed to allow for faster data speeds.

5. The next element of the service is generally termed
"middleware". This is essentially the user interface that
the customer uses and subsequently it must provide an
easy and simple way to access the desired content.
Typically this takes shape as an EPG (Electronic
Programme Guide) but may also be far more interactive
with picture in picture or search functionality based upon
programme titles, actors or categories.

6. The final piece in the IPTV service jigsaw is the set top box.
Ultimately this is the device which brings the content to
the television, runs the middleware and decodes the
information. Ultimately it needs to perform effectively,
not be too expensive and also robust enough to withstand
the wear and tear of a home. Alternatively, there are
some services which allow IPTV to be viewed over other
devices.

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