Kastoo
IPTV stands for “Internet Protocol Television”: TV that reaches you through your internet connection instead of an aerial or a satellite dish. To watch it you need three things: a decent connection, a list or account from a provider that holds the rights to what it broadcasts, and a player on the screen where you want to watch.
How it works, in one sentence
The provider sends each channel as a video stream over the internet; your player requests it, receives it in chunks and shows it, just like an online video but live. The list (an M3U file or an Xtream Codes account) is simply the index that says where each channel is, what it is called and which category it belongs to.
The three pieces
| Piece | What it does | Who provides it |
|---|---|---|
| Provider | Broadcasts the channels, movies and series, and holds (or should hold) the rights | A company you subscribe to |
| List or account | Says where each channel is: an M3U URL, or username, password and server | Your provider |
| Player | Opens the list, sorts the channels, shows the guide and plays | You choose it: an app like Kastoo |
That is why a player does not come with channels: it is like a web browser, which does not include the websites. If someone sells you a player “with channels included”, be wary.
IPTV vs terrestrial TV, satellite and streaming platforms
| How it arrives | What you watch | What you need | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Terrestrial TV | Aerial | Free-to-air channels in your area | An aerial and a TV with a tuner |
| Satellite | Dish | Satellite channels | A dish and a receiver |
| Streaming platforms | Internet, inside their own app | Their catalogue | Each platform’s app |
| IPTV | Internet, through a list | Whatever your service includes, with a programme guide | Your provider’s list and a player |
IPTV’s big advantage is that it works on almost any screen: a smart TV, a TV box, a phone, a tablet or a computer, with the same list on all of them.
What you need to get started
- A connection: as a guide, about 10 Mbps of stable speed for each TV in Full HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. We explain it in what internet speed you need.
- A compatible device: a smart TV, a TV box with Google TV, a phone or a computer.
- Your list: the M3U URL or Xtream Codes details from your provider. If you are not sure which one you have, see M3U or Xtream Codes.
- A player installed from your device’s store or from its official website.
Is it legal?
IPTV technology is legal and many telecom operators use it. What matters is the content: watching channels from a provider that does not hold the rights is not legal. A player only opens what you give it.
Features that make a difference in a player
- A grid programme guide (EPG) showing what is on now and next.
- Well-organised movies and series, with cover art and “Continue watching”.
- Favourites and profiles, so everyone at home has their own.
- Parental controls with a PIN.
- Sending to the TV from your phone (Chromecast or AirPlay).
Frequently asked questions
Is IPTV the same as streaming?
It is a type of streaming. The difference is that with IPTV you watch live channels and your provider’s content through a list, in the player of your choice, instead of inside a platform’s own app.
Do I need special equipment?
No. A smart TV, a TV box, a phone or a computer with an IPTV player installed is enough.
Does the player include channels?
No. The player only opens the list your provider gives you. Kastoo does not sell or include channels or lists.
Can I use the same list on several devices?
Yes, although many providers limit how many devices can watch at the same time. With Kastoo, one licence also covers 3 devices.
Free for 15 days with all features, no card needed. One licence covers 3 devices.
Kastoo is just a player: it does not sell, host or include lists, channels, movies or subscriptions. The screenshots use a demo list with openly licensed content.