IPTV in DACH countries: Answers to your most frequently asked questions

Do I have to pay GEZ if I use IPTV?

Yes, in Germany you have to pay the broadcasting fee, regardless of whether you use IPTV or not. The fee has been set per household since 2013 and is currently €17.50 per month.

How expensive is IPTV?

The cost of IPTV depends on the provider and your own requirements. Prices range from around €45 to €60 per month, including an Internet and landline flat rate and the necessary hardware.

What do I need for IPTV?

For IPTV, you need an IPTV package from a provider and IPTV-capable hardware, such as a receiver, which is usually provided by the provider.

Can I also transmit IPTV without annoying cable lines in the home?

Yes, by using DLAN adapters or special WLAN bridges, you can transmit IPTV in your home without a LAN cable.

Which programs can I receive?

This varies depending on the provider. Vodafone, for example, offers around 67 free TV channels (54 in HD), while MagentaTV provides up to 180 free channels (100 in HD).

What is DSL TV?

DSL TV is another term for IPTV or Internet television and means television in high quality via the Internet.

What does "streaming" mean?

Streaming refers to the transmission of video or TV content via the Internet. There is streaming for series or films as well as for live TV.

Can I also receive HDTV channels via IPTV?

Yes, many IPTV providers offer a large number of HD channels. Vodafone, for example, offers 54 HD channels in its basic package.

Is Ultra HD already available via IPTV?

Yes, some providers such as Deutsche Telekom offer Ultra HD (4K) content, provided the internet speed is sufficiently high.

Can I also order MagentaTV without fast DSL?

With its hybrid technology, Deutsche Telekom offers a way to use MagentaTV even in areas with slower DSL.

Are there differences between IPTV and streaming video on demand - VoD?

IPTV allows you to receive the TV program of all channels, while video on demand allows you to watch individual films or series.

Are there TV guides for IPTV?

IPTV packages often include an electronic program guide (EPG) that can be called up via the remote control.

How high is the resource consumption of IPTV?

For good picture quality, bandwidths of at least 12 Mbit/s are recommended. Higher bandwidths are required for HDTV or multiple TV sets.

What is the difference between WebTV and IPTV?

WebTV refers to the streaming of content via the Internet, while IPTV refers to the reception of TV programs via an IPTV provider.

Can I watch IPTV when the PC is switched off?

Yes, IPTV works independently of the PC. The TV signal is received via a set-top box.

What is a set-top box?

A set-top box converts digital TV data transmitted via the Internet into signals that can be displayed on the TV.

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What does timeshift mean?

Timeshift or time-shifted television allows you to pause the current TV program and resume it later.

Can I also record programs?

Yes, many IPTV boxes have an integrated hard disk for recording programmes.

Can I also use German IPTV services abroad?

German IPTV services are usually not available abroad due to license rights. However, some providers offer app versions of their services that can be used in other European countries.

Can I watch foreign channels via IPTV or WebTV in Germany?

Yes, many IPTV providers offer foreign channels in their packages.

What is the quality of picture and sound with IPTV?

The quality depends on the provider and the available bandwidth. IPTV often offers a quality equivalent to Blu-Ray discs.

Is there also IPTV from O2?

Yes, O2 offers IPTV, but in a slightly different form than the competition.

Is IPTV completely independent of a cable connection or antenna?

Yes, IPTV does not require a cable connection or an antenna and is an independent reception channel.

Can I use it to operate several televisions in the household?

Yes, but each television that is to receive programs independently requires its own set-top box.

Do I then pay the full fee for every single TV in the house?

No, the fee for the IPTV tariff is only payable once per household. However, additional receivers will incur equipment costs.

Do I still need my cable connection for IPTV?

No, IPTV is an independent reception channel and replaces the cable connection.

What has happened to the IPTV offer from Alice and Arcor?

Arcor's IPTV service is no longer available since the takeover by Vodafone. Alice TV was discontinued after the takeover by O2.