If you are thinking of purchasing a subscription TV plan, at some point you will come across an important question: IPTV, tv out or TV by satellite, which is the best option? Thinking about helping you make the best decision, Oficina da Net put together this article presenting the main advantages, disadvantages and differences of each type of technology.
What is Cable TV?
Before talking about which service is most interesting for you to use, let’s understand what cable TV is. As the name says, this type of service uses cables to transmit the television signal to each of its users. Of course, at the company’s headquarters, the television signal comes via satellite and is then distributed through cables to the homes of its subscribers.
The image quality is practically the same as the satellite service, but it has its advantages and disadvantages. First, the operator that chooses to use the cable TV system ends up having a limit of points, that is, they can only serve up to a certain number of homes per region. Its main advantage is that even in bad weather, the signal quality is not affected, something that does not happen with satellite delivery.
What is Satellite TV?
As the name implies, the satellite TV signal works through a satellite. Just like the cable system, the operator receives the signal from the TV channels through satellite at its headquarters, but this signal is distributed to its subscribers through antennas. The advantage is that this format allows you to achieve a greater coverage field, as it reaches places where the cable does not reach, such as rural areas, for example.
Because of this coverage advantage, the satellite TV system is the most common in Brazil. However, as not everything is rosy, the service also has its drawbacks. The biggest one is that the signal transmission is done through the air, so it can negatively affect the signal quality on rainy days.
What is IPTV?
IPTV has practically the same function as cable or satellite TV, but uses a technology that is already present in every Brazilian’s home: the internet. IPTV is built on the basis of streaming video technology such as Netflix, HBO Max and so on.
Its operation allows you to start watching a movie, series or television program without having to wait for the content to download. You can simply watch the channels you want in real time and anytime. Its main advantage is that it only needs internet and a compatible device, from a mobile phone, notebook, TV Box or smart TV.
IPTV, cable or satellite TV: which is cheaper?
When comparing prices, we all agree that IPTV is the best option, precisely because it requires less resources and equipment for transmission. Regardless of whether you opt for a cable or satellite TV service, the operator will provide you with lending equipment, an antenna and a technician to do the installation.
Due to all these costs, the cost of installation is the main barrier for a person to opt for this type of service. THE SKYfor example, is a subscription TV operator that uses the satellite signal system. The company usually charges amounts between R$ 118.80 to R$ 499 (depending on the type of equipment) + BRL 80 installation fee. Once installed, you pay the cost of the channel package, which ranges from R$9.90 to R$129.90.
Those who opt for IPTV only pay for access to the system and, in some cases, can also choose the channel package. If you need equipment, to start watching the user just need to download the application and log into your account. An example is the DGODirecTV’s IPTV service (owned by SKY) and currently costs BRL 89.90 per month and has no setup fee.
Below is a table with the prices of different cable, satellite and IPTV services for you to compare:
| Service | Type | number of channels | installation fee | Spots | Monthly payment |
| sure tv+ | IPTV | 100 | Not | 2 simultaneous | R$ 69,90 |
| clear tv box | IPTV | 100 | R$ 249 | 1 | R$ 89,90 |
| DGO | IPTV | 70 | Not | 2 simultaneous | R$ 89,90 |
| Guigo TV | IPTV | 43 | Not | 2 simultaneous | R$ 20,90 |
| Vivo Play | IPTV | 42 | Not | 2 simultaneous | from BRL 29.90 |
| Globoplay | IPTV | 19 | Not | 5 simultaneous | from BRL 49.90 |
| SKY | Satellite | 100 | R$ 14,90 | 1 | from BRL 99.90 |
| course NET | Cabo | 123 channels | R$ 120 | 1 | from BRL 59.90 |
| I live TV | Satellite | 43 channels | not informed | 1 | from BRL 129.99 |
IPTV, cable or satellite TV: which has the shortest delay?
The delay is something important to take into account, especially if you’re going to watch a football match and don’t want to hear your neighbor screaming a goal too soon. There is no specific rule for all services, but tests show that IPTV has a longer delay than other formats.
During the 2022 World Cup edition, Oficina da Net carried out tests to find out what would be the longest waiting time for the transmission. We used the match between Brazil and South Korea and connected one TV on an IPTV service, another on satellite TV, and yet another using VHF transmission on free-to-air TV. In addition to the TV signal, we also tuned an FM radio to use as a main reference.
At the 7th minute of the game, Brazil opened the scoring against South Korea in a goal by the player Vinícius Jr. When the radio announcer shouted goal, the Analog TV took 3 seconds to show bid. THE Satellite TV took 6 seconds to display the same bid. already the IPTV ranked last, with a delay of 17 seconds. This means that IPTV actually takes more time to transmit content.
IPTV, cable or satellite TV: which is the best option?
Because it has a more affordable price, does not require any bureaucratic procedure, such as a membership and installation fee, and only needs one thing that everyone has at home, IPTV is by far the best option. You can opt for more common services, such as DGO, Claro tv+ or Guigo TV.
But in places where internet connection is a problem, like in rural areas, the best solution is to opt for satellite TV plans. Of course, nowadays there are also satellite internet services, such as SpaceX. If you hire a plan like this, you can use any IPTV with ease.
All about IPTV at Oficina da Net