OTT apps or IPTV: what is the difference?
Streaming apps and live TV channels explained in plain words, and how to get both with your I-ON broadband.
Both bring entertainment to your screens over the internet, but they work in different ways and suit different habits. Here is what each one is, how they compare and how to choose.
What is OTT?
OTT stands for over-the-top: content delivered over the internet, on top of your connection, rather than through a cable or a dish. In everyday terms, OTT means streaming apps such as JioHotstar, SonyLIV and ZEE5. You choose what to watch and when, on your phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV, and you can pause, rewind or binge a whole series.
What is IPTV?
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television. It brings live TV channels to your television over your broadband connection: news, sport, movies, regional and HD channels, browsed by channel number the way you would with cable or DTH. You keep the familiar live TV experience without a dish on the roof.
OTT and IPTV compared
| OTT apps | IPTV | |
|---|---|---|
| How you watch | On demand, whenever you like | Live channels, as they air |
| Where you watch | Phone, tablet, laptop or smart TV | Your television |
| What you get | Films, series, originals and some live sport inside each app | News, sport, movies, regional and HD channels |
| Best for | Choosing what to watch, on any screen | Live sport, news and channel surfing on the big screen |
Which one should you choose?
- Watch mostly films and series on your own schedule? OTT is enough.
- Want live cricket, football and news on the big screen? Add IPTV.
- Different tastes at home, with live TV in the living room and apps on every phone? Take both.
Many homes end up with both: IPTV for the family TV and OTT apps for everyone’s own screens.
IPTV for the family TV, OTT for everyone’s own screen.
How OTT and IPTV work with I-ON
- Every I-ON broadband plan includes 21 OTT apps.
- OTT packs add premium apps: Silver and Gold, plus Platinum in Bengaluru.
- IPTV packs, Supreme and Elite, add live channels to your TV, including 100+ regional channels.
- Packs sit on the same bill as your broadband, and you can add them to an existing plan.
See which packs are available in your city on the plans page.
What speed do you need for streaming?
Streaming depends on steady speed more than headline speed. HD on one screen needs only a little, 4K needs much more, and every extra screen adds to the total. Our guide to how much speed your home needs helps you pick.
If IPTV buffers, the cause is usually Wi-Fi coverage at the TV rather than the plan. A wired connection to the TV, or better access point placement, typically fixes it. See how to fix Wi-Fi dead zones.
Frequently asked questions
Is IPTV the same as a smart TV app?
No. Smart TV apps are OTT apps: you choose what to watch on demand. IPTV delivers live TV channels to your television over your broadband, so you browse by channel, as you would with cable or DTH.
Do I need a separate connection for IPTV?
No. With I-ON, IPTV runs over your I-ON broadband connection and sits on the same bill.
Which OTT apps come with I-ON broadband?
Every I-ON broadband plan includes 21 OTT apps. OTT packs such as Silver and Gold add more premium apps. Check your selected plan for the current app list.
Why does my IPTV keep buffering?
Buffering usually points to weak Wi-Fi or low speed at the TV. A wired connection to the TV or better access point placement typically fixes it.