These days, more and more people have done away with cable TV and are embracing digital media players and/or TV Boxes to keep them entertained. There are so many of these devices available nowadays, but one of the most popular is most probably the Roku. This particular brand has been around for quite a while now, and since its launch until now, Roku has provided several generations of TV boxes. However, have you truly been making the most out of your Roku?
One way you can get the most out of this device is by setting it up with IPTV. Otherwise known as Internet Protocol Television, this offers you with online TV content that you can access whenever you want. With IPTV, you can access a variety of well-known streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and many others. Of course, there are also live TV channels available.
There’s just one downside: Roku’s operating system is the Linux, which puts a significant limit on how many IPTV channels you can have access to. Fortunately, there’s a way for you to bypass this so that you can access more than you normally would. Keep reading to find out how to download and install IPTV on Roku.
Getting Started
First and foremost, there’s one key thing you need in order for you to set up IPTV on Roku. Specifically, you need an app called the M3U Playlist Player. The problem here is that this specific app is no longer available in the Roku Channels store. As such, you’ll have to download the app through different means.
In this case, you’ll need a smartphone as well as the capability to mirror cast to your TV screen. If this isn’t a feature that’s already available on your phone, then you can download an app called the Web Video Caster app on either your iOS or Android. With that in mind, here’s how you can use this Caster app with the Roku.
- After downloading and installing the app, go ahead and launch it.
- On the left-hand section of the screen, you’ll find three lines. Tap on that in order for the sidebar to appear.
- Choose “IPTV.”
- Click on the + icon. This should open up a blank field.
- Type in or paste the M3U URL in this field. This information will be provided to you once you have subscribed to an IPTV service.
- Give your IPTV list a name—you can call it whatever you want.
- Leave the sidebar menu and then click on the Cast icon.
- Choose what kind of device you want, select the Roku device, and then click on Done. You need to make sure that your smartphone and your Roku are both connected to the same internet connection.
- On the Web Video Caster app, head over to the IPTV menu section. Open up the list of IPTVs that you’ve already added.
- Choose the Roku Device option and then hit Play.
Once you’ve successfully and carefully followed these steps, your Roku should be able to load IPTV content.
Choosing Your IPTV Service Provider
Even if your Roku is ready for IPTV streaming, you still need to have an IPTV service provider. There are several providers available, so you might get confused as to which one you want to go for. Here are some things you need to consider:
Stream Quality
One thing you need to bear in mind when choosing which IPTV service provider you want to go for is the stream quality. You can confirm or verify this quality by checking out what other users have to say about the provider via reviews. Try to look for a provider that’s capable of giving you smooth and high-quality streams.
Pricing
Another factor you need to consider is the service provider’s pricing or bundles, if they offer any. One reason why many people flock to IPTVs is because it’s usually not as expensive as cable TV. Most of the time, the best kind of deals are those that allow you to subscribe to the service for several months. Some packages offer subscriptions worth 12 months, which are usually available at affordable prices.
Try looking for an IPTV service provider that offers free trial so that you can test the waters and see if that particular provider is able to offer what you’re looking for.
Content
As you know by now, there are various service providers available, and many of these offer a more specific type of content to its viewers. For instance, if you’re into drama series or comedy shows, you can look for a service provider that usually streams this kind of content. This can help you greatly narrow down potential providers.
Conclusion
Even without satellite or cable TV, there are still so many ways you can keep yourself entertained. Thanks to streaming services like IPTV on Roku, you can watch your favorite movies, channels, shows, and more with as little effort as possible.
