IPTV stands for Internet Protocol television, which is a service that provides television programming and other video content using the Transmission Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP) suite, as opposed to broadcast TV, cable TV, or satellite signals. IPTV is delivered over IP networks and offers a higher quality of service than cable or satellite services that broadcast content in real-time.

IPTV works by streaming content over a managed network such as a WAN, LAN, or a privately managed service provider network. When a viewer changes the channel, a new stream is transmitted from the providers server directly to the viewer. Unlike traditional TV, IPTV works off of an IP network and provides content delivery of audio and video for users to consume.

To watch IPTV TV shows, viewers use a set-top box or other customer premises devices, such as a Wi-Fi router or a fiber optic or broadband internet connection. When a viewer clicks the link to start one of the TV shows, this sends a request to the content source or sources (usually a server or servers). The server divides the video content into data packets over internet protocol IP in a video compression format. It delivers the data to a local network, which then delivers the data to the viewers device.

IPTV primarily uses IP multicasting with Internet Group Management Protocol for IPv4-based live television broadcasts and Real-Time Streaming Protocol for on-demand programs. Other common protocols include Real-Time Messaging Protocol and Hypertext Transfer Protocol.

In summary, IPTV is a service that delivers television programming and other video content using the TCP/IP suite over IP networks. It works by streaming content over a managed network and requires a set-top box or other customer premises devices to watch. IPTV primarily uses IP multicasting and Real-Time Streaming Protocol for live and on-demand programs, respectively.