What's the Difference Between These 3 IPTV Streaming Methods?
Let's break it down:
DVB-S Streaming
Source: Satellite Dish via DVB-S Card
Workflow:- Capture MPEG-TS from satellite feed
- Transcode to lower bitrates
- Package (HLS/DASH) and restream
- Need Keys to watch encrypted TV satellite
- Re-Stream the FTA or encrypted channels
Requirements:- DVB-S or DVB-S2 Tuner (e.g., TBS Cards)
- Satellite Dish + LNB
- High-performance server with GPU or strong CPU (for transcoding)
- Software: Xaccel-Codec, Flussonic, tvheadend
Pros:- Full control, no middleman
- Legal if FTA or need Keys to watch encrypted TV satellite
Cons:- Expensive Hardware requirements
- Heavy on hardware & bandwidth
- Setup and configuration is complex not suitable for beginners
DRM Panel Streaming
Source: Official provider (Sky, Ziggo, etc.) Workflow:- Subsciption with provider
- Receive DRM-protected stream via DRM Panel and Script
- Encrypt the streams accordingly with Widevine CDM or Playready License Keys
- Re-Stream the encrypted channels
Requirements:- DRM Panel or other Scripts (e.g., o11 or Xaccel)
- Widevine CDM or Playready License Keys
- Special Scripts for the individual provider and DRM panel
- Due the provider geo-restrictions, proxy or residential proxy required
Pros:- Can be run on a simple VPS or Dedicated server
- No additional Hardware required like in the DVB method
- No transcoding required since the source streams are already available in multiple bitrates and languages
Cons:- Providers constantly update their encryption mechanisms
- Software, scripts and keys must be constantly updated according the provider updates
- The requirement of proxy or residential proxy servers
- Provider subscriptions can be banned quickly by the providers
- Setup and configuration is complex not suitable for beginners
IPTV Re-Stream Providers
Source: Another IPTV provider (reseller or wholesaler) Workflow:- Import M3U or direct links
- Re-Stream the channels to your clients
Requirements:- A reliable Re-Streaming (source) provider
- Basic VPS or dedicated server
- IPTV panel (XUI.ONE, Ministra, Stalker, Xtream UI)
Pros:- Easy to get started, suitable for beginners
- Only a IPTV Panel or a Middleware is required as Software
- No hardware needed, you can get start with a VPS or dedicated server
- Compared to the other 2 methods, the cheapest method
Cons:- Depeding on the provider, low stream quality or uptime
- Limited control over the source, so if the source of the re-streaming providers is down, the channels on your IPTV panel will be also down
