Smart IPTV explained: activation, playlist and smart TV models

Smart IPTV, often called SIPTV, describes itself on the developer's website as a pure media player. It states expressly that no channels are included: none are supplied, and even with the paid activation you do not get any. The playlist comes from the service where you obtain your login.

The developer's FAQ also states that the app contains no channels and that the developers are not responsible for the content that is uploaded. What that means for the legal position is covered further down.

According to the developer, a one-off fee is due for each TV or device; its website shows the current amount. The payment covers only the app, not content. Activation takes place on the developer's website: you enter the MAC address or device ID there and pay by card, PayPal or cryptocurrency.

Activation is tied to the device. Every TV has two MAC addresses, one for Wi-Fi and one for Ethernet, and the MAC address cannot be changed by hand. On Android devices a temporary device ID is used; the developer therefore advises against resetting the device to factory settings, so that the ID is kept. On LG webOS the activation is carried over automatically after the app starts if the TV has been activated before.

The playlist is not typed in on the TV but linked to the device through the developer's website. For that you need a second device, such as a phone or a computer, to upload the address or file. According to the FAQ, an internet address or a file is allowed; a static playlist is placed on the page "My list".

The developer names one limitation itself: if the playlist is too large, it cannot be stored in the TV's memory. If that does not help, the "Save online" option can prevent a playlist from disappearing after a restart.

This is how setup works in practice, based on the developer's statements:

The app is only one part of the bill: on top of the one-off activation fee per device comes the subscription of a service whose playlist you load. For one TV, the combination therefore costs the activation once plus the running costs of the service. Which items arise with licensed subscriptions is explained in the IPTV subscription guide; the plans of this site's operator are under IPTV pricing in Switzerland.

The developer's page names these platforms and app versions:

Install the app through the store of your TV or device. On Samsung and LG you find it there under the app's name; on Android devices it is worth looking at the developer's name, because imitators exist. If someone asks you to make the payment anywhere other than the developer's activation page, caution is called for.

The app is neutral software, and the developer points out that it contains no channels. Using it is lawful if the service whose playlist you load holds the broadcasting rights. Someone who loads a playlist from a doubtful source uses the app lawfully, but the service behind it possibly not. Swiss law is explained in IPTV illegal or legal in Switzerland.

Smart IPTV is mainly common where other apps are missing, namely on Samsung and LG TVs. On Android TV and Fire TV, TiviMate and other apps offer more convenience features. An overview with costs and platforms is in IPTV apps and players; the best-known alternative is explained in IPTV Smarters Pro explained.