PVR/Backend/IPTV

IPTV (abbreviation for "Internet Protocol television") is a system through which television services are delivered using the Internet protocol suite over a packet-switched network such as the Internet, instead of being delivered through traditional terrestrial, satellite signal, and cable television formats.

IPTV is distinguished from Internet television by its on-going standardization process (e.g., European Telecommunications Standards Institute) and preferential deployment scenarios in subscriber-based telecommunications networks with high-speed access channels into end-user premises via set-top boxes or other customer-premises equipment.

For a more broader general overview of what IPTV is and what it is not, please read the article about IPTV on wikipedia.

IPTV in XBMC
To get an IPTV signal into XBMC's PVR frontend your first option is to use an external third-party PVR backend software or stand-alone hardware box that will parse the signal and then in turn repackage and forward it on to a PVR client addon compatible with XBMC, using PVR backend server software such as Tvheadend, VDR, MythTV, and MediaPortal, or a stand-alone hardware box like Njoy N7, Silicondust HDHomeRun Prime, Hauppauge WinTV DCR-2650, or Ceton InfiniTV 4.

The second option is to use a PVR client addon in XBMC that is capable of receiving IPTV signal directly in XBMC without an third-party PVR backend software or hardware, for which there currently only is one PVR client addon, and that is IPTV Simple Client