IPTV box

I am looking to build and subsequently sell a IPTV box. The purchase price should be approximately $100.00. My business model will include a monthly subscription of less than $15.00 per month or $150.00 per year recurring every year to sell in my shop. If the customer does not pay then the subscription stops.

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Can we make a IPTV box from Raspberry Pi, with XBMC which fits my objective.

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Is something like this legal in USA and Canada

Another reference point is http://iptvtalk.org/

This model and concept are popping up all over the place at the moment. Most resellers are focusing on selling Android based boxes that can be purchased at prices much lower than a RasPi.

I would consider what hardware you really need, what you really need the device to do and then start to look at what software solution will best meet your needs. If that software is Kodi great, just be aware as A. S. Burgess has pointed out there are some legality issues depending on what you include on the box preinstalled.

Selling a box that is completely pre-configured is where people are running into issues as most often times one or more of the pre-configured addons is not considered legal. In the UK authorities are cracking down in a big way on box resellers that are selling preconfigured boxes with questionable addons.

To avoid these issues it is best to sell your device with a basic Kodi installation and then provide means for your clients/customers to then install the software on their own. This allows you to provide a banner that informs them that some addons are not considered legal and that you are removed from any liability if they install any such addon and stream illicit content.

I must say if you really want to compete with this model however, you will need to find something to provided that is not already available. If that is your IPTV channel listing, a specific look and feel or configuration that should be enough, just make sure it is unique and user friendly.

I hope this is helpful.

Here is a link to a popular China based manufacturing and bulk order website:
http://www.alibaba.com/products/F0/IPTV_box/CID5092303.html?spm=a2700.7724838.12.2.H5bVzv

You may want to do some comparative shopping.

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LVL 1

A. S. BurgessLead TechnicianCommented: 2015-08-21

IPTV boxes are legal in USA and Canada, depending on what you plan to stream. This is key, as you are not legally allowed to stream sources that are owned by other vendors/networks/etc. If you're running a IPTV setup for a community base, or have approval from a local network, then you shouldn't run into any legal issues.

So the question is, are you trying to make a IPTV "player" or an IPTV "server"? As a player, KODI (formally XBMC) is the best way to go, as you can easily put it on a Raspberry Pi using OpenElec for your application module. There a tons of "unofficial" KODI applications that already have IPTV streaming setup (beware, some are legal, some are not).

Most IPTV streaming is consistent with configuring XML files linking streaming sources to server content.

If you're trying to run a IPTV server, you'll need a lot more than a Raspberry Pi to get you started.

jay121Author Commented: 2015-08-21

Thanks Burgess for the comment. I am looking to make and market iptv player boxes where the end customer is on a monthly subscription or pays one time.

Thanks again
Jay

LVL 10

Tony HungateTechnical Writer/Trainer | CISSPCommented: 2015-11-03

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jay121Author Commented: 2016-03-07

Thanks for the link

Fit IPTVCommented: 2018-08-07

Yes you can order iptv boxes and sell then even this iptv server is also using their own iptv boxes (pre-made from china).

IPTV box

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