Television is no longer limited to cable boxes, satellite dishes, or fixed viewing schedules. In 2026, more people are watching content through connected TVs, smart devices, and internet-based streaming services. The change is especially noticeable as viewers look for more flexibility, better content choices, and easier ways to watch television across different screens.
Connected TV has become a major part of this shift. In India alone, connected TV reached around 166 million monthly viewers in Q1 2026, representing a 23% year-over-year increase, according to Kantar data reported by Moneycontrol.
For IPTV services such as Glo IPTV, this changing viewing behavior creates new opportunities to deliver live television and on-demand entertainment in a way that fits how people watch content today.
What Is Connected TV?
Connected TV, commonly called CTV, refers to a television that can connect to the internet and access digital streaming content.
This can include:
- Smart TVs
- Streaming sticks
- Streaming boxes
- Gaming consoles
- Connected media players
Instead of watching only traditional broadcast channels, viewers can use these devices to access streaming platforms, live television, movies, sports, news, and other digital content.
The result is a more flexible television experience where viewers have greater control over what they watch and when they watch it.
Why Is Connected TV Growing in 2026?
One major reason is convenience. People are becoming accustomed to watching content whenever they want, rather than planning their schedules around television broadcasts.
The latest connected-TV research also shows that viewers are not using CTV only for short-form videos. In India, web series, cricket, and films are among the major types of content watched on connected TV.
This suggests that the big screen is still important. The difference is that the content is increasingly delivered through the internet.
The Shift From Traditional TV to Internet TV
Traditional cable and DTH services are facing changing consumer habits as more viewers move toward connected and internet-based viewing. Industry reporting in India has highlighted the continued shift toward connected TV as traditional pay-TV usage declines.
This doesn’t necessarily mean traditional television is disappearing overnight. Instead, the television experience is becoming more blended.
Viewers may use a combination of:
- Live TV
- IPTV
- OTT platforms
- Connected TV apps
- On-demand services
- Streaming devices
This gives households more ways to choose how they consume entertainment.
Where Does Glo IPTV Fit In?
Glo IPTV is an internet-based television service designed around live TV and on-demand viewing. The service currently promotes thousands of live channels, HD and 4K streaming, video-on-demand content, an electronic program guide, and multi-device access.
This type of setup fits naturally into the connected-TV environment because viewers can access IPTV through compatible Smart TVs, streaming devices, mobile devices, and computers.
Rather than being tied to one traditional television setup, users can have more flexibility in where they watch.
Multi-Device Viewing Is Becoming Normal
One of the biggest changes in television is that viewers no longer watch everything on one screen.
A person might watch a movie on a Smart TV at home, check live news on a phone, or use a tablet while traveling.
Glo IPTV promotes multi-device access, allowing subscribers to use compatible televisions, tablets, laptops, and other supported devices.
This flexibility is particularly useful for households where different people have different viewing habits.
Live TV Still Matters
With all the attention on streaming platforms, it is easy to assume that live television is becoming irrelevant. However, live content remains important.
Sports, breaking news, special events, and scheduled programs are examples of content that viewers often prefer to watch in real time.
Connected TV is making live television more accessible rather than eliminating it. Viewers can now combine live programming with on-demand entertainment on the same internet-connected screen.
Glo IPTV and the Indian Viewer
For Indian viewers living outside India, connected TV also provides a way to stay connected with familiar programming.
Indian families may want access to Hindi, Punjabi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bengali, Gujarati, and other regional content while living abroad.
Glo IPTV offers international programming, while Indian IPTV Channels operates a separate service focused specifically on Indian channels and regional programming for viewers in the USA and Canada.
This creates more choice for households depending on whether they are primarily looking for Indian programming, international entertainment, or a combination of both.
HD and 4K Streaming
Picture quality is another area where connected television has evolved.
Modern Smart TVs can display high-resolution content, making HD and 4K streaming increasingly common. Glo IPTV currently lists HD and 4K options, with actual quality depending on the content, device, and internet connection.
A stable internet connection remains important, especially when streaming higher-resolution video.
The Importance of a Good EPG
Another useful feature in modern IPTV services is the Electronic Program Guide (EPG).
With thousands of channels and different types of programming available, finding something to watch can become difficult without an organized guide.
An EPG helps viewers see current and upcoming programs, making it easier to browse live television and decide what to watch.
Glo IPTV includes an electronic program guide as part of its listed service features.
Will Connected TV Replace Cable Completely?
It is unlikely that one technology will replace every traditional viewing method immediately.
Instead, the television market is moving toward a more connected ecosystem. Traditional TV providers are also adapting by combining linear television with streaming services and unified content discovery. S&P Global describes this as a broader move toward a software-defined, broadband-first media environment.
For consumers, this means more choices rather than simply one replacement for another.
What Can Viewers Expect Next?
The future of television is likely to become even more personalized and connected.
Viewers can expect continued growth in:
- Smart TV usage
- Internet-based live television
- On-demand content
- Multi-device streaming
- Personalized recommendations
- Connected TV advertising
- AI-assisted content discovery
- High-resolution streaming
AI is also becoming increasingly relevant to digital video, with industry research pointing toward personalization and improved content discovery as important parts of the evolving streaming experience.
Is Glo IPTV Ready for the Connected TV Era?
The basic features offered by Glo IPTV align with many of the viewing habits shaping connected television in 2026.
Live TV provides real-time programming, VOD gives viewers more control over when they watch, EPG helps with navigation, and multi-device support allows content to move beyond a single television screen.
For viewers who prefer internet-based television, these features can make the transition from traditional TV more convenient.
Final Thoughts
The future of television is becoming increasingly connected. Viewers want the freedom to choose what they watch, use different devices, access live and on-demand content, and enjoy television without being restricted to a traditional setup.
Glo IPTV is part of this broader shift toward internet-based television, offering live channels, VOD, HD and 4K options, EPG functionality, and multi-device access.
As connected TV continues to grow throughout 2026, the biggest change may not be the disappearance of television itself. Instead, it is the way television is delivered, discovered, and watched.
