IPTV Glossary: EPG, M3U, Bitrate & Connections

Use this glossary when a player, subscription page or setup guide uses an unfamiliar term. Each definition explains what the term changes in everyday viewing, with a next step when you need more detail.

IPTV and player apps

IPTV means Internet Protocol television: television delivered using internet protocol networks. The term describes delivery technology, not a specific content catalogue or quality guarantee.

IPTV player means the application that opens your account or playlist and displays media. A player's purchase or activation fee may be separate from your streaming subscription. Confirm compatibility in the installation guides.

Provider means the organisation supplying the account or service. The provider and player publisher may be different organisations, so direct billing and login questions to the correct one.

M3U, Xtream Codes and portals

M3U is a media playlist format. A provider can supply a file or a URL that the player imports. A playlist URL may contain private account details and should be handled like a password.

Xtream Codes login is a label used by compatible players for adding a service with separate server, username and password fields. App support and provider configuration determine what it imports. See the format comparison before choosing.

Portal is an entry address used by some receiver or player systems to connect to a service interface. It is not interchangeable with every M3U URL. The MAG and Enigma2 guide explains why receiver compatibility needs checking first.

EPG and XMLTV

EPG stands for electronic programme guide: the schedule showing what is on and when. Schedule data and video delivery are separate, so a channel may play while its guide is blank.

XMLTV is an XML-based format for television listings, also associated with the XMLTV tool project. See the project's documentation below. Channel mapping associates a guide entry with the correct playable channel. For missing or shifted schedules, use the EPG troubleshooting guide.

Bitrate, buffering, HD and 4K

Bitrate is the amount of data delivered per second, often expressed in Mbps. It helps estimate bandwidth and data use. The internet speed guide includes worked examples.

Buffering is the player's loading of data ahead of playback. A visible pause can occur when that reserve runs out. Network interruptions, player limitations and source problems can all need investigation; follow the buffering checks.

HD and 4K describe picture-resolution categories. In consumer television, 4K UHD typically means 3840 × 2160 pixels. A 4K-capable TV cannot turn every source into native 4K detail. Source quality, app support and device output all matter.

Live TV, VOD and catch-up

Live TV follows a channel schedule. VOD, or video on demand, lets the viewer choose when to start an available title. Catch-up lets viewers access earlier broadcasts where the service, channel and player support it. Do not assume every channel supports catch-up or the same retention period.

Connections and trial access

Devices streaming at once are the number of streams allowed at once. They differ from the number of devices with an app installed. Compare the allowance on the plans page.

Trial is temporary access used to evaluate the service. Test actual channels, guide behaviour and your intended device with the trial checklist, and confirm the terms before activation.