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IPTV comes with its own vocabulary that gets thrown around constantly in setup guides and provider descriptions. Here's what each term actually means.
Core Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| M3U | A plain-text playlist file format that lists channel stream URLs. An "M3U link" is a URL pointing to one of these files, which your player app reads to build your channel list. |
| M3U8 | A variant of M3U used specifically for HLS (HTTP Live Streaming) content — functionally the same concept, just a different underlying streaming format. |
| EPG | Electronic Program Guide — the on-screen TV guide showing what's currently airing and what's coming up next on each channel. |
| XMLTV | The data format most EPG schedule information is delivered in behind the scenes. |
| VOD | Video on Demand — a browsable library of movies and series available anytime, rather than a live scheduled broadcast. |
| Catch-Up TV | Recently aired live programming made available to rewatch for a limited window, typically a few days after it originally aired. |
Setup & Connection Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Xtream Codes API | A login method using a server URL, username, and password that lets your app automatically pull the channel list, EPG, and VOD library, rather than loading a static file. |
| Connections | The number of devices that can stream simultaneously under one subscription — not the number of devices you can install the app on. |
| Multi-Screen | A player feature that displays multiple live channels at once on a single display, split into a grid. |
| Anti-Freeze / Anti-Buffer | Marketing terms providers use to describe server-side measures aimed at reducing stream interruptions — not a standardized technical spec. |
| Passthrough | Sending original Dolby/DTS audio directly to a sound system without converting it, versus decoding it to standard PCM/AAC first. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the practical difference between M3U and Xtream Codes API?
An M3U link is a static file your app loads once, while Xtream Codes API is a live connection that keeps your channel list and EPG automatically updated. See our full comparison in the M3U playlist guide.
Is EPG the same thing as a channel guide app?
EPG refers specifically to the schedule data itself, which your player app then displays as an on-screen guide — the data and the display are related but distinct.
Do all providers use the same glossary terms consistently?
No — terms like "anti-freeze" or "fast zapping" are provider-specific marketing language rather than standardized technical benchmarks, so they aren't directly comparable across providers.
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