IPTV glossary: the terms explained
By Yanis Moreau, IPTV & Streaming Editor Last updated
Setting up IPTV throws a few acronyms at you. Here's a plain-English glossary of the terms you'll actually meet — grouped by where you'll see them. New to the topic? Start with what is IPTV?
The basics
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| IPTV | Internet Protocol Television — live TV and on-demand delivered over the internet rather than a dish or cable. |
| Live TV | Channels that play to a broadcast schedule, like traditional television. |
| VOD | Video on Demand — an on-request library of films and series you start whenever you like. |
| Catch-up / Timeshift | Replaying or rewinding recent programmes on channels that support it. |
| EPG | Electronic Programme Guide — the on-screen TV guide of what's on now and next. |
Subscriptions & logins
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| M3U | A playlist format. Your subscription can be a single M3U web link that contains all your channels. |
| Xtream Codes | A login method using a username, password and server URL. Usually loads channels, EPG and VOD in tidy sections. |
| Playlist | The list of channels your app loads from your M3U link or Xtream login. |
| Multi-connection | How many devices can stream at the same time on one subscription. See multi-connection IPTV. |
Players & devices
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| IPTV player | The app that reads your playlist and shows the channels — e.g. IPTV Smarters or TiviMate. See the best IPTV app. |
| Set-top box (STB) | A device that plugs into your TV and runs the app — Fire Stick, Android box or MAG. |
| MAG box | A dedicated IPTV set-top box that uses a portal/URL rather than an app store. |
| Tizen / webOS | The operating systems on Samsung and LG Smart TVs, each with their own app store. |
Quality & playback
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| SD / HD / 4K | Picture resolution, from standard definition up to ultra-high-definition 4K. |
| Bitrate | How much data a stream uses per second — higher bitrate means a sharper picture and needs more speed. |
| Buffering | When playback pauses to reload the stream, usually a connection or server issue. See fix buffering. |
| Transcoding | Converting a stream to a lower quality on the fly so it fits a slower connection. |
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between M3U and Xtream Codes?
Both connect your app to your subscription. An M3U link is a single web address containing your playlist. Xtream Codes uses a username, password and server URL, and usually loads the TV guide and on-demand sections more neatly. Most players accept either.
What is an EPG?
The EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is the on-screen TV guide showing what is on now and next for each live channel, so you can plan around fixtures and shows.
What does VOD mean?
VOD stands for Video on Demand — an on-request library of films and series you can start at any time, separate from the scheduled live channels.
What is a set-top box?
A set-top box (STB) is a small device that plugs into your TV’s HDMI port and runs the IPTV app — for example a Fire Stick, an Android TV box or a MAG box.
Still unsure about a term or which login you have? Message us — we'll walk you through it before you buy.