Complete guide
IPTV glossary
Plain-English definitions of IPTV terms: M3U, M3U8, Xtream Codes, EPG, XMLTV, catch up, multiview, MAC, portal, buffer, bitrate, HLS and more.
Quick answer
This glossary explains the words you meet when setting up IPTV: login formats (M3U, Xtream Codes, portal), guide terms (EPG, XMLTV), features (catch up, multiview, recording) and streaming terms (buffer, bitrate, HLS, codec).
Keep this page handy while you set up.
Logins
- M3U: a playlist of channel addresses; what is an M3U playlist.
- M3U8: UTF-8 M3U, also used by HLS streams; what is M3U8.
- Xtream Codes: server, username and password login; Xtream Codes API.
- Portal / MAC: MAG-style login tied to a device; IPTV Trends MAG box.
Guide
- EPG: the TV guide; EPG meaning.
- XMLTV: the guide file format.
- Time shift: moves guide times to match your zone.
Features
- Catch up:IPTV catch up.
- Multiview:IPTV multiview.
- DVR:IPTV recording.
Streaming
- Buffer: seconds held to smooth playback.
- Bitrate: data per second; higher means sharper and heavier.
- HLS: streaming in short segments.
- Codec (H.264, H.265): video compression; some devices struggle with H.265.
- Passthrough: sending surround sound to a soundbar undecoded; IPTV soundbar setup.
Sources and official links
IPTV terms: questions and answers
The electronic programme guide, or TV listings.
M3U is a playlist link; Xtream Codes is a server login that loads guide and groups automatically.
A few seconds of video held to smooth playback.
