What matters most
- Player and service are not the same product.
- M3U and Xtream Codes are different ways to enter access details.
- EPG/XMLTV supplies guide data rather than video.
- Bitrate, bandwidth and buffer describe different parts of playback.
Setup and login terms
These terms describe how a compatible player receives account or playlist information.
| Term | Plain-English meaning | Important detail |
|---|---|---|
| M3U | A playlist file or URL containing stream entries | A URL may contain private credentials |
| Xtream Codes | A player login using server, username and password | Use the dedicated Xtream login screen |
| Portal | A server address used by some set-top boxes | It may be linked to a MAC address |
| MAC address | A hardware network identifier | Do not publish it with account details |
| Playlist | The organised list of channels or media | It is not the player itself |
TV guide and library terms
Guide and library data can load separately from the live stream. A channel playing correctly does not guarantee the EPG has finished syncing.
| Term | Meaning | First check |
|---|---|---|
| EPG | Electronic Programme Guide | Confirm device time zone |
| XMLTV | A common file format for programme listings | Refresh the guide source once |
| VOD | Video on demand | Refresh movies and series categories |
| Catch-up | Authorised replay of earlier scheduled programmes | Availability depends on the provider and channel |
Playback and connection terms
These terms help describe the exact symptom instead of saying only that playback is not working.
| Term | Meaning | What it can indicate |
|---|---|---|
| Bitrate | Video data used each second | Higher bitrates need more capacity |
| Bandwidth | Available connection capacity | Shared household traffic can reduce headroom |
| Buffer | A small amount of video stored ahead | Repeated depletion causes pauses |
| Latency | Delay between request and response | High or unstable latency slows starts |
| Codec | Method used to compress video or audio | Unsupported decoding can cause black screens |
Device and app terms
Android TV and mobile Android are related but use different screen and control assumptions. Tizen belongs to Samsung TVs and webOS belongs to LG TVs. Sideloading means installing an app outside the normal store and should be done only from a trusted developer source.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between M3U and Xtream Codes?
M3U normally uses one complete playlist URL. Xtream Codes separates the server, username and password into individual fields.
Is EPG the same as a channel list?
No. The channel list identifies streams; EPG data supplies programme names and times.
What does buffering mean?
The player has run out of ready-to-play video data and must wait for more to arrive or decode.