This IPTV glossary explains the terms you'll meet when choosing, setting up and using an IPTV service. Each definition is short enough to read in a few seconds; links point to fuller guides where a term needs more explanation.
Accounts and logins
- IPTV — Internet Protocol Television: TV delivered over the internet. See what is IPTV.
- Subscription — a paid plan for a set length and number of screens.
- Connection — one stream playing at a time; your plan sets how many are allowed. See multiple devices.
- Xtream Codes (API) — a login made of server URL, username and password. See Xtream Codes setup.
- Server URL / host — the address of the provider's server, usually with a port number.
- M3U playlist — a file (or link to one) listing every channel. See M3U setup.
- Portal URL — the address a MAG-style box connects to.
- MAC address — a hardware identifier used to activate MAG boxes and some Smart TV apps.
- Trial — a temporary free login for testing. See free trials.
- Reseller — someone who sells accounts on another provider's service. See IPTV resellers.
- Expiry date — when a prepaid plan ends.
Content
- Live TV — channels playing in real time.
- Channel group / category — channels grouped by country or genre.
- EPG — Electronic Programme Guide, the on-screen TV guide. See what is an EPG.
- XMLTV — the file format most IPTV guides use.
- VOD — Video on Demand: films and series you start any time. See IPTV VOD.
- Catch-up — watching a programme after it aired, on supported channels. See catch-up and timeshift.
- Timeshift — pausing or rewinding live TV.
- East/West feed — US channel versions three hours apart. See East vs West feeds.
Streaming and quality
- Resolution — picture size: SD, HD (720p), Full HD (1080p), 4K (2160p).
- Bitrate — how much data per second a stream uses; higher usually means better quality.
- Codec — the compression method, such as H.264 or H.265/HEVC.
- HDR — High Dynamic Range: brighter highlights and richer colour on supported TVs.
- Frame rate — pictures per second, commonly 25/50 in Europe and 30/60 in the US.
- TS (MPEG-TS) — a continuous stream format. See TS vs HLS.
- HLS / m3u8 — a format that delivers video as short segments.
- Adaptive streaming — switching quality automatically as your connection changes.
- Buffer — video downloaded ahead of what's playing, to absorb small interruptions.
- Buffering — playback pausing because the buffer ran out. See the buffering checklist.
- Latency / delay — how far behind live the stream is.
- Unicast / multicast — one stream per viewer vs one shared stream. See how IPTV works.
Apps and devices
- Player app — the app that plays your subscription, such as IPTV Smarters or TiviMate. See apps vs providers.
- Sideloading — installing an app from outside the device's app store.
- Downloader — a Fire TV app used to install players. See the Firestick guide.
- Set-top box — a device connected to the TV, such as a MAG or Android box.
- Enigma2 — a Linux-based system used on some satellite/IPTV receivers.
- Multi-view — watching several channels on one screen.
- Parental PIN — a code that locks chosen channels or groups.
Network
- Mbps — megabits per second, the unit for connection speed.
- Ethernet — a wired network connection; the most stable option for streaming.
- Mesh Wi-Fi — several access points that extend Wi-Fi around the home.
Ready to put the terms to use? Start with the IPTV setup guide.
