IPTV Terminology Glossary: M3U, Xtream Codes, EPG and More

This is a quick-reference glossary for the terms you'll run into setting up or researching IPTV — most subscribers never need more than their login credentials, but these definitions help when troubleshooting or comparing providers.

Core terms

• IPTV — Internet Protocol Television; delivering TV channels and video over an internet connection instead of cable or satellite.
• M3U — a plain-text playlist file listing the streaming URL of every channel in a subscription. See M3U vs Xtream Codes for detail.
• Xtream Codes API — a login-based method (server, username, password) that lets a player app fetch channels, VOD and EPG data automatically.
• EPG — Electronic Program Guide; the scrollable now-and-next TV guide inside a player app. See what an EPG is.
• VOD — Video on Demand; a fixed movie and series library you can watch anytime. See what is VOD?
• MAG portal — a login method used by MAG-brand set-top boxes, tying a subscription to the box's MAC address rather than a username/password.
• Catch-up TV — the ability to replay a live channel's recent broadcasts, usually the last several days.
• Anti-freeze technology — server-side load balancing that automatically reroutes streams during peak demand to prevent buffering.

Are these terms provider-specific?

No — they're industry-standard formats and concepts used across the IPTV ecosystem generally, not specific to any single provider.

Where to go deeper

For the full mechanics behind these terms, see how does IPTV work? For device-specific application of these formats, see the device compatibility guide.

Written by the TiviStation team · Published September 2, 2026. Questions about anything in this guide? Contact our 24/7 support team or learn more about TiviStation.