IPTV terms, explained simply
IPTV providers love abbreviations. Here is what they mean and which of them you need for Kanal.
In short: IPTV is television over the internet. Your provider gives you either Xtream Codes credentials (server, username, password) or an M3U link; Kanal reads both. EPG is the program guide, catch-up is watching later, both only if the provider delivers them.
IPTV
"Internet Protocol Television": channels are delivered as a data stream over the internet instead of cable, satellite or antenna. You need a player (like Kanal) and a provider that delivers the channels. Kanal is only the player.
Xtream Codes (Xtream API)
The most common interface between IPTV provider and app. You get three values: server (an address, often with a port like :8080), username and password. With them the app loads the channel list, logos, categories, program guide and, if offered, movies & series. Kanal supports the Xtream API fully.
M3U / M3U8
A playlist file with all channels and their stream addresses. Providers send it as a link (…/get.php?username=…&password=…&type=m3u_plus). Kanal reads M3U links including logos (tvg-logo) and groups (group-title).
EPG and XMLTV
EPG ("Electronic Program Guide") is the TV guide: what's on now and next. XMLTV is the file format for it. With the Xtream API the EPG comes automatically; with M3U you need an XMLTV link. Kanal shows now/next on every tile and, with Plus, the full program table.
HLS and MPEG-TS
Two transport formats. HLS (.m3u8) is Apple's standard and works well everywhere; MPEG-TS (.ts) is the older format. Kanal tries HLS first and switches to TS automatically if needed.
Catch-up / timeshift / archive
Watching programs after they aired. Works only if the provider records them and offers them through the Xtream API ("tv_archive"). Kanal then shows the archive in the program table. Without catch-up there is only the live buffer of a few seconds.
VOD
"Video on Demand": the provider's movies and series. Kanal shows them with Kanal Plus under "Movies & Series".
What Kanal is not
Kanal delivers no channels and is not an IPTV provider. Which channels you see, and whether you may watch them, is decided by your contract with your provider.
Frequently asked questions
Xtream Codes or M3U, which is better?
Xtream Codes. Kanal then gets categories, logos, EPG and catch-up automatically. M3U works too, but without the archive.
How do I recognize my login in the email?
Look for "Server"/"Host"/"URL", "Username" and "Password", or for a link containing get.php. The setup page detects both automatically.