Definitions
IPTV glossary: all the vocabulary explained simply
IPTV glossary: 28 key terms — M3U, EPG, Xtream Codes, VOD, buffering, transcoding — explained simply, each linked to our detailed guide on the topic.
IPTV vocabulary mixes technical terms, abbreviations and loan words from traditional television. This glossary groups them by theme, in simple language, to serve as a quick reference when an unfamiliar term appears in an application or installation guide.
Basics and connection formats
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| IPTV | Broadcasting of channels and video content via the Internet rather than via terrestrial, satellite or cable. See our complete definition article. |
| M3U / M3U8 | Text file that lists video streams with their metadata (name, logo, category). The .m3u8 extension indicates UTF-8 encoding. Detail in structure of an M3U file. |
| Xtream Codes | Credential-based connection method (server, username, password) which generates the list of channels, the VOD and the EPG dynamically. See Xtream Codes explained. |
| Playlist | Another name given to the list of channels loaded from an M3U URL or Xtream Codes credentials. |
| #EXTINF | Line of an M3U file which precedes each stream and carries its name, logo and category. |
| group-title | Attribute of a #EXTINF line which indicates the category of a channel (Sport, Cinema, News, etc.), used to organize the list. |
| Portal | Proprietary interface of certain providers, sometimes linked to a MAC address rather than simple credentials. |
| MAC address | Unique identifier of a device, used by certain portals (Stalker/MAG type) to authenticate the connection. |
| IPTV code | Common expression which refers, depending on the context, to Xtream Codes credentials or an activation code linked to a box. See our M3U or Xtream Codes comparison. |
Content and broadcasting
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Live | Identical continuous stream for all viewers at the same time, like a classic television channel. |
| VOD (video on demand) | Catalog of content (films, series) that you choose and watch at your own pace, with pause and rewind. See our comparison VOD or live. |
| Catch-up TV | Function which allows you to rewatch a program already broadcast live, for a limited period after its broadcast. |
| Timeshift | Catch-up-like function: pause, rewind or fast-forward in a live stream, like a DVR. |
| EPG | “Electronic Program Guide”, the electronic program guide: the timetable of the channels. Details in our EPG guide. |
| XMLTV | Standard data format used to transmit program information that feeds the EPG. |
| Channel | Continuous video stream identified by a name, associated with a category and, if available, a program guide. |
| Catalog | All VOD content (films, series) offered by a service, distinct from the list of live channels. |
Quality, network and performance
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Buffering | Loading time during which the application accumulates data before display, to smooth out speed variations. See our buffering troubleshooting guide. |
| Speed / bitrate | Quantity of data transmitted per second; the higher the resolution, the greater the required speed. |
| Transcoding | Converting a video stream from one format or resolution to another, usually done server-side to accommodate the viewer's connection. |
| Freeze / lag | Temporary freeze frame or lag, often related to network packet loss or unstable connection. |
| 4K / UHD / Full HD | Video resolution levels, from the lightest (Full HD) to the most demanding in bitrate (4K/UHD). |
| CDN | Network of geographically distributed servers that brings content closer to the user to reduce loading times. |
| Simultaneous / multiroom connection | Number of screens that can use the same subscription at the same time. Details in our multi-screen guide. |
Hardware and applications
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| IPTV box | Small external device, usually HDMI, that adds the ability to install applications to a TV that does not have it natively. See what is an IPTV box. |
| Decoder | Function which transforms a stream received by the network into a displayable image, almost always software in IPTV. Details in our article on the IPTV decoder. |
| Smart TV | TV capable of installing and running applications natively, without additional hardware. |
| IPTV app (player) | Program that plays the stream and displays the channel list (VLC, TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro, etc.). Comparison in which IPTV application to choose. |
| Streaming stick | Compact variant of the IPTV box, which plugs directly into the HDMI port of the TV. |
Security and privacy
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| VPN | Virtual private network that encrypts the connection and hides the IP address; neither required nor sufficient in itself for IPTV. See our article VPN and streaming. |
How do you use this glossary?
Use this glossary as a quick reference, not an installation guide: look up a term when it appears in an app or setup guide, then follow its link for the full explanation. To actually get started, our article how to install IPTV details the three connection methods step by step, and our guides by device cover each hardware configuration in detail.
In summary
The IPTV vocabulary is not so vast once grouped by theme: from connection formats (M3U, Xtream Codes) to the content broadcast (live, VOD, EPG), via network quality (buffering, speed, transcoding) and hardware (box, decoder), each term refers to a precise, documented notion. Come back to this glossary whenever an unfamiliar word appears in an app or guide.
Frequently asked questions
Do you need to know all this vocabulary to use IPTV?
No. Most users simply enter an M3U URL or Xtream Codes credentials into an app. This glossary is especially useful for understanding documentation, advanced settings or diagnosing a problem.
What is the difference between M3U and Xtream Codes?
M3U is a text file directly listing streams; Xtream Codes is a credential-based connection method (server, username, password) which generates this list dynamically, with integrated VOD and EPG on top. The full details are in our M3U or Xtream Codes comparison.
What does EPG mean in IPTV?
EPG stands for “Electronic Program Guide”, the electronic program guide: the timetable which displays what is playing on each channel, now and in the hours to come.
What is buffering in IPTV?
Buffering is the loading time during which the application accumulates video data before displaying it, to smooth out possible variations in bitrate. Frequent or prolonged buffering generally indicates a connection problem.
What is a MAC address in IPTV?
It is a unique identifier specific to a device or box, used by certain proprietary portals (Stalker/MAG type) to authenticate the connection, instead of or in addition to a traditional username and password.
What is the difference between live and VOD?
Live broadcasts an identical continuous stream to all viewers, like a classic television channel. VOD (video on demand) allows you to choose content from a catalog and watch it, pause it or rewind it at will.
