EPG stands for Electronic Programme Guide. It is the interactive programme schedule displayed by your IPTV player — the equivalent of the channel guide on a traditional satellite or cable TV service. If you have ever pressed the Guide button on a Sky or Virgin remote to see what is on each channel, you have used an EPG.
What EPG data contains
An EPG provides, for each channel in your subscription:
- The current programme title and description
- The start and end time of each programme
- Future programme schedules (typically 3–7 days ahead)
- Genre information (film, sport, news, documentary, etc.)
How EPG data is delivered in IPTV
EPG data for IPTV is usually distributed in XMLTV format — a standardised XML file that lists programmes for all channels. Your IPTV player downloads this file from a URL provided alongside your channel playlist. Most modern players handle this automatically when you log in with Xtream Codes — the server provides both the channel list and the EPG URL as part of the same connection.
How to use the EPG in your player
In TiviMate, the TV Guide view displays a grid of channels (vertically) and time (horizontally). You navigate across to browse upcoming programmes and can select any future programme to set a reminder or record it (with TiviMate Premium). In IPTV Smarters, press the Info or Guide button while watching a channel to see the current and upcoming programme for that channel.
When the EPG does not load
Common reasons for EPG not displaying:
- EPG data is still downloading — on first login it can take several minutes for the full schedule to populate
- The player's EPG URL is incorrect — check Settings and re-enter your playlist credentials
- The EPG data for specific channels is not available — not all channels in a large line-up have full EPG coverage
EPG and Catch Up
On platforms that support it, the EPG is also the gateway to Catch Up TV. By navigating backwards through the EPG grid, you can see programmes that have already broadcast and select them to replay — without needing to have recorded them in advance.
Is EPG included with IPTV UK Hub?
Yes. Full EPG data is included with every IPTV UK Hub subscription. It loads automatically when you add your subscription using Xtream Codes login in any compatible player.
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