IPTV basics · EPG guide
What Is EPG? Electronic Programme Guide Explained
EPG stands for Electronic Programme Guide — the on-screen TV schedule built into your IPTV player. It shows what is currently airing on each channel, what is coming up next, and lets you browse upcoming programmes across your full channel list without leaving the app.
What is EPG?
Definition
An Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) is a schedule overlay built into your IPTV player that shows what is currently broadcasting and what is scheduled to air next on each channel. It is the digital equivalent of a printed TV listings magazine — except it updates automatically, is interactive, and is built directly into your viewing app.
Without an EPG, you only know the channel name — not what is on it. With EPG loaded, you see programme titles, descriptions, start and end times, and can plan viewing across your full channel list from a single grid screen.
How EPG works with IPTV
The XMLTV format
EPG data is delivered in XMLTV format — a standardised XML file that contains channel IDs, programme names, descriptions, and broadcast times. Your IPTV provider hosts this file on a server and gives you a URL to access it.
Your player downloads the data
When you enter the EPG URL in TiviMate or another IPTV app, the app downloads the XMLTV file and maps each programme entry to the matching channel in your M3U channel list. The result is a populated guide grid.
Automatic daily refresh
EPG data typically covers 7 days ahead. Your player refreshes the data automatically — usually once every 12–24 hours — so the guide stays current without manual updates.
Catch-up integration
Some IPTV providers include catch-up data in their EPG feed. If a past programme is highlighted in grey in TiviMate's guide, it is available to watch on demand directly from the EPG screen.
How to set up EPG in TiviMate
- Open TiviMate and go to Settings → Playlists. Select your existing playlist or add a new one.
- Scroll to EPG source in the playlist settings. Tap "Add EPG source" and enter the XMLTV URL provided by Redixel TV in your account email.
- Set the refresh interval to every 12 hours. TiviMate will download the EPG data automatically on schedule.
- Wait for the first load — EPG data can take 5–15 minutes to fully load on the first import. Do not close the app during this process.
- Check the guide by opening TiviMate's TV Guide tab. You should see programme names and times across all channels that have EPG data mapped.
- Fix timezone if times are wrong — if programme times are off by several hours, go to Settings → Player → Time offset and adjust to your local timezone.
Best IPTV apps for EPG
TiviMate
The best EPG experience on Android, Firestick, and Android TV. Smooth grid layout, fast channel switching from the guide, catch-up integration, and a dedicated favourites panel. The premium version unlocks multiple playlists and recording.
IPTV Smarters Pro
Good EPG support with a clean interface. Works well on iOS, Android, and Smart TVs. EPG grid is functional, though less polished than TiviMate for browsing large channel lists.
GSE Smart IPTV
Supports XMLTV EPG natively. Works across iOS, Android, macOS, and Apple TV. A solid choice for Apple device users who want reliable EPG without a subscription fee.
Perfect Player
Lightweight Android IPTV player with full XMLTV EPG support. The interface is more basic than TiviMate but loads large EPG files efficiently on lower-end devices.
EPG troubleshooting
EPG not loading
Check that the XMLTV URL from your provider is correct — copy and paste it rather than typing it. If the URL is correct, wait 15–30 minutes for the first load to complete before assuming it has failed.
Wrong programme times
A timezone offset mismatch is the most common cause. Go to your player's timezone or time offset settings and adjust until the times match your local clock. Most providers publish EPG times in UTC.
Some channels have no EPG data
Not every channel in an IPTV service has EPG data mapped to it — particularly regional or niche channels. This is normal and does not affect playback. The channel will still play; it just will not show schedule information.
EPG stopped updating
If the guide shows outdated programme information, force a manual refresh in your player's EPG settings. If the URL still works, the data will reload. If the URL has changed, contact Redixel TV support for the updated EPG link.
Frequently asked questions
What is EPG in IPTV?
EPG stands for Electronic Programme Guide. In IPTV, it is the on-screen TV schedule that shows what is currently airing and what is coming up on each channel — similar to the guide on a Sky or cable box.
How does EPG work with IPTV?
Your IPTV provider supplies an XMLTV-format EPG URL alongside your channel list. You enter this URL in your IPTV player app, which then downloads the schedule data and displays it as a grid guide inside the app.
Which IPTV apps support EPG?
TiviMate, IPTV Smarters Pro, GSE Smart IPTV, and Perfect Player all support EPG. TiviMate is widely considered the best EPG experience because of its smooth grid layout, fast loading, and catch-up integration.
Why is my EPG not showing?
EPG not showing is usually caused by an incorrect or expired EPG URL, a timezone mismatch in the app settings, or the EPG data not yet having loaded. Check the URL in your player settings and allow up to 30 minutes for the first load.
What is XMLTV?
XMLTV is the standard file format used to deliver EPG schedule data. It is an XML-based format that contains channel names, programme titles, descriptions, and broadcast times. Your IPTV provider supplies an XMLTV URL that your player app reads to display the guide.