IPTV in one sentence
IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers TV channels, movies and series as streams over the internet, so you can watch them on a TV, phone or tablet that's online.
Many telecom and TV companies already use IPTV for their own boxes. With an IPTV player like Zapvo, you can watch a provider's service on the devices you already have.
Two parts: the service and the player
It helps to keep two things apart:
- The IPTV service (the provider) has the channels and the rights to show them. It gives you access, usually as a playlist link or an account.
- The IPTV player (the app) is the software that plays the streams and makes them easy to browse: channel lists, a program guide, movie posters.
Zapvo is a player. It doesn't come with channels; it plays the playlist you get from your provider.
The playlist formats
Providers share their service in a few common ways:
- M3U or M3U8: a playlist link or file that lists every stream. More about M3U.
- Xtream Codes: a server address, a user name and a password. It usually adds posters, series episodes and the guide. More about Xtream Codes.
- Stalker portal: a portal address that recognizes your device by a MAC address.
Zapvo supports all three.
What is an EPG?
The EPG (electronic program guide) is the TV guide: what's on now, what's next, and the schedule for the coming days. IPTV guides usually come in a format called XMLTV. How Zapvo shows the guide.
What you need
- A device: an Android TV or Google TV, a TV box, a phone or a tablet.
- An internet connection: about 5–8 Mbps for HD and 25 Mbps for 4K. On a TV, a cable is steadier than Wi-Fi.
- A playlist or account from a provider you're allowed to use.
- A player app, such as Zapvo.
Start with Zapvo
Install Zapvo, add your playlist and you're watching. Our setup guide takes you through it step by step. No playlist yet? Try the demo playlist to see how it works.