EPG is an advanced feature used by broadcasters to provide an enhanced streaming experience for its viewers. It provides detailed information about the program that is scheduled to broadcast on the channel. The following section will explain what EPG is, how it works, and the benefits users get out of it.
What is EPG?
An Electronic Program Guide (EPG) is an interactive on-screen guide given by television broadcasters and Internet Protocols Televisions (IPTV). The EPG contains a list of Television programs or content that is telecasted currently and in the future. Also, it has information such as the show’s titles, descriptions, and duration. In addition, it provides extra details such as cast information and ratings of certain shows sometimes.
What is EPG Time Shift?
EPG gives us only the program listings of channels but the EPG Time Shift helps us to pause, rewind, and fast-forward the content that is broadcasted currently. Hence, it is useful to catch up on the best part of TV shows or live streams you missed while changing channels. In addition, it allows you to set reminders for upcoming shows on different TV channels.
How Does EPG Work?
The broadcasters need to list the TV shows for a day or even more. While setting up the schedule, the broadcaster must be careful as it affects the channel’s viewership. After finalizing the schedule, the broadcaster needs to upload the schedule to the headend system manually.
Since uploading EPG to the headend system is a time-consuming process, nowadays, broadcasters use digital headends and IPTV headends to finish the work soon. In this method, the EPG schedule is transmitted by specialized video character generation equipment to the broadcaster servers. From there, it is transmitted to the viewer’s device.
Advantages of EPG IPTV
Below are the advantages of using EPG in IPTV for both viewers and broadcasters.
- EPG provides user-friendly streaming by letting viewers switch between channels easily and fix what they like to stream quickly.
- It helps users to know the program listings and plan their streaming schedules accordingly.
- EPG increases the viewership of the TV channels. If viewers know the schedule, they will come back often to stream what they like at the correct time.
- It allows viewers to keep engaged with a particular channel and enjoy streaming the shows they like.
Best IPTV Players with EPG Support
Here are some of the best IPTV players with EPG support and steps to add and access EPG within the media players.
- Kodi
- IPTV Smarters
- TiviMate IPTV
- Smart IPTV Player
- Perfect Player
Kodi
Kodi is a free and open-source cross-platform media player used to stream different IPTV services and third-party add-ons.
To Configure EPG on Kodi
- Launch the Kodi app on your respective streaming device.
- Choose the Add-ons option and tap Enter add-on browser.
- Select PVR IPTV Simple Client.
- Now, tap the Install button.
- After installation, launch it and tap Configure.
- Then, select EPG on the left-side menu.
- Tap XMLTV URL under Location and enter EPG Guide URL. Once done, tap OK.
- Again, click on the OK button to close the popup menu.
IPTV Smarters
IPTV Smarters is an efficient media player with multiple playlist support and provides an excellent viewing experience.
To Configure EPG on IPTV Smarters
- Open the IPTV Smarters app.
- Launch the app on your device and log in to your account.
- Select the Install EPG option on the home screen.
- Enter the EPG link in the given field and follow the instructions on-screen to complete the process.
- Now, move to the home screen and select Live With EPG to access it
TiviMate IPTV
TiviMate is a prominent media player with a simple user interface and provides seamless streaming with advanced features.
To Configure EPG on TiviMate IPTV
- Open the TiviMate app.
- Click the Add Playlist button and provide the playlist link to add it.
- Then, click on the Next button and choose EPG URL.
- Provide the EPG link and tap the Done button
Smart IPTV Player
Smart IPTV Player is a premium media player for Android devices and Smart TVs. The application allows you to upload the EPG guide directly from its website.
To Configure EPG on Smart IPTV
- Visit the Smart IPTV website (https://siptv.app/about/)
- Activate the player and click on the My List tab.
- Input the MAC address, Playlist link, and EPG links in the respective boxes.
- Hit the Send button to load it.
Perfect Player
Perfect Player is a dedicated free media application for Android devices with multiple playlists and network protocol support.
To Configure EPG on Perfect Player
- Open Perfect Player and go to Settings.
- Tap General and choose EPG URL.
- Enter the EPG link and click the OK button.
- Restart the player to access EPG.
Common Questions
Is EPG free?
Yes, EPG is free to use. However, some services provide premium EPG with additional costs.
Can I customize EPG?
Yes, you can customize EPG. It lets you personalize the EPG interface and group your favorite TV channels.