If you have ever used an IPTV service and found yourself scrolling through hundreds of channels without any idea what is on, you have experienced IPTV without a proper EPG. An Electronic Programme Guide transforms your IPTV experience from a list of channel numbers into a fully featured TV guide — and StreamVault provides full 7-day EPG data for all supported channels.
What Is an EPG?
An EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is a digital TV guide that displays what is currently airing and what is scheduled on each channel, usually covering 7 days forward and some catch-up history. It is the same technology that powers the on-screen guide on Sky, Freeview, and Virgin Media boxes.
For IPTV, the EPG data is delivered separately from the channel stream itself — typically as an XML file (XMLTV format) or via your provider's Xtream Codes API. Your IPTV app downloads this data and overlays it on your channel list.
What Does EPG Look Like in an IPTV App?
In apps like IPTV Smarters Pro, TiviMate, and Smart IPTV, the EPG appears as:
- A grid view showing all channels down the left side with time slots across the top — exactly like a traditional TV guide
- A now/next display showing what is currently playing and what is on next for the channel you are watching
- A programme info overlay when you press the info button, showing title, description, start time, and duration
- A catch-up calendar for channels that support recording, showing past programmes you can replay
Why EPG Matters
Without EPG, IPTV feels like watching TV in the 1980s — you have to guess what is on or randomly flip channels. With a full EPG:
- Browse upcoming programmes and plan what to watch
- Set reminders for programmes you do not want to miss
- Search for specific shows across all channels
- Use catch-up to watch programmes that aired in the past 7 days
- See full programme descriptions, cast information, and ratings
EPG quality is one of the biggest differentiators between budget IPTV services and premium ones. A provider that invests in reliable, comprehensive EPG data cares about the user experience.
How StreamVault Delivers EPG Data
StreamVault provides EPG data through two methods:
Via Xtream Codes API: When you set up your account using the Xtream Codes login method in apps like IPTV Smarters, EPG data is automatically included and updated daily. No additional configuration is required.
Via XMLTV: If you are using an M3U playlist, your StreamVault welcome message includes a separate XMLTV EPG URL. Enter this URL in your IPTV app's EPG settings to load the full programme guide.
EPG data refreshes every 24 hours. If your guide appears outdated, trigger a manual refresh in your app's settings — this typically takes 30–60 seconds.
Setting Up EPG in Popular IPTV Apps
IPTV Smarters Pro: EPG loads automatically when using Xtream Codes login. For M3U users, go to Settings, find the EPG URL field, and paste your StreamVault XMLTV URL.
TiviMate: Go to Settings → Playlists → select your playlist → EPG URL, and enter the XMLTV URL. TiviMate then downloads and maps EPG data automatically.
Smart IPTV: Log into siptv.eu, find the EPG section, and enter your XMLTV URL. EPG syncs automatically when the app restarts.
SS IPTV: In the app, go to Sources → EPG → Add EPG Source and paste the XMLTV URL. Press Update to load immediately.
Catch-Up TV and How It Relates to EPG
Catch-up TV allows you to watch programmes that have already aired — typically the past 7 days. Catch-up only works when your IPTV provider has both recorded the stream and correctly mapped it to the EPG data so the app knows what to retrieve.
StreamVault supports catch-up on all major UK channels including BBC One, BBC Two, ITV, Channel 4, and Channel 5, as well as many international channels. Look for a clock icon next to programmes in your EPG — this indicates catch-up is available.