IPTV M3U Playlists & EPG Setup Guide
Understand how M3U playlist files, Xtream Codes API credentials, and Electronic Program Guides (EPG) format live television channels on your device.
What is an M3U IPTV Playlist?
An M3U (Moving Picture Experts Group Audio Layer 3 Uniform Resource Locator) file is a plain text file format containing stream index metadata for live broadcast channels, video-on-demand files, and audio stations. When loaded into an IPTV player like HOT Player or TiviMate, your device reads the server URLs and renders channel categories instantly.
What is Xtream Codes API?
Xtream Codes API is a structured server protocol used by modern IPTV applications. Instead of copying long M3U URLs, Xtream Codes API requires only 3 simple inputs:
- Server Portal URL: (e.g.,
http://realm-iptv.shop:8080) - Username: Your personal account ID
- Password: Secure account password
How Electronic Program Guides (EPG) Work
An Electronic Program Guide (EPG) supplies real-time program schedules, show descriptions, episode titles, channel logos, and upcoming broadcast times directly to your IPTV interface. realmiptv EPG servers refresh XMLTV data automatically every 6 hours, ensuring complete guide accuracy across UK, US, European, and international channels.