IPTV Catchup & Timeshift: Watch What You Missed

Catchup TV (also called replay TV) lets you watch programs that already aired. Instead of missing a show, you can go back in time and watch it.

• *How it works:**
• Provider records channels continuously
• Recordings stored for 24-72+ hours
• You access past programs through EPG
• Works like on-demand for recent content

Not all IPTV services include catchup - it depends on your provider.

Timeshift lets you control live TV like a DVR:

• *Timeshift features:**
• Pause live TV (bathroom break during the game)
• Rewind to see something you missed
• Resume from where you paused
• Fast forward through commercials (if you've paused)

Vs. Catchup: Timeshift is for the current viewing session. Catchup is for accessing programs from previous days.

• *Using Catchup:**
• Open your EPG/TV Guide
• Navigate to a past time slot
• Select the program you want to watch
• Choose 'Play' or 'Catchup' option
• Program starts from beginning

• *Using Timeshift:**
• While watching live TV, press Pause
• Use rewind/fast-forward controls
• Press Play to resume
• Press 'Live' button to jump back to real-time

Note: Both features require player support AND provider support.

• *Full Catchup & Timeshift Support:**
• TiviMate (Premium)
• OTT Navigator
• Xtreme HD IPTV
• XCIPTV
• Sparkle TV

• *Partial Support:**
• IPTV Smarters (catchup varies)
• Televizo (basic catchup)

• *No Support:**
• VLC
• Basic M3U players

Important: Your IPTV provider must also support these features. A player can't create catchup data that doesn't exist.

• *For Catchup:**
• IPTV provider that records channels
• Player with catchup support
• Xtream Codes connection (usually required)
• Channels flagged for catchup in EPG

• *For Timeshift:**
• Player with timeshift feature
• Sufficient device storage (temporary cache)
• Stable internet connection
• Provider that allows timeshift

Xtream Codes vs M3U: Catchup typically only works with Xtream Codes API connections. M3U playlists rarely support catchup functionality.

• *Catchup limitations:**
• Not all channels have catchup (sports often excluded)
• Recording window varies (24-72 hours typically)
• Quality may be lower than live
• VOD rights may block certain programs

• *Timeshift limitations:**
• Buffer clears when changing channels
• Limited by device storage
• Some streams don't support it
• May increase data usage

• *Regional notes:**
• Some content blocked from catchup due to licensing
• Sports events often have no catchup rights