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all 21 comments

[–]afckinidiotValued Collaborator[M] 3 points4 points  (5 children)

It might also be cool to explain what all this exactly is. As in, how it all works. Doesn't really matter as long as it all works but it might help the more curious among us to understand. Great post.

[–]NickyNice 9 points10 points  (2 children)

ChatGPT does a good job of explaining:

Accessing a playlist through an M3U link and using Xtream Codes are two different methods for consuming IPTV content. Here are the key differences between them:

  1. Format and Usage

M3U Link:

An M3U link is essentially a text file containing a list of media URLs.

It is primarily used for playing media streams (live channels or on-demand content) in media players like VLC, Kodi, or Smart IPTV apps.

The M3U file lists the content in a structured format, including the stream URLs, names, and sometimes additional metadata.

Example: http://youriptvprovider.com/get.php?username=user&password=pass&type=m3u_plus&output=ts.

Xtream Codes:

Xtream Codes is a dedicated API-based access method for IPTV services.

It is more dynamic and user-friendly because it connects directly to the IPTV provider's server through specific API credentials (username, password, and server URL).

This approach allows for features like EPG (Electronic Program Guide) integration, better playlist organization, and faster loading times.


  1. Authentication

M3U Link:

The authentication (username and password) is embedded within the link.

Anyone with the link can access the content unless the IPTV provider limits IP or device usage.

It can be less secure if the link is shared.

Xtream Codes:

Requires manual input of the server URL, username, and password.

It provides a more secure way to connect, as credentials are not as easily shared or exposed.


  1. Features

M3U Link:

Offers basic functionality: loading and playing streams.

Limited organizational features, relying on the media player to display and organize channels.

EPG and logos might not be automatically integrated unless specifically configured in the M3U.

Xtream Codes:

Offers enhanced functionality, including automatic EPG, VOD sections, and better organization.

Allows users to browse categories (live TV, series, movies) easily.

Compatible with IPTV apps designed to work with Xtream Codes for a more polished experience.


  1. User Experience

M3U Link:

Simpler for users who only need to load a playlist into a media player.

Can feel unorganized if the playlist is large or lacks categories.

Dependent on the player’s ability to parse the M3U file.

Xtream Codes:

More user-friendly, especially for apps that are specifically built for IPTV services.

Features like category sorting, search, and playback resume enhance usability.


  1. Flexibility

M3U Link:

Highly flexible and compatible with a wide range of players and devices.

Requires manual adjustments for features like EPG integration.

Xtream Codes:

More restrictive, as it works mainly with apps supporting Xtream Codes API.

Limited compatibility compared to M3U.


  1. Performance

M3U Link:

Can be slower to load, especially for large playlists.

No real-time updates unless you reload the playlist manually.

Xtream Codes:

Faster and more efficient, with real-time updates directly from the server.

Ideal for large-scale playlists and frequent content updates.


Conclusion

Use M3U Link: If you prefer flexibility and are comfortable manually handling playlists or if your device doesn’t support Xtream Codes.

Use Xtream Codes: If you want a more seamless experience with organized categories, better EPG integration, and automatic updates.

Both methods ultimately rely on the same underlying streams, but Xtream Codes provides a more modern and user-centric interface.

[–]afckinidiotValued Collaborator 1 point2 points  (1 child)

You should make this a new post, I'll have it put in the pinned post for all resources

[–]NickyNice 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay I will post it now

[–]1989guyNewbie [S] 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Thanks, I came upon a group where m3u urls were shared left and right. I checked one and it had a month left to expire.

Then subsequently I came upon someone using a super sus link to extract XC from M3U.

Many might be unknowingly adding stuff in those sites without knowledge and end up giving their credentials. I wanted to at least stop that effort once they come across this post. Hopefully it helps a few who search for it.

[–]afckinidiotValued Collaborator 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Well this is one of the reasons I don't allow people to post URLs here. Lot of bad actors and servers can get messed up/blocked. Also not trying to have the sub banned.

[–]Smiley_Dub 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you 👏👏👏

[–]LatterSquirrel1145 1 point2 points  (0 children)

👌🏽

[–]Cavanaaz 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Awesome post, thank you

[–]matador454545 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i once shared my url only, http://website-Url.xyz

and 10 minutes later the guy, im not sure how, send me 10-15 complet login info from this url.

my login was not there but i didnt knew if was this easy to do.

[–]HistoricalSession947 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Thanks for this but how do you do it the other way around and find the m3u link from xtream codes

[–]1989guyNewbie [S] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

If you read the post in full you can see that i explained how to get one from the other and reverse as well.

[–]HistoricalSession947 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I read it multiple times. It doesn’t really state it but ir infers that the m3u url is comprised of the server name and the creds.

It doesn’t help me actually as my provider doesn’t give me a server name or M3U url, just a code for tivimate but they prefer you to use their preconfigured app suite

[–]1989guyNewbie [S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

I see. In that case the solution is to tap the router logs (tool called wireshark) and figure out the url being used. Another option is to play the content through external player (if it supports such a feature and then you can see the url being used)

[–]Mr_Truthteller 0 points1 point  (2 children)

I using tivimate and entered the m3u link.

I would like to try out the epg link as well.

Does anyone know where in tivimate I input that?

I’m a newbie and do not wish to mess anything up.

Thank you.

Edit. Disregard. YouTube got me straight. 🙂

[–]med-benkhellou 0 points1 point  (1 child)

sorry i want to ask you can you help me to star ? if you have time thank you

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[–][deleted]  (2 children)

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    [–]IPTVGroupBuy-ModTeam[M] 0 points1 point locked comment (0 children)

    Read the subreddit rules, because you broke rule 13, we are not a reseller support group. This sub is for people researching IPTV for their own use. No talk of selling IPTV services or discussion of money transactions whatsoever allowed (cash for IPTV, EPG, etc.), this also includes donations/gifts/tips/etc.

    [–]Alarmed_Comb8474 -1 points0 points  (1 child)

    Hey all, what am I supposed to do with a .me url? Nothing is working

    [–]1989guyNewbie [S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

    > You would type these in your app of choice using xtream code method

    just read the whole post.