| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| AFR | Auto frame rate: device switches refresh rate to match the channel |
| Bitrate | Amount of data per second in a stream; higher is sharper |
| Buffering | Waiting while the player loads more video |
| Catch-up | Playing programmes that already aired |
| Connection | One device playing at a time |
| Decoder | Part of the player that turns data into pictures |
| DNS | System that turns names into server addresses |
| EPG | The TV guide |
| Ethernet | Wired network cable |
| FHD | Full HD, 1080p |
| HEVC (H.265) | Efficient video format used for 4K |
| HLS | Streaming in short segments over HTTP |
| ISP | Your internet provider |
| Line | Industry word for one subscription |
| M3U | Playlist file of channels |
| MAC address | Hardware ID used by MAG boxes and some TV apps |
| MAG | Set-top box brand using portals |
| Multiview | Several channels on one screen |
| Panel | Server software a provider uses |
| Player | App used to watch IPTV |
| Portal | Web address a MAG box loads |
| Sideloading | Installing apps from outside the store |
| Stream | One channel's video data |
| Throttling | ISP slowing certain traffic |
| UHD / 4K | 2160p resolution |
| VPN | Encrypted tunnel for your traffic |
| Xtream Codes | Login with server, username, password |
| XMLTV | TV guide file format |
| 5 GHz | Faster Wi-Fi band at short range |
| 2.4 GHz | Slower Wi-Fi band with longer range |
Want more depth? Start with IPTV explained.
Questions and answers
What is a line in IPTV?
One subscription account.
What is a portal in IPTV?
The web address a MAG box or STB app loads to show channels.
What does AFR mean?
Auto frame rate: the device matches the channel's frame rate.
More iptv explained guides
- M3U playlist explained
- Xtream Codes login explained
- EPG: the IPTV TV guide explained
- IPTV catch-up explained
- Recording IPTV: what works
All IPTV Explained guides · Every IPTV guide