IPTV Reseller EPG and Catch-Up TV: A Practical Explanation

EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) and catch-up TV are two of the features customers most frequently ask about when comparing IPTV reseller panel options. This guide explains how both work, what is included at each plan tier and how to set customer expectations accurately.

What the EPG Is

The EPG is a programme schedule — the IPTV equivalent of a television listings guide. It shows what is currently broadcasting on each channel and what is scheduled to broadcast over the coming hours or days. In an IPTV player app, the EPG typically appears as a horizontal grid: channels on the left axis, time on the top axis, programme titles in the corresponding cells.

A well-populated EPG is important for UK customers who are accustomed to programme guide functionality from Freeview, Sky or Virgin Media. Customers who cannot see what is on (or coming up) on a channel find the service less usable compared to traditional TV. Verify EPG coverage for UK channels during your trial — particularly for BBC, ITV, Sky Sports and sport channels during scheduled events.

Catch-Up TV: How It Works

Catch-up TV allows customers to watch programmes that have already aired — effectively a time-shifted viewing function. In IPTV, this is accessed through the EPG: navigate to a past time slot on the schedule and select the programme. The player retrieves a recording of the broadcast from the provider's servers and plays it on demand.

Catch-Up Window by Plan

Which Channels Support Catch-Up

Not all 28,000–38,000 channels support catch-up — it depends on whether the provider has recorded and archived that channel's output. UK channels (BBC, ITV, Channel 4, Sky channels) typically have catch-up support. Niche international channels may not. During a trial, test catch-up on the channels your customers are most likely to use before confirming this feature to them.

EPG vs Catch-Up: Customer Expectations

Customers sometimes confuse EPG and catch-up. Set expectations clearly: the EPG shows what's on now and what's scheduled. Catch-up lets you go back to what already aired. Neither replaces a full DVR recording function — you cannot schedule recordings through the IPTV EPG on these plans.

Player App Compatibility

EPG and catch-up functionality depends partly on the IPTV player app, not just the stream. TiviMate has one of the most functional EPG and catch-up implementations. IPTV Smarters also supports it. Generic M3U players may not display catch-up options even where the stream supports it. Recommend proven player apps to customers who specifically need catch-up functionality.