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The Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) transforms an IPTV service from a simple channel list into a proper television experience. Without an EPG, you are navigating 26,000+ channels blind. With a well-configured EPG, you have a complete programme grid just like a traditional TV — showing what is on now, what is on next, and what is scheduled all week.
For the best experience, use a trusted IPTV UK provider like PROTVHUB.
What Is an EPG?
An EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) is the programme grid you see when navigating IPTV channels. It shows:
- The current programme on each channel
- The start and end time of each programme
- Programme descriptions (what the show is about)
- Future scheduling — typically 7 days ahead
If you have ever pressed the Guide button on a Sky or Freeview remote and seen a grid of channels with programmes displayed across a timeline, that is an EPG. IPTV apps replicate this experience using data provided by your IPTV service.
How IPTV EPG Data Works
IPTV EPG data is delivered in XMLTV format. The process:
- Your IPTV provider (PROTVHUB) compiles EPG data from broadcasters and maintains an XMLTV file on their servers
- Your IPTV app downloads this file via a URL (provided automatically with your subscription)
- The app parses the XML data and maps programme information to your channels
- The result is a programme grid displayed in your app's EPG view
First-load patience: When you first configure EPG, the app needs to download and process the EPG data file. This can take 5–30 minutes depending on your connection speed and device. Subsequent loads are much faster as the app caches the data.
Setting Up EPG in TiviMate
- Open TiviMate → Settings → EPG
- Ensure "Load EPG" is enabled
- Set update interval to every 24 hours (daily refresh keeps guide data current)
- Press "Update EPG Now" to manually trigger the first download
- Return to the channel list and press the Guide button to view the programme grid
Setting Up EPG in IPTV Smarters
- Open IPTV Smarters Pro → Settings → EPG Settings
- Enable EPG auto-refresh
- If EPG is not loading, manually enter the EPG URL from your PROTVHUB welcome email
- Wait for the EPG to download — then navigate to a channel and view its programme information
Common EPG Problems and Fixes
| Problem | Likely Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| EPG shows "No information" | EPG data not loaded yet | Wait 10–30 minutes for first download |
| EPG works for some channels, not others | EPG data unavailable for those channels | Normal for niche/international channels |
| EPG shows wrong programmes | Time zone misconfigured | Set correct time zone in app settings |
| EPG not updating | Auto-refresh disabled | Enable auto-refresh in EPG settings |
Third-Party EPG Sources
If your provider's EPG is incomplete for certain channel regions, you can supplement it with third-party XMLTV sources. In TiviMate, you can add multiple EPG sources under Settings → EPG → Add EPG Source.
For most UK channels, PROTVHUB's built-in EPG data provides comprehensive coverage. Try the service free to see EPG coverage for your specific channels.