Technology

M3U playlists, EPG program guides, and Xtream Codes login fields explained in plain English.

• What is an M3U playlist?

  How M3U and M3U8 files list stream URLs, how players use them, and why a playlist is not a copyright license.

• What is an EPG?

  Electronic program guides as XML or JSON schedules, why a grid can be empty, and how that differs from a cable guide.

• What are Xtream Codes?

  A description of host, username, and password fields used by some players—without teaching you to scrape or share other people’s panels.