The EPG (electronic programme guide) is the grid that shows what's on each channel now and later. It turns a long list of channel names into something you can browse like a TV guide, and it's what powers features such as reminders and catch-up. Here's how the ViviMate EPG works and how to fix it when it doesn't.
How the ViviMate EPG reaches your player
Guide data is published separately from the video streams, as a file of programme listings in a standard format called XMLTV. Your player downloads that file, matches each listing to a channel, and draws the grid. How it gets the file depends on how you logged in:
- Xtream Codes login: the player fetches the guide automatically from the same server. No extra setup is needed.
- M3U playlist: some players read the guide address embedded in the playlist; others need you to paste the EPG link from your setup message into a separate "EPG source" field.
- MAG portal: the guide comes through the portal automatically.
Not sure which login you have? The M3U vs Xtream Codes guide explains the difference.
Adding the EPG in your player
Menu names vary, but the steps in most players look like this:
- Open Settings and look for EPG, TV guide or Program guide.
- Choose Add EPG source (only needed for M3U) and paste the EPG link exactly as sent.
- Set the update interval. Once a day is plenty for most people.
- Choose Update EPG or Refresh and give it a minute. The first download is the slowest.
New to the whole process? The ViviMate setup guide covers logging in step by step.
Catch-up and the EPG
Catch-up (sometimes called archive or timeshift) lets you open a programme that has already aired from the guide and play it back. It relies on two things: the channel must have catch-up enabled on the server, and your player must support it. Channels with catch-up are usually marked with a small icon in the guide. If you rely on catch-up for particular channels, ask support which ones offer it before you order. The ViviMate catch-up guide explains how to find and play past programmes step by step.
Common EPG problems and fixes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Guide is completely empty | EPG not loaded yet, or no EPG source added (M3U) | Add the EPG link, then force an update and wait a few minutes. |
| Times are shifted by one or more hours | Time-zone mismatch | Check the device's time zone; use the player's "EPG time shift/offset" setting. |
| Some channels show "No information" | Listing not matched to that channel, or none published | Refresh the EPG; in some players you can manually link a channel to a guide entry. |
| Guide stopped updating | Cached old data | Clear the player's EPG cache and update again. |
| Guide loads very slowly | Large guide file on a low-memory device | Hide channel groups you don't watch so less data is processed. |
Getting more from the guide
- Hide unused groups so the grid only shows channels you care about.
- Use favourites, which most players can show as their own guide view.
- Set reminders from the guide for matches and premieres.
- Record, if your player supports it. Some players, often in their paid tiers, can record from the guide to local storage.
Still stuck?
The ViviMate troubleshooting guide covers other playback issues, and the ViviMate FAQ answers general questions. If the guide still won't load, contact support with your player name and a screenshot.
