What is Catch-up TV / Timeshift Server?
Protocol Definition & Architecture: Reseller Configuration
Technical Definition
Catch-up (nDVR) is server-side recording of a live channel into a ring buffer so subscribers can replay programmes from the last 1-7 days. The Xtream API exposes tv_archive and tv_archive_duration per channel and serves archives via the timeshift endpoint.
How It Operates Under the Hood
Edge nodes write each 4-second segment of an archive-enabled channel to object storage keyed by timestamp. A request such as /timeshift/USER/PASS/120/2026-10-06:19-00/ID.ts asks for 120 minutes starting 19:00 and the server stitches the segments into a continuous MPEG-TS. Storage per channel is roughly 2.1 GB per hour at 4.7 Mbps.
Reseller Panel Configuration
Resellers should verify Catch-up TV / Timeshift Server on every new line with a 24-hour trial before invoicing. Document the expected values in your onboarding message so customers can self-serve, and escalate to the provider desk with a Wireshark capture when behaviour deviates.
Protocol Engineering Specifications
| Stream Engineering Metric | Reference Specification | Governing Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Archive depth | 1-7 days |
tv_archive_duration |
| Storage per channel-day | ~50 GB at 4.7 Mbps |
Object storage |
| Request format | /timeshift/U/P/MIN/YYYY-MM-DD:HH-MM/ID.ts |
Xtream endpoint |
| Transport Container | MPEG-TS (188 bytes: 4 B header + 184 B payload, 0x47 sync) |
ISO/IEC 13818-1 |
| Manifest Specification | Extended M3U8 playlist / LL-HLS 0.5 s parts |
IETF RFC 8216 |
| Decoder Pipeline | Hardware MediaCodec HEVC Main 10 (ExoPlayer / Media3) |
Android Media3 |
Catch-up TV / Timeshift Server FAQ
What is Catch-up TV / Timeshift Server in simple terms?
Catch-up (nDVR) is server-side recording of a live channel into a ring buffer so subscribers can replay programmes from the last 1-7 days. The Xtream API exposes tv_archive and tv_archive_duration per channel and serves archives via the timeshift endpoint.
Why do only some channels have catch-up?
Archiving costs storage, so panels enable it for roughly 20-30% of channels, usually sports, news, and entertainment flagships.
How are reseller credits priced and how is the margin calculated?
Credits are bought in tiers: $3.00 each at 50 credits, $2.20 at 100, $1.80 at 250, and $1.40 at 500+. One credit creates a 1-month line that retails for $10-$15. At the Pro tier (100 credits for $220) sold at $12/month, gross revenue is $1,200 and net profit is $980, a 445% return on the credit purchase.
How does multi-screen concurrency work and what happens if I exceed max_connections?
The Xtream Codes player_api.php handshake returns max_connections and active_cons. Each live or VOD stream request opens one session counted against that limit; a second TV, phone, or multi-view tile is a second connection. When active_cons would exceed max_connections, the server answers the new stream request with HTTP 403 / 458 and the player shows "max connections reached". Resellers should sell lines with 2-5 connections for households and enable IP-lock only for single-device subscribers.
What is device MAC address binding and why does my MAG box or Smart TV app ask for it?
Stalker / Ministra middleware authenticates a set-top box by its 48-bit MAC address (MAG boxes use the 00:1A:79 OUI prefix) instead of a username and password. The reseller panel binds that MAC to a subscription line; apps such as IBO Player and Smarters on Samsung or LG TVs generate a virtual MAC that must be registered the same way. If you replace the device, the panel must re-bind the new MAC or the portal returns an "unregistered device" error.
Do providers offer a free trial and how long does activation take?
Every network in this directory issues 24-hour trial lines from the reseller panel. Activation is instant: the panel writes the line to the Xtream database and the player can authenticate within 10 seconds. Trial lines are usually limited to 1 connection and exclude PPV bouquets.
What is the difference between Xtream Codes API, M3U URL, and Stalker Portal login?
All three deliver the same channels. Xtream Codes API uses player_api.php JSON endpoints so the player lazy-loads categories and EPG in seconds. An M3U URL (get.php) downloads a single text playlist of every stream, which is slow with 45,000 channels but works on any player. Stalker Portal authenticates by MAC address through a /c/ portal URL and is used by MAG receivers and some Smart TV apps.
Every external citation on this page points to a primary source: telecommunications RFCs, ITU-T and ISO codec standards, manufacturer and developer documentation, national regulators, or official sports governing bodies. No commercial IPTV competitor is cited.