M3U vs Xtream Codes
Compare M3U and Xtream Codes for your own IPTV playlists: setup, compatibility and when each option fits.
Screen TV does not provide IPTV subscriptions, channels or copyrighted content. Users must provide their own legally authorized content sources.
Choose for your actual source and device
Use whichever interface your authorized provider supports reliably. Switching the login format does not repair an expired account or transcode an unsupported stream.
Test before committing
Install the matching Screen TV edition and check a live channel, a movie and available guide data. Note app availability, picture, sound and remote navigation. A source that works on one device may use a codec another device cannot decode.
| What to compare | M3U | Xtream Codes |
|---|---|---|
| Connection details | One full playlist URL, which may include credentials. | Server URL, username and password in separate fields. |
| Catalog organization | Channel and item metadata contained in the list. | Structured categories and catalog data exposed by the provider. |
| EPG | May require a separate guide source or integration. | Guide data may be exposed by the provider account. |
| Quality and access | Determined by the source, encoding and account. | Determined by the same source factors; the login format adds no rights. |
Does choosing M3U or Xtream Codes include channels?
No. These are formats or platforms for using your own authorized sources. Screen TV does not sell or host channels or playlists.