Are you wondering about the term Catch-Up TV?. In simple words, it is one of the very useful features of IPTV providers, letting you stream your favorite content you missed previously. However, it is entirely different from video-on-demand, as it has a limited period to access it. Besides, you will also get access to certain playback features when you access TV channels in the catch-up TV section.
What is Catch-Up TV
TV channels do have a fixed schedule that they follow and broadcast popular shows. However, it is hard for the users to adjust their time according to the schedule. For the same reason, they might miss the broadcast of their favorite shows. However, the catch-up TV section includes streaming these TV channels for a limited time. You can access them and watch your favorite shows at any convenient time. The only requirement is a stable internet connection and a provider that supports catch-up TV.
Why is Catch-Up TV Important?
Catch-Up TV has a lot of important factors that make it one of the most desirable features of an IPTV service.
- It is very user-friendly because users do not have to follow the streaming schedule of different channels.
- Catch-up TV increases the views of various content as they are time-independent.
- With the Catch-up TV, you will get playback features like the rewind, fast-forward, and pausing.
- It also includes features for skipping ads between the shows.
- There is a limit of time during which users can access content from the Catch-up TV section.
Where Can I Watch Catch-Up TV
You can access catch-up TV coverage if your provider includes it. Also, the time limit for Catch-up TV varies according to different services.
Using A Set-Top Box
One of the best ways to watch Catch-up TV is by using a set-top box. You can connect it to your Smart TV.
Using Online Catch-Up TV
Some of the streaming services have their Video-on-demand streaming platform. You can watch TV Catch-up on these services if you miss them. You might not need an additional subscription to watch it if you are subscribed to the service.
Is a TV License Necessary to Watch Catch-up TV
Yes, users need to have a subscription with any service to watch TV Catch-up. It is one of the requirements for streaming online content. You must sign in to your provider with your subscription and stream live content, Catch-up, or on-demand content. Another important requirement is a strong and stable internet connection.
What is VOD – A Basic Definition
VOD stands for Video-On-Demand and it is the most vital section of every IPTV service provider. VOD lets users access their favorite TV shows, movies, and other media content whenever they want with utmost convenience. With VOD, viewers can get the chance to watch any kind of video.
How does TV Catch-Up differ from Video-On-Demand?
Video-on-demand or VOD includes movies and TV shows from popular services that can be accessed at any time. There are no time limitations made available on these titles. However, some of the titles might be subjected to geographical restrictions. At the same time, Catch-up has a time limitation that users need to stick to.
| Catch-up TV | Video-on-demand TV |
| Catchup TV mainly focuses on enabling users to watch their favorite shows without missing them. | Video-on-demand is a library of on-demand titles from various services, irrespective of their streaming schedule. |
| Catchup TV might include movies and TV shows from popular TV channels that aired recently. | The video-on-demand library includes movies, TV shows, documentaries, music videos, behind-the-scenes videos, talk shows, and more. |
| There is a specific time limit imposed for the contents available in this category. Once the time limit has passed, it is hard to stream the desired content. | There are no time restrictions on Video-on-demand titles. However, some of the content might be removed from the service for internal reasons. |
| Users already know what content they are looking for beforehand. They can navigate through the past schedule and find any show to stream them. | The video-on-demand platform allows users to have the freedom to select any content from the library and stream them. |
How to Use Catch-Up TV on Streaming Devices
Depending upon the devices you choose, the way of proceedings to use Catch-up TV will vary from one another. For your reference, we’ve discussed the instructions for using the Catch-up TV feature on some popular streaming devices.
Get Catch-up TV on Android Devices
If you have a subscription with an IPTV provider that supports the TV catch-up feature, you can access it on your Android device.
1. Open the Google Play Store of your Android device and search for iMPlayer.
2. Pick up the app icon from the search results.
3. Tap the Install button in the Play Store to download the app on your device.
4. Open the iMPlayer IPTV app and sign in to your IPTV provider account using the M3U URL.
5. Finally, users can watch their favorite IPTV content.
Watch Catch-Up TV on Windows and Mac PC
The BlueStacks Android Emulator is a very useful tool when it comes to installing IPTV players on your computer. In that way, you can access your IPTV provider subscription on your device.
1. Initially open any web browser on your computer.
2. Visit the official BlueStacks website and download it on your device.
3. Sign in to your Google Account with the necessary account details.
4. Open the Google Play Store and search for the Rocksat IPTV Player app.
5. Download and install the IPTV player on your device.
6. Open the Rocksat IPTV Player and sign in to your account with the provider.
Access Catch-up TV on Firestick
Firestick users will have to sideload the IPTV Player application that is not available in the Amazon App Store. The Downloader application can help you attain this goal.
1. From the Firestick home screen, select Find.
2. Select the Search option and look for the Downloader app.
3. Pick up the app icon and click Download.
4. Open the Firestick Settings and click My Fire TV.
5. Select developer options and click Install Unknown Apps.
6. Enable the Downloader app to install third-party applications on your device.
7. Open Downloader and provide the IPTV Smarters APK URL.
8. Click the Go button to download the APK file and install it on your device.
9. When the app installation is over, open the IPTV Smarters app.
10. Sign in to your IPTV provider account and access the catch-up.
Stream Catch-Up TV on Android Smart TV
You can download and install the IPTV player app on your Smart TV to access content from your provider.
1. Turn on your Smart TV and select the Apps tab.
2. Launch the Google Play Store and search for the TiviMate IPTV Player app.
3. Pick the app icon from the search results and select the Install button.
4. It will start downloading the IPTV player on your Smart TV.
5. Open the TiviMate IPTV Player app when the download is complete.
6. Add select the Add Playlist button and click Enter URL.
7. Also, provide the M3U URL from your IPTV provider and click Next.
8. Enter any name for your playlist and click Done.
Best IPTV providers with Catch-up TV
You might be wondering which IPTV providers support TV catch-up. These are some of the popular IPTV providers that include this feature.
Xtreme HD IPTV
Xtreme HD IPTV is one of the most popular providers offering global TV channels. With the catchup TV feature offered by this provider, you can watch your favorite TV shows that you missed. The subscription-based service comes with a paid trial of $3 for 36 hours.
Neo IPTV
Neo IPTV is a mind-blowing IPTV provider with 4700 TV channels. It comes with flexible subscription plans that you can choose from based on how long you want the subscription and how many connections you want. The subscription plan starts at $15.99 for a month with one connection. The first two days of the service are completely free for all users.
Rocket Streams
Rocket Streams is another IPTV service that supports the catch-up TV feature. The service includes movies, shows, and other content for subscribers to watch. You can stream your account on up to three devices simultaneously. This provider offers a 48-hour paid trial service for $2.99 and after the free trial, it costs $11 per month. They also provide customer support for subscribers through a contact form.
Eternal TV IPTV
Eternal TV IPTV is an affordable IPTV Player to watch multilingual TV channels. It includes streaming in HD and SD resolutions. It is also the right destination to watch your favorite sports and PPV events. This provider doesn’t offer a free trial service and it costs $11.99 per month. Also, it supports external players like Perfect Player, IPTV Smarters, and TiviMate IPTV Player.
Best IPTV Players to Access Catch-Up TV
These IPTV players have support for TV catch-up that your IPTV provider includes.
iMPlayer
iMPlayer is a simple and useful IPTV Player application for various streaming devices. It supports Catch-up from your provider. You can also access the electronic program guide, which has information about the content available on various channels. Moreover, you can record or download shows from the service using the app.
IPTV Smarters
IPTV Smarters is one of the most popular and widely used IPTV player applications. It can handle the M3U files and Xtream Codes API. This is because it is one of the most reliable apps which is available on all popular devices. IPTV Smarters includes many features, including parental controls, external players, and VPN integration. It also supports the picture-in-picture feature.
TiviMate IPTV Player
If you are looking for a simple IPTV player with many features, go for the TiviMate IPTV Player. It lets you access playlists in M3U file format from more than one IPTV provider at the same time. It includes a Favorite Managers section to add TV channels and other content. The best part of the IPTV player app is its dedicated search feature.
IPTVX
IPTVX is a feature-filled IPTV Player that gets access to your playlist using the M3U, M3U8, and Xtream API. It includes features for reminders that you can schedule. It is a free IPTV Player that supports EPG Grid, and TV Archive. Moreover, it has a user-friendly interface that everybody can use.
How to Watch Catch-up TV on a Normal TV
If you do not have a Smart TV, it is difficult to watch Catch-up TV on it. However, you can get additional devices to make your TV smart and access TV Catch-up. Following are some methods you can adopt to make your TV smart and use catch-up TV.
Smart TV Stick
One of the best ways to access catch-up TV is using a Smart TV stick. You can connect the stick to your TV and access IPTV content after connecting it to the WiFi. These devices are easy to install and are mostly affordable. You can get Amazon Firestick, Roku streaming stick, Chromecast, or other similar devices.
Smart TV box
Smart TV boxes and smart TV sticks are related to each other. Smart TV boxes might include a regular subscription. With the subscription, you can access TV channels and the free services it offers. You can get better TV catch-up services on streaming boxes. Popular smart TV boxes include Nvidia Shield TV Pro, Google TV, and Onn Android TV 4K.
Gaming Consoles
You can also use your gaming consoles like Xbox or PlayStation to access Catch-up TV from your provider. These devices can serve you for both gaming as well as streaming your favorite shows. It includes Smart TV applications like Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It might be a little expensive when you buy them.
Using A Smartphone or Computer
Another method to access Catch-up content on your Smart TV is by screen mirroring it from your smartphones or computers. If your TV does not support casting, you might have to get a Google Chromecast. You can cast online media and local files from your smartphone or computer on your TV over the internet.
Catch-up TV is one of the most innovative and useful features of your IPTV providers. It helps you follow your daily schedule and not miss out on your favorite content. With IPTV players and providers mentioned here, you can access the channels that you would like to watch. If you have any doubts regarding streaming TV catch-up, you can contact the respective provider’s customer support for help.