Wouldn’t it be nice if you could know what your favorite channels are going to broadcast today, tomorrow, or the whole week in advance? Well, that’s exactly what the Electronic Program Guide or EPG feature offers. It is a TV Guide that is available on most live TV apps and IPTV services. In this article, you will learn what an Electronic Program Guide is, how it works, and how it helps make your streaming experience better.
What Is EPG?
An Electronic Program Guide is basically an electronically generated list of content that displays the streaming schedule of a TV channel. In other words, an EPG shows the schedule of programs that a channel will air over a certain period, which could be for a day, a week, or even a month.
The broadcaster sets this EPG schedule manually. However, modern broadcast systems automatically generate the EPG by feeding a content list into the system in XML, HTML, and CSV file formats.
What is EPG in IPTV?
IPTV is a technology that offers television over an IPTV network or the Internet instead of cable TV service. Some IPTV services offer the EPG feature, which provides a TV Guide for the channels available on the service. Since you have to use an IPTV Player (Media Player) to watch IPTV content, you can only use the EPG feature if the Player supports it. So, it is important to choose your IPTV Player accordingly.
When you browse channels on your IPTV Player that support EPG, you will see information like program titles, timings, TV networks, genre, previews, descriptions, and more. Not all EPGs are the same because some show only limited information. You might not be able to see the information for upcoming shows or programs on some EPGs. Instead, you can only view the details of whatever is airing currently.
Primary Features of Electronic Program Guide
Having the EPG feature on an IPTV service or any live television service is beneficial for both the TV provider/broadcaster and the users. Here are some of the key features of an Electronic Program Guide
Features for the Broadcasters
- It provides tools for broadcasters to customize feature settings.
- Broadcasters can set a schedule for all the content they air.
- Retain viewers with the TV Guide for all the channels.
Features for the Viewers
- Users get additional information about the content airing on the channels.
- The viewers can view upcoming programs and their timings in advance.
- Interactive user interface that helps you navigate the broadcast schedule.
- It offers search features to help you find your favorite programs.
- Find channels categorized into different genres.
- Some service providers offer features like DVR recording, parental controls, PPV options, etc.
- Receive notifications before your favorite shows start.
Types of EPGs
Different IPTV services and TV providers will have different EPGs, which will not have the same features and capabilities. There are four types of Electronic Program Guides, which are explained below.
- Interactive EPG: These types of EPGs allow viewers to interact with the TV Guide in a number of ways. You can record channels, set reminders, search for programs, and view additional information about the content.
- Non-interactive EPG: In this type, you can’t interact with the TV Guide or program schedule. You can only view the additional information about the programs but can’t do any of the things offered in the Interactive EPG.
- Single Channels EPG: You can’t view the schedules of multiple channels at the same time. You can only view the schedule of one channel at a time.
- Multi-channel EPG: View the schedules for multiple channels at the same time. It is typically displayed in a grid or row system.
How Does EPG Work?
The EPG essentially gathers TV program information, organizes it, and displays it in a way that is easily accessible to viewers. It starts by gathering information (program name, timing, genres, etc.) about different programs from broadcasters, TV providers, or digital streaming platforms. Then, it arranges this data in a format that is convenient for users to understand.
If there are any changes in the program schedules, the EPG will automatically update them. You can easily navigate the EPG or TV Guide using your TV remote to scroll through the TV schedules and time slots and use other interactive functions. So using this feature is pretty easy and user-friendly.
FAQ
Yes, when you subscribe to a TV provider that has an EPG feature, you can use it for free.
No, not all TV providers and IPTV services offer this feature.
