How to Record Your Favorite Shows on IPTV (DVR Setup)

While most IPTV services offer a "Catch-Up" feature for shows that have already aired, you may still want to record a live program to keep permanently.

This is called DVR (Digital Video Recording), and it's a feature built into many premium player apps like TiviMate. Here’s how to set it up.

DVR vs. Catch-Up: What's the Difference?

• Catch-Up: Is a "cloud" feature from your provider. It saves shows for a limited time (e.g., 3-7 days). You cannot keep these recordings.
• DVR: Is a "local" feature on your app. You are saving the stream directly to your own storage (like a USB drive). The recording is yours to keep forever.

What You Need to Start Recording (Hardware)

You cannot record directly onto your Firestick's or Android Box's internal storage—it's too small. You need an external storage location. The two most common are:

1. A USB Flash Drive: This is the easiest method. Get a 64 GB or 128 GB USB 3.0 flash drive and plug it into the USB port on your Android TV box or (with an OTG cable) your Firestick.
2. A Network (SMB) Drive: For advanced users, you can set up a "shared" folder on your Windows PC or a NAS drive and have TiviMate save the recordings over your home network.

How to Set Up Recording in TiviMate

This guide focuses on TiviMate, as it has the best DVR function.

Step 1: Format and Connect Your USB Drive

Plug your USB drive into your streaming device. Your device (e.g., Nvidia Shield, Firestick) will ask to format it. Format it as "External Storage" (not "Internal/Adopted Storage").

Step 2: Set the Recordings Folder in TiviMate

1. Open TiviMate and go to Settings.
2. Go to Recording (this is a TiviMate Premium feature).
3. Select "Recordings folder".
4. A file browser will open. Navigate to your USB drive, select it, and confirm.

TiviMate now knows where to save the files.

Step 3: How to Record

You can now record in two ways:

• Instant Record: While watching a live channel, press and hold the "OK" or "Select" button on your remote. A menu will appear. Select "Record."
• Schedule Record: Go to the EPG (TV Guide). Find a future program, select it, and choose "Record." The app will automatically record that program when it airs, even if your TV is off.

A Note on Connections

Recording a show uses one of your IPTV connections. If you have a standard "1-connection" plan, you cannot record a show while watching another one. You would need a 2-connection plan to do this.

If you have any trouble, our Help Center has guides on setting up advanced features.