"Catch-Up" (also called "Replay") is one of the most valuable features of a modern IPTV service. It blends the immediate access of VOD with the timeliness of live TV, ensuring you never have to miss your favorite show again.
Catch-Up: The 'Cloud DVR' You Don't Have to Set
In short, Catch-Up is a feature where your IPTV provider automatically records all the programming on specific channels—usually for 3 to 7 days.
This means if you forgot to record a show or missed the game, you don't need a physical DVR. You can simply open your EPG (Electronic Program Guide), scroll back in time to that program, and press play.
How Does Catch-Up Technology Work?
Your IPTV provider runs a massive bank of servers that are constantly recording the live broadcast feeds of popular channels. When you select a past program, the server finds that recording and streams it to you, just as it would stream a VOD file.
VOD vs. Catch-Up: What's the Difference?
- VOD (Video on Demand): This is a static library of movies and TV series. It's like Netflix. The content is permanent and doesn't change daily.
- Catch-Up: This is tied directly to the live TV guide. It's a rolling archive of recently aired programs. A show that aired 10 days ago will likely be gone, while one that aired yesterday will be available.
How to Find and Use Catch-Up Content
In most IPTV players (like TiviMate or IPTV Smarters), you'll see a small "Replay" icon or "Clock" icon next to the channel name in the EPG. This icon is your signal that the channel has Catch-Up enabled.
You can then scroll back in the guide, select a program that has already aired, and an option to "Play Catch-Up" will appear.
This is a premium feature that is a key part of our service. You can see a full list of all our channels and features on our site.