TiviMate has established itself as the premier IPTV player for Android devices, particularly on Fire TV Stick and Android TV boxes. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about TiviMate – from its features and setup process to tips for getting the most out of this powerful IPTV application.
What is TiviMate?
TiviMate is a feature-rich IPTV player designed specifically for Android TV devices. Created by developer Alex Perchenko, TiviMate offers a sleek, user-friendly interface combined with powerful functionality that has made it the go-to choice for IPTV enthusiasts.
Key Features of TiviMate
- Elegant TV Guide with multi-day EPG (Electronic Program Guide)
- Multi-playlist support to combine various IPTV services
- Channel grouping and favorites for easy organization
- Recording capabilities (Premium version)
- Catch-up TV support for watching past programs
- Customizable interface with various viewing modes
- External player integration options
- Channel zapping mode for quick browsing
- PiP (Picture-in-Picture) functionality
- Auto frame rate matching for smooth playback
- VOD (Video on Demand) support
- Multi-device synchronization (Premium)
TiviMate Free vs. Premium
TiviMate offers both free and premium versions, with significant differences:
Free Version
- Limited to 1 playlist
- Basic EPG functionality
- No recording capability
- Limited customization options
- Cannot use on multiple devices
Premium Version ($4.99/year or $19.99/lifetime)
- Multiple playlists (unlimited)
- Full EPG with search capability
- Recording function
- Complete customization options
- Can use on up to 5 devices
- XC login support
- Catch-up TV
- VOD categorization
The premium version represents excellent value for serious IPTV users, especially with the lifetime option.
How to Install TiviMate
On FireStick/Fire TV
- Go to Settings > Device > Developer Options
- Enable “Apps from Unknown Sources”
- Download and install the Downloader app from Amazon App Store
- Open Downloader and enter the URL:
http://tinyurl.com/tiviapp - Follow the prompts to install TiviMate
- Once installed, you can find it in your Apps & Channels section
On Android TV Box
- Go to Settings > Security & Restrictions
- Enable “Unknown Sources”
- Open Google Play Store
- Search for “TiviMate”
- Select and install the application
On NVIDIA Shield
- From the home screen, open the Play Store
- Search for “TiviMate”
- Select and install the app
- The app will appear in your Apps row
Setting Up TiviMate
After installation, follow these steps to configure TiviMate:
- Launch the app for the first time
- Choose whether to use the free version or unlock premium features
- Select “Add Playlist”
- Choose your preferred method:
- XC Login (username/password/URL)
- M3U Playlist (URL or file)
- Stalker Portal (for compatible services)
- Enter your IPTV service details
- Once added, configure EPG by selecting “Add EPG” if not automatically detected
- Customize interface settings according to your preferences
Advanced Features and How to Use Them
Recording Setup
To set up recording (Premium only):
- Go to Settings > Recordings
- Set your preferred storage location
- Configure recording options (start time buffer, end time buffer)
- Return to the TV guide, long-press on a program, and select “Record”
Multi-View
To use the Multi-View feature:
- While watching a channel, press the Menu button
- Select “Multi View”
- Choose your preferred layout (2×2, 3×3, etc.)
- Select channels to display in each position
Catch-Up TV
To access Catch-Up TV content:
- Navigate to the TV Guide
- Look for programs with the catch-up icon (usually a clock or rewind symbol)
- Select the program and choose “Play”
- Use playback controls to navigate through the recorded content
Optimizing TiviMate Performance
For the best experience with TiviMate:
- Use a wired connection when possible for maximum stability
- Adjust buffer settings in Settings > Playback for your network conditions
- Set your preferred video quality based on your internet speed
- Regularly update the application to the latest version
- Clear cache periodically through Settings > Storage
- Customize playlist update frequency to keep your content fresh
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Buffering Problems
- Check your internet connection speed
- Reduce video quality if necessary
- Increase buffer size in settings
- Try an external player like VLC
- Check if your IPTV provider is experiencing issues
EPG Not Loading
- Verify your EPG URL is correct
- Manually refresh EPG data
- Check time zone settings
- Clear EPG cache and reload
Playlist Not Updating
- Verify your playlist URL is still valid
- Manually refresh the playlist
- Check connection to your IPTV provider’s servers
- Reinstall the application if problems persist
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TiviMate legal?
TiviMate itself is legal software. However, the content you access through it depends on your IPTV service provider. Always ensure you’re using properly licensed IPTV services.
Can I use TiviMate on my phone or tablet?
TiviMate is designed specifically for Android TV devices and works best with a remote control interface. While it can technically be installed on phones and tablets, the experience is optimized for TV screens.
How do I update TiviMate?
If installed via Google Play Store, it will update automatically. For side-loaded installations, you’ll need to download and install the latest version manually.
Does TiviMate work with all IPTV services?
TiviMate works with most IPTV services that provide M3U playlists, XC login credentials, or Stalker Portal access. However, compatibility can vary, so check with your provider.
Can I transfer my Premium license to a new device?
Yes, the Premium version allows installation on up to 5 devices using the same Google account. Simply log in with the same account used for the purchase.
Conclusion
TiviMate stands out as the leading IPTV player for Android TV devices, offering an unmatched combination of elegant interface design and powerful features. The premium version, in particular, provides excellent value with its advanced capabilities and multi-device support.
Whether you’re new to IPTV or looking to upgrade your viewing experience, TiviMate delivers a premium television experience that rivals traditional cable and satellite systems. Its continuous development and responsive creator have ensured that TiviMate remains at the cutting edge of IPTV player technology.
By following the setup and optimization tips in this guide, you can transform your Android TV device into a comprehensive entertainment hub with access to thousands of channels from around the world.
