STB EMU vs M3U8 playlists

by hydraSlav

Researching into getting an IPTV service

From what I can tell, some provide a service through a combination of M3U8 playlist and an XML EPG guide to go along with it.

Others provide services through a "MAG" box. No need for playlists and XMLs, just login details to a "portal". For this option, if I don't have a "MAG" box, I can still run it on Android/AndroidTV using an STB Emulator.

Are there any pros/cons between these 2 methods? Seems to me from the setup perspective it's easier to enter some credentials for STB Emu rather than enter playlist and xml URLs, no?

gaz82

I've recently switched from M3U/Kodi to STB Emu on a Fire Stick. In my experience the channels load a lot quicker, almost as fast as a Satellite STB. Also they seem to be much more stable, where on Kodi the channels sometimes used to time out after 30 seconds.

tehans

I have used both and found STBemu to work better, more responsive to changing channels

manosteel9423

The m3u playlists are more flexible. You have more options for playback. There are dozens of apps that will play them on various platforms. Someone mentioned slow channel changes but then said he was using kodi...well, sorry, that's a kodi issue, not an m3u issue.

I have an Enigma2 box using m3u based subscriptions and my channels load as fast as any other STB out there.

Boxes that use a MAG portal are great for someone looking for ease of use. They are truly plug and play for the most part. Whether its the MAG box or something like a Dreamlink/Formuler or the Buzz boxes. All of them connect through the same portal and are very easy to set up and use. They all come with a proper TV remote to give you the feel of a cable-like setup.

Also, with an m3u playlist, you have the ability to edit it and eliminate the unwanted channels and categories as well as rearrange the channel list. None of that can be done through a MAG portal at this time that I am aware of.

rabnub101

Just get a mag line and you can convert it to m3u u if you want

BitIPTV

STBEmu and M3u are both great. It all depends on what user interface you like and prefer more than anything else. M3u programs such as IPTV Smarters and Perfect Player, etc already support things like catchup, VOD, etc. It's mainly up to you. The person above me complaining about KODI not working well with m3u is mainly an issue with Kodi's Add-on they used and not with the m3u playlist method. If they had used a more reliable app they would have had the same fast loading experience. Try both ways, and see which one you like and stick to it. Hope this helps!

ResplendentRodent

What does m3U and STB mean?

sgunnage

It appears to be me there is much more support for m3u. More options. I've used both but the apps for m3u appear to be more practical and for better experiences :)