NEWTVPLAYER

M3U vs XC login: which one to use

Your provider may give you a playlist link (M3U), a login (XC, also called Xtream), or both. They hold the same channels, but the app can do more with one of them. Here is the difference, and which one to choose.

The short answer

If you have both, use the XC login. With it, NewTV Player shows live TV, films and series in their own sections, with the TV guide, catch-up, film details and seasons. Use the M3U link when it is all you have: it plays the same channels and films, with fewer extras.

What each one is

  • M3U link: one address of a text file that lists channels and films, each with a name and an address. It often ends in .m3u or .m3u8. See how to add an M3U playlist.
  • XC login: a host, a username and a password. The app uses them to ask your provider's server for live TV, films and series, a section at a time. See how to use an XC login.

What you get with each

  • Live TV, films and series: an XC login gives three sections. With an M3U link the app sorts channels from films itself, and lists series episodes under Movies, in their group.
  • TV guide (EPG): an XC login brings your provider's guide. An M3U link has a guide only on Android phones, tablets, Android TV and Fire TV, and only when the playlist names one or its server has one. Read what an EPG is.
  • Catch-up: with an XC login, where your provider keeps recordings. An M3U link has none. Read how catch-up works.
  • Film details and seasons: an XC login shows a film's story and a series' seasons and episodes. An M3U link gives a name and a picture only.
  • Recently added and the end date: an XC login shows the newest films and when your account ends. An M3U file has no dates, so neither is shown.

Which devices open each

XC logins open on every device NewTV Player is on. M3U links open on Android phones, tablets, Android TV, Fire TV, iPhone, iPad and Windows. On the smart TV apps that are not Android TV, M3U links do not open yet, and the app says so: use the XC login there.

A link that is really an XC login

Many M3U links look like http://host:port/get.php?username=…&password=…. That is an XC login written as one link, and NewTV Player reads it as one, with the guide and catch-up. You can add it either way: as the link, or split into host, username and password.

How to add either one

1

Open NewTV Player

Note the App ID and key on the home screen.

2

Go to the website

Open newtvplayer.com/device on your phone or computer and enter the App ID and key.

3

Add the link or the login

Press Add Playlist for an M3U link, or Add XC for a login. Fill it in and press Save.

4

Press Reload on the TV

The playlist loads with everything it brings.

Questions and answers

Is XC better than M3U?

For the player, usually yes: more comes with it. The channels and films are the same either way, since both come from your provider.

Should I add both for the same account?

There is no need: they hold the same channels. Keep the XC login. To use more than one account, see several playlists on one device.

Why are my series under Movies?

An M3U file lists each episode as a single item, so the app shows them under Movies, in their group. An XC login shows seasons and episodes.

Where do I get an M3U link or an XC login?

From your provider. NewTV Player is a player only: it does not sell or include logins or playlists.

New here? Install NewTV Player on Android, or check an M3U link before you add it.

NewTV Player is a media player only: it comes with no channels, films or playlists. Before you add any content, make sure you have the legal right to watch it.