M3U vs Xtream vs Stalker
Three ways a provider can hand you the same channels. They differ in how much the player learns about what it's playing.
| Xtream Codes | M3U / M3U8 | Stalker / MAC | |
|---|---|---|---|
| What you enter | Server URL, username, password | A link or a file | Portal URL and a MAC address |
| Live TV | Yes, with categories | Yes, groups from the file | Yes |
| Movies & series | Yes, with posters, plots, seasons | Only if the file lists them | Not in SKTV yet |
| Guide (EPG) | Built in | Add an XMLTV link | Add an XMLTV link |
| Catch-up | Where the panel allows | Where the file flags it | No |
| Connection limit shown | Yes | No | No |
| In SKTV | Recommended | Fully supported | Experimental |
Xtream Codes — pick this if you can
Most providers run an Xtream-style panel, and it's the richest source: categories, posters, series with seasons, a guide, and your account's expiry and connection limit. Enter the server URL exactly as given (including the port), the username and the password. SKTV stores the password encrypted on your machine and never writes it to a log.
M3U — the universal fallback
A playlist is a text file: one line per channel, with a name, a group and a stream link. It works with everything, but it only knows what the file says. Pair it with your provider's XMLTV (EPG) link to get programme data. If the "playlist" you paste turns out to be a login page, SKTV tells you that instead of pretending it's a channel list.
Stalker / MAC portal — for portal providers
Some services only hand out a portal address and a MAC. SKTV can sign in and play live TV from these, but the format is designed for set-top boxes and gives a desktop player much less to work with, so it lives under Experimental. Ask your provider for Xtream or M3U details — most can provide them.
Whatever the format, SKTV never supplies the source. Your provider does, and only you know whether they're licensed to.