What Is Catch-Up TV? (Watch Shows You Missed)
You forgot to record
the season finale. It aired last night, and now everyone at work is talking about it. In the old days, you were
out of luck. But with IPTV, you have a time machine. It is called “Catch-Up TV”. This feature allows you to
scroll back in the guide and watch shows that aired days ago. No recording required. In this guide, we will
explain how Catch-Up works, how to find it in your app, and why it is the best feature you are not using. For a
provider with a massive 7-day catch-up library, check out IPTV
Smarters PRO.
Turn back the clock.
How Does It Work?
Unlike “Timeshift”
which records to your device, Catch-Up is recorded on the provider’s server.
The provider
automatically records every minute of specific channels and stores them for a set period (usually 3 to 7 days).
When you click on a past show in the EPG, the server streams that recording to you instantly.
Look for the
Icon
Not every channel has Catch-Up. In most apps, channels with
this feature have a small clock or “replay” icon next to their name.
How to Use Catch-Up
Using it is simple, but
it varies slightly by app:
- Open the EPG / TV Guide.
- Find a channel with the Catch-Up icon.
- Press the Left Arrow on your remote to scroll back in time.
- Select the show you missed and press Play.
Scroll left to the past.
Why Is It Better
Than Recording?
Recording requires you
to plan ahead. You have to set the timer before the show starts.
Catch-Up is
retroactive. You don’t need to do anything. If you missed it, it is there waiting for you. Plus, it doesn’t use
up any space on your device.
No planning, no storage needed.
Does Every Provider
Have It?
No. Catch-Up is a
premium feature.
It requires massive
server storage for the provider. Cheap $5 services usually don’t offer it, or only offer it for 1 or 2 channels.
Premium providers offer it on hundreds of channels.
Look for the premium badge.
Conclusion
Catch-Up TV changes the
way you watch. You are no longer a slave to the TV schedule. You watch what you want, when you want. If your
current provider doesn’t offer Catch-Up, you are missing out. Upgrade to a service that puts you in control,
like Smarters Pro.
TV on your terms.