TiviMate Player: User Agent

The user agent in TiviMate Player refers to the string of information that is sent from the app to the server when making requests for content. It typically includes details about the device, operating system, and app version. By default, TiviMate Player uses a specific user agent string that identifies itself as TiviMate.

Changing the user agent in TiviMate Player allows you to modify this string of information and present a different identity to the service provider’s server. This can have a few potential benefits:

  1. Compatibility: Changing the user agent may help in situations where certain content or features are restricted based on the app or device. By altering the user agent to mimic a different app or device, you may gain access to content that was previously unavailable.
  2. Privacy and Security: Modifying the user agent can help enhance your privacy and security by making it harder for service providers to track and identify your device or app. It can be useful for reducing fingerprinting and minimizing targeted advertising.
  3. Performance and Optimization: In some cases, certain service providers may provide optimized content or better performance for specific devices or apps. By changing the user agent to match a preferred device or app, you might receive a better streaming experience or faster loading times.

It’s important to note that changing the user agent can potentially violate the terms of service of certain service providers. Additionally, it may not always lead to the desired outcomes, as some service providers have more advanced methods to detect user agent manipulation. Therefore, it’s essential to use such features responsibly and within the boundaries set by the respective service providers.

TiviMate Player: Recommended Settings

This guide will walk you through the steps to optimize your EPG and playlist updates in Tivimate Player.

EPG Configuration:

  1. Launch Tivimate Player and navigate to the settings menu.
  2. Select the “EPG” option.
  3. Disable the “Update on app start” setting by turning it off.
  4. Enable the “Update on Playlist change” setting to ensure that the EPG is updated whenever changes occur in your playlist.
  5. Set the update interval to 24 hours. This means the EPG will be refreshed automatically once every 24 hours.

Playlist Configuration:

  1. Open Tivimate Player and access the settings menu.
  2. Choose the “Playlist” option.
  3. Select your current playlist from the available options.
  4. Enable the “Update playlist on app start” setting to allow Tivimate Player to check for updates every time the app is launched.

Effective Update Process: By implementing the above settings, you can ensure that your EPG and playlist stay up to date effortlessly.

  • The EPG sources typically update every 24 hours as per the set interval.
  • Whenever there are changes in the playlist, the EPG will be updated automatically due to the “Update on Playlist change” setting.
  • If there are no updates to the playlist for 24 hours, the EPG will still update according to the predetermined interval.

Tivimate Player: recordings stopping short

Why is My Recording Stopping Short? Why Can’t I Use the Seek Function?

Are you facing issues with your recordings stopping abruptly or being unable to use the seek function? Let’s explore some possible reasons and solutions to help you troubleshoot the problem.

Check for Recording Corruption:
Before looking into the seek function, ensure that your recording is not corrupt. One way to do this is by playing the recording in Tivimate’s default player and observing the duration displayed in the seek bar during playback. For example, if it’s a one-hour show, the duration should be displayed as [00:00 / 01:00] or something very close like [00:00 / 01:00:30]. If you notice something unusual, such as a duration of 2 hours or even -59 minutes (minus), it indicates that the file is corrupt.

Possible Causes of File Corruption:
There are several reasons why a file may become corrupt and not record properly. Here are a few common causes:

a. Disconnection: If there was a disruption in the stream due to your or your provider’s connection, it could lead to recording issues.

b. Break in the Stream: Sometimes, the provider or their supplier may experience a break in the stream or a change in the bitrate during the recording. This can affect the recording process.

c. Buffering: Buffering during the stream can cause the recording to stop. In most cases, buffering is typically attributed to user-related factors, although occasionally it may be the provider’s fault until they restart the stream or switch to a different source.

Tips to Prevent Recording Issues:
To avoid recording problems and ensure smooth playback, consider the following tips:
a. Storage Format: If you are using added storage formatted as FAT32 (which is necessary for Fire TV devices), be aware that the file size limit is 4GB. Make sure your recordings do not exceed this limit.

b. Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is essential for optimal performance. Reboot your router at least weekly, and some users even prefer to do it daily. Additionally, clear Tivimate’s cache regularly in your device settings.

c. Simultaneous Connections: Keep in mind that each recording requires one connection. If you want to watch multiple recordings simultaneously, it will require additional connections.

d. Device Status: Tivimate does not need to be actively open on your device, and your device can be in sleep mode. However, make sure it is not powered off completely.

e. Recording Folder Location: If your recording folder is located on a PC or NAS (Network-Attached Storage), ensure that the device hosting the folder is not powered off.

TiviMate Player: Buffering

Buffering is usually due to a 99.9% chance of an issue on the service provider’s end. If that is the case, they should restart or swap the stream.

Fix 1:
To resolve the issue, follow these steps: Go to Device settings > Apps > TiviMate. Force Stop the app, then Clear Cache, and finally Restart the Device.

Fix 2:
If the previous fix doesn’t work, try repeating the steps mentioned above but also unplug your router for two minutes.

Tip 1:
If you suspect that your Internet Service Provider (ISP) is throttling your connection, try using a VPN to bypass any restrictions.

Tip 2:
Using a wired connection instead of WiFi can provide a more stable and reliable connection.

Tip 3:
Buffering can occur when multiple users on the same internet connection are simultaneously connected and utilizing bandwidth.

Please note:
You might have heard the saying, “Have you tried turning it off and on again?” when troubleshooting PCs or devices. The same principle applies to routers. Unplugging the router (power cycling) clears the volatile memory and allows time for capacitors inside the router to discharge. This process usually takes about 30 seconds, but it’s recommended to wait for one to two minutes to ensure all potentially compromised data is cleared. Rest assured that your router also has non-volatile memory that retains any username/password settings you have configured for it.

TiviMate Player: Adjusting EPG Time Offset

For the United Kingdom (UK):

The time change occurs on the weekend of 27th March.
Summertime ends at 2 AM on October 21st.

For the United States (US):

The time change occurs on the weekend of 13th March.
Daylight Saving Time ends at 2 AM on November 7th.

During these time changes, many providers’ EPGs may become inaccurate as they reconfigure their systems.

To adjust the EPG offset as a user, follow these steps:

Adjusting the Full EPG:

Open TiviMate and go to Settings.
Navigate to EPG, then EPG sources.
Click on the name of your EPG source.
Locate the Time offset option and click on it.
Adjust the offset by using a positive or negative value to make the necessary adjustment.

Adjusting Specific Channel EPG:

Long-press on the desired channel in the TV Guide.
Select Channel Options from the menu that appears.
Look for the Time offset option and click on it.
Adjust the offset by using a positive or negative value to make the necessary adjustment.”
Note: Please make sure to adjust the time offset accurately according to your specific requirements.

TiviMate Player: How to create backup and restore data

How to Create a Backup:

Open Tivimate.
Go to Settings -> General -> Backup.
Select the folder where you want to save the backup.

How to Restore a Backup:

Open Tivimate > Click on Settings -> General > Choose “Restore your backup” > Open the folder where your data is saved and select the backup file to restore.

Please note the following:

Backup files can only be restored to the same version or a later version.
Example 1: A backup file from version 4.3.0 can only be restored to version 4.3.0 or later.
Example 2: A backup file from version 4.2.0 can only be restored to version 4.2.0 or later (4.3.0+).
Important: Always create a backup before updating Tivimate versions if you wish to roll back.
Backup files cannot be restored to an earlier version from a later version.