FEATURE EXPLAINER

EPG and catch-up TV: what to check before you subscribe.

A programme guide and replay feature can make live TV easier to navigate, but availability and operation depend on the service, channel and app.

FEATURE EXPLAINER

What an EPG does

An electronic programme guide displays schedule information beside a channel list. Depending on the service and player, it may show current and upcoming programmes and let you browse by time or channel. Programme information can be incomplete or out of date if the guide data does not match a channel.

What “catch-up” usually means

Catch-up viewing generally refers to watching a previously broadcast programme for a limited time after its original air time. The time window, eligible channels, available programmes and playback controls vary. The label alone does not mean every programme can be replayed or kept permanently.

Check the details that matter

Ask which channels include guide data and replay, how far back catch-up is available, which apps and devices support it, and whether the feature is included in the plan you are considering. Confirm the current terms with the provider; do not infer coverage from a feature name.

When guide information is missing

Check that the device clock and time zone are correct, refresh or reopen the guide in the app, and confirm that the app is current through its official store. If only particular channels lack programme information, share those channel names with provider support and ask whether guide data is available for them.

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