M3U Files
What is an M3U File? 📘
An M3U file is a text-based playlist file used widely for streaming and multimedia purposes. It contains a list of media files, typically pointing to streaming sources such as TV channels or radio stations, and is often formatted in .m3u or .m3u8 extensions. M3U files are commonly used for IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) services, allowing users to load and manage channel streams seamlessly.
In StreamMaster (SM), M3U files enable users to import IPTV channel listings, offering flexible options for managing and customizing their channel streams.
Importing M3U Files in StreamMaster 🛠
To add M3U files to StreamMaster, use the Import M3U option within the StreamMaster UI. StreamMaster provides several customizable options during import, which allows for fine-tuning how the imported streams function and display. Below are the primary options available when importing an M3U file.
M3U Import Options
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | The name you want to assign to the imported M3U file. |
| Max Stream Count | Sets a maximum limit on the number of concurrent streams from each M3U file. |
| M3U8 OutPut Profile | Specifies the output profile if using M3U8 format for adaptive streaming options. |
| M3U Key | A key parameter for uniquely idenitfying a stream |
| M3U Name | Which field to set the name of the channel created from a stream |
| Default Stream Group Name | Sets a default group when sync is on. |
| Url/File Source | The URL/Local File of the M3U file to be imported. |
| Sync Channels | Boolean flag to enable/disable automatic synchronization of channels from the M3U source. |
| Hours To Update | Interval (in hours) to check and refresh the M3U file. |
| Starting Channel Number | Sets a starting number for channels, useful for custom numbering sequences. |
| Auto Set Channel Numbers | Automatically assign channel numbers to each entry from the M3U. |
| VOD Tags | A list of tags used for categorizing VOD (Video on Demand) content within the M3U file. |
Import Process Overview
Once an M3U file is added using these options, StreamMaster:
- Validates - Ensures the provided URL/Local source is accessible.
- Fetches and Parses Content - Downloads and reads the M3U content to generate stream entries.
- Syncs and Organizes Channels - Based on the selected options, channels are organized, and metadata is applied.
- Saves and Updates - The file is saved within StreamMaster’s repository and refreshed periodically based on the specified interval.
Error Handling 🔄
During the import, StreamMaster performs several checks to verify the M3U file:
- If the URL source is invalid or inaccessible, an error will be displayed, and the file is not added.
- When no streams are detected in the M3U, StreamMaster alerts the user and stops further processing.
- Automatic cleanup is conducted on failure to ensure no incomplete files are left in the system.
Troubleshooting Import Issues
If an import fails, check the following:
- Verify the URL source is correct and accessible.
- Ensure the MaxStreamCount is set within the range of available channels in the M3U.
- Confirm that required fields (like Name and UrlSource) are filled out.
Automating M3U File Refresh 🚀
StreamMaster can automatically update and refresh M3U files. Set the HoursToUpdate option to specify the refresh frequency, keeping your streams up-to-date without manual intervention.
Need Help or Have Questions? Join Us on Discord! 🎮
For any questions, support, or discussions, you can join the official StreamMaster Discord server.
👉 Join StreamMaster Discord 👈
No contribution is too small! If you’d like to improve this documentation, we’d love to hear from you! Your contributions are recognized in the StreamMaster Documentation Hall of Fame 🎉.