GuideSeptember 2026 · 5 min read

What Is Catch-Up TV? How It Works With IPTV

Catch-up TV lets you replay broadcasts from the past few days — here's exactly how it differs from a live channel and from on-demand.

What is catch-up TV — how it works with IPTV

Quick answer: Catch-up TV lets you replay a specific broadcast from roughly the past 7 days — different from a live channel (happening now) and from VOD (a standing library not tied to broadcast dates).

Catch-up is one of the more misunderstood IPTV features, mostly because it sits between two things people already know — live TV and on-demand.

How Catch-Up TV Works

Instead of watching a channel live, you go back to a specific program that already aired and start it from the beginning — the same show, at a time of your choosing, rather than whatever's airing right now.

Catch-Up vs. VOD vs. Live

Live TVCatch-Up TVVOD
What it isCurrently airing broadcastA past broadcast, replayedA standing movie/series library
Time windowRight now onlyRoughly the past 7 daysAlways available
Tied to a schedule?YesYes — a specific past airingNo

Is It Included in Your Plan?

Catch-up TV is included as part of the 12-month plansspecifically — check current plan details before assuming it's included on every term length.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far back does catch-up TV go?

Typically up to 7 days, letting you replay something broadcast earlier in the week rather than only what's airing right now.

Is catch-up TV the same as on-demand (VOD)?

No — catch-up replays a specific past broadcast tied to when it originally aired, while VOD is a standing library of movies and series you can watch anytime, not tied to a broadcast schedule.

Is catch-up TV included in every plan?

It's included as part of the 12-month plans specifically — check the current plan details on the pricing page.

12-month terms include it

See Plans With Catch-Up TV →

STARTED Today!

Not sure yet? No problem! Try Xtreme HD IPTV with our 24-hour free trial and enjoy premium streaming with zero risk.