Timeshift and Catch-Up are two of TiviMate’s most powerful — and most misunderstood — features.

Timeshift lets you pause and rewind live TV in real time.

Catch-Up lets you replay previously aired programmes on supported channels, similar to a DVR replay system.

They don’t work with every playlist automatically — your IPTV provider must support them — but when configured correctly, they dramatically improve the viewing experience.

If you’re experiencing freezing or buffering while using these features, start with the complete TiviMate buffering & playback guide, then return here to fine-tune Timeshift and Catch-Up specifically.

How Timeshift Works in TiviMate

Timeshift continuously buffers live TV in the background, allowing you to pause, rewind, or fast-forward without leaving the channel.

It only works if:

• your provider allows stream buffering

• your device has sufficient RAM or storage

• the feature is enabled in playback settings

Enabling Timeshift in TiviMate

Timeshift is usually enabled by default if supported, but you should check and optimise it.

Steps to configure Timeshift

• Settings → Playback → Timeshift

• Choose buffer location (RAM or Storage)

• Set maximum duration (typically 30–60 minutes)

Tip:

If your device has 2GB+ RAM, using RAM gives faster response and smoother rewind.

Using Timeshift While Watching TV

Once enabled, you can:

• Press Left / Right on the remote to rewind or fast-forward

• Press Pause to stop playback temporarily

• Press Play to resume live TV

TiviMate stores the last 30–120 minutes (depending on your settings), so rewinding is instant.

How Catch-Up TV Works in TiviMate

Catch-Up depends entirely on your playlist.

If your provider supplies Catch-Up data:

• supported channels will display a clock icon

• programmes can be replayed from the start

How to use Catch-Up

• Open your channel list

• Select a channel with the clock icon

• Choose a past programme → Play from start

Some providers label Catch-Up periods (e.g. 7-day Catch-Up), meaning any programme aired in the last 7 days is available.

Fixing Common Catch-Up Problems

Catch-Up option missing

If no clock icon appears:

• your provider likely does not support Catch-Up

• confirm by testing the same playlist in another app (e.g. IPTV Smarters)

Catch-Up freezes or fails to play

Older Catch-Up streams are sometimes throttled.

Fix:

• Settings → Playback → Decoder

• Try HW+ or Software

Software decoding is often more stable for older replay links.

Programme timing doesn’t match the guide

This is usually a timezone offset issue.

Fix:

• Settings → TV Guide → Time Offset

• Adjust +1h or −1h until programmes align correctly

Recommended Timeshift Settings by Device

Quick Recap

✅ Timeshift = pause or rewind live TV

✅ Catch-Up = replay previously aired programmes

✅ Enable via Playback settings

✅ Fix mismatches with decoder or time offset

✅ Use RAM buffering where possible for best performance

Final Tip

Once configured correctly, Timeshift and Catch-Up make TiviMate feel like a premium DVR.

Keep the app updated, clear cache occasionally, and ensure your playlist supports these features for the smoothest experience.

TiviMate continues to dominate in 2025 because features like these are built for performance, reliability, and convenience.