(Under revision...)
This question comes up a lot for new subscribers for the services. I'll list which options you have in order of configuration difficulty, and pros/cons for each. Click on the red links to get to the release thread or tutorial:
For clarification, Video add-ons are found in the Video add-on Section in Kodi. The settings for PVRs are found using your Add-on Browser in System Settings.
Video add-ons and PVRs:
- Xtream-Codes IPTV video add-on
This add-on obtains available channels from the server, only requiring your donation number
- Potato TV video add-on - Replacement for IPTV Stalker Plus
This add-on connects to the server and obtains the channels using either a donation-only method, or a MAC and donation number method.
- Playlist Loader video add-on (or any other m3u playlist add-on)
This Video add-on downloads the available channels from the server using the m3u list obtained from the donation checker.
- PVR IPTV Simple Client using M3U playlist
The PVR IPTV Simple Client downloads the available channels from the server using the m3u list obtained from the donation checker.
- PVR Stalker
The PVR Stalker Client connects to a supported server though its Stalker middleware. This method requires your donation number, and your user-defined MAC.
Pros - Already installed in Kodi 15+. Can be configured to use either the provider epg or a custom epg.
Cons - The built in version does require configuration. Configuration is straightforward for most people, however some find it difficult to load channels with a limited Connection Timeout. You do need to separately configure the location of the epg, to a downloaded guide from that server.
Electronic Program Guides:
- External EPG addons, such as Ivue, can be used in conjuction with other add-ons by marking a channel as a Kodi Favourite, then manually linking the schedule listing with the Favourite.
Integration
- PVR IPTV Simple Client w/ Potato TV
Potato TV can configure the IPTV Simple client, allowing you to use the PVR/Live TV function of Kodi, with Member created EPGs.
The following no longer work:
- IPTV Stalker "Plus" v10.2+
Simple video add-on that accesses channels and VoD. Can provide a served m3u list to external devices.
IPTV Stalker Plus Lite - based on couch potato's 10.3.4, but reduced to add filters only. More tolerant to server errors.
IPTV Stalker Plus 10.3.4 (couch potato's mod) - Adds features including epg, and integration with pvr simple, for experienced users only.
These versions do not authenticate with Stalker Middleware Servers.
- EPG Updater service addons
No EPG updater services work with the supported IPTV servers
- PVR Stalker NFPS
No longer supported by developer.
- PVR IPTV Simple Client w/ IPTV Stalker v10+ Integration
IPTV Stalker no longer operational.
- iVue Guide integration with Clients
External EPG add-ons currently do not work with the above add-ons.
No questions please, but if you have more pros/cons, you can help to expand on those.