Find and return to content in a large Windows IPTV playlist

1. Understand the local catalogue

Playova keeps imported channel, film and series information in a local catalogue on your PC. Browsing this catalogue is separate from fetching a stream. The catalogue is not offline playback: watching provider content still needs an available stream and connection.

The first import and later library updates need a connection to your provider. Artwork and film or series details depend on the information it supplies. When the provider changes its list, open Settings > Sources and choose Update the library. Use the source marked Active when checking your channels. Playova supplies no content; the 14-day trial starts with your first source, and playback afterwards requires paid Basic or Plus.

2. Narrow search before scrolling

Type a channel, film or series name in Search. Choose the content type to narrow the results. For films and series, genre, year and rating filters depend on the information in your source; you can also include cast, director and plot in the search. Live channels have no rating filter.

If a search returns nothing, remove restrictive filters and shorten the name. If results are hidden, open Hidden channels and categories in Settings and check visibility. A missing title or missing metadata may come from the source rather than the search.

3. Keep favourite channels close

In Live TV, use Add to favourites on a channel card. Open Favourites to return to those channels; use Remove from favourites to undo the choice. Favourites are channel shortcuts, so you can build a small working list without deleting the provider’s channels. Check that you are using the intended profile and source if a favourite is missing.

4. Return to unfinished viewing

Use the home screen’s unfinished viewing entries to return to a film or episode you started. Check the offered saved position before resuming. Viewing history belongs to your profile, and the title must still be available from your source. A saved position is not a downloaded copy of the video.

5. Keep a video visible while working

During playback, select Picture in picture in the player controls to request a floating video window. Select it again to leave picture in picture. This requires the player’s picture in picture support; both paid Basic and Plus include this feature. It keeps the current video visible; it does not increase your provider’s simultaneous connection allowance.