To add mac address or not to add mac address - that is the question.

[Harry Baules]

What are the benefits of adding a mac address? I haven't added them to my two subscriptions yet. It seems like some people have problems when they have to update the mac address when they change devices.

[six degrees]

if you attach the device's MAC then the user only needs to add/enter the server URL into their setup, and then connect.
No need to add username/password (credentials).
No need to add a playlist URL or EPG URL

Just enter the server URL and connect.

That is an advantage.

And the channel numbering order is always correct with the MAC connection method.
Other then that not much else as an advantage.

Disadvantage is when the User changes the device, the MAC needs to be changed too, as you are seeing... no big deal but it is an added step to add attention to.

Another disadvantage is that you would be obliged to only use the supplied EPG, where the Playlist method you can add 3rd party EPG URLs and also use the supplied EPG if so choose.

Then there is the XC API method with some receivers.... which needs no MAC attached, but the server URL and credentials need to be entered into User setup, and you get only the supplied EPG


Probably other disadvantages and advantages, but there are the basics


Playlist URL along with Acid's EPG URL with no MAC needed, is possibly the best for experienced Users and or clients.
But for novice Users and for them to set their own devices , then the XC API method is probably best. They would get an EPG with that automatically and all they have to do is enter the server URL and credentials when switching devices, no need to mess with a MAC

-BuzzTV devices have an XC API portal
-Dreamlinks combine the MAC portal with API.... there is a credentials box to check or uncheck depending what is wanted.

[Harry Baules]

Thank you very much for all this info. I would not have known otherwise.

[ROT10]

if you attach the device's MAC then the user only needs to add/enter the server URL into their setup, and then connect.
No need to add username/password (credentials).
No need to add a playlist URL or EPG URL

Just enter the server URL and connect.

That is an advantage.

And the channel numbering order is always correct with the MAC connection method.
Other then that not much else as an advantage.

Disadvantage is when the User changes the device, the MAC needs to be changed too, as you are seeing... no big deal but it is an added step to add attention to.

Another disadvantage is that you would be obliged to only use the supplied EPG, where the Playlist method you can add 3rd party EPG URLs and also use the supplied EPG if so choose.

Then there is the XC API method with some receivers.... which needs no MAC attached, but the server URL and credentials need to be entered into User setup, and you get only the supplied EPG


Probably other disadvantages and advantages, but there are the basics


Playlist URL along with Acid's EPG URL with no MAC needed, is possibly the best for experienced Users and or clients.
But for novice Users and for them to set their own devices , then the XC API method is probably best. They would get an EPG with that automatically and all they have to do is enter the server URL and credentials when switching devices, no need to mess with a MAC

-BuzzTV devices have an XC API portal
-Dreamlinks combine the MAC portal with API.... there is a credentials box to check or uncheck depending what is wanted.

The Buzztv has that on all models.