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Sparkle TV is a live TV and DVR player for Android TV, Google TV and Fire TV. Like TiviMate, it plays M3U and Xtream Codes playlists with an XMLTV guide. What makes it different is that it can also bring in over-the-air antenna channels from an HDHomeRun tuner, plus sources like Jellyfin and several home TV servers, all in one guide. If you mix IPTV with an antenna, it's one of the few players that handles both well.
What it supports
According to its Google Play listing (Sparkle TV on Google Play):
- Playlist formats: M3U, Xtream Codes and XMLTV guides.
- TV servers and tuners: HDHomeRun (4th generation and later), Jellyfin, DVBLink, DVBViewer and Enigma2 receivers, among others.
- Guide: programme guide with logos and programme images.
- Playback: multiple audio tracks, subtitles (including teletext), auto frame rate.
- Extras: search, themes, home screen integration, parental controls for settings, remote control customisation, sleep timer.
Free vs Plus
The listing marks these as needing the paid Plus version:
- Favourites, sorting, and showing or hiding channels and categories.
- Timeshift (pause and rewind live TV).
- DVR recording, including series.
- Multiview.
- Catch-up, films and series.
- Using several sources at once.
So the free version is a capable trial, but most people who stick with Sparkle will want Plus. Check the price on the purchase screen, which varies by region.
Setting it up
- Install Sparkle TV Player from Google Play on Android TV or Google TV. The listing says it also runs on Fire TV sticks.
- Add a source: choose your IPTV format (M3U or Xtream Codes) and enter your details, then add the XMLTV guide link if needed.
- If you have an HDHomeRun on your network, add it as a second source (a Plus feature) and scan. Its channels join the same guide.
- Set up favourites and hide groups you don't watch.
Not sure what an HDHomeRun is? It's a network tuner that connects an antenna to your router; see how to set up an HDHomeRun.
Who Sparkle suits best
- Antenna plus IPTV households who want one guide for everything.
- People with a TV server such as Jellyfin or an Enigma2 receiver.
- TiviMate users who want an alternative with a different feel.
Home screen integration
Sparkle can put "Play next" items, recent channels and recorded programmes on the Android TV or Google TV home screen, according to its listing. That makes jumping back into a channel or recording quicker than opening the app and browsing. It's a small touch that makes it feel more like a built-in TV service.
Audio, subtitles and frame rate
Its listing mentions multiple audio tracks, subtitles including teletext and DVB subtitles, and auto frame rate. For sport and international channels, those details matter: the right audio track, readable subtitles, and smooth motion. If audio goes silent on some channels, see no sound or black screen.
Sparkle on Fire TV
The listing says Sparkle runs on Fire TV sticks. As with other Android players, that applies to Fire OS models; Amazon's Vega OS sticks can't run Android apps. Check which you have in our Vega OS guide.
Is Sparkle worth paying for?
If you use it daily, Plus unlocks the features most people want (favourites, DVR, catch-up, multiview). Try the free version with your playlist first to see if you like the guide.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting DVR and favourites in the free version.
- Adding an older HDHomeRun model; Sparkle lists 4th generation and later.
- Trying to install it on a Vega OS Fire TV stick.
Who should stick with TiviMate
If you only use an IPTV playlist, TiviMate has the larger user base, more guides and answers online, and a guide many people find faster to browse. See is TiviMate Premium worth it? and the best M3U player for Android TV for how the options compare.
On Amazon's newest Vega OS sticks, neither can be installed; check yours in our Vega OS guide.
Frequently asked questions
- What is Sparkle TV?
- A live TV and DVR player for Android TV, Google TV and Fire TV. It plays M3U and Xtream Codes playlists with an XMLTV guide, and also over-the-air channels from HDHomeRun tuners and Jellyfin, among other sources.
- Is Sparkle TV free?
- There's a free version. Features marked in its listing as Plus, including favourites, sorting, timeshift, DVR, multiview, catch-up, films and series, and multiple sources, need the paid Plus version.
- Is Sparkle TV better than TiviMate?
- For IPTV alone, TiviMate is more widely used and polished. Sparkle stands out if you also want antenna channels from an HDHomeRun or other TV-server sources in the same guide.
- Does Sparkle TV provide channels?
- No. Its listing says it does not provide any channels, sources or media; users add their own.
- Can Sparkle TV record?
- Yes, with the Plus version. DVR recording, including series, is listed as a Plus feature.
- Does Sparkle TV support Xtream Codes?
- Yes. Its listing names M3U, Xtream Codes and XMLTV among supported formats.
- Does Sparkle TV work with Jellyfin?
- Yes. Its listing names Jellyfin among supported sources.
- Can I use Sparkle TV with an antenna?
- Yes, via an HDHomeRun (4th generation or later) on your network.
- Is Sparkle TV on Google Play?
- Yes, as Sparkle TV Player, published by HKAB.
- Can Sparkle TV play catch-up?
- Yes, with the Plus version, where your service supports it.
- Is Sparkle TV good on a Firestick?
- It can run on Fire OS sticks, though, like any player, it performs better on more powerful devices.
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IPTVTips is written and maintained by a small editorial team. We check every guide against official documentation from app developers, device makers and broadcasters, and we update articles when menus, prices or availability change. We only cover legal uses of IPTV.
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