STB Emu Pro is an Android app that turns your phone, tablet, or Android TV box into a MAG set-top box. It connects to IPTV services using the Stalker portal protocol -- the same system used by physical MAG devices from Infomir.
STB Emu (short for Set-Top Box Emulator) is an Android application developed by StalkerTV. It replicates the interface and functionality of MAG set-top boxes manufactured by Infomir. Instead of buying a dedicated MAG 254, MAG 322, or MAG 524 device, you can run STB Emu on any Android device and connect to the same IPTV portals.
The app communicates with IPTV servers using the Stalker middleware protocol (also called Ministra). When you enter a portal URL, the app authenticates using a virtual MAC address and fetches the channel list, EPG data, and VOD catalog directly from the provider's server.
STB Emu Pro costs approximately $5.99 on the Google Play Store and is a one-time purchase with no recurring fees for the app itself. Your IPTV subscription is separate.
Open the Google Play Store on your Android device. Search for "STB Emu Pro" by StalkerTV. Purchase and install the app. If you are using a Fire TV Stick, you will need to sideload the APK since it is not available on the Amazon Appstore.
Launch the app. You will see a loading screen or a "Portal not configured" message. Press the gear icon in the top-right corner to open Settings. Navigate to the "Profiles" section. This is where you configure your IPTV connection.
Tap "Add new profile" or edit the default profile. In the "Portal URL" field, enter the URL provided by your IPTV service. This URL typically looks like http://example.com:port/c/ or http://example.com:port/stalker_portal/c/. Make sure you enter it exactly as provided -- even a missing slash will cause a connection error.
Some IPTV providers tie your subscription to a specific MAC address. In STB Emu, go to Settings > Profiles > your profile > STB Configuration. You will see a "MAC address" field showing the app's virtual MAC (format: 00:1A:79:XX:XX:XX). Either provide this MAC to your IPTV service, or enter the MAC address they assigned to you. The MAC must match what is registered on the server.
Save your profile and return to the main screen. The app will now connect to the portal server, authenticate using your MAC address, and load the full channel list. This process typically takes 5-15 seconds depending on your internet speed and the server's location.
STB Emu uses the Stalker middleware protocol, which is fundamentally different from M3U playlists. Understanding the difference matters when choosing your IPTV app.
A single URL connects to a middleware server that manages authentication, channel lists, EPG, and VOD. The server controls what you see. Used by STB Emu, MAG boxes, and similar apps. Advantages: centralized management, automatic EPG, provider can update channels without you doing anything.
A text file containing direct stream URLs for each channel. Used by apps like TiviMate, IPTV Smarters, VLC, and Perfect Player. Advantages: more app choices, user has more control over channel organization, works on virtually any IPTV player.
Most IPTV providers offer both formats. If you prefer the MAG-style interface and your provider supports portal access, STB Emu Pro works well. If you want more flexibility in app choice and customization, ask your provider for M3U or Xtream Codes credentials instead.
In the context of STB Emu, a MAC address is a virtual identifier that the app generates to mimic a real MAG device. Physical MAG boxes have a hardware MAC address printed on a sticker (always starting with 00:1A:79). STB Emu creates a similar virtual MAC.
Your IPTV provider registers this MAC address on their server. When the app connects, the server checks the MAC against its database. If it matches an active subscription, you get access. If it does not match, you see a "Portal loading error" or blank screen.
Important: Never share your MAC address publicly. Anyone with your MAC and portal URL could potentially access your subscription. If you suspect unauthorized use, ask your provider to reset your MAC and generate a new one in the app.
Press LEFT on the remote or swipe left to open the category sidebar. Channels are organized into groups like Greek TV, Cyprus TV, Sports, Movies, etc.
While watching a channel, press the star/bookmark button to add it to favorites. Access your favorites list from the main menu for quick switching.
Press the EPG/Guide button to view the electronic program guide. In Pro, you get a full grid view showing what is on now and upcoming programs across multiple channels.
Use the search function to find channels by name. Useful when your provider offers thousands of channels and scrolling through groups is slow.
If your device has local storage, STB Emu Pro supports recording live TV. Press the record button while watching. Recordings are saved to your device's storage.
When enabled, timeshift lets you pause and rewind live TV. This requires sufficient buffer space and a stable connection. Configure buffer size in settings.
Set to "Hardware" for best performance on most devices. If you experience black screens or crashes on certain channels, try "Software" or "Auto" as a fallback. Hardware decoding offloads work to your device's GPU.
Increase the buffer from the default if you experience frequent buffering. Values of 2-4 seconds work well for most connections. Higher values add a delay before playback starts but reduce mid-stream interruptions.
Enable this to allow pausing and rewinding live TV. Set a timeshift buffer duration (e.g., 30 minutes). Requires available storage on your device.
Match this to your TV or display resolution. Setting it higher than your display supports wastes bandwidth without visual improvement.
If a channel broadcasts multiple audio tracks (e.g., Greek and English), you can select the preferred language in audio settings. STB Emu remembers your preference.
Pros
Authentic MAG interface, portal protocol support, multiple profiles
Cons
Android only, no M3U support, dated UI design
Pros
Modern UI, excellent EPG, multi-playlist, catch-up, recording
Cons
No portal/Stalker support, Android only, premium required for full features
Pros
Cross-platform (Android, iOS, Smart TV), Xtream Codes login, parental controls
Cons
No portal support, interface can be sluggish, limited EPG views
Pros
Lightweight, simple interface, works on low-end devices
Cons
No longer actively updated, limited features, Android only
The best app depends on what your IPTV provider supports. If they give you a portal URL, STB Emu is the natural choice. If they provide M3U or Xtream Codes credentials, TiviMate offers the best overall experience on Android.
Yes, but you need to sideload it since it is not on the Amazon Appstore. Use the Downloader app on your Fire TV Stick to install the APK from a trusted source. The app works well on Fire TV Stick 4K and newer models.
No. STB Emu is an Android-only application. For iOS devices, consider apps like IPTV Smarters or GSE Smart IPTV that support M3U playlists, or iPlayTV which supports Stalker portal connections.
Yes. The Pro version supports multiple profiles. Each profile can have a different portal URL and MAC address. Switch between profiles in Settings > Profiles to change IPTV providers.
Functionally, very little. Both use the same Stalker middleware protocol. A MAG box is a dedicated hardware device, while STB Emu is software running on your existing Android device. The main advantage of a real MAG box is stability and dedicated hardware. The advantage of STB Emu is cost -- you use a device you already own.
No. STB Emu only supports the Stalker portal protocol. If you have M3U or Xtream Codes credentials, use an app like TiviMate, IPTV Smarters, or Perfect Player instead. Ask your provider if they also offer a portal URL.
The channel list is managed server-side by your IPTV provider. You do not need to manually update it. If your provider adds or removes channels, the changes appear automatically the next time you restart the app or reload the portal.
For SD channels: 5 Mbps minimum. For HD channels: 10 Mbps. For Full HD (1080p): 15 Mbps. For 4K channels: 25 Mbps or more. A wired Ethernet connection is always more reliable than Wi-Fi for streaming.
Try our IPTV service with a free trial. We provide both portal URLs and M3U credentials so you can use the app that works best for you.