diff --git a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/url-safety.ts b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/url-safety.ts
index 501f627fc..bfecb3402 100644
--- a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/url-safety.ts
+++ b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/url-safety.ts
@@ -19,6 +19,16 @@ export class UnsafeUrlError extends Error {
 export interface RemoteUrlPolicy {
     /** When true, private/reserved targets are permitted (default false). */
     allowPrivateNetworks?: boolean;
+    /**
+     * When false, allowPrivateNetworks only applies to the initially validated
+     * origin; cross-origin redirects must still resolve to public addresses.
+     */
+    allowPrivateNetworkRedirects?: boolean;
+    /**
+     * When true together with allowPrivateNetworks, hostnames are still resolved
+     * for socket pinning. Private/reserved resolved addresses are accepted.
+     */
+    pinAllowedPrivateNetworkHosts?: boolean;
     /** Injectable DNS resolver. Defaults to `dns.lookup`; overridable in tests. */
     resolveHostname?: (hostname: string) => Promise<readonly string[]>;
 }
@@ -214,11 +224,38 @@ export async function validateRemoteUrl(
         throw new UnsafeUrlError('URL credentials are not supported');
     }
 
+    const hostname = normalizeHostname(url.hostname);
     if (policy.allowPrivateNetworks) {
-        return { url };
+        if (!policy.pinAllowedPrivateNetworkHosts) {
+            return { url };
+        }
+
+        if (isIP(hostname) !== 0) {
+            return { url, addresses: [hostname] };
+        }
+
+        const resolveHostname =
+            policy.resolveHostname ?? defaultResolveHostname;
+        let addresses: readonly string[];
+        try {
+            addresses = await resolveHostname(hostname);
+        } catch {
+            throw new UnsafeUrlError('URL host could not be resolved');
+        }
+
+        if (
+            addresses.length === 0 ||
+            addresses.some((address) => isIP(normalizeHostname(address)) === 0)
+        ) {
+            throw new UnsafeUrlError('URL host could not be resolved');
+        }
+
+        return {
+            url,
+            addresses: addresses.map((address) => normalizeHostname(address)),
+        };
     }
 
-    const hostname = normalizeHostname(url.hostname);
     if (isLocalHostname(hostname) || isPrivateOrReservedIp(hostname)) {
         throw new UnsafeUrlError(
             'URL points to a private or local network address'
diff --git a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.spec.ts b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.spec.ts
index 875406256..837d7da2b 100644
--- a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.spec.ts
@@ -86,6 +86,82 @@ describe('XtreamEvents session cancellation', () => {
         expect(requestedUrl.searchParams.get('username')).toBe('user');
     });
 
+    it('follows validated redirects for range GET media probes', async () => {
+        const probeHandler = registeredHandlers.get('XTREAM_PROBE_URL');
+        const destroyProbeBody = jest.fn();
+        expect(probeHandler).toBeDefined();
+
+        axiosMock
+            .mockImplementationOnce((config: { url?: string }) =>
+                Promise.resolve({
+                    status: 302,
+                    headers: { location: '/media.ts' },
+                    config,
+                })
+            )
+            .mockImplementationOnce((config: { url?: string }) =>
+                Promise.resolve({
+                    status: 206,
+                    headers: {},
+                    data: { destroy: destroyProbeBody },
+                    config,
+                })
+            );
+
+        const result = (await probeHandler?.(
+            {},
+            {
+                url: 'http://localhost:3211/streaming/timeshift.php?stream=45',
+                method: 'GET',
+            }
+        )) as { status: number; url: string };
+
+        expect(result.status).toBe(206);
+        expect(result.url).toBe('http://localhost:3211/media.ts');
+        expect(axiosMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+        const firstRequest = axiosMock.mock.calls[0][0] as {
+            headers?: Record<string, string>;
+            maxRedirects?: number;
+            method?: string;
+            responseType?: string;
+        };
+        expect(firstRequest.method).toBe('GET');
+        expect(firstRequest.headers).toEqual(
+            expect.objectContaining({ Range: 'bytes=0-4095' })
+        );
+        expect(firstRequest.maxRedirects).toBe(0);
+        expect(firstRequest.responseType).toBe('stream');
+        expect(destroyProbeBody).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('rejects private cross-origin redirects for range GET media probes', async () => {
+        const probeHandler = registeredHandlers.get('XTREAM_PROBE_URL');
+        expect(probeHandler).toBeDefined();
+
+        axiosMock.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+            status: 302,
+            headers: { location: 'http://127.0.0.1/admin' },
+            config: {
+                url: 'http://localhost:3211/streaming/timeshift.php?stream=45',
+            },
+        });
+
+        const result = (await probeHandler?.(
+            {},
+            {
+                url: 'http://localhost:3211/streaming/timeshift.php?stream=45',
+                method: 'GET',
+            }
+        )) as { error?: string; status: number; url: string };
+
+        expect(result).toEqual({
+            error: 'URL points to a private or local network address',
+            status: 0,
+            url: 'http://localhost:3211/streaming/timeshift.php?stream=45',
+        });
+        expect(axiosMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
     it('aborts requests that were registered with only a session id', async () => {
         const requestHandler = registeredHandlers.get('XTREAM_REQUEST');
         const cancelHandler = registeredHandlers.get(XTREAM_CANCEL_SESSION);
diff --git a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.ts b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.ts
index 22d58326f..c712d12f3 100644
--- a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.ts
+++ b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/events/xtream.events.ts
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@ import {
     normalizeXtreamServerUrl,
 } from '@iptvnator/shared/interfaces';
 import { emitPortalDebugEvent } from './portal-debug.events';
-import { assertRemoteUrlAllowed, UnsafeUrlError } from './url-safety';
+import { UnsafeUrlError } from './url-safety';
 import { requestWithValidatedRedirects } from '../util/validated-axios';
 
 export default class XtreamEvents {
@@ -299,45 +299,37 @@ ipcMain.handle(
             method?: 'GET' | 'HEAD';
         }
     ) => {
-        // Probe URLs must be http(s), but may target private/LAN Xtream hosts
-        // for self-hosted setups. Redirects stay disabled below so a validated
-        // URL cannot bounce to a different private target.
-        try {
-            await assertRemoteUrlAllowed(payload.url, {
-                allowPrivateNetworks: true,
-            });
-        } catch (error) {
-            return {
-                status: 0,
-                url: payload.url,
-                error:
-                    error instanceof UnsafeUrlError
-                        ? error.message
-                        : 'Invalid URL',
-            };
-        }
-
+        const method = payload.method ?? 'HEAD';
         const config: AxiosRequestConfig = {
-            method: payload.method ?? 'HEAD',
+            method,
             url: payload.url,
             headers: {
                 'User-Agent':
                     'Mozilla/5.0 (Windows NT 10.0; Win64; x64) AppleWebKit/537.36',
+                ...(method === 'GET' ? { Range: 'bytes=0-4095' } : {}),
             },
             timeout: 10000,
-            // SSRF hardening: do NOT follow redirects. assertRemoteUrlAllowed
-            // validated payload.url, but a validated public host could 3xx to an
-            // internal address that would never be re-checked. validateStatus
-            // below returns the 3xx as the probe result instead of following it.
-            maxRedirects: 0,
+            responseType: method === 'GET' ? 'stream' : undefined,
             validateStatus: () => true,
         };
 
         try {
-            const response = await axios(config);
+            const response = await requestWithValidatedRedirects(
+                payload.url,
+                config,
+                {
+                    allowPrivateNetworkRedirects: false,
+                    allowPrivateNetworks: true,
+                    pinAllowedPrivateNetworkHosts: true,
+                }
+            );
+            const responseBody = response.data as
+                | { destroy?: () => void }
+                | undefined;
+            responseBody?.destroy?.();
             return {
                 status: response.status,
-                url: payload.url,
+                url: response.config?.url ?? payload.url,
             };
         } catch (error) {
             if (axios.isAxiosError(error) && error.response) {
@@ -347,6 +339,14 @@ ipcMain.handle(
                 };
             }
 
+            if (error instanceof UnsafeUrlError) {
+                return {
+                    status: 0,
+                    url: payload.url,
+                    error: error.message,
+                };
+            }
+
             return {
                 status: 0,
                 url: payload.url,
diff --git a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.spec.ts b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.spec.ts
index ff4146eca..28f58b7c7 100644
--- a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.spec.ts
@@ -155,6 +155,103 @@ describe('requestWithValidatedRedirects', () => {
         expect(requestConfig).not.toHaveProperty('agentFactory');
     });
 
+    it('allows same-origin private redirects when private redirect access is disabled', async () => {
+        axiosMock
+            .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+                status: 302,
+                headers: { location: '/media.ts' },
+            })
+            .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+                status: 206,
+                headers: {},
+                data: 'ok',
+            });
+
+        const response = await requestWithValidatedRedirects(
+            'http://192.168.1.10/start',
+            { method: 'GET' },
+            {
+                allowPrivateNetworkRedirects: false,
+                allowPrivateNetworks: true,
+            }
+        );
+
+        expect(response.status).toBe(206);
+        expect(axiosMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+        expect(axiosMock.mock.calls[1][0].url).toBe(
+            'http://192.168.1.10/media.ts'
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('rejects cross-origin private redirects when private redirect access is disabled', async () => {
+        axiosMock.mockResolvedValueOnce({
+            status: 302,
+            headers: { location: 'http://127.0.0.1/admin' },
+        });
+
+        await expect(
+            requestWithValidatedRedirects(
+                'http://192.168.1.10/start',
+                { method: 'GET' },
+                {
+                    allowPrivateNetworkRedirects: false,
+                    allowPrivateNetworks: true,
+                }
+            )
+        ).rejects.toMatchObject({
+            message: 'URL points to a private or local network address',
+        });
+        expect(axiosMock).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+    });
+
+    it('reuses the initially validated addresses for same-origin redirects when private redirect access is disabled', async () => {
+        axiosMock
+            .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+                status: 302,
+                headers: { location: '/media.ts' },
+            })
+            .mockResolvedValueOnce({
+                status: 206,
+                headers: {},
+                data: 'ok',
+            });
+        const { factory, lookups } = createCapturingAgentFactory();
+        const resolveHostname = jest.fn(async () => ['93.184.216.34']);
+
+        const response = await requestWithValidatedRedirects(
+            'https://portal.example/start',
+            { agentFactory: factory, method: 'GET' },
+            {
+                allowPrivateNetworkRedirects: false,
+                allowPrivateNetworks: true,
+                pinAllowedPrivateNetworkHosts: true,
+                resolveHostname,
+            }
+        );
+
+        const resolvePinnedAddress = async (callIndex: number) => {
+            return new Promise<string | LookupAddress[]>((resolve, reject) => {
+                lookups[callIndex](
+                    'portal.example',
+                    { all: false, family: 0 } as LookupOptions,
+                    (error, address) => {
+                        if (error) {
+                            reject(error);
+                            return;
+                        }
+                        resolve(address);
+                    }
+                );
+            });
+        };
+
+        expect(response.status).toBe(206);
+        expect(resolveHostname).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(1);
+        expect(factory.createHttpsAgent).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
+        await expect(resolvePinnedAddress(0)).resolves.toBe('93.184.216.34');
+        await expect(resolvePinnedAddress(1)).resolves.toBe('93.184.216.34');
+    });
+
     it('revalidates and repins every redirect hop', async () => {
         axiosMock
             .mockResolvedValueOnce({
diff --git a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.ts b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.ts
index ab554bd8a..6b5e7fa4c 100644
--- a/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.ts
+++ b/apps/electron-backend/src/app/util/validated-axios.ts
@@ -132,6 +132,33 @@ function pinRequestToValidatedAddresses(
     };
 }
 
+function getRedirectValidationPolicy(
+    currentUrl: string,
+    initialOrigin: string | undefined,
+    policy: RemoteUrlPolicy
+): RemoteUrlPolicy {
+    if (
+        !initialOrigin ||
+        !policy.allowPrivateNetworks ||
+        policy.allowPrivateNetworkRedirects !== false
+    ) {
+        return policy;
+    }
+
+    const parsedUrl = new URL(currentUrl);
+    if (parsedUrl.origin === initialOrigin) {
+        return {
+            ...policy,
+            pinAllowedPrivateNetworkHosts: false,
+        };
+    }
+
+    return {
+        ...policy,
+        allowPrivateNetworks: false,
+    };
+}
+
 /**
  * Runs an Axios request while validating the initial URL and every redirect.
  * Redirects are followed manually so each target passes through the same
@@ -148,14 +175,31 @@ export async function requestWithValidatedRedirects<T = unknown>(
         ((status: number) => status >= 200 && status < 300);
     let currentUrl = rawUrl;
     let requestConfig = { ...config };
+    let initialOrigin: string | undefined;
+    let initialAddresses: readonly string[] | undefined;
 
     for (let redirectCount = 0; ; redirectCount += 1) {
-        const validatedTarget = await validateRemoteUrl(currentUrl, policy);
+        const validatedTarget = await validateRemoteUrl(
+            currentUrl,
+            getRedirectValidationPolicy(currentUrl, initialOrigin, policy)
+        );
         const validatedUrl = validatedTarget.url;
+        const isInitialRequest = !initialOrigin;
+        if (isInitialRequest) {
+            initialOrigin = validatedUrl.origin;
+            initialAddresses = validatedTarget.addresses;
+        }
+        const addresses =
+            !isInitialRequest &&
+            policy.allowPrivateNetworks &&
+            policy.allowPrivateNetworkRedirects === false &&
+            validatedUrl.origin === initialOrigin
+                ? initialAddresses
+                : validatedTarget.addresses;
         const pinnedConfig = pinRequestToValidatedAddresses(
             requestConfig,
             validatedUrl,
-            validatedTarget.addresses
+            addresses
         );
         const response = await axios<T>({
             ...pinnedConfig,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/app.component.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/app.component.spec.ts
index d8c6dd97f..965e90dda 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/app.component.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/app.component.spec.ts
@@ -4,7 +4,10 @@ import { Router } from '@angular/router';
 import { Actions } from '@ngrx/effects';
 import { MockStore, provideMockStore } from '@ngrx/store/testing';
 import { TranslateService } from '@ngx-translate/core';
-import { EpgRuntimeBridgeService, EpgService } from '@iptvnator/epg/data-access';
+import {
+    EpgRuntimeBridgeService,
+    EpgService,
+} from '@iptvnator/epg/data-access';
 import { WORKSPACE_SHELL_ACTIONS } from '@iptvnator/workspace/shell/util';
 import { MockProvider } from 'ng-mocks';
 import { EMPTY, of } from 'rxjs';
@@ -35,7 +38,7 @@ class MockSettingsService {
 const DEFAULT_SETTINGS: Settings = {
     player: VideoPlayer.VideoJs,
     epgUrl: [],
-    streamFormat: StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat,
+    streamFormat: StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat,
     openStreamOnDoubleClick: false,
     language: Language.ENGLISH,
     showCaptions: false,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-form.utils.ts b/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-form.utils.ts
index 8bbabcd1e..cbdaf7674 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-form.utils.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-form.utils.ts
@@ -32,7 +32,7 @@ export function createSettingsForm(
         ...(supportsEpg
             ? { epgUrl: new FormArray<FormControl<string | null>>([]) }
             : {}),
-        streamFormat: StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat,
+        streamFormat: StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat,
         openStreamOnDoubleClick: false,
         language: Language.ENGLISH,
         showCaptions: false,
@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ export function createSettingsFromFormValue(
 
     return {
         player: value.player ?? VideoPlayer.VideoJs,
-        streamFormat: value.streamFormat ?? StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat,
+        streamFormat: value.streamFormat ?? StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat,
         openStreamOnDoubleClick: value.openStreamOnDoubleClick ?? false,
         language: value.language ?? Language.ENGLISH,
         showCaptions: value.showCaptions ?? false,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-playback-section.component.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-playback-section.component.spec.ts
index 822a7280c..c5401509c 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-playback-section.component.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings-playback-section.component.spec.ts
@@ -91,7 +91,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
         (player) => {
             fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(player));
             fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
-            fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsManagedExternalPlayers', true);
+            fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+                'supportsManagedExternalPlayers',
+                true
+            );
             fixture.detectChanges();
 
             expect(
@@ -128,11 +131,29 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
         ).not.toBeNull();
     });
 
+    it('offers automatic Xtream stream format selection', async () => {
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        fixture.nativeElement
+            .querySelector('[data-test-id="select-stream-format"]')
+            .click();
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+        await fixture.whenStable();
+
+        const option = document.body.querySelector('[data-test-id="auto"]');
+
+        expect(option).not.toBeNull();
+        expect(option?.textContent).toContain('auto');
+    });
+
     it('keeps the double-click option visible when path settings are unavailable', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(VideoPlayer.MPV));
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsManagedExternalPlayers', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', false);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            false
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(
@@ -173,7 +194,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
     it('shows MPV bundle guidance and the IINA executable tip for desktop MPV playback', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(VideoPlayer.MPV));
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', true);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            true
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(fixture.nativeElement.textContent).toContain(
@@ -193,7 +217,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(VideoPlayer.MPV));
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsManagedExternalPlayers', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', false);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            false
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(fixture.nativeElement.textContent).not.toContain(
@@ -212,7 +239,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
     it('shows VLC bundle guidance without the IINA tip for desktop VLC playback', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(VideoPlayer.VLC));
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', true);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            true
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(fixture.nativeElement.textContent).toContain(
@@ -232,7 +262,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(VideoPlayer.VLC));
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsManagedExternalPlayers', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', false);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            false
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(fixture.nativeElement.textContent).not.toContain(
@@ -247,7 +280,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
 
     it('does not show external-player path guidance for embedded players', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', true);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            true
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(fixture.nativeElement.textContent).not.toContain(
@@ -266,7 +302,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
     it('shows MPV command-line arguments only when MPV is selected', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(VideoPlayer.MPV));
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', true);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            true
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(
@@ -292,7 +331,10 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
     it('shows VLC command-line arguments only when VLC is selected', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('form', createForm(VideoPlayer.VLC));
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('isDesktop', true);
-        fixture.componentRef.setInput('supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings', true);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput(
+            'supportsExternalPlayerPathSettings',
+            true
+        );
         fixture.detectChanges();
 
         expect(
@@ -319,7 +361,7 @@ describe('SettingsPlaybackSectionComponent', () => {
 function createForm(player = VideoPlayer.VideoJs): FormGroup {
     return new FormGroup({
         player: new FormControl(player),
-        streamFormat: new FormControl(StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat),
+        streamFormat: new FormControl(StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat),
         openStreamOnDoubleClick: new FormControl(false),
         showExternalPlaybackBar: new FormControl(true),
         mpvPlayerPath: new FormControl(''),
diff --git a/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings.component.spec.ts b/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings.component.spec.ts
index 5da488c9c..75e9cc7b4 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings.component.spec.ts
+++ b/apps/web/src/app/settings/settings.component.spec.ts
@@ -80,7 +80,7 @@ export class MockRouter {
 
 const DEFAULT_SETTINGS = {
     player: VideoPlayer.VideoJs,
-    streamFormat: StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat,
+    streamFormat: StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat,
     openStreamOnDoubleClick: false,
     language: Language.ENGLISH,
     showCaptions: false,
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json
index 5a000420d..71fb991c6 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ar.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "تشغيل الأرشيف",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "العودة إلى البث المباشر",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json
index 4f9ba1acc..b371d0f4d 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ary.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "تشغيل الأرشيف",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "رجع للبث المباشر",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json
index cc570b499..df7327856 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/by.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Прайграванне архіва",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Вярнуцца да эфіру",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json
index 101a56113..117b00e85 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/de.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Archivwiedergabe",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Zurück zum Live-TV",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json
index ad7c709e3..cdb79fd75 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/el.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Αναπαραγωγή αρχείου",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Επιστροφή στη ζωντανή ροή",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json
index 505e9b732..ab750db4d 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/en.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Archive playback",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Return to live",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json
index 399cc65b8..c5e6613f8 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/es.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Reproducción de archivo",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Volver al directo",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json
index b8442a44f..f3b44c878 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/fr.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Lecture archive",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Retour au direct",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json
index d52e18696..c430ff912 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/it.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Riproduzione archivio",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Torna alla diretta",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json
index f6a216345..38fb527a8 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ja.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "アーカイブ再生",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "ライブに戻る",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json
index b06585608..861dd3073 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ko.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "아카이브 재생",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "라이브로 돌아가기",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json
index b4ad2049b..f1c8b2ec3 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/nl.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Archief afspelen",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Terug naar live",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json
index ee6f76613..df24c4bac 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pl.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Odtwarzanie archiwum",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Wróć do transmisji na żywo",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json
index e617dde18..bcb91447a 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/pt.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Reprodução do arquivo",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Voltar ao vivo",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json
index 35f25f1ea..2f18227eb 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/ru.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Архивная запись",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Вернуться к эфиру",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json
index 21040126d..952073f9d 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/tr.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "Arşiv oynatma",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "Canlı yayına dön",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json
index 0b8f7606e..70f0d7e64 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zh.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "回看播放",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "返回直播",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json
index ed249feea..e3d4e7db2 100644
--- a/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json
+++ b/apps/web/src/assets/i18n/zhtw.json
@@ -599,6 +599,8 @@
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_TITLE": "Trust invalid certificate?",
         "TRUST_TLS_HOST_WARNING": "Only continue if you trust this host. IPTVnator will allow invalid TLS certificates for this host, but other hosts still require valid certificates.",
         "CURRENT_PROGRAM": "Current program",
+        "ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK": "回看播放",
+        "RETURN_TO_LIVE": "返回直播",
         "COLLAPSE_PANEL": "Collapse EPG panel",
         "EXPAND_PANEL": "Expand EPG panel"
     },
diff --git a/docs/architecture/electron-security.md b/docs/architecture/electron-security.md
index 6f4d581fe..34b5de2c6 100644
--- a/docs/architecture/electron-security.md
+++ b/docs/architecture/electron-security.md
@@ -133,6 +133,15 @@ configured Xtream, Stalker, and playlist providers retain private-network
 support, but still require HTTP(S), reject embedded credentials, and validate
 redirects.
 
+Callers that allow private-network provider URLs but only need redirects within
+the same provider origin should pass both `allowPrivateNetworkRedirects: false`
+and `pinAllowedPrivateNetworkHosts: true` to the validated Axios helper. This
+keeps same-origin LAN redirects working, reuses the initially resolved addresses
+for same-origin redirect hops, and requires cross-origin redirects to resolve to
+public addresses. A provider-controlled URL cannot bounce the Electron main
+process to another private or loopback host or rebind the same hostname between
+redirect hops.
+
 Remote playlist TLS certificates are validated by default. The
 renderer can persist a host-scoped invalid-certificate trust decision for a
 playlist or EPG source host. The `IPTVNATOR_ALLOW_INSECURE_TLS=1` escape hatch
diff --git a/docs/architecture/xtream-portal-compatibility.md b/docs/architecture/xtream-portal-compatibility.md
index 39605087b..ec1f7b5e8 100644
--- a/docs/architecture/xtream-portal-compatibility.md
+++ b/docs/architecture/xtream-portal-compatibility.md
@@ -65,10 +65,36 @@ and private-network checks.
 ## Playback URL Formats
 
 When account info includes `user_info.allowed_output_formats`, the current
-Xtream playlist keeps those formats for the active session. Live stream URL
-construction falls back to the first provider-allowed format when the selected
-application format is not allowed by the portal.
+Xtream playlist keeps those formats for the active session. The default
+application format is `auto`: live stream URL construction chooses `m3u8` when
+the provider allows HLS, falls back to `ts` when MPEG-TS is the only known
+standard format, and otherwise uses the first provider-advertised format. If
+the provider does not advertise output formats, `auto` falls back to `m3u8`.
+Manual `ts` and `m3u8` settings remain supported; when a manual setting is not
+allowed by the portal, URL construction falls back to the first
+provider-allowed format.
 
 If stored Xtream playback credentials contain an invalid server URL or blank
 username/password, stream URL construction returns an empty URL instead of
 throwing during playback.
+
+## Catch-Up Playback URLs
+
+Xtream-compatible portals differ on archive playback URL shape. IPTVnator
+supports these catch-up variants:
+
+1. REST-style `/timeshift/{username}/{password}/{duration}/{start}/{streamId}.ts`
+   and `.m3u8`.
+2. Legacy `/streaming/timeshift.php?username=...&password=...&stream=...&start=...&duration=...`
+   with optional `extension=ts` or `extension=m3u8`.
+
+Electron probes concrete catch-up variants before caching a playlist-level
+choice. The cache key includes the playlist id and the normalized
+`allowed_output_formats` advertised by the provider, so a catch-up variant
+detected before account capabilities are known cannot force stale MPEG-TS URLs
+after the portal later reports HLS-only playback. The probe uses a short range
+`GET`, follows only validated redirects, and accepts only `200` or `206` as
+playable. MPEG-TS is preferred before HLS when the provider allows it because
+some portals return a valid HLS manifest while the first media segment fails in
+Chromium/video.js. PWA fallback keeps the REST MPEG-TS URL when no Electron
+probe API is available.
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.spec.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.spec.ts
index 92db66b06..c1f837f94 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.spec.ts
@@ -1,7 +1,8 @@
-import { signal } from '@angular/core';
+import { signal, WritableSignal } from '@angular/core';
 import { TestBed } from '@angular/core/testing';
 import { DatabaseService, SettingsStore } from '@iptvnator/services';
 import {
+    StreamFormat,
     XtreamSerieEpisode,
     XtreamVodDetails,
 } from '@iptvnator/shared/interfaces';
@@ -14,6 +15,7 @@ describe('XtreamUrlService', () => {
         getAppState: jest.Mock<Promise<string | null>, [string]>;
         setAppState: jest.Mock<Promise<void>, [string, string]>;
     };
+    let streamFormat: WritableSignal<StreamFormat>;
 
     const credentials: XtreamCredentials = {
         serverUrl: 'http://demo.example',
@@ -23,6 +25,7 @@ describe('XtreamUrlService', () => {
     const originalElectron = window.electron;
 
     beforeEach(() => {
+        streamFormat = signal(StreamFormat.TsStreamFormat);
         databaseService = {
             getAppState: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(null),
             setAppState: jest.fn().mockResolvedValue(undefined),
@@ -35,7 +38,7 @@ describe('XtreamUrlService', () => {
                 {
                     provide: SettingsStore,
                     useValue: {
-                        streamFormat: signal('ts'),
+                        streamFormat,
                     },
                 },
             ],
@@ -73,6 +76,50 @@ describe('XtreamUrlService', () => {
         expect(url).toBe('http://demo.example/live/demo/secret/101.m3u8');
     });
 
+    it('auto-selects HLS for live streams when the provider allows it', () => {
+        streamFormat.set(StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat);
+
+        const url = service.constructLiveUrl(
+            {
+                ...credentials,
+                allowedOutputFormats: ['ts', 'm3u8'],
+            },
+            101
+        );
+
+        expect(url).toBe('http://demo.example/live/demo/secret/101.m3u8');
+    });
+
+    it('auto-selects MPEG-TS for live streams when it is the only provider format', () => {
+        streamFormat.set(StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat);
+
+        const url = service.constructLiveUrl(
+            {
+                ...credentials,
+                allowedOutputFormats: ['ts'],
+            },
+            101
+        );
+
+        expect(url).toBe('http://demo.example/live/demo/secret/101.ts');
+    });
+
+    it('uses HLS as the auto live-stream fallback when provider formats are unknown', () => {
+        streamFormat.set(StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat);
+
+        const url = service.constructLiveUrl(credentials, 101);
+
+        expect(url).toBe('http://demo.example/live/demo/secret/101.m3u8');
+    });
+
+    it('keeps the manual live-stream format override when provider formats are unknown', () => {
+        streamFormat.set(StreamFormat.TsStreamFormat);
+
+        const url = service.constructLiveUrl(credentials, 101);
+
+        expect(url).toBe('http://demo.example/live/demo/secret/101.ts');
+    });
+
     it('returns empty stream URLs instead of throwing for invalid stored server URLs', () => {
         const invalidCredentials: XtreamCredentials = {
             ...credentials,
@@ -109,35 +156,157 @@ describe('XtreamUrlService', () => {
     });
 
     it('detects the legacy catchup scheme once and then uses the cached result', async () => {
+        const tsOnlyCredentials: XtreamCredentials = {
+            ...credentials,
+            allowedOutputFormats: ['ts'],
+        };
         const xtreamProbeUrl = jest
             .fn()
             .mockResolvedValueOnce({ status: 404 })
-            .mockResolvedValueOnce({ status: 302 });
+            .mockResolvedValueOnce({ status: 206 });
         window.electron = {
             xtreamProbeUrl,
         } as typeof window.electron;
 
         const firstUrl = await service.resolveCatchupUrl(
             'playlist-1',
-            credentials,
+            tsOnlyCredentials,
             101,
             1775296800,
             1775300400
         );
         const secondUrl = await service.resolveCatchupUrl(
             'playlist-1',
-            credentials,
+            tsOnlyCredentials,
             101,
             1775296800,
             1775300400
         );
 
         expect(firstUrl).toContain('/streaming/timeshift.php?');
+        expect(firstUrl).toContain('extension=ts');
         expect(secondUrl).toBe(firstUrl);
         expect(xtreamProbeUrl).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(2);
         expect(databaseService.setAppState).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
-            'xtream-catchup-scheme:playlist-1',
-            'legacy'
+            'xtream-catchup-variant:v4:playlist-1:formats:ts',
+            'legacy:ts'
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('redetects catchup variants when provider output formats become known', async () => {
+        const xtreamProbeUrl = jest.fn(async (url: string) => ({
+            status:
+                url.includes('/streaming/timeshift.php?') &&
+                url.includes('extension=ts')
+                    ? 206
+                    : url.includes('/streaming/timeshift.php?') &&
+                        url.includes('extension=m3u8')
+                      ? 200
+                      : 0,
+        }));
+        window.electron = {
+            xtreamProbeUrl,
+        } as typeof window.electron;
+
+        const initialUrl = await service.resolveCatchupUrl(
+            'playlist-format-refresh',
+            credentials,
+            101,
+            1775296800,
+            1775300400
+        );
+        const refreshedUrl = await service.resolveCatchupUrl(
+            'playlist-format-refresh',
+            {
+                ...credentials,
+                allowedOutputFormats: ['m3u8'],
+            },
+            101,
+            1775296800,
+            1775300400
+        );
+
+        expect(initialUrl).toContain('extension=ts');
+        expect(refreshedUrl).toContain('extension=m3u8');
+        expect(xtreamProbeUrl).toHaveBeenCalledTimes(4);
+        expect(databaseService.setAppState).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+            'xtream-catchup-variant:v4:playlist-format-refresh:formats:unknown',
+            'legacy:ts'
+        );
+        expect(databaseService.setAppState).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+            'xtream-catchup-variant:v4:playlist-format-refresh:formats:m3u8',
+            'legacy:m3u8'
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('prefers playable legacy MPEG-TS catchup before HLS for video.js compatible playlists', async () => {
+        const xtreamProbeUrl = jest.fn(async (url: string) => ({
+            status:
+                url.includes('/streaming/timeshift.php?') &&
+                url.includes('extension=ts')
+                    ? 206
+                    : 0,
+        }));
+        window.electron = {
+            xtreamProbeUrl,
+        } as typeof window.electron;
+
+        const catchupUrl = await service.resolveCatchupUrl(
+            'playlist-hls',
+            {
+                ...credentials,
+                allowedOutputFormats: ['m3u8', 'ts'],
+            },
+            45,
+            1782532800,
+            1782534600,
+            'UTC'
+        );
+
+        expect(catchupUrl).toContain('/streaming/timeshift.php?');
+        expect(catchupUrl).toContain('stream=45');
+        expect(catchupUrl).toContain('start=2026-06-27%3A04-00');
+        expect(catchupUrl).toContain('duration=30');
+        expect(catchupUrl).toContain('extension=ts');
+        expect(xtreamProbeUrl).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+            expect.stringContaining('/timeshift/'),
+            'GET'
+        );
+        expect(databaseService.setAppState).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+            'xtream-catchup-variant:v4:playlist-hls:formats:m3u8,ts',
+            'legacy:ts'
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('falls back to legacy HLS catchup when MPEG-TS probes fail', async () => {
+        const xtreamProbeUrl = jest.fn(async (url: string) => ({
+            status:
+                url.includes('/streaming/timeshift.php?') &&
+                url.includes('extension=m3u8')
+                    ? 200
+                    : 0,
+        }));
+        window.electron = {
+            xtreamProbeUrl,
+        } as typeof window.electron;
+
+        const catchupUrl = await service.resolveCatchupUrl(
+            'playlist-hls-only',
+            {
+                ...credentials,
+                allowedOutputFormats: ['m3u8', 'ts'],
+            },
+            45,
+            1782532800,
+            1782534600,
+            'UTC'
+        );
+
+        expect(catchupUrl).toContain('/streaming/timeshift.php?');
+        expect(catchupUrl).toContain('extension=m3u8');
+        expect(databaseService.setAppState).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
+            'xtream-catchup-variant:v4:playlist-hls-only:formats:m3u8,ts',
+            'legacy:m3u8'
         );
     });
 
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.ts
index 0ec6014db..8aa9c49b3 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/data-access/src/lib/services/xtream-url.service.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 import { inject, Injectable } from '@angular/core';
 import {
     normalizeXtreamServerUrl,
+    StreamFormat,
     XtreamSerieEpisode,
     XtreamVodDetails,
 } from '@iptvnator/shared/interfaces';
@@ -31,7 +32,32 @@ type XtreamVodStreamLike = XtreamVodDetails & {
     readonly stream_id?: number;
 };
 
-type XtreamCatchupScheme = 'rest' | 'legacy';
+const XTREAM_CATCHUP_SCHEME = {
+    LEGACY: 'legacy',
+    REST: 'rest',
+} as const;
+
+type XtreamCatchupScheme =
+    (typeof XTREAM_CATCHUP_SCHEME)[keyof typeof XTREAM_CATCHUP_SCHEME];
+
+const XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT = {
+    LEGACY: 'legacy',
+    LEGACY_M3U8: 'legacy:m3u8',
+    LEGACY_TS: 'legacy:ts',
+    REST_M3U8: 'rest:m3u8',
+    REST_TS: 'rest:ts',
+} as const;
+
+type XtreamCatchupVariant =
+    (typeof XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT)[keyof typeof XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT];
+
+const XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS = {
+    M3U8: 'm3u8',
+    TS: 'ts',
+} as const;
+
+type XtreamCatchupExtension =
+    (typeof XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS)[keyof typeof XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS];
 
 interface NormalizedXtreamCredentials {
     password: string;
@@ -48,7 +74,7 @@ type XtreamProbeApi = {
     ) => Promise<{ status: number }>;
 };
 
-const XTREAM_CATCHUP_SCHEME_KEY_PREFIX = 'xtream-catchup-scheme:';
+const XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT_KEY_PREFIX = 'xtream-catchup-variant:v4:';
 
 /**
  * Service for constructing Xtream stream URLs.
@@ -60,11 +86,11 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
     private readonly settingsStore = inject(SettingsStore);
     private readonly catchupSchemeCache = new Map<
         string,
-        XtreamCatchupScheme
+        XtreamCatchupVariant
     >();
     private readonly catchupSchemeRequests = new Map<
         string,
-        Promise<XtreamCatchupScheme>
+        Promise<XtreamCatchupVariant>
     >();
 
     /**
@@ -83,7 +109,9 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
 
         const streamFormat = this.resolveLiveStreamFormat(
             credentials,
-            format ?? this.settingsStore.streamFormat() ?? 'ts'
+            format ??
+                this.settingsStore.streamFormat() ??
+                StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat
         );
         return `${normalizedCredentials.serverUrl}/live/${normalizedCredentials.username}/${normalizedCredentials.password}/${xtreamId}.${streamFormat}`;
     }
@@ -131,7 +159,7 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
         streamId: number,
         startTimestamp: number,
         stopTimestamp: number,
-        scheme: XtreamCatchupScheme,
+        scheme: XtreamCatchupScheme | XtreamCatchupVariant,
         serverTimezone?: string
     ): string {
         const normalizedCredentials = this.normalizeCredentials(credentials);
@@ -147,8 +175,10 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
             startTimestamp,
             serverTimezone
         );
+        const variant = this.normalizeCatchupVariant(scheme);
+        const extension = this.getCatchupVariantExtension(variant);
 
-        if (scheme === 'legacy') {
+        if (variant.startsWith(XTREAM_CATCHUP_SCHEME.LEGACY)) {
             const params = new URLSearchParams({
                 username: normalizedCredentials.rawUsername,
                 password: normalizedCredentials.rawPassword,
@@ -156,10 +186,13 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
                 start: timeString,
                 duration: String(durationMinutes),
             });
+            if (extension) {
+                params.set('extension', extension);
+            }
             return `${normalizedCredentials.serverUrl}/streaming/timeshift.php?${params.toString()}`;
         }
 
-        return `${normalizedCredentials.serverUrl}/timeshift/${normalizedCredentials.username}/${normalizedCredentials.password}/${durationMinutes}/${timeString}/${streamId}.ts`;
+        return `${normalizedCredentials.serverUrl}/timeshift/${normalizedCredentials.username}/${normalizedCredentials.password}/${durationMinutes}/${timeString}/${streamId}.${extension ?? XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.TS}`;
     }
 
     async resolveCatchupUrl(
@@ -170,7 +203,7 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
         stopTimestamp: number,
         serverTimezone?: string
     ): Promise<string> {
-        const scheme = await this.getCatchupScheme(
+        const variant = await this.getCatchupVariant(
             playlistId,
             credentials,
             streamId,
@@ -184,29 +217,33 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
             streamId,
             startTimestamp,
             stopTimestamp,
-            scheme,
+            variant,
             serverTimezone
         );
     }
 
-    private async getCatchupScheme(
+    private async getCatchupVariant(
         playlistId: string,
         credentials: XtreamCredentials,
         streamId: number,
         startTimestamp: number,
         stopTimestamp: number,
         serverTimezone?: string
-    ): Promise<XtreamCatchupScheme> {
-        const cacheKey = `${XTREAM_CATCHUP_SCHEME_KEY_PREFIX}${playlistId}`;
+    ): Promise<XtreamCatchupVariant> {
+        const cacheKey = this.getCatchupVariantCacheKey(
+            playlistId,
+            credentials
+        );
         const cached = this.catchupSchemeCache.get(cacheKey);
         if (cached) {
-            return cached;
+            return this.normalizeCatchupVariant(cached);
         }
 
         const persisted = await this.databaseService.getAppState(cacheKey);
-        if (persisted === 'rest' || persisted === 'legacy') {
-            this.catchupSchemeCache.set(cacheKey, persisted);
-            return persisted;
+        const persistedVariant = this.parseCatchupVariant(persisted);
+        if (persistedVariant) {
+            this.catchupSchemeCache.set(cacheKey, persistedVariant);
+            return persistedVariant;
         }
 
         const inFlightRequest = this.catchupSchemeRequests.get(cacheKey);
@@ -214,7 +251,7 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
             return inFlightRequest;
         }
 
-        const request = this.detectCatchupScheme(
+        const request = this.detectCatchupVariant(
             cacheKey,
             credentials,
             streamId,
@@ -229,52 +266,41 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
         return request;
     }
 
-    private async detectCatchupScheme(
+    private async detectCatchupVariant(
         cacheKey: string,
         credentials: XtreamCredentials,
         streamId: number,
         startTimestamp: number,
         stopTimestamp: number,
         serverTimezone?: string
-    ): Promise<XtreamCatchupScheme> {
-        const restUrl = this.constructCatchupUrl(
-            credentials,
-            streamId,
-            startTimestamp,
-            stopTimestamp,
-            'rest',
-            serverTimezone
-        );
-        const legacyUrl = this.constructCatchupUrl(
-            credentials,
-            streamId,
-            startTimestamp,
-            stopTimestamp,
-            'legacy',
-            serverTimezone
-        );
+    ): Promise<XtreamCatchupVariant> {
+        for (const variant of this.getCatchupVariantCandidates(credentials)) {
+            const url = this.constructCatchupUrl(
+                credentials,
+                streamId,
+                startTimestamp,
+                stopTimestamp,
+                variant,
+                serverTimezone
+            );
+            if (!url) {
+                continue;
+            }
 
-        if (!restUrl || !legacyUrl) {
-            return 'rest';
+            const status = await this.probeCatchupUrl(url);
+            if (this.isAcceptedCatchupProbeStatus(status)) {
+                this.catchupSchemeCache.set(cacheKey, variant);
+                await this.databaseService.setAppState(cacheKey, variant);
+                return variant;
+            }
         }
 
-        const restStatus = await this.probeCatchupUrl(restUrl);
-        let detectedScheme: XtreamCatchupScheme;
-
-        if (this.isAcceptedCatchupProbeStatus(restStatus)) {
-            detectedScheme = 'rest';
-        } else {
-            const legacyStatus = await this.probeCatchupUrl(legacyUrl);
-            detectedScheme = this.isAcceptedCatchupProbeStatus(legacyStatus)
-                ? 'legacy'
-                : restStatus === 404
-                  ? 'legacy'
-                  : 'rest';
-        }
-
-        this.catchupSchemeCache.set(cacheKey, detectedScheme);
-        await this.databaseService.setAppState(cacheKey, detectedScheme);
-        return detectedScheme;
+        this.catchupSchemeCache.set(cacheKey, XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_TS);
+        await this.databaseService.setAppState(
+            cacheKey,
+            XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_TS
+        );
+        return XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_TS;
     }
 
     private async probeCatchupUrl(url: string): Promise<number> {
@@ -286,7 +312,7 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
         }
 
         try {
-            const result = await probeUrl(url, 'HEAD');
+            const result = await probeUrl(url, 'GET');
             return Number(result?.status ?? 0);
         } catch {
             return 0;
@@ -294,14 +320,123 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
     }
 
     private isAcceptedCatchupProbeStatus(status: number): boolean {
+        return status === 200 || status === 206;
+    }
+
+    private getCatchupVariantCandidates(
+        credentials: XtreamCredentials
+    ): XtreamCatchupVariant[] {
+        const variants: XtreamCatchupVariant[] = [];
+
+        for (const extension of this.getPreferredCatchupExtensions(
+            credentials
+        )) {
+            variants.push(
+                extension === XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.M3U8
+                    ? XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_M3U8
+                    : XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_TS
+            );
+            variants.push(
+                extension === XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.M3U8
+                    ? XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.LEGACY_M3U8
+                    : XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.LEGACY_TS
+            );
+        }
+
+        variants.push(XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.LEGACY);
+
+        return [...new Set(variants)];
+    }
+
+    private getPreferredCatchupExtensions(
+        credentials: XtreamCredentials
+    ): XtreamCatchupExtension[] {
+        const allowedFormats =
+            this.getNormalizedAllowedOutputFormats(credentials);
+        const formats =
+            allowedFormats && allowedFormats.length > 0
+                ? allowedFormats
+                : [
+                      XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.M3U8,
+                      XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.TS,
+                  ];
+
+        const preferred = [
+            XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.TS,
+            XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.M3U8,
+        ].filter((format) => formats.includes(format));
+
+        return preferred.length > 0
+            ? preferred
+            : [XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.TS];
+    }
+
+    private getCatchupVariantCacheKey(
+        playlistId: string,
+        credentials: XtreamCredentials
+    ): string {
+        const allowedFormats =
+            this.getNormalizedAllowedOutputFormats(credentials);
+        const formatSignature =
+            allowedFormats && allowedFormats.length > 0
+                ? [...new Set(allowedFormats)]
+                      .sort()
+                      .map((format) => encodeURIComponent(format))
+                      .join(',')
+                : 'unknown';
+
+        return `${XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT_KEY_PREFIX}${playlistId}:formats:${formatSignature}`;
+    }
+
+    private getNormalizedAllowedOutputFormats(
+        credentials: XtreamCredentials
+    ): string[] | undefined {
+        const allowedFormats = credentials.allowedOutputFormats
+            ?.map((format) => format.trim().toLowerCase())
+            .filter(Boolean);
+
+        return allowedFormats && allowedFormats.length > 0
+            ? allowedFormats
+            : undefined;
+    }
+
+    private normalizeCatchupVariant(
+        scheme: XtreamCatchupScheme | XtreamCatchupVariant
+    ): XtreamCatchupVariant {
         return (
-            (status >= 200 && status < 400) ||
-            status === 401 ||
-            status === 403 ||
-            status === 405
+            this.parseCatchupVariant(scheme) ?? XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_TS
         );
     }
 
+    private parseCatchupVariant(
+        value: string | null
+    ): XtreamCatchupVariant | null {
+        const variants = Object.values(XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT);
+        return variants.includes(value as XtreamCatchupVariant)
+            ? (value as XtreamCatchupVariant)
+            : null;
+    }
+
+    private getCatchupVariantExtension(
+        variant: XtreamCatchupVariant
+    ): XtreamCatchupExtension | null {
+        if (
+            variant === XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_M3U8 ||
+            variant === XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.LEGACY_M3U8
+        ) {
+            return XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.M3U8;
+        }
+
+        if (
+            variant === XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.REST_TS ||
+            variant === XTREAM_CATCHUP_VARIANT.LEGACY_TS
+        ) {
+            return XTREAM_CATCHUP_EXTENSIONS.TS;
+        }
+
+        return null;
+    }
+
     private normalizeCredentials(
         credentials: XtreamCredentials
     ): NormalizedXtreamCredentials | null {
@@ -331,10 +466,13 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
         credentials: XtreamCredentials,
         requestedFormat: string
     ): string {
-        const requested = requestedFormat.trim();
-        const allowedFormats = credentials.allowedOutputFormats
-            ?.map((format) => format.trim())
-            .filter(Boolean);
+        const requested = requestedFormat.trim().toLowerCase();
+        const allowedFormats =
+            this.getNormalizedAllowedOutputFormats(credentials);
+
+        if (!requested || requested === StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat) {
+            return this.resolveAutoLiveStreamFormat(allowedFormats);
+        }
 
         if (allowedFormats?.length && !allowedFormats.includes(requested)) {
             return allowedFormats[0];
@@ -343,6 +481,24 @@ export class XtreamUrlService {
         return requested;
     }
 
+    private resolveAutoLiveStreamFormat(
+        allowedFormats: string[] | undefined
+    ): string {
+        if (!allowedFormats?.length) {
+            return StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat;
+        }
+
+        if (allowedFormats.includes(StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat)) {
+            return StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat;
+        }
+
+        if (allowedFormats.includes(StreamFormat.TsStreamFormat)) {
+            return StreamFormat.TsStreamFormat;
+        }
+
+        return allowedFormats[0];
+    }
+
     private formatCatchupStartTime(
         timestamp: number,
         timezone?: string
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html
index 204ded13b..7819c4f66 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.html
@@ -117,12 +117,15 @@
                         [collapsed]="isLiveEpgPanelCollapsed()"
                         [summary]="liveEpgPanelSummary()"
                         [loading]="isLoadingEpg()"
+                        [summaryLabelKey]="liveEpgPanelSummaryLabelKey()"
                         [showDateNavigator]="true"
                         [selectedDate]="selectedLiveEpgDate()"
+                        [showReturnToLive]="showReturnToLive()"
                         (collapsedChange)="
                             onLiveEpgPanelCollapsedChange($event)
                         "
                         (dateNavigation)="onLiveEpgDateNavigation($event)"
+                        (returnToLive)="returnToLivePlayback()"
                     >
                         <ng-container
                             *ngTemplateOutlet="
@@ -221,6 +224,7 @@
                 [controlledPrograms]="controlledEpgPrograms()"
                 [controlledArchiveDays]="controlledArchiveDays()"
                 [archivePlaybackAvailable]="archivePlaybackAvailable()"
+                [activeProgram]="activeCatchupProgram()"
                 [selectedDate]="
                     unifiedDateNavigator ? selectedLiveEpgDate() : null
                 "
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts
index 40bbd2a04..6f89a2452 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.spec.ts
@@ -102,6 +102,7 @@ class StubEpgListComponent {
     readonly controlledPrograms = input<EpgProgram[] | null>(null);
     readonly controlledArchiveDays = input<number | null>(null);
     readonly archivePlaybackAvailable = input<boolean | null>(null);
+    readonly activeProgram = input<EpgProgram | null>(null);
     readonly selectedDate = input<string | null>(null);
     readonly showDateNavigator = input(true);
     readonly programActivated = output<EpgProgramActivationEvent>();
@@ -112,7 +113,16 @@ class StubEpgListComponent {
     selector: 'app-live-epg-panel',
     standalone: true,
     template: `
+        <div class="live-epg-panel-label">{{ summaryLabelKey() }}</div>
         <div class="live-epg-panel-summary">{{ summary()?.title }}</div>
+        <button
+            class="live-epg-panel-return"
+            type="button"
+            [hidden]="!showReturnToLive()"
+            (click)="returnToLive.emit()"
+        >
+            Return to live
+        </button>
         <ng-content />
     `,
 })
@@ -120,10 +130,13 @@ class StubLiveEpgPanelComponent {
     readonly collapsed = input(false);
     readonly summary = input<LiveEpgPanelSummary | null>(null);
     readonly loading = input(false);
+    readonly summaryLabelKey = input('EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM');
     readonly showDateNavigator = input(false);
     readonly selectedDate = input<string | null>(null);
+    readonly showReturnToLive = input(false);
     readonly collapsedChange = output<boolean>();
     readonly dateNavigation = output<'next' | 'prev'>();
+    readonly returnToLive = output<void>();
 }
 
 @Directive({
@@ -684,6 +697,10 @@ describe('LiveStreamLayoutComponent', () => {
             fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel-summary')
                 .textContent
         ).toContain('Current Show');
+        expect(
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel-label')
+                .textContent
+        ).toContain('EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM');
     });
 
     it('uses currentEpgItem instead of assuming the first schedule item is current', () => {
@@ -746,6 +763,7 @@ describe('LiveStreamLayoutComponent', () => {
         expect(xtreamUrlService.resolveCatchupUrl).toHaveBeenCalledWith(
             'playlist-1',
             {
+                allowedOutputFormats: undefined,
                 serverUrl: 'http://demo.example',
                 username: 'demo',
                 password: 'secret',
@@ -760,6 +778,199 @@ describe('LiveStreamLayoutComponent', () => {
             'Channel 101 - Archived Show',
             'channel-101.png'
         );
+        expect(component.activePlayback()).toEqual(
+            expect.objectContaining({
+                streamUrl: 'https://example.com/timeshift.ts',
+                isLive: false,
+            })
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('shows the active archive program in the live EPG panel summary', async () => {
+        const archivedProgram: EpgProgram = {
+            start: '2026-04-04T10:00:00.000Z',
+            stop: '2026-04-04T11:00:00.000Z',
+            channel: 'channel-101',
+            title: 'Archived Show',
+            desc: null,
+            category: null,
+            startTimestamp: 1775296800,
+            stopTimestamp: 1775300400,
+        };
+        epgItems.set([
+            buildEpgItem(
+                'archived',
+                'Archived Show',
+                archivedProgram.start,
+                archivedProgram.stop
+            ),
+        ]);
+        currentEpgItem.set(
+            buildEpgItem(
+                'current',
+                'Current Show',
+                '2026-04-05T11:30:00.000Z',
+                '2026-04-05T12:30:00.000Z'
+            )
+        );
+
+        component.playLive(sampleChannel);
+        await component.onProgramActivated({
+            type: 'timeshift',
+            program: archivedProgram,
+        });
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const panel = fixture.debugElement.query(
+            By.directive(StubLiveEpgPanelComponent)
+        );
+        expect(panel.componentInstance.summary()).toEqual(
+            expect.objectContaining({
+                title: 'Archived Show',
+                start: '2026-04-04T10:00:00.000Z',
+                stop: '2026-04-04T11:00:00.000Z',
+            })
+        );
+        expect(panel.componentInstance.summaryLabelKey()).toBe(
+            'EPG.ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK'
+        );
+        expect(panel.componentInstance.showReturnToLive()).toBe(true);
+        expect(
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel-summary')
+                .textContent
+        ).toContain('Archived Show');
+        expect(
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel-summary')
+                .textContent
+        ).not.toContain('Current Show');
+    });
+
+    it('returns archive playback to the selected live stream from the panel action', async () => {
+        const archivedProgram: EpgProgram = {
+            start: '2026-04-04T10:00:00.000Z',
+            stop: '2026-04-04T11:00:00.000Z',
+            channel: 'channel-101',
+            title: 'Archived Show',
+            desc: null,
+            category: null,
+            startTimestamp: 1775296800,
+            stopTimestamp: 1775300400,
+        };
+        currentEpgItem.set(
+            buildEpgItem(
+                'current',
+                'Current Show',
+                '2026-04-05T11:30:00.000Z',
+                '2026-04-05T12:30:00.000Z'
+            )
+        );
+
+        component.playLive(sampleChannel);
+        await component.onProgramActivated({
+            type: 'timeshift',
+            program: archivedProgram,
+        });
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const panel = fixture.debugElement.query(
+            By.directive(StubLiveEpgPanelComponent)
+        );
+        panel.componentInstance.returnToLive.emit();
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(component.activeCatchupProgram()).toBeNull();
+        expect(component.activePlayback()).toEqual(
+            expect.objectContaining({
+                streamUrl: 'https://example.com/live.ts',
+                isLive: true,
+            })
+        );
+        expect(panel.componentInstance.summary()?.title).toBe('Current Show');
+        expect(panel.componentInstance.summaryLabelKey()).toBe(
+            'EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM'
+        );
+        expect(panel.componentInstance.showReturnToLive()).toBe(false);
+    });
+
+    it('publishes the active archive program in remote-control status', async () => {
+        const archivedProgram: EpgProgram = {
+            start: '2026-04-04T10:00:00.000Z',
+            stop: '2026-04-04T11:00:00.000Z',
+            channel: 'channel-101',
+            title: 'Archived Show',
+            desc: null,
+            category: null,
+            startTimestamp: 1775296800,
+            stopTimestamp: 1775300400,
+        };
+        currentEpgItem.set(
+            buildEpgItem(
+                'current',
+                'Current Show',
+                '2026-04-05T11:30:00.000Z',
+                '2026-04-05T12:30:00.000Z'
+            )
+        );
+        const updateRemoteControlStatus = window.electron
+            ?.updateRemoteControlStatus as jest.Mock;
+
+        component.playLive(sampleChannel);
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+        updateRemoteControlStatus.mockClear();
+
+        await component.onProgramActivated({
+            type: 'timeshift',
+            program: archivedProgram,
+        });
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(updateRemoteControlStatus).toHaveBeenLastCalledWith(
+            expect.objectContaining({
+                epgTitle: 'Archived Show',
+                epgStart: '2026-04-04T10:00:00.000Z',
+                epgEnd: '2026-04-04T11:00:00.000Z',
+            })
+        );
+    });
+
+    it('passes the active catchup program to the EPG list until live playback resumes', async () => {
+        const archivedProgram: EpgProgram = {
+            start: '2026-04-04T10:00:00.000Z',
+            stop: '2026-04-04T11:00:00.000Z',
+            channel: 'channel-101',
+            title: 'Archived Show',
+            desc: null,
+            category: null,
+            startTimestamp: 1775296800,
+            stopTimestamp: 1775300400,
+        };
+        epgItems.set([
+            buildEpgItem(
+                '1',
+                'Archived Show',
+                archivedProgram.start,
+                archivedProgram.stop
+            ),
+        ]);
+
+        await component.onProgramActivated({
+            type: 'timeshift',
+            program: archivedProgram,
+        });
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        let epgList = fixture.debugElement.query(
+            By.directive(StubEpgListComponent)
+        );
+        expect(epgList.componentInstance.activeProgram()).toEqual(
+            archivedProgram
+        );
+
+        component.playLive(sampleChannel);
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        epgList = fixture.debugElement.query(By.directive(StubEpgListComponent));
+        expect(epgList.componentInstance.activeProgram()).toBeNull();
     });
 
     it('starts external playback from remote channel navigation when double-click opening is enabled', () => {
diff --git a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts
index 3ae1499c9..a28d14b54 100644
--- a/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts
+++ b/libs/portal/xtream/feature/src/lib/live-stream-layout/live-stream-layout.component.ts
@@ -177,6 +177,7 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
         this.epgItems().map((program) => this.toControlledEpgProgram(program))
     );
     private readonly currentTimeMs = signal(Date.now());
+    readonly activeCatchupProgram = signal<EpgProgram | null>(null);
     readonly controlledArchiveDays = computed(() =>
         Math.max(
             0,
@@ -215,7 +216,17 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
     );
     readonly isSidebarCollapsed = this.liveSidebarStateService.isCollapsed;
     readonly liveEpgPanelSummary = computed(() =>
-        this.toLiveEpgPanelSummary(this.currentEpgItem())
+        this.toLiveEpgPanelSummary(
+            this.activeCatchupProgram() ?? this.currentEpgItem()
+        )
+    );
+    readonly liveEpgPanelSummaryLabelKey = computed(() =>
+        this.activeCatchupProgram()
+            ? 'EPG.ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK'
+            : 'EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM'
+    );
+    readonly showReturnToLive = computed(
+        () => this.activeCatchupProgram() !== null
     );
     readonly liveChannelSortLabel = computed(() =>
         getPortalChannelSortModeLabel(this.liveChannelSortMode())
@@ -352,7 +363,8 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
             const selectedContentType = this.xtreamStore.selectedContentType();
             const selectedItem = this.xtreamStore.selectedItem();
             const channels = this.getVisibleChannels();
-            const currentProgram = this.currentEpgItem();
+            const activeProgram =
+                this.activeCatchupProgram() ?? this.currentEpgItem();
 
             if (selectedContentType !== 'live' || !selectedItem?.xtream_id) {
                 remoteControl.updateRemoteControlStatus({
@@ -373,9 +385,9 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
                 isLiveView: true,
                 channelName: selectedItem.title ?? selectedItem.name,
                 channelNumber: currentIndex >= 0 ? currentIndex + 1 : undefined,
-                epgTitle: currentProgram?.title,
-                epgStart: currentProgram?.start,
-                epgEnd: currentProgram?.stop ?? currentProgram?.end,
+                epgTitle: activeProgram?.title,
+                epgStart: activeProgram?.start,
+                epgEnd: this.getProgramStop(activeProgram),
                 supportsVolume: false,
             });
         });
@@ -426,6 +438,7 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
         startPlayback = !this.settingsStore.openStreamOnDoubleClick()
     ) {
         const streamUrl = this.xtreamStore.constructStreamUrl(item);
+        this.activeCatchupProgram.set(null);
         // Keep both root/recently-added playback and same-category replays in
         // sync with the category rail. For already-selected channels this is a
         // store no-op.
@@ -516,6 +529,15 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
         this.selectedLiveEpgDate.set(selectedDate);
     }
 
+    returnToLivePlayback(): void {
+        const selectedItem = this.selectedLiveItem();
+        if (!selectedItem?.xtream_id) {
+            return;
+        }
+
+        this.playLive(selectedItem, true);
+    }
+
     ngOnDestroy(): void {
         this.unsubscribeRemoteChannelChange?.();
         this.unsubscribeRemoteCommand?.();
@@ -622,6 +644,7 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
         const catchupUrl = await this.xtreamUrlService.resolveCatchupUrl(
             playlist.id,
             {
+                allowedOutputFormats: playlist.allowedOutputFormats,
                 serverUrl: playlist.serverUrl,
                 username: playlist.username,
                 password: playlist.password,
@@ -632,10 +655,12 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
             playlist.serverTimezone
         );
 
+        this.activeCatchupProgram.set(program);
         this.activePlayback.set({
             streamUrl: catchupUrl,
             title: this.getCatchupPlaybackTitle(item, program),
             thumbnail: item.poster_url ?? item.stream_icon ?? null,
+            isLive: false,
         });
         if (this.usesEmbeddedPlayer()) {
             return;
@@ -668,7 +693,7 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
     }
 
     private toLiveEpgPanelSummary(
-        program: EpgItem | null | undefined
+        program: EpgItem | EpgProgram | null | undefined
     ): LiveEpgPanelSummary | null {
         if (!program) {
             return null;
@@ -677,10 +702,23 @@ export class LiveStreamLayoutComponent implements OnInit, OnDestroy {
         return {
             title: program.title,
             start: program.start,
-            stop: program.stop ?? program.end,
+            stop: this.getProgramStop(program),
         };
     }
 
+    private getProgramStop(
+        program: EpgItem | EpgProgram | null | undefined
+    ): string | undefined {
+        if (!program) {
+            return undefined;
+        }
+
+        return (
+            program.stop ??
+            ('end' in program ? (program.end ?? undefined) : undefined)
+        );
+    }
+
     private get remoteControlBridge(): Window['electron'] | undefined {
         return this.runtime.supportsRemoteControl ? window.electron : undefined;
     }
diff --git a/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.spec.ts b/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.spec.ts
index e118efe44..b7793d487 100644
--- a/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.spec.ts
@@ -57,6 +57,7 @@ describe('SettingsStore dashboard rail settings', () => {
 
         await store.loadSettings();
 
+        expect(store.getSettings().streamFormat).toBe('auto');
         expect(store.getSettings().dashboardRails).toEqual(
             expectedDashboardRails()
         );
diff --git a/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.ts b/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.ts
index 22764b660..c5693c0b3 100644
--- a/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.ts
+++ b/libs/services/src/lib/settings-store.service.ts
@@ -23,7 +23,7 @@ import {
 
 const DEFAULT_SETTINGS: Settings = {
     player: VideoPlayer.VideoJs,
-    streamFormat: StreamFormat.M3u8StreamFormat,
+    streamFormat: StreamFormat.AutoStreamFormat,
     openStreamOnDoubleClick: false,
     language: Language.ENGLISH,
     showCaptions: false,
diff --git a/libs/shared/interfaces/src/lib/stream-format.enum.ts b/libs/shared/interfaces/src/lib/stream-format.enum.ts
index f85789b8a..177006e19 100644
--- a/libs/shared/interfaces/src/lib/stream-format.enum.ts
+++ b/libs/shared/interfaces/src/lib/stream-format.enum.ts
@@ -2,6 +2,7 @@
  * Enum with all the formats that are allowed in the application
  */
 export enum StreamFormat {
+    AutoStreamFormat = 'auto',
     TsStreamFormat = 'ts',
     M3u8StreamFormat = 'm3u8',
 }
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.html b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.html
index b6bbc3955..147733ab4 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.html
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.html
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@
 @if (showArchiveBadge) {
     <span
         class="archive-playback badge"
+        [class.archive-playback--active]="isActive"
         [matTooltip]="'EPG.TIMESHIFT_AVAILABLE' | translate"
     >
         <mat-icon class="archive-playback__icon" aria-hidden="true"
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.scss b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.scss
index f28bc7235..4b5787491 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.scss
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.scss
@@ -60,6 +60,19 @@
     padding-inline: 7px 10px;
 }
 
+.archive-playback--active {
+    color: var(--app-selection-on-color);
+    background: var(--app-selection-color);
+    border-color: color-mix(
+        in srgb,
+        var(--app-selection-color) 88%,
+        transparent
+    );
+    box-shadow:
+        inset 0 1px 0 rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.18),
+        0 10px 18px -14px var(--app-selection-glow);
+}
+
 .archive-playback__icon {
     width: 14px;
     height: 14px;
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.spec.ts b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.spec.ts
index 6bc113f9d..f9c6da839 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.spec.ts
@@ -93,4 +93,17 @@ describe('EpgListItemComponent', () => {
         expect(chip.textContent).toContain('Play');
         expect(icon.textContent.trim()).toBe('replay');
     });
+
+    it('marks the archive playback chip as active when the program is active', () => {
+        fixture = TestBed.createComponent(EpgListItemComponent);
+        component = fixture.componentInstance;
+        component.item = EPG_PROGRAM_ITEM;
+        component.showArchiveBadge = true;
+        component.isActive = true;
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const chip = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.archive-playback');
+
+        expect(chip.classList).toContain('archive-playback--active');
+    });
 });
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.ts b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.ts
index f08fefe30..2fe12b722 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.ts
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list-item/epg-list-item.component.ts
@@ -22,6 +22,9 @@ export class EpgListItemComponent {
     /** Whether the program is currently live */
     @Input() isLive = false;
 
+    /** Whether the program is the active playback target */
+    @Input() isActive = false;
+
     /** Whether archive playback is available for the program */
     @Input() showArchiveBadge = false;
 
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.html b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.html
index bb9fa320a..1e11b461c 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.html
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.html
@@ -45,6 +45,7 @@
                             <app-epg-list-item
                                 [item]="program"
                                 [isLive]="isProgramPlaying(program)"
+                                [isActive]="isProgramActive(program)"
                                 [showArchiveBadge]="
                                     canPlayArchivedProgram(program)
                                 "
@@ -73,13 +74,23 @@
                     <div
                         class="program-item clickable"
                         [class.current-program]="isProgramPlaying(program)"
-                        [class.active]="isProgramPlaying(program)"
+                        [class.archive-program]="
+                            canPlayArchivedProgram(program)
+                        "
+                        [class.active]="isProgramActive(program)"
+                        role="button"
+                        tabindex="0"
                         (click)="activateProgram(program)"
+                        (keydown.enter)="activateProgram(program)"
+                        (keydown.space)="
+                            activateProgramFromKeyboard($event, program)
+                        "
                     >
                         <div class="program-meta">
                             <app-epg-list-item
                                 [item]="program"
                                 [isLive]="isProgramPlaying(program)"
+                                [isActive]="isProgramActive(program)"
                                 [showArchiveBadge]="
                                     canPlayArchivedProgram(program)
                                 "
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.scss b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.scss
index 148f00779..80928cf8c 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.scss
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.scss
@@ -56,6 +56,7 @@
 }
 
 .program-item {
+    position: relative;
     display: flex;
     flex-direction: column;
     gap: 5px;
@@ -117,6 +118,47 @@
                 transparent
             );
         }
+
+        &:focus-visible {
+            outline: 2px solid var(--app-selection-border);
+            outline-offset: 2px;
+            background: color-mix(
+                in srgb,
+                var(--app-selection-color) 8%,
+                transparent
+            );
+
+            &::before,
+            & + .program-item::before {
+                display: none;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    &.archive-program {
+        &::after {
+            content: '';
+            position: absolute;
+            inset-block: 12px;
+            inset-inline-start: 0;
+            width: 3px;
+            border-radius: 999px;
+            background: var(--app-selection-color);
+            opacity: 0.48;
+            transform: scaleY(0.68);
+            transition:
+                opacity 0.15s ease,
+                transform 0.15s ease,
+                box-shadow 0.15s ease;
+        }
+
+        &:hover::after,
+        &:focus-visible::after,
+        &.active::after {
+            opacity: 1;
+            transform: scaleY(1);
+            box-shadow: 0 0 12px -4px var(--app-selection-glow);
+        }
     }
 
     &.active {
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.spec.ts b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.spec.ts
index 448e7ee5d..7bcb6a391 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.spec.ts
@@ -24,6 +24,7 @@ registerLocaleData(localeDe, 'de');
 class StubEpgListItemComponent {
     readonly item = input<EpgProgram>();
     readonly isLive = input(false);
+    readonly isActive = input(false);
     readonly showArchiveBadge = input(false);
 }
 
@@ -229,6 +230,42 @@ describe('EpgListComponent', () => {
         ).toBe(2);
     });
 
+    it('highlights an externally active archived program without marking the live program active', () => {
+        const programs = buildPrograms();
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('controlledPrograms', programs);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('archivePlaybackAvailable', true);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('activeProgram', programs[0]);
+
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const rows = fixture.nativeElement.querySelectorAll('.program-item');
+
+        expect(rows[0].classList).toContain('active');
+        expect(rows[1].classList).toContain('current-program');
+        expect(rows[1].classList).not.toContain('active');
+    });
+
+    it('exposes playable rows as keyboard-activatable buttons', () => {
+        const programs = buildPrograms();
+        const emitted: unknown[] = [];
+        component.programActivated.subscribe((event) => emitted.push(event));
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('controlledPrograms', programs);
+        fixture.componentRef.setInput('archivePlaybackAvailable', true);
+
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        const archivedRow = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
+            '.program-item.clickable'
+        ) as HTMLElement;
+        archivedRow.dispatchEvent(
+            new KeyboardEvent('keydown', { key: 'Enter', bubbles: true })
+        );
+
+        expect(archivedRow.getAttribute('role')).toBe('button');
+        expect(archivedRow.getAttribute('tabindex')).toBe('0');
+        expect(emitted).toEqual([{ program: programs[0], type: 'timeshift' }]);
+    });
+
     it('updates the selected-day header when the app language changes', () => {
         fixture.componentRef.setInput('controlledPrograms', buildPrograms());
         fixture.detectChanges();
diff --git a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.ts b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.ts
index 8849ba83c..6a886a8ec 100644
--- a/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.ts
+++ b/libs/ui/epg/src/lib/epg-list/epg-list.component.ts
@@ -55,6 +55,7 @@ export class EpgListComponent {
     readonly controlledPrograms = input<EpgProgram[] | null>(null);
     readonly controlledArchiveDays = input<number | null>(null);
     readonly archivePlaybackAvailable = input<boolean | null>(null);
+    readonly activeProgram = input<EpgProgram | null>(null);
     readonly selectedDateInput = input<string | null>(null, {
         alias: 'selectedDate',
     });
@@ -235,6 +236,11 @@ export class EpgListComponent {
         this.timeNow.set(new Date().toISOString());
     }
 
+    activateProgramFromKeyboard(event: Event, program: EpgProgram): void {
+        event.preventDefault();
+        this.activateProgram(program);
+    }
+
     canActivateProgram(program: EpgProgram): boolean {
         return (
             this.isProgramPlaying(program) ||
@@ -278,6 +284,13 @@ export class EpgListComponent {
         return stop < now && start >= archiveLimit;
     }
 
+    isProgramActive(program: EpgProgram): boolean {
+        const activeProgram = this.activeProgram();
+        return activeProgram
+            ? areProgramsSame(program, activeProgram)
+            : this.isProgramPlaying(program);
+    }
+
     private findCurrentProgram(programs: EpgProgram[]): EpgProgram | undefined {
         const now = this.currentTimeMs();
         return programs.find((program) => {
@@ -402,3 +415,13 @@ function getProgramDateKey(
 
     return format(new Date(programTimeMs), EPG_DATE_KEY_FORMAT);
 }
+
+function areProgramsSame(left: EpgProgram, right: EpgProgram): boolean {
+    return (
+        (left.channel ?? '') === (right.channel ?? '') &&
+        getProgramTimeMs(left.start, left.startTimestamp) ===
+            getProgramTimeMs(right.start, right.startTimestamp) &&
+        getProgramTimeMs(left.stop, left.stopTimestamp) ===
+            getProgramTimeMs(right.stop, right.stopTimestamp)
+    );
+}
diff --git a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.html b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.html
index 98bf21751..768fe12b4 100644
--- a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.html
+++ b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.html
@@ -22,7 +22,7 @@
 
         <div class="live-epg-panel__summary" role="status">
             <span class="live-epg-panel__label">
-                {{ 'EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM' | translate }}
+                {{ summaryLabelKey() | translate }}
             </span>
 
             <div class="live-epg-panel__program-line">
@@ -58,6 +58,22 @@
             </div>
         </div>
 
+        @if (showReturnToLive()) {
+            <button
+                mat-button
+                class="live-epg-panel__return-live"
+                type="button"
+                (click)="returnToLive.emit()"
+                [attr.aria-label]="'EPG.RETURN_TO_LIVE' | translate"
+                [matTooltip]="'EPG.RETURN_TO_LIVE' | translate"
+            >
+                <mat-icon>live_tv</mat-icon>
+                <span class="live-epg-panel__return-live-text">
+                    {{ 'EPG.RETURN_TO_LIVE' | translate }}
+                </span>
+            </button>
+        }
+
         @if (showDateNavigator()) {
             @if (!collapsed()) {
                 <div
diff --git a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.scss b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.scss
index 6e029c101..42fa6a207 100644
--- a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.scss
+++ b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.scss
@@ -16,7 +16,7 @@
 .live-epg-panel__summary-bar {
     position: relative;
     display: grid;
-    grid-template-columns: auto minmax(0, 1fr) auto;
+    grid-template-columns: auto minmax(0, 1fr) auto auto;
     align-items: center;
     column-gap: 8px;
     min-height: 56px;
@@ -95,6 +95,45 @@
     color: var(--mat-sys-on-surface-variant);
 }
 
+.live-epg-panel__return-live {
+    min-width: 0;
+    height: 36px;
+    padding-inline: 10px 12px;
+    border-radius: 10px;
+    color: var(--app-selection-color);
+    background: color-mix(
+        in srgb,
+        var(--app-selection-color) 10%,
+        transparent
+    );
+    app-region: no-drag;
+
+    mat-icon {
+        flex-shrink: 0;
+        width: 18px;
+        height: 18px;
+        font-size: 18px;
+    }
+
+    .live-epg-panel__return-live-text {
+        min-width: 0;
+        overflow: hidden;
+        text-overflow: ellipsis;
+        white-space: nowrap;
+        font-size: 0.78rem;
+        font-weight: 700;
+    }
+
+    &:hover {
+        color: var(--mat-sys-on-primary-container);
+        background: color-mix(
+            in srgb,
+            var(--app-selection-color) 16%,
+            transparent
+        );
+    }
+}
+
 .live-epg-panel__date-nav {
     display: flex;
     align-items: center;
@@ -230,6 +269,17 @@
     }
 }
 
+@media only screen and (max-width: 640px) {
+    .live-epg-panel__return-live {
+        width: 36px;
+        padding-inline: 0;
+
+        .live-epg-panel__return-live-text {
+            display: none;
+        }
+    }
+}
+
 @media only screen and (max-width: 560px) {
     .live-epg-panel__label {
         display: none;
diff --git a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.spec.ts b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.spec.ts
index 77f7619bc..13b012812 100644
--- a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.spec.ts
+++ b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.spec.ts
@@ -15,10 +15,13 @@ import {
             [collapsed]="collapsed"
             [summary]="summary"
             [loading]="loading"
+            [summaryLabelKey]="summaryLabelKey"
             [showDateNavigator]="showDateNavigator"
             [selectedDate]="selectedDate"
+            [showReturnToLive]="showReturnToLive"
             (collapsedChange)="collapsed = $event"
             (dateNavigation)="dateDirection = $event"
+            (returnToLive)="returnToLiveCount = returnToLiveCount + 1"
         >
             <div class="projected-content">Projected EPG</div>
         </app-live-epg-panel>
@@ -27,9 +30,12 @@ import {
 class HostComponent {
     collapsed = false;
     loading = false;
+    summaryLabelKey = 'EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM';
     showDateNavigator = false;
+    showReturnToLive = false;
     selectedDate = '2026-04-05';
     dateDirection: 'next' | 'prev' | null = null;
+    returnToLiveCount = 0;
     summary: LiveEpgPanelSummary | null = {
         title: 'Current Show',
         start: '2026-04-05T11:30:00.000Z',
@@ -67,6 +73,10 @@ describe('LiveEpgPanelComponent', () => {
             fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel__title')
                 .textContent
         ).toContain('Current Show');
+        expect(
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel__label')
+                .textContent
+        ).toContain('EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM');
         expect(
             fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
                 '.live-epg-panel__progress-fill'
@@ -139,4 +149,25 @@ describe('LiveEpgPanelComponent', () => {
             fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel__date-nav')
         ).toBeNull();
     });
+
+    it('renders archive playback state and emits return-to-live requests', () => {
+        fixture.componentInstance.summaryLabelKey = 'EPG.ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK';
+        fixture.componentInstance.showReturnToLive = true;
+        fixture.detectChanges();
+
+        expect(
+            fixture.nativeElement.querySelector('.live-epg-panel__label')
+                .textContent
+        ).toContain('EPG.ARCHIVE_PLAYBACK');
+
+        const returnButton = fixture.nativeElement.querySelector(
+            '.live-epg-panel__return-live'
+        ) as HTMLButtonElement | null;
+        expect(returnButton).not.toBeNull();
+        expect(returnButton?.textContent).toContain('EPG.RETURN_TO_LIVE');
+
+        returnButton?.click();
+
+        expect(fixture.componentInstance.returnToLiveCount).toBe(1);
+    });
 });
diff --git a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.ts b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.ts
index 4b1e4f0cd..8053dded3 100644
--- a/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.ts
+++ b/libs/ui/shared-portals/src/lib/live-epg-panel/live-epg-panel.component.ts
@@ -48,10 +48,13 @@ export class LiveEpgPanelComponent {
     readonly collapsed = input(false);
     readonly summary = input<LiveEpgPanelSummary | null>(null);
     readonly loading = input(false);
+    readonly summaryLabelKey = input('EPG.CURRENT_PROGRAM');
     readonly showDateNavigator = input(false);
     readonly selectedDate = input<string | null>(null);
+    readonly showReturnToLive = input(false);
     readonly collapsedChange = output<boolean>();
     readonly dateNavigation = output<EpgDateNavigationDirection>();
+    readonly returnToLive = output<void>();
 
     private readonly translate = inject(TranslateService);
     private readonly currentTimeMs = signal(Date.now());