Zoom Player STREAM is a Windows streaming player for live channels, video-on-demand and online media libraries. It connects to streaming providers, Plex, Emby and Jellyfin servers, and YouTube sources, with desktop and fullscreen viewing interfaces.
Streaming provider connections
A provider connection uses the service's base URL and account credentials, or its supplied M3U channel list and XML electronic program guide. M3U and XML data can come from web links, computer files or a local network.
Several providers can remain connected at once. The channel browser can show one source or a combined selection. Users choose refresh intervals for source lists and guide data, and a supplied stream format such as M3U8 or TS.
A custom User-Agent can be set when a provider needs one. Player API retrieves channel data through network requests; XML supplies a complete guide database for cross-channel searching. The connection mode also changes video-on-demand browsing:
| Connection mode | Video-on-demand browsing | Program guide |
|---|---|---|
| Player API | Separates TV and movie content from live channels | Per-channel guide; no multi-channel grid or global search |
| Player API + XML | Separates TV and movie content from live channels | Full guide listing, grid and cross-channel filtering |
| M3U + XML | Organization and metadata depend on the provider's playlist | Full guide listing, grid and cross-channel filtering |
STREAM is the paid streaming-only edition; Zoom Player MAX also plays local media. Streaming content and any required provider subscription are obtained separately from the player license. A limited-time trial includes the application's features.
Channels, program guides and catch-up
Channel groups organize a provider's streams by categories such as region or genre. Users can expand groups, hide unwanted ones and filter channel names while typing. The filter can also be applied after pressing Enter.
Favorites keep selected channels together. Group Manager lets users create, edit and reorder favorite groups, then export them as M3U playlists for another player or device.
Program guides and catch-up
A selected channel displays its guide when the provider supplies one. The list shows that channel's programs; the grid places several channels against a shared timeline. Searches can match titles and optional descriptions within one channel or across the guide.
A program entry can carry a reminder or an instruction to start its channel shortly before the broadcast begins. When a schedule is offset from the broadcast, a time adjustment corrects the displayed times for the provider's whole guide or an individual channel.
Catch-up playback uses the provider's archive: selecting an available past program starts that program's stream. History extends only as far back as the provider retains it. Older entries can be hidden once they are no longer playable.
Media libraries
Plex, Emby and Jellyfin libraries
The media-server browser connects to existing Plex, Emby and Jellyfin servers using their address, server type and account details. Connected servers appear together. Content access comes from the connected server and account.
Categories such as Movies expand into titles, with search and filtering narrowing the selection before playback. An entry's media-information window can show its synopsis, poster, runtime, rating and bitrate.
Server categories can also be added to the fullscreen Home Theater library. The same collection is then available in desktop and remote-friendly browsing views.
YouTube library sources
Zoom Player STREAM's media library can hold YouTube channels, trending feeds, searches and playlists as streaming categories. Each uses a source plugin configured for the chosen content. Supported categories can be refreshed to update their name and thumbnail.
The library presents entries as thumbnails or a list. Navigation uses a keyboard, remote control, mouse or touch input. Selected entries open or play from the fullscreen interface, placing recurring YouTube sources inside the Home Theater browsing environment.
Playback engines and viewing controls
Zoom Player STREAM offers DirectShow and libVLC as decoding engines. DirectShow components can be configured with options such as LAV Filters and the MadVR or MPC-VR video renderers.
Optional GPU scaling and frame interpolation adjust how decoded video is displayed. Hardware-accelerated 4K HDR playback depends on the selected renderer and supported hardware.
Interface controls and Safe Mode
Playback, volume, seeking and fullscreen controls sit alongside adjustable channel and guide panels. Users can change guide font size, channel-logo size, colors and description length. The width allocated to each panel can also be adjusted.
Safe Mode locks favorite edits, hidden-group changes, interface customization and guide time adjustments when the configuration is shared with other users.
