How to populate UK EPG for "More4 +1" channel ?

[djtaylor]

I agree, sometimes the EPG doesn't update or as I have found, it is inaccurate with in a couple of cases, a whole programme missing. I like the XML download, it's quick to set up instead of waiting 2 minutes for each channel to be scanned.

David.

[pknighton67]

Hi All

Replies:

Q1. Why use xmltv download vs. broadcast data for EPG?
A1. Past experience with "MediaPortal" and other PVR software for my cards led me to believe EPG grabbing is buggy, data is often incomplete/wrong, data is not consistently available for all channels, data is only available for so many days ahead.

With my MSDOS batch script calling xmltv, running overnight daily, I get some 11-12 days worth of EPG, important as I tend to send a week's recordings up in advance.

Q2. Why do I want to record from Freeview "+1" channels ?
A2. As someone already wrote, even with 2 tuner cards you can find them all committed to 2 overlapping programmes on air around the same time. Channels such as "E4+1" allow me to re-schedule a 3rd programme (OK, only happens occasionally) +1 hour when there might no other demands on the 2 available tuner cards.

Further, you assume the 2 channels are equal. Sadly, in my area the signal quality & strength of "E4+1" is significantly better than that of "E4", so much so that wherever possible I would watch/record from the stronger.



The only let down / problem I have, regardless of how my EPG is populated, is that of overlapping (in time) duplicates being marked for reoccuring recording in the EPG because programmes (certainly in the UK) seem to get re-scheduled (i.e. their start time moves). If I have already marked a programme for reoccurring recording, the re-loading the EPG will not removed it but mark the new time for recording also - creating 2 overlapping versions in the TVGuide and Pending Recordings.

So far the only solution I have found is to :
1. Recordings/Reoccurring - find the one being marked twice (at original scheduled time & also at the re-scheduled time), delete the entire series.
2. Empty the EPG & Reload the EPG (easier now in 95.16)
3. TVGuide - to find and mark again the re-occurring programme for recording.

It works, at least.

Thanks for the replies
Paul K