Freeview Playback

[NumberFive]

I'd love to see GB-PVR (or a plug-in) support Freeview Playback programme delivery controls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeview_Playback#Features

[herbs]

thats going to be hard for sub as he is in New Zealand and the freeview playback is a UK thing. It would probably mean alot of programming for a small part of the gbpvr market. anyway gbpvr does quiet a few on the list. The only i would like gbpvr to do is deal with 16:9 stuff in 4:3 or is it 4:3 in 16:9 format that some bbc and channel 5 programmes do.

[speedyzerotwo]

I'd love to see GB-PVR (or a plug-in) support Freeview Playback programme delivery controls.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeview_Playback#Features

Quick Question,
What part of the "Freeview Playback programme delivery controls" isn't supported in GBPVR

Thanks
SO2

[martint123]

Is there actually a Freeview Playback box available yet?
Is the spec actually there yet? I saw the quote on the site listed:-

It is understood that receivers are required to include the following features, although this has yet to be officially confirmed.

My vague interpretation of that spec

* 8 Day Electronic Programme Guide (EPG) instantly available from start up. There will be no need to wait for the receiver to download EPG from the signal)
Yes, from the RadioTimes XMLTV option.

* Series Link (one timer to record whole series)
Yes, The 'season' options.

* Record split programmes as one programme
No

* Offer to record related programme
Genre? No.

* Record alternative showing if there is a time conflict
No, but "find more" has similar function?

* Schedule changes updated in standby (e.g. scheduled recording starting early)
No - I guess this would be a problem with a PC unless it kept waking up to check.

* Accurate recording (e.g. setting a timer for a programme will record the programme regardless of when it starts, not what happens to be on between 20:00 - 20:30)
No.

[stustunz]

* Accurate recording (e.g. setting a timer for a programme will record the programme regardless of when it starts, not what happens to be on between 20:00 - 20:30)
No.[/QUOTE]

you can do this by setting record all shows with that name anytime ........

[bgowland]

Actually - no. What that is referring to is PDC (or programme delivery control) which monitors for a signal to say the programme has started.

In the UK, analogue channels have carried a PDC signal for many years now (well, some channels anyway). It means if the programme is delayed for several minutes (or longer) your VCR won't start recording until it detects the PDC signal and won't stop recording until the PDC signal disappears.

Interestingly enough, UK Freeview dosen't actually carry one of European DVB standards for providing this although there is an alternative way to ascertain when a programme starts/stop.

Cheers,
Brian

[gEd]

I sometimes wonder if they mess up the start times to screw pvr users. How hard can it be to show a programme when they say they are going to show it?

[NumberFive]

Actually - no. What that is referring to is PDC (or programme delivery control) which monitors for a signal to say the programme has started.

Hello,

Yes, that's what I was thinking would be the main benefit of "Freeview Playback." I figure it is a choice of either leaving the PC on all the time to get the PDC signal, starting up early and looking for the PDC signal, or having the PDC option disabled (much like how my 11 year old VCR operates its PDC system).

I admit, it could be a tough one to programme. Here is a list of hardware which currently supports it: http://www.freeview.co.uk/products/dtr

[sub]

To be honest, its unlikely you'll see PDC support in future. I'm happy enough with the current scheme.

[bgowland]

I admit, it could be a tough one to programme. Here is a list of hardware which currently supports it: http://www.freeview.co.uk/products/dtr

I'd be interested to know how they do it.

As I said in my previous post, the ETSI spec. for DVB service information does allow for an optional Running Status Table which could be monitored in the same way as the analogue PDC signal for the same effect but I can't see any such table(s) in the Freeview broadcast.

Either they're there but TS Reader isn't showing them, or they're not being broadcast (they are optional after all).

An alternative way of doing it could be to monitor the present/following tables (aka Now/Next) although I'm not sure how accurately they're updated.

Cheers,
Brian