Record just new (first run) episodes for a series

[cncb]

I would like to be able to record just new / first run / not repeat episodes for a series. This information is supplied in mc2xml guide data from Windows MCE (as well as from Schedules Direct according to Martin). 'smajor' described a way to get this behavior by an option in mc2xml that appends a '*' to the end of titles of new episodes but this is not an ideal way to do it (especially if you want to record new episodes and repeats which would require you to schedule 2 recurring recordings).

[mvallevand]

I'm certainly for this, after all my cable STB can do it. However what I really wish is for the EPG screen to expose more values to a skinner, maybe isNew to allow an image plus exposing the original air-date would be useful when it is not new. NextPVR barely touches the surface of what the North American guide offers.

Martin

[OTAjunkie]

I am doing this now. When I schedule a recording I select the show from the guide with the "*" in the title and then "record all episodes on this channel". No problems.
I'm using MC2XML with -A and -a.

[bgowland]

'smajor' described a way to get this behavior by an option in mc2xml that appends a '*' to the end of titles of new episodes but this is not an ideal way to do it (especially if you want to record new episodes and repeats which would require you to schedule 2 recurring recordings).

Just a thought...if you do use the option to append '*' then it seems you have two approaches.

1. If you only want the new / first run episodes then set a recurring recording for the ones with the '*'.
2. If you want both new and repeat then set a recurring recording for one of the ones without the '*' and make sure that 'Match Start of Title' is set for Recurring recordings in the NextPVR 'Recordings' section of Settings.

Cheers,
Brian

[cncb]

Thanks for the suggestions - I'll try it. It still would be nice for this to be "built in"...

[mvallevand]

It should be built-in to complement the excellent built-in support for Schedules Direct. mc2xml may be useful but many people use it in violation of various ToS's. Schedules Direct prices are going up due partially to the success of "free" alternatives. Imagine if the only legitimate source of EPG data in North America was to fold, and the Microsoft closed mc2xml either with a cease and desist order or a software change.

Martin

[mulletback]

Yes, I'd like to see more complementary support too. I'm still using I-xmltv with Schedules Direct to mark the new episodes with the '*' and append the First Air Date onto the show description.