Schedule Overlap

[Pioneer4x4]

Is there a way to actually get this to record correctly when I want to record West Wing at 9:00? I tried entering it manually, but it doesn't seem right. Obviously I can't record the overlap, but it would be great if you could pick which show to record when they do overlap. Or just an "OK" start recording with out finishing the previous...

I remember reading a post about this but couldn't find it.

[Pioneer4x4]

I read/scanned through the 6 pages, and that looks like a very nice plugin. I didn't see where is directly addresses the issue of partial overlap of times. I will re-read it, and try it tonight when I get home. Does it directly integrate and bypass the builtin recording actions?

[KingArgyle]

Currently, the External Recording Manager doesn't directly solve the overlap problem you are running into. I've noticed this on a couple of ABC programs where they have the end Time go 1 minute past when it actually ends. They do this to defeat the PVR devices that try to record competting programs on other networks. What it will allow you to do is give each recording a Priority, so that you can specify that West Wing gets a higher priority than Lost, and because of the Overlap, West Wing should get the higher priority and be scheduled instead of Lost.

A feature I have thought about is to allow an EndTime offset to be specified. This would be in number of minutes, and allow you to adjust on a program basis the actual end time. Again, an optional item for the recording, because 99% of them are correct in the guide. It's the 1% that cause problems from time to time.

As for using it, it really is a utility app that runs outside of GBPVR, but can be exectuded withe PostUpdateEPG.bat file, to add the recordings after the Episode Guide is updated by GBPVR.

I use it to schedule all my reoccuring recordings now, and use GBPVR and the Web Admin to add manual one time recordings (i.e. like the Nova special about the Mars Rovers that just aired).

[shfaxx]

The problem with priorities, is you then loose the 2nd priority recording when both may be equally as important to your (or your wife). Tivo does this same thing and it can be alloying when you don't set to priority or two programs that never overlapped, now do and one doesn't get recorded because it's higher on the list.
I like the idea combining the priorities with the record BOTH method. So if show A goes till 9:01 and show B starts at 9:00, and show B was a higher priority, you would loose the last minute of show A.
Vise veras, if show A was the higher priority, you would loose the 1st minute of show B. This way you don't loose the entire show... I can live without a minute or two.

Just my 2 cents.

[KingArgyle]

I've run into the same situation. I wanted to record Lost but ABC has it overlap with West Wing so I have to choose. I'll probably add the End time adjustment feature. Keep an eye on the External Recording Manager thread in the Developers forum, I'll post it there when I get it implemented.

[Pioneer4x4]

That is exactly was I was doing, and hoping for. I recored Lost manually, and I 'Lost' the last 30 seconds, but my wife told me what I missed. I will probally just record it manually till 9:01, and record West Wing manually from 9:01-10:00.

[reven]

Quote[/b] ]The problem with priorities, is you then loose the 2nd priority recording when both may be equally as important to your (or your wife).  

what about having an key index, where each priority is a unique number, it might be tricky to do but solve the problem. top program = 0, lowest = 9999 or something. with key index, you could sort the programs also easily in a GUI interface. ie in the "reoccuring" part of "recordings" the top most item is the highest priority and the further down the list the lower the priority, and use say red to move the item up a priority, green down.

record when as soon as possible is a good idea, so at least you get some of the show.

[Guest]

Bottom line, I think we should be able to record BOTH shows. If we miss a little, it's better than nothing at all. Personally I would take the last few minutes of a show, over the 1st few of any other. Chances are the last few minutes are going to be the hanger for next week. The 1st few are normally B.S. or comercials..

[KingArgyle]

How about the ability to adjust either/both starttime or/and endtime. I'll probably code that ability in the External Recording Manager that way you can have priority, and also the time adjustment. Giving you the ability to record both, but lossing whatever part of the program you wish to loose for the specified numer of minutes.

May be a little bit before I add that though, I've got other items on my plate. It would be a nice feature though for the standard GBPVR to allow as well. Can already add padding.