Alpha sorting channel lists

[mvallevand]

I would like the have ability to toggle to sort channels by channel name in UI clients and the Web Player.  Now with FAST and other non linear channels it makes more sense to use the alpha keys then the a remote by channel number since the channel number might not even be assigned or fixed. The alpha key in UI client could jump in the list.  Also when an m3u is imported it might start in alpha order but new channels get appended with each rescan.

I am torn on what the number key should do in this mode, number or percentage  jumps either would be ok.  During live tv it should be by channel number.

Martin

[sub]

What is FAST?

[ElihuRozen]

Free Ad Supported Television

[sub]

Ah right. After googling, it sounds like the set of streaming channels supplied on like Samsung, Roku TVs, etc.

[mvallevand]

I have been attending some webinars on FAST and reading things like it will be a $17 billion US industry in the next 5 years. There are already 4000 FAST channels ("and nothing on" to quote Springsteen) so just managing this information is a real challenge. If I can have a group of 50 or 100 that I could select alphabetically that would be great.

I also read yesterday that NZ only has 5 years of DVB left, so we have to keep you motivated.

Martin

[sub]

I would like the have ability to toggle to sort channels by channel name in UI clients and the Web Player.  Now with FAST and other non linear channels it makes more sense to use the alpha keys then the a remote by channel number since the channel number might not even be assigned or fixed. The alpha key in UI client could jump in the list.  Also when an m3u is imported it might start in alpha order but new channels get appended with each rescan.

The easiest fix might be a check box in the web app with something like "prefer alphabetical channel order", and everywhere I load the channel list I'd sort by alpha (instead of the default channel number order). This would then be the order you see in the TV Guide, and the mini guide popup etc. (and in web app guide and channels pages)

[sub]

I also read yesterday that NZ only has 5 years of DVB left, so we have to keep you motivated.

Yeah, honestly can't see that changing in that timeframe. DVB is still a big deal here. I suspect it'll be what we use until broadcast tv goes away, which I can't see happening anytime soon (or if some better broadcast technology comes along in the future)

[mvallevand]

Agreed, like ATSC 1 in the US which was supposed to have sunset already.  I liked the quote 
 

TVNZ spokesperson said the timing of the shift will be "dependent on a range of factors, and some of these are out of our control, such as device uptake and broadband coverage."

The UK announced something similar, just hope you don't get the stupid U& names that they are getting as stations go for cloud delivery.

Martin

[sub]

I just tried a couple of the m3u lists for these types of channels, and most of the channels seemed to work, other than the ones marked with "(Geo)". The lack of associated listings is a bummer though.

[sub]

TVNZ spokesperson said the timing of the shift will be "dependent on a range of factors, and some of these are out of our control, such as device uptake and broadband coverage."

Yeah, he's kidding himself if he thinks they'll be able to do it in 5 years. They'll be hoping to cut costs by not having to pay for transmission and frequency license etc.

As long as the other broadcasters are still transmitting on DVB, TVNZ will be forced to continue to do so too, so that as many eyeballs as possible stay on their channels.