TiVo electronic Program Guide

[PhilipA]

Does anyone know whether the TiVO EPG works better than the network generated EPGs.

The network EPGs are usually incorrect for most commercial channels most of the time. The networks go over time on their live shows so if you program your STB from the EPG you always lose the last bit of the program, unless you manually add 10-15 mins .
It strikes me that the same would happen with Tivo so the much vaunted advantages would be nil.
Regards Philip A

[Taz]

Not sure about the Tivo, but I know with a Topfield you can download a TAP that will automatically add Xmins before and Ymins after the designated timer period (you choose default X & Y). Dunno if Freeview's EPG will be as sophisticated as Tivo's, and it does try to prevent add skipping, but it may be worth looking into when it is eventually released in Aust.

[djhampson]

I use a Windows Media Centre PC instead of a TIVO and get my guide from IceTV. Their software allows for pre and post show padding.

Might be worthwhile investigating if they have the same options for a Tivo

[Ferret]

I use Webscheduler (the free version) and the Oztivo epg, also free.

It is not the epg that is your problem. The commercial stations are never on time. You need scheduling software which automatically pads the beginning and end of each show.

I suspect many of your questions on epgs, TV recording etc may be found here (http://www.dtvforum.info/) and here (http://forums.dvbowners.com/)

[101RRS]

When asking a salesman the same question when looking at the Tivo I was told it uses the advertised times available to Tivo over the net - so it will have the same issues as all other EPGs as these use times provided by the TV stations which as we know are often wrong - programs start and end later than advertised.

I have been thinking about complaining to ACMA but I doubt it will do anything. No problems this programs starting later or earlier but the correct start/end times should be advertised.

So to answer the question - you will have the same problem as Tivo uses advertised times rather than actuals.

Garry

[djhampson]

The trick I use with something I really really really want to record is to record the show before and the show after.

[miky]

I think the methodology is flawed.

Australian commercial channels are well known for not keeping to scheduled times so any system that works by getting program times off the internet once (or even more) per day is doomed to failure.

Information is already sent out "on top" of the video/audio such as teletext etc. I believe that a "trigger" could be sent out when a program starts and when it finishes. The software inside the recorder would look for these "triggers" and act accordingly.


.

[101RRS]

Maybe the TV networks just need to be honest in advertising when their programmes are going to start and end.

[sschmez]

Even the TV channels can't get it right ...

How many times does the "now" actually show the "next"
every day, every channel, near the end of every program.

just add a safety margin
Stevo