howardavatar Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 Has anyone has any luck yet on finding out why regional NSW lacks a free EPG as capital cities do. I am using ICE TV. But why should I pay for what the city gets free? I spoke to chanel 7 cameraman today and he said Prime should definatly offer it. I have emailed them with no respomse. I don't get how we can start a new data channel (MyTalk) and still don't offer a full free EPG. What is going on??????
digitalj Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 Has anyone has any luck yet on finding out why regional NSW lacks a free EPG as capital cities do. I am using ICE TV. But why should I pay for what the city gets free? I spoke to chanel 7 cameraman today and he said Prime should definatly offer it. I have emailed them with no respomse. I don't get how we can start a new data channel (MyTalk) and still don't offer a full free EPG. What is going on?????? You're actually wrong there, In Sydney only ABC has an EPG that's more than Now and Next, 7, 9, 10 and SBS only provide N&N to us.
howardavatar Posted April 12, 2007 Author Posted April 12, 2007 You're actually wrong there, In Sydney only ABC has an EPG that's more than Now and Next, 7, 9, 10 and SBS only provide N&N to us. So why was I told By Seven that Sydney has full EPG? Also whay do some models of Digital PC TV cards provide a full EPG?
digitalj Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 So why was I told By Seven that Sydney has full EPG? Also whay do some models of Digital PC TV cards provide a full EPG? I think 7 are referring to the video program guide channel, not an EIT based EPG.
howardavatar Posted April 12, 2007 Author Posted April 12, 2007 I think 7 are referring to the video program guide channel, not an EIT based EPG. What does EIT stand for? Also will this MyTalk offr any possible downloadable EPG for Windows Media Center (to replace ICETV)?
digitalj Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 What does EIT stand for? Event Information Table This is where the Now and Next information is sent through, and is capable of providing information for all programs upto 7 days later. PVR's are able to use the information found in an EIT EPG to make a recording schedule.
howardavatar Posted April 12, 2007 Author Posted April 12, 2007 What does EIT stand for? Also will this MyTalk offr any possible downloadable EPG for Windows Media Center (to replace ICETV)?
digitalj Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 Also will this MyTalk offer any possible downloadable EPG for Windows Media Center (to replace ICETV)? Nope, it's just a Video Program Guide (VPG)
howardavatar Posted April 12, 2007 Author Posted April 12, 2007 So have the networks explained why they do not offer a 24 hr Free EPG when it is no 100% legal to record TV programs at home?
digitalj Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 So have the networks explained why they do not offer a 24 hr Free EPG when it is no 100% legal to record TV programs at home? It's a case of they can, but they won't. And they won't because they've already convinced themself's that 1. there aren't enough decoders out there that enable you to use it, 2. they think it's going against copyright laws.
Rusty Juggler Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 When implemented properly the EIT contains both 'actual' and 'other' information, allowing the viewer to browse up-to-date information of the entire platform all the time. This, of course, goes against the commercial interest of some networks. In reality, a working EIT EPG can only be established if there is a single party that 'owns' and regulates the platform (such as FreeView in the UK). Keep in mind though that the bit rate required grows proportionally with the amount of information carried, if you want the service to be quick and accurate. Cheers Rusty
howardavatar Posted April 12, 2007 Author Posted April 12, 2007 But new copywright lawss allow for home recording of Tv programs. So why not ofer a easy way to record tv programs and support the Digital TV service in Australia?
pgdownload Posted April 12, 2007 Posted April 12, 2007 But new copywright lawss allow for home recording of Tv programs. So why not ofer a easy way to record tv programs and support the Digital TV service in Australia?The law only very recently cahnged to 'allow' home recording. Till a few months ago it was an offence. Note that what's legal and what the networks want are two very different things. They have very little reason to make resording a show 'easier'.Historically, networks thought that VCRs spelt the doom of FTA TV. In reality very few people use them to skip commercials and even those that do still have to concentrate while fast forwarding (studies showing you can actually retain more brand awareness by doing this). Recently the digital VCR (a PVR) has come along and it allows for very simple recording and viewing and most importantly you can skip 3 minutes of commercials in the blink of an eye. Even more importantly is that people are actually doing this. Networks hate PVRs and they have no wish to 'make recording easier' by one iota. In fact channel nine is currently suing ICETV to try shut them down for providing an EPG. The other side of the equation is probably just inertia. There's very little upside in providing a 7 day EPG, it will cost money, cause complaints (as shows inevitably don't air as scheduled) and encourage PVRs. They've done the minimum necessary, why do any more? Regards Peter Gillespie
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