INTERACT FORUM
Windows => Television => Topic started by: dbuche on July 01, 2015, 07:29:20 am
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I am very unhappy with the EPG. The process is simple enough, and MC found all of my OTA channels. But, the Guide fails in two ways; many of the channels only appear in the Guide occasionally throughout any given day even though they are broadcasting 24/7, and when the Guide does contain the title of a particular broadcast, such as NOVA, it almost never provides any useful information about the content of the show. This makes it impossible to use the guide to schedule interesting shows to record based on content. I can SUBSCRIBE to a show when I want to record every broadcast, but without the content information I do not know whether or not I am interested in seeing any particular broadcast.
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There are several options for obtaining the EPG information. Did you try them all?
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If you are in the US, try downloading the guide data from Zap2it http://www.zap2it.com/.
Then import into MC as XMLTV file. There is more info on how to set this up at in the TV thread (instruction starts about halfway down in the postings) http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=93831.0
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I am guessing you are using over-the-air method of loading guide data. If that is the case, you may want to try using other methods.
If you want to stick with over-the-air method, you can try scheduling MC to load guide data more than once per day (for example, you can try doing it every 6 hours, or every 8 hours).
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Yes, I am using Over the Air, it the only option that fits my budget. Will XMLTV work for OTA? I did not think it was an option.
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Yes.
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I looked over the zap2it suggestion and the web site and I am not sure that guide is designed for OTA signals. What would you suggest?
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All of the EPG options in MC will work with OTA.
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The EPG wiki says it is out of date and the only selections I see on the TV Option screen is the Download EPG Automatically or XMLTV which brings me back to my issue. Could you direct me to the other EPG options?
Many thanks
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Yes, I am using Over the Air, it the only option that fits my budget. Will XMLTV work for OTA? I did not think it was an option.
You're confusing two things. The OTA option Yaobing mentioned is the EPG information that is embedded in the signal. It is spotty, as you've seen. The OTA you refer to is the method of recording. These are different.
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Options for EPG are:
Download EPG automatically
Over-the-air
XMLTV
mc2xml
The first option should work the best for most people in the United States and some other countries. All you have to do is to
1. Enter your zip code correctly
2. Choose correct provider.
There should be a list of providers for your local area. They are your cable companies, satellite TV, etc. But there should be one that says "Digital Terrestrial Lineup". If this exists, it should be your choice. If it does not exist, find something that may have similar meaning, such as "Over the air". If you live in some cities in Canada (you did not tell us which country you live in, but since you have been doing over-the-air EPG loading, you have to be in ATSC land), the "Digital Terrestrial Lineup" option may not be available.
If you can not find Digital Terrestrial Lineup or equivalent, you can consider choosing one of the other providers, such as a Cable company. Cable companies are required to provide local over-the-air channels (in the USA anyway). So you can find your guide data for the local channels through them. It does not matter that you are not using the cable signals (please take note of Jim's remark about separating the concepts of OTA TV signal and OTA EPG data). The programming info should be the same. With this option, you may need to do some manual mapping (i.e. knowing which channel on your cable lineup corresponds to which local over-the-air channel).
The XMLTV option is a slightly more "manual" option, in that you need to setup an external application to download the guide data.
I'd suggest you explore "Download EPG Automatically" method first. Let us know if you still have any questions.
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Yes, I am using Over the Air, it the only option that fits my budget. Will XMLTV work for OTA? I did not think it was an option.
I am only OTA as well. The reason I went to Zap2it is because it also adds the Season and Episode number, so your recorded TV Shows will sort correctly (and you can get the cover art/metadata).
The way it work is you download the free Zap2it downloader here http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/ (about mid page), the you use Windows task Scheduler to run the program once a day. The program downloads all the EPG data for your area code into an XMLTV file. Then you tell JRiver to use the XMLTV file. It works very well and it much better than the data that just comes OTA with the broadcast.
If you want to try this, I can walk you through the steps (as other have done for me).
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Thanks CountryBumpkin, I'm grateful for the advice and the hand-hold offer. I live in a semirural are of Indiana and decided to cut the ties with sat TV a few years ago. We are happy with our digital antenna and streaming services and all works well through our media pc and Windows Media Center. I recently decided to change to JRiver MC, which I like very much except for the basic EPG option. Since reading your offer, I have registered with Zap2it and will download their software as soon as my account is created.
Dan
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Post back if you need help.
BTW - you don't need to register with Zap2it/Tribune Media if you don't want (i.e. when I setup my system there was no way for new users to register). The Zap2it download program (is not actually a part of Zap2it/Tribune) it just pulls data from their database.
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Thanks again Country Bumpkin, that's a relief as Zap2it never replied. I downloaded a Windows version of the software from www.zap2it.com/tvlistings. I haven't tried to install it yet, so if you can help me from here it would be a great relief.
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There is nothing of use at the Zap2it (Tribune) site for our purposes. Just download the "scraper" program from http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/
I think that is what you did. It looks like this:
file: zap2xml-install.exe
size: 3091752 bytes
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For anyone who may be interested, I updated EPG wiki (http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/EPG#MC20.2B)to include the latest info applicable in MC20.
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Very nice guide.
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Thanks Gents, I'll see what I can accomplish now.
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I edited the wiki a little more, so that zap2xml is referenced instead of zap2it. Hope that will reduce some confusion.
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file: zap2xml-install.exe
size: 3091752 bytes
for: www.zap2it.com/tvlistings (new)
I just tried this. There is no download button under this one.
"for: www.zap2it.com/tvlistings (new/down)"
Is it taken down temporarily? When I tried going to www.zap2it.com/tvlistings, I got redirected to http://tvschedule.zap2it.com/tvlistings/ZCGrid.do?aid=tvschedule
So the new one is either temporarily down, or is not yet up.
Perhaps the one on the right-hand side
file: zap2xml2-install.exe
size: 3040700 bytes
for: tvschedule.zap2it.com (old)
is the correct one? There is a download button under that.
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file: zap2xml2-install.exe
size: 3040700 bytes
for: tvschedule.zap2it.com (old)
is the correct one? There is a download button under that.
You want the "(new)" version circled on the left for "Windows".
I see that the download button/link is gone now. Maybe author is updating the program. We'll need to check back in a day or so.
(http://i921.photobucket.com/albums/ad54/mshumack/CaptureAwardDownload_zpsxtinpzcn.jpg)
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This may be a problem:
History
2015-07-09 ◦ zapit removed their newer listings(?), zap2xml2 still works
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This may be a problem:
Definitely. Now there isn't any EPG source that includes season / episode numbers. :'(
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Definitely. Now there isn't any EPG source that includes season / episode numbers. :'(
There may be a way to get Season and Episode numbers back, at least for some of the programs in your EPG.
I use EPG Collector (https://sourceforge.net/projects/epgcollector/) to collect my EPG and to look up Season and Episode numbers based on just the Series and Episode names. It doesn't work for all TV series, as it relies on data on www.thetvdb.com, and having at least the correct Series and Episode names for a program, but it does work for many.
EPG Collector may work directly for you, if there is enough EPG data in the OTA (Over The Air) stream. But for many users in America the OTA EPG isn't very good, and doesn't cover many days. You appear to be in the USA, given your time difference from me in Australia, so you probably can't use EPG Collector to replace zap2xml as an EPG source.
But, here is what you can try to get your Series and Episode names back.
EPG Collector can take in XMLTV data from external sources. As it does its metadata lookup after collecting XMLTV data, I suspect that it also does the lookup of Season and Episode numbers after it imports external XMLTV data. So, you could:
1. Run zap2xml2 to collect your EPG data
2. Then run EPG Collector without actually collecting any OTA data, or maybe even let it collect what it can find, so the it is aware of the channels you have
3. Include the XMLTV data you collected in step 1. into the EPG Collector data set
4. Have EPG Collector do the metadata lookup to collect Season and Episode numbers using Series and Episode names (Note: Don't have it look up images, as it just slows down EPG Collector, and MC will do it for you later anyway.)
5. Import the output of EPG Collector into MC, which will then use the Season and Episode numbers to look up other TV show information
Easy huh? You would need to confirm that the EPG Collector metadata lookup does process XMLTV data imported from an external source, but if it does, you should be able to get your Season and Episode numbers back for TV Serries.
Let us know what you think, and how you go if you try it.
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Thanks. I'll take a look and try it out, although I have to say that it doesn't look as if it will work for me as I'm on cable and have opted to use the standard EPG. Not sure if there is an XML file to scan. Maybe Schedules Direct...
I would hope that JR will consider improving this feature and include an update in ver21. The most basic solution would be to do a TVDB lookup on recorded shows, attempting to match series name and episode name and update the tags. They could also bake in to this lookup the download of series and season cover art for recorded shows. While I'd prefer season and episode numbers in the EPG, I'd settle for updating the tags of my recorded shows.
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Definitely. Now there isn't any EPG source that includes season / episode numbers. :'(
Can't you use zap2xml2 to get data from zap2it's old web page?
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Can't you use zap2xml2 to get data from zap2it's old web page?
Yes, but take a look at the data that gets downloaded. There are no episode descriptions, no genre info, and definitely no season / episode numbers. The data provided from the old page is somewhere in the neighborhood of totally useless.
example:
<programme start="20150715200000 -0400" stop="20150715203000 -0400" channel="I11867.labs.zap2it.com">
<title lang="en">The Big Bang Theory</title>
<sub-title lang="en">The Gorilla Experiment</sub-title>
<episode-num system="dd_progid">EP00931182.0053</episode-num>
<previously-shown />
</programme>
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That example has the Series and Episode names. That is enough for EPG Collector to look up the Season and Episode numbers, and all the other program metadata.
I would love for MC to look up the Season and Episode numbers, along with other data from thetvdb. This has been mentioned before, and it should be possible as EPG Collector does it. But so far I don't think it is on the list of things to do.
Yaobing, any plans?
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Can someone point me in the right direction on how to get EPG Collector to process an existing XMLTV file? I'm happy to try it out, and have already downloaded the application, but not sure where to go now...
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Can someone point me in the right direction on how to get EPG Collector to process an existing XMLTV file? I'm happy to try it out, and have already downloaded the application, but not sure where to go now...
I'm a bit short on time just now, but here is a start;
You will need to set up the usual parts of EPGC to some extent. I'm not sure if you will need to have channels set up or not, but possibly. At the least though, you need to load an EPGC INI file, after which you can select on the menu: Window>Collection Parameters. Before loading an INI the "Collection Parameters" item isn't available. Load an existing (sample or whatever) INI with the second toolbar icon from the left. Or you can create new collection parameters with the first toolbar icon.
Once you have some parameters to edit, you will see thirteen tabs with configuration data. Go to the XMLTV tab and you will see in there how an external XMLTV file(s) can be loaded and merged with broadcast EPG data.
As I haven't had to actually do this myself, you are on your own from here. But if you get stuck with just setting up EPGC, then I can help when I get time. There is also a sort of guide in this thread by Astromo, based on an earlier one. Here: http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?topic=67992.0
Again, I'm not sure about how this will work if you can't download ANY EPG data from OTA, but it is worth a try.
Let us know how you go.
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I have not yet begin using Zap2it because that guide seemed to include cable channels. Instead, my guide looked a little better after reconfiguring and choosing Digital Terrestrial Lineup. That was over a week ago and all was well until the other day when I noticed that my guide is now missing the first channel, CBS 2.1. The channel appears in the lineup and if I click on it in the list I can watch it, but it is not in the guide and it does not appear in the All Channels list. I rescanned, reset, and scanned again with the same result. I would have no problem if one of the foreign language, shopping, or religious channels disappeared, but CBS happens to have one or two of the very few network shows we watch. I do not know if it is relevant, but I think JRiver upgraded itself recently too
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There may be a way to get Season and Episode numbers back, at least for some of the programs in your EPG.
I use EPG Collector (https://sourceforge.net/projects/epgcollector/) to collect my EPG and to look up Season and Episode numbers based on just the Series and Episode names. It doesn't work for all TV series, as it relies on data on www.thetvdb.com, and having at least the correct Series and Episode names for a program, but it does work for many.
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4. Have EPG Collector do the metadata lookup to collect Season and Episode numbers using Series and Episode names (Note: Don't have it look up images, as it just slows down EPG Collector, and MC will do it for you later anyway.)
Roderick, how have you setup EPGC?
Take a look at the attached pic. I'm guessing this is something along the lines of what you're recommending.
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(@Yaobbing?)
I looked at the wiki and I can't find where the mc2xml executable needs to be located for it to work with MC20 (no customisation anymore) I've played with zap2xml, got it working under the XMLTV profile but it is missing some hours in the day...Don't know why...Data is missing in the xml file so nothing to do with JRiver.
This is why I'd like to go back to mc2xml but not sure where it needs to be and how to set-it up with version 20...
Anybody know why I'm missing data or some hours in the day with zap2xml? I've created an account, the only cli I use is -u xxxxx -p xxxxx -D and -S 1 as per this: http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/
I could never get it to work without a username password..Because I'm in Canada?
I've done some recordings and TV zapping yesterday instead of Sage and it looks promising!!
thx
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So I gave up on EPG Collector...couldn't figure it out (how to use an existing XMLTV file), however, I found XMLTVDB (https://code.google.com/p/xmltvdb/wiki/UserGuide) that monitors a folder and adds season and episode info to any new XMLTV files that are created. I am using it with Schedules Direct, but it also works with one other EPG source I tried (sorry, can't remember the name, but it costs a little less than SD).
So basically, I set XMLTVDB to start when I start my PC, and run MC2XML at 1AM to get latest guide listings, and then at 4AM I import it. So far it works great.
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(@Yaobbing?)
I looked at the wiki and I can't find where the mc2xml executable needs to be located for it to work with MC20 (no customisation anymore) I've played with zap2xml, got it working under the XMLTV profile but it is missing some hours in the day...Don't know why...Data is missing in the xml file so nothing to do with JRiver.
I believe the executable should be downloaded by MC automatically. It should be in this folder:
C:\Users\[user]\AppData\Roaming\J River\Media Center 20\Plugins\mc2xml\
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It's there indeed but the only thing happening: the cmd prompt will blink 4-5 times and I get a pop-up window from MC saying; "The guide data is not valid, or does not contain program information"
If I set mc2xml through an XTML profile and using the file from: http://mc2xml.awardspace.info/. It works.
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So I gave up on EPG Collector...couldn't figure it out (how to use an existing XMLTV file), however, I found XMLTVDB (https://code.google.com/p/xmltvdb/wiki/UserGuide) that monitors a folder and adds season and episode info to any new XMLTV files that are created. I am using it with Schedules Direct, but it also works with one other EPG source I tried (sorry, can't remember the name, but it costs a little less than SD).
So basically, I set XMLTVDB to start when I start my PC, and run MC2XML at 1AM to get latest guide listings, and then at 4AM I import it. So far it works great.
I like the look of this.
Thanks for the tip.
I tried getting EPG Collector's thetvdb scraping function enabled but hit a brick wall. If this provides a workable alternative - happy times.
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I like the look of this.
Thanks for the tip.
I tried getting EPG Collector's thetvdb scraping function enabled but hit a brick wall. If this provides a workable alternative - happy times.
Here is my properties file. Close to stock, but I changed the file locations, and the 'ForTheRecord' line to false. Oh..I also removed the SchedulesDirect info since they no longer use Zap2It.
#Log Level printed to stdout. Options are: DEBUG, INFO, NOTICE, WARN, ERROR
LOG_LEVEL=INFO
#The folder to listen to. Any XMLTV files put in this folder will be enhanced and moved to the OUTPUT_XML_FILE location
WATCH_FOLDER=C:\Users\Steven\Documents\XMLTV
#The final destination (inluding file name) of the enhanced XMLTV file.
OUTPUT_XML_FILE=C:\Users\Steven\Documents\XMLTV\xmltv.enhanced.xml
#Set to true to only lookup shows that you have scheduled to record in ForTheRecord. (Recommended true)
ONLY_LOOKUP_SCHEDULED_SHOWS=false
#The URL for 4TR's web services. Default port is 49943
#For basic authentication, use http://username:password@FTRSERVER:49943
FTR_WEBSERVICE_URL=http://FTR:49943
#If an epsode's category matches any of these, it will be skipped
#Pipe | seperated list of categories
EXCLUDED_CATEGORIES=Paid Programming|Talk Show|Weather|Sports|News
#Pipe | seperated list of categories that identify movies. (Must change if guide data is not in English)
MOVIE_CATEGORIES=Movie|Movies
#Pipe | seperated list of XMLTV source-info-name attributes that identify the guide data as from Zap2It
ZAP2IT_SOURCE_INFO_NAMES=Zap2it
#TVDB Config
#The maxinum number of series to look through when searching by series name
MAX_TVDB_SERIES_LOOKUP=5
#TVDB Series name translations
#Add an unlimited number of tranlations in format TRANSLATIONX=SERIESNAME|TRANSLATION
#Where the SERIESNAME is the name of the series in your guide data and
#TRANSLATION is either the TVDB SeriesID to use for that series or a different name to use to lookup the series
#Example, force Once Upon a Time to be looked up with (2011) added to the series name
#TVDB_TRANSLATION1=Once Upon A Time|Once Upon A Time (2011)
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Using the standard EPG download (or XMLTV with MC2xml) I get about 5-6 days worth of future programming data. Is there any way to make this larger? like 10-14 days?
(I'M trying to set all my recordings from Sage but I can't because some shows don't show up.)
While trying zap2xml I'm missing some shows during the day (like from 8h00 to 11h00 PM on all channels). I've created an account, the only cli I use is -u xxxxx -p xxxxx -D and -S 1 as per this: http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/. However as I said previously it's not JRiver since I see the issue straight from the xml file...
Thx!
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Using the standard EPG download (or XMLTV with MC2xml) I get about 5-6 days worth of future programming data. Is there any way to make this larger? like 10-14 days?
Generally, you're at the mercy of the source and you get a forward schedule with a look ahead of their choosing. Is that relevant?
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Roderick, how have you setup EPGC?
Take a look at the attached pic. I'm guessing this is something along the lines of what you're recommending.
Sorry for the delay Astromo. Busy doing other things, as we all are.
Yes, you have it pretty close. My numbers are slightly different but that doesn't matter. That is just me tweaking EPGC.
You do have "Always lookup programmes that return no matching entries", while I no longer do. Steve Bickell (EPGC) advised me to turn it off to reduce the processing time. I'm going from memory here but I think he said that it means if a program has been looked up on theTVDB before, and no match was found, look it up again. However, he reckoned that it was very unlikely that a second, third, etc. search would find the program, at least within the week the EPG was current, as it would require someone to enter that data during the week. So, looking up the programs again and again just took more processing time. My Lookup time dropped from about 25 to 5 minutes just by turning that off.
Not having EPGC look up image also saved a lot of time, and MC can do that once it has Season and Episode numbers, so having those set to "None" is correct.
I haven't kept record of all the gems that Steve has shared over time, so you may find more information reading through the threads I have posted in over at https://sourceforge.net/p/epgcollector/discussion/1125946/ Sorry about the work load! If you do you will notice that he recently fixed a problem I found with the TV and Movie metadata databases growing continuously, and never being trimmed of unnecessary data. I have that fix, but he hasn't released it publicly yet, so you won't have it. But it will be in a future release. Until then the databases will grow, but they will be trimmed when the fix is released, so not big issue.
Anyway, I think one other critical part of getting this working was to have the country set correctly on the Advanced page, as per the image attached. Other than that, the Lookups just worked for me. I've attached a copy of my INI file. It doesn't say much, but it has one little important line, "Location=AUS,0". If your INI doesn't have that, then that is the problem.
You can add some Diagnostics flags to the Diagnostics page which will expand the logging produced by EPGC. For example, put "LOOKUPS" in the "Trace ID's" field. See image. I've used several Trace and Debug flags while solving issues with Steve, but haven't kept a list. I still have then INI files around with them though, and Steve mentions them on the SourceForge discussion pages.
So if you were just missing the "Location=AUS,0" item, give that a try. I see now that there is an alternative with XMLTVDB, but if you are already using EPGC then it would be easier to get this working.
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Oops. I forgot one important page Astromo. Attached.
On the Output tab, the "Format of episode tag" needs to be set to "Valid season and episode numbers only" for EPGC to output xmltv_ns formatted Season and episode numbers, such as;
<episode-num system="xmltv_ns">4 . 4 . 0/1</episode-num>
You may also note in that image of the Output tab that I have the "Format of the channel ID" set to "User channel number'. I did this to make my channel numbering more understandable. To make it work, I manually set the values in the "Channel No." column (which is the User Channel Number) to the actual channel numbers the broadcasters use. So the broadcaster's channel number = the LCN = XMLTV "Channel id" = EPGC "Channel No." (User Channel Number) = the number used on the remote control to view the channel.
Then of course the MC "Channel Number" matches the MC "XMLTV Identifier", and I prefix the name with the channel number for easy sorting and readability, as per attached image.
I don't know what other people do, but this makes understanding the information flow so much easier for me. No matching XMLTV numbers to real channel numbers, to different LCNs etc.
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Using the standard EPG download (or XMLTV with MC2xml) I get about 5-6 days worth of future programming data. Is there any way to make this larger? like 10-14 days?
I think nearly every EPG source I have looked at only supplies about 7 days. Even the commercial one here in Australia. There may be some commercial ones elsewhere that provide 14 days, but EPG availability is still an issue almost everywhere, based on my reading.
(I'M trying to set all my recordings from Sage but I can't because some shows don't show up.)
This is the real issue: Being able to create recording rules for programs that aren't in the guide. It isn't obvious how to do that.
I really want to find the time to write up a discussion paper about recording rules, and how they may work better. But it would take a bit of time to get my thoughts together, and look at some old software I have used in the past. Plus the Sage TV users around here may have better ideas than me...
But anyway, MC still does allow you to create a recording rule for a program that is not yet in the Guide.
It is simple actually. So it should be easy to set up all your Sage recording rules in MC. Just do this (most you should know):
1. In Standard View, click on Television, then click on "All Programs".
2. Click on ANY program, then click Record. It doesn't matter what program you click on, what its name is, or anything.
3. Click the "Subscribe" radio button, then "Next".
4. Now change everything that you want to record the real program that you want. See my example image, set to record a future program for which all I know is the Series name, and that it is new, so there should be no rerun flags set in the EPG.
4a. Name: The name of the recording rule is the text used to search for the program. You can change it to some future program that is not in the guide, or a part name for the program if that will give you a more reliable chance of catching the recording.
4b. Name modifiers. If you know the exact name, require an exact match, but I usually don't do that, except for programs that have lots of name variations, such as CSI. Search all fields to provide the best chance of finding the program.
4c. Channel: If you aren't sure which channel it will show on, select "All Channels". If you know it will be provided by one particular broadcaster, but you're not sure which of their channels it will be on, select all their channels.
4d. When: Select "All Showings " if this is a new program, or select the appropriate setting. Note that you can change the "Anchor Time", but that button was sometimes greyed out for me. I had to save the recording rule, and then go back and edit the rule to be able to change the anchor time. Yaobing: Could this be a bug?
4e. When modifiers. If this is a new program and you have selected multiple or all channel above, you may want to select "Do not record reruns" and "Do not record shows that have been recorded in the past". Of course, reruns require the EPG to identify them, and if the broadcaster changes the show Title, Name, and/or Description, as they have want to do with second and third showings for early episodes of new programs, then you may still get multiple recordings of an episode in MC. Better multiple than none though. You can improve, or worsen, your chance of recording a program by selecting which fields to use to compare previous and new episodes...
4f. Compare fields: I have selected just "Series" in my example, but that will probably result in just the first episode being recorded, as all later episodes would have a matching Series name. Usually I set this to "Series" and "Name" with the hope that the episode name isn't changed between showings, which it often is here in Australia. I almost never select "Description" as the description for one particular episode is often different for different showings. For example, my MotoGP races almost always have a decent description for the first showing, but for re-showings of the same race, the description is often just "MotoGP". So that would be considered a different episode if I included "Description" in the selection process for reruns/re-showings.
4g. Now hit Next and set your recording and retention options, plus any Tagging you want on the recording.
Easy really. But not obvious.
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RoderickGi thank you so much for taking the time with all this very valuable info. I'll definitely try this.
Again a second night using JRiver over Sage. It did record the show I wanted to watch flawlessly, wathcing and skipping back and forth with my Logitech Harmony MCE remote was a breeze.
I can already see some advantages over Sage such as just clicking on the green button will bring me in theater view and ready to watch in full screen....Used to be a 3-4 click process with sage. A lot simpler for the wife.
I like how the guide is laid out. Plain and simple.
While watching I like how it's all laid out and that you can see what's playing on other channels and select one, options to change the aspect ratio etc...Don't really have something similar with Sage.
It may be a bit slower than Sage when changing channels but not sure anymore...
Works Great with the hauppage blaster and my set-top box....
I'll definitely keep playing with it.
I spent a lot of time with the guide but now I have it setup to only use the native EPG for both ATSC and STB. I got that missing channel by using another zipcode closer to the canadian border so no need for MC2XML or XMLTV!
One thing I notice though is even if I have EPG data from standard view past this Sunday it's not possible to go beyound sunday in theater view...Bug?
I also set-up comskip monitor to run in the background that was fairly easy..And it checks for Multiple folders..I just need to get MC do the same now for my recordings :)...
I also need to understand the behavior of sage with commercial skipping...I'll play with this a little more before I comment.
One thing that would definitely help is a different colour or lighter green on the playing cursor fro comskip...In MC21 maybe?
So far so good!!
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You're welcome.
Make sure when you set this all up that you check all is working for a while, and report any strange behaviour. Some of this functionality around recordings is quite new and probably hasn't been tested by a lot of people.
One thing I notice though is even if I have EPG data from standard view past this Sunday it's not possible to go beyound sunday in theater view...Bug?
I have never noticed any difference between the EPG shown in Standard View and Theatre View. Every time I check I have seven days in Theatre View, if my EPG is working right. I don't really check how far our Standard View goes, since I work in Theatre View mostly. However, some times one or more channels don't get the full seven days EPG, and then of course that is reflected in the Theatre View Guide. But I can always see other channels continue to seven days, so know it is an EPG source issue.
Actually, could you have gotten that the wrong way around?
I just check the "All Programs" listing in Standard View, and it only goes out 24 hours, while the Theatre View Guide goes out seven days. I think the 24 hours in Standard View may be by design though, because I can easily enter a start day and time in the "All Programs" listing in Standard View, and it will display 24 hours from that point onwards. I have always just put a day and time in when using that view, rather than scroll all the way down. Or I have searched for a particular program name, in which case the full EPG timeline is displayed, with programs matching the search criteria. I don't recall noticing the 24 hour limit before.
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@astromo I just realised I didn't answer your question. Yes I understand thx for the answer. However in my case it doesn,T seem to jive with what I get...
@roderick or yaobing: What does the Native EPG downloader of JRiver use? (Hopefully it's not a big secret :)) I think Sage uses zap2it...
As I said earlier I can now have all my channels using one EPG profile for the STB (Canadian) and one EPG profile from the US (for both US and canadian OTA channels) The reason for the US profile for OTA vs Canada is as Yaobbing mentionned in his wiki (good wiki!!) a lot of the canadian and us channels you can receive where I am don't show up.
Oh changing between countries for setup seem to require a restart of JRiver setup...It works but it could be improved.
Now my problem is I only get 3 days worth of data for both the STB and OTA. Whatever the source may be I really think this would be larger than 3 days. HELP Please :)!!
FWIW I am not expecting the 12-14 days of Sage but 7+ days in JRiver would be nice!
thx
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4d. When: Select "All Showings " if this is a new program, or select the appropriate setting. Note that you can change the "Anchor Time", but that button was sometimes greyed out for me. I had to save the recording rule, and then go back and edit the rule to be able to change the anchor time. Yaobing: Could this be a bug?
It is by design, based on the assumption that when you initially pick a program to subscribe to, you just want the anchor time to be at when that program is showing. This does not agree with the particular way you use it for a show that is not in the guide yet. I can change that.
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using mc2XML and schedules direct, I added a -d 288 as an argument and successfully got 12 days of guide data. -d is how far it will look in hours. I just use Windows Task scheduler to fire the .exe, not MC. I am in the US, so not sure if it would be successful in other parts of the world.
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Using the standard EPG download (or XMLTV with MC2xml) I get about 5-6 days worth of future programming data. Is there any way to make this larger? like 10-14 days?
(I'M trying to set all my recordings from Sage but I can't because some shows don't show up.)
While trying zap2xml I'm missing some shows during the day (like from 8h00 to 11h00 PM on all channels). I've created an account, the only cli I use is -u xxxxx -p xxxxx -D and -S 1 as per this: http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/. However as I said previously it's not JRiver since I see the issue straight from the xml file...
Thx!
I'm confused. So are subscribing to "Schedules Direct" to get the username (-u) and password (-p) to access EPG data through Zap2it?
I thought Zap2it was no longer providing EPG data - as discussed about 40 posts prior. ?
If you can get the Zap2it EPG (with paid subscription) then can't you just use the Zap2xml program as setup/shown at the beginning of this thread?
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SD is no longer using Zap2it. They used to, but a while ago it was changed.
I am using SD in addition to an application called XMLTVDB to get Season and Episode info.
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The quote I copied from imeric's post seems to me that he is saying that he is getting data from Zap2xml (second paragraph) but just missing some days. I thought Zap2it was totally off-line - perhaps there is still some data available. Maybe I'm totally misreading his post.
Where is the data being scraped from?
@musicman, I think I will be following your lead. I don't mind paying Schedules Direct for access to the EPG data. I didn't see in your previous post where the XMLTVDB gets its data - is it "automatically" scraping Schedules Direct, or is XMLTVDB a stand-alone third-party program where you need to point it to Schedules Direct or to some other EPG data provider?
I just want to set this up once and have it work for a couple of years. ;)
I'll read through these posts in more detail over the weekend.
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@CountryBumkin: I am using MC2XML to get the XMLTV file. Then I am using the XMLTVDB to 'add' info to the XMLTV. XMLTVDB actually reads the XML file and then accesses thetvdb.com to get season and episode info. So, my process is as follows:
1) On login, I have a scheduled task that starts XMLTVDB.jar. That java application monitors a folder and when a new xmltv file is added, it processes that file.
2) at 1AM I have a scheduled task to run MC2XML to download the latest guide data from SD.
--this kicks off XMLTVDB to process the file automatically -- no intervention is required.
3) at 4AM I have set MC20 to load guide data, and I point it to the updated XML file that XMLTVDB created at 1AM.
So far it seems very reliable. There is also capability in the XMLTVDB to add exceptions, so for instance, if it thinks that Doctor Who is the original series, but you are doing the 2005 version, you can add that to a properties file, and it will remember it from then on. So far, I haven't had this issue.
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CountryBumkin you are correct I tried to use zap2xml yesterday. I registered (for free), got it working and it is providing data for up to 12 days (with season and episode if I add -D in the command line so not sure why people were having problem with this..) but all hours were missing from the xml file for all the days between 8pm and 11pm..I tried it a few times and it would consistently do this. (See my previous posts for more details)
So because of this issue I found a way to use the Native JRiver EPG for my STB and ATSC and have all channels but now my issue is it only downloads 3 days of data... What am I missing?
thx
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So because of this issue I found a way to use the Native JRiver EPG for my STB and ATSC and have all channels but now my issue is it only downloads 3 days of data... What am I missing?
It must be a Microsoft issue (this also answers your other question regarding where the data come from). I can confirm that today I am only getting three days of data.
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Thjx Yaobbing for confirming it's not me (ort the fact that I'M canadian :)... How many days can we normally expect out of the native guide? Since Microsoft is now going to Rovi instead of Zap2it will this affect us?
Thx folks. Can'T wait to see how my JRiver TV expereience will be tonight!!
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I have consistently gotten 8 days of data for a long time.
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I can change that.
I think it would be a good idea to change it. I understand why it was done the way it is, but I don't really see a downside to making it available when creating a rule. Having the button active also gives people a way to look at the anchor time, which will help them understand what it is.
This is one of the areas where MC has been designed around creating a rule based and dependent on a program in the Guide. I would like to see MC move more toward independent rules, which have multiple criteria used to match programs that appear in the Guide. I just haven't made time to write up my ideas.
But for example I might want to set up a rule with three criteria:
1. Name includes the term "CSI".
2. Name does not include the term "New York".
3. Has a Date field greater than 2013
The modifiers are already additional criteria, such as:
4. Don't record anything with the repeat/rerun flag set.
5. Don't record anything that has been recorded before, based on the Series, Name, and/or Description.
So the concept is already in MC, as is the idea of multiple rules for searches, views and so on. I would just like to be able to create more criteria around the Series, Name, and Description data in the EPG. Of course there would need to be a simple "just record the program" process, as well as the more advanced, multiple criteria rules creation.
Oh, and I would like to see the name of a rule, such as "NCIS: New Orleans" become independent of the text used to select a program for recording. So for example, I may use three rules to select that program, because I know EPG data is inconsistent:
a. Includes "NCIS", OR
b. Include "N.C.I.S", AND
c. Includes "New Orleans".
As another example, a rule may be named "My Favourite Football Games", where the criteria select the teams and locations to be recorded.
Of course all of this is dependent on reasonable quality EPG data, which is the real topic of this thread.
Just some thoughts. Anyway, thanks for offering to change the Anchor Time button behaviour.
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It must be a Microsoft issue (this also answers your other question regarding where the data come from). I can confirm that today I am only getting three days of data.
I can confirm that I too normally have about 8 days or so of EPG using the Digital Terrestrial Lineup data (zip 95135) but for about the last week or so there have been no updates and my last day of EPG data is this coming Sunday. I seem to recall in the past a similar occasion when there was what I would describe as a "very late" EPG update just 2-3 days before the last date of captured EPG data. I've tried numerous rescans, deletions of current schedules etc this time to see if anything would update but nothing so far using this data source.
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I'm having the same problem. MC says it's updating but there is no data being added. Today is my last day of channel information. Help.
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Any progress here? I started another posting as I missed this discussion - I'm having the same issue. No data after today.
I'm a little confused - can I scrape from zap2it or has that changed?
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Must be Microsoft problem. My guide ends at 6:30 pm today.
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Schedules Direct offers a 7 day free trial of their service.
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Can you point me to directions for using schedule direct in JRiver?
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I use MC2XML to get the xml file, and then use JRiver to import the XML file every morning at 4AM. XMLTV is an option when you are setting up the EPG in JRiver.
Once you have run MC2XML once (assuming you are on Windows), it will remember the settings, and then you can run the .exe from Windows Task Scheduler (just create a basic task, and follow the prompts).
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I just tried mc2xml. It does not help. For most of my channels (those I care about anyway), it gets data only up to this evening. For some other channels (high channel numbers on Comcast lineup) it gets data up to August 7.
I was not using mc2xml option inside MC, which has a problem of its own. I used mc2xml downloaded externally and ran it manually.
mc2xml gets data from Microsoft too. So it is not surprising that the result is the same.
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It appears that zap2xml is back on line.
http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/
I downloaded it and tried running it without registration at zap2it. It does not work, complaining that it was unable to log in, and that -Z option is not valid.
Will someone with zap2it registration try it?
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SOOOoooo..... Basically guys we are saying that nothing is working?
Reminds me of the same problems with my days using Gypsie Media DigiGuide (the very best TV Guide program ever invented by man).
TV on a computer is a real bummer. The Guide data is all about money, money, money and every method ever used eventually failed due to greed as one by one they all pulled their support due to some company not wanting to give away anything for free or at a low reasonable cost to the public.
As a result we have always been stuck in the same rut as having to jump through hoops to make something work that does not really want to work.
I wish I had an answer to this long time, very perplexing problem but I don't see any on the near horizon until some brave company (with resources) just makes the data available for free for all to use without all the current restrictions.
But, I can only holds my breath for so long.
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I setup xmltv with schedules direct. Took me about half a day and I'm not thrilled about having to pay for guide data but my guide data now goes out to 7 days.
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Hi Contium; I used Schedules Direct for several years on DigiGuide (until about 6 months ago they changed the format over & it no longer worked with DigiGuide). I will say that although I had to pay for SD it did work very well with little or no problems & I especially liked how I could turn on or off individual channels of my choosing to keep the downloads small and fast.
In JRTV do you now have more Guide information using SD such as...
* Images.
* Actors/Directors.
* 1-5 Star ratings.
* More detailed Descriptions (espcailly in movies).
* IMDB (International Movie Data Base) Data.
* Anything else that the standard Terrestrial Listing was not providing.
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In JRTV do you now have more Guide information using SD such as...
* Images.
* Actors/Directors.
* 1-5 Star ratings.
* More detailed Descriptions (espcailly in movies).
* IMDB (International Movie Data Base) Data.
* Anything else that the standard Terrestrial Listing was not providing.
I honestly wouldn't even know were to look for that stuff. I'm a pretty basic TV user.
By terrestrial listings, do you mean those provided by the broadcaster OTA? Because when I tried that option in MC, only 1 channel provided data. I'm in Los Angeles. I would have thought at least all the majors would provide programming info.
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I got schedules direct working as well. Unless another solution pops up I guess I'll pay the $25. Not really that much, just the principle of the thing.
Here's what I did:
1) Create a directory where you download mc2xml.exe - make sure the directory does not require admin rights! Learned that the hard way.
2) Sign up for schedules direct and write down your user name and password.
3) Run mx2xml and select schedules direct and enter your name/password
4) The xml file with the EPG data will download to the directory you created.
5) In JRiver select Television on left menu then TV Options where Channels are listed at bottom
6) Point the run program box to mx2xml and Select load program guide then select ADD then select XMLTV
7) Then in the box under Load XMLTV results from this file browse to the directory you created and select the xmltv.xml file that you downloaded in step 4 above.
It looks like JRiver will run the mx2xml program and import the file automatically.
I hope this helps - the steps are probably outlined somewhere but I couldn't find them.
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Here in Houston, TX we have 70 OTA channels & most of them had descriptions. The main problem is compared to MS WMC the Descriptions are VERY weak (short & lacking any real detail as I eluded to in my previous post).
When I was using SD (with DigiGuide) it had very robust descriptions that would pop up on screen a few minutes before the program was to start. That was pure TV Heaven.
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Thane108;
THANKS for the detailed setup info. I may re-open my SD account & give it a try.
When you are looking at a TV channel on screen do you now see any more detailed descriptions than before?
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I'm not sure I see a difference in the amount of info.
As noted above (and below) add the following parameters to get 12 days: -d 288
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Schedules Direct offers a 7 day free trial of their service.
If you check the SchedulesDirect site, their service is only intended for open source software. It is probably a violation of their subscription agreement.
JRiver needs to resolve the EPG issue or their customers will not have a usable data source.
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Muzicman0 is correct - ouch - using the data with JRiver is not consistent with SchedulesDirect service agreement.
Perhaps JRiver could negotiate an agreement and offer the data as a surcharge on the JRiver subscription price?
If not, some solution needs to be found or I'll have to go back to mediaportal (much to my regret).
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If you add a -d 288 when you call the mc2xml .exe, you can get 12 days of data.
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Muzicman0 is correct - ouch - using the data with JRiver is not consistent with SchedulesDirect service agreement.
Perhaps JRiver could negotiate an agreement and offer the data as a surcharge on the JRiver subscription price?
If not, some solution needs to be found or I'll have to go back to mediaportal (much to my regret).
So find an open source grabber.
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I reopened my SD account. Did everything in the following...
1) Create a directory where you download mc2xml.exe - make sure the directory does not require admin rights! Learned that the hard way.
2) Sign up for schedules direct and write down your user name and password.
3) Run mx2xml and select schedules direct and enter your name/password
4) The xml file with the EPG data will download to the directory you created.
5) In JRiver select Television on left menu then TV Options where Channels are listed at bottom
6) Point the run program box to mx2xml and Select load program guide then select ADD then select XMLTV
7) Then in the box under Load XMLTV results from this file browse to the directory you created and select the xmltv.xml file that you downloaded in step 4 above.
It looks like JRiver will run the mx2xml program and import the file automatically.
After step 7, I'm getting the message...
"Please connect identifiers with your television channels before continuing".
I have no idea what that means. Any suggestions?
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So find an open source grabber.
It's not the grabber, but the commercial application using the data...
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DocLotus
You need to associate your channel listing in JRiver with a channel from the file you downloaded. Most channels will be linked automatically - a few won't. (PBS in my case.)
For the channels that aren't linked you select a channel with the mouse than scroll down the list of channels that pop up until you see the correct channel. Do that for each of the non-linked channels.
You only have to do it once (unless you do a setup again).
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THANKS so much... that worked.
Question is why did the same error not show up before when I was running terrestrial or OTA scheduled? The channels looked the same but without the error.
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One other thing, my schedules still stop at 3:00 PM today; everyone else is getting 8 days. What did I do wrong? I cleared the old schedules before running XMLTV with SD.
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I have 12 days - it sounds like your xml file didn't load.
You probably need to go through setup again, step by step.
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I'm running the Data File xmltv.xml file. It's the only one checked in the Schedule Guide Reloading box. It must be loading as when it is not checked I get no guide & do get the guide (only through Monday at 3:00 PM) when it is checked.
When I also check the Run Executable the mc2xml.exe also runs & loads the SD downloads.
I'm not using any switches, should I?
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What version is your mc2xml.exe file? Mine is 1.3.
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Well since MC apparently uses Microsoft as a source for the EPG it seems likely that what we are experiencing is the result of a Microsoft switch from Zap2It to Rovi as the EPG provider, per the various topics linked below.
http://www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2015/07/08/microsoft-breathes-new-life-into-media-center-guide/
http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=8983
http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/windows-media-center-not-quite-dead-yet
http://blogs.catapultsystems.com/cfuller/archive/2015/07/22/workaround-for-no-television-guide-available-in-windows-media-center-after-july-20th-2015/
I haven't yet tested WMC to see if I can get data from the new EPG provider (Rovi) and record using WMC but that may be my fallback in the short term if it works, although even WMC users have been having issues per the linked sites. In other words I would use WMC for scheduling and recording and then import the recording into MC since I always record TV and never watch live. If that fails then its back to trying BeyondTV to do the same thing since they still provide EPG data to their old consumer customers even though they (Snapstream) long ago migrated to a business only solution.
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By the way I should have added that I am currently downloading using the MC supported over-the-air supplied EPG data but it is taking a really long time doing it. For some reason its seeing 115 channels which is twice normal (I use a dual channel HDTV card so maybe that's the reason?) If that provides adequate EPG data for my needs then I may be able to avoid reverting to WMC etc.
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I had the same problem when first trying to get my channels OTA. The solution is... DON'T USE OTA; it takes forever.
In stead, use the... Download EPG Automatically (recommended), Use Digital Terrestrial Lineup.
It runs real fast & gives you the information that you are looking for.
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@Doc Thanks for the suggestion but that is what I was doing, i.e. using the Digital Terrestrial Lineup ... until the data/data source went missing in action :(
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One other thing, my schedules still stop at 3:00 PM tomorrow; everyone else is getting 8 days. What did I do wrong? I cleared the old schedules before running XMLTV with SD.
I very carefully watched the SD downloads as they were happening & the two day only download is coming from SD as it shows only two days for the download.
EXACTLY where do I add the -d 288 to the mc2xml file? I have tried various locations for the switch but it always bombs.
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Doc - you put that code in JRiver. The same screen where you tell it to run mc2xml - the same screen where you tell it where the xml file is located.
Look at the screen and you will see a space to send the code.
Let me know if you can't find it.
That said, I got 7 days without the code, not 3, or I'm a little suspicious that the code isn't the issue. If entering the codes doesn't fix it, let's take a look at how you setup within JRiver.
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THANK YOU SOOOoooo MUCH.
"Pass these command line arguments to the executable"
How I ever missed that one is beyond me; and I'm an ex programmer with 20 years experience (must be my age catching up with me).
Works like a charm... am getting 14 days now.
By the way, to answer my own earlier question about additional Description information using XMLTV, I can happily report that YES, there is more Description information showing up than there was with Digital Terrestrial Lineup...
* SD has 84 OTA channels listed for Houston, TX whereas Digital Terrestrial Lineup only showed 69.
* Several channels that were blank under Digital Terrestrial Lineup now has Descriptions with SD.
* There are now a few actors listed whereas there were none before.
* Movies seem to have a little more information.
Now to figure out how to add 1-5 Star ratings, Episode numbers, AND possibly images.
Anyway, it's getting there & I can sleep tonight knowing that things are looking up.
I always liked SD in the past & this experience fortifies that belief as SD is worth the money for the added features alone.
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Congrats, Doc!
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;D Yep, I'm a Happy Camper now. 8)
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If you check the SchedulesDirect site, their service is only intended for open source software. It is probably a violation of their subscription agreement.
JRiver needs to resolve the EPG issue or their customers will not have a usable data source.
Schedules Direct have said in the past that they won't support commercial programs. Ever. In fact SD was created with that specific intent by people who got sick of the commercial EPG merry-go-round. Their history is on-line if anyone is interested.
So don't tell SD that you are using their data with MC.
Of course, when WMC finally dies, and Microsoft stop providing any EPG of any sort in the not so distant future, that may change for SD. Also, SD changed their data provider not so long ago, so nothing is certain really.
This isn't really a JRiver problem either. After all, JRiver can't provide the EPG data, they can only provide access to data someone else is providing, and that supplier needs to be willing to let them collect it. In the past, organisations providing EPG data in the US and elsewhere have wanted enormous amounts of money for it, as they are basically owned by or affiliated with broadcasters. Providers also didn't want to deal with the great unwashed mass on the public, so someone else had to buy their data at great cost, and then share it out to the masses, and deal with all the issues and whingeing that involves. It is a high risk, low reward activity, which is why commercial organisations don't want to do it.
Hence, a non-commercial organisation, Schedules Direct, did it in America. Which is why they don't want any commercial software using their data.
You guys in America and Canada think you have it bad? You have had it great for years, and just didn't know it.
In Australia a small company had to fight a legal battle all the way up to the High Court to have the right to publish an EPG, and charge for it. The broadcasters said they owned the data, and didn't want anyone else to have it. Let's face it, they just want the great unwashed masses to watch TV, regardless of the rubbish being shown, or if it is repeat after repeat. They don't really want you to know which Season and Episode is going to be shown, because they don't want you to be able to plan your time and only watch stuff that you want to watch.
A little research of the EPG situation in Europe (particularly Germany), England, and the rest of the world will show that almost nobody has easy access to good quality EPG data. I don't know of any country or region that has had it better than those served by Microsoft, in support of WMC. Certainly Australia has never had a Microsoft supplied EPG.
Maybe everybody reading this should get rid of their Apple products and support a company that has been supporting you without payment or thanks.
Sorry, that was a bit of a rant. EPG has caused a lot of angst for me, and lots of other Australians. ;D
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PS: If you are using ZAP2XML (http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/), make a donation to John Douglas, the guy who created and maintains it.
I have, and I can't even use his data. But he did add some functionality I requested, which supported the case for MC to support xmltv_ns formatted Season and Episode numbering, which has since been implemented.
Thanks in advance. I am sure John will thank you too. It is always good to support the guys that provide these very useful utilities.
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Right on, RoderickGI.
I completely agree. EPG has caused a lot of angst for me too. I really hate all the money wrangling that goes on with the broadcasters. They totally killed DigiGuide in the US. The amount of greed is unbelievable.
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Roderick - good rant - that said many of us are quite willing to pay the $25 to SD. We aren't bad people.
If I have to, I'll migrate back to mediaportal. That said, it just doesn't make sense to me. JRiver is more polished, so the small fee is justified from my perspecitive.
Why should anyone care if I choose to pay JRiver over free mediaportal.
I don't get it.
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We aren't bad people.
I don't get it.
Well, the reasons SD took that position are steeped in history, and from what I understand, some of that is personal history in the case of the founders.
Simply put, SD believe that letting any commercial organisation use the EPG data gives that organisation a competitive advantage, and something for nothing which they convert into profit.
So it isn't about you, or the other JRiver MC users. It is about JRiver. Not that JRiver are bad people, or ripping anyone off either. The requirement is a blanket condition of their data use.
However, they don't ask you to prove how you are using their data, so they aren't completely unreasonable. Just don't tell them so they can turn a blind eye.
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I'm pretty happy with the way JRTV automatically updated my TV Guide today.
Now that we have XMLTV working very well with SD can we add a few more features to XMLTV such as...
* 1-5 Star Ratings for movies.
* IMDB information.
* Actors.
* Date movie came out.
* Anything else?
Anyone know how to add any of the above to XMLTV?
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So am I understanding this correctly? I have to give 25$ for schedules direct? By principle it goes against the whole OTA idea...There has to be another solution. Zap2it still exists?
Yaobbing or any folks from JRiver what is the official plan to get EPG Data?
What about ZAP2XML? I'll give this option a try again but need to understand why my data from 8 to 11 pm was missing...
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Why should anyone care if I choose to pay JRiver over free mediaportal.
I don't get it.
If you go to the Schedules Direct website, they state that their agreement with the data provider (Tribune Media Services) forbids use with commercial applications. Tribune Media Services wants companies like JRiver to pay them for the data as that's there main business and that seems reasonable to me. That's why only non-commercial programs are allowed.
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What about ZAP2XML? I'll give this option a try again but need to understand why my data from 8 to 11 pm was missing...
zap2xml is available now. I think it will only work with users who register with zap2it.
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I don't know what is going on. I suppose your right - try it and see if it works.
imeric said this in post 55 I registered (for free), got it working and it is providing data for up to 12 days (with season and episode if I add -D in the command line so not sure why people were having problem with this..) but all hours were missing from the xml file for all the days between 8pm and 11pm..I tried it a few times and it would consistently do this. (See my previous posts for more details)
Also from http://zap2xml.awardspace.info/ website
◦ 2015-07-09 ◦ zapit removed their newer listings(?), zap2xml2 still works
◦ 2015-07-22 ◦ zap2xml2 renamed back to zap2xml (the newer json zap2it listings don't seem to be returning)
◦ added -D option: this gets program detail for each program (season/episode info, movie cast, star rating, genres) but requires 1 http request per program! Use with care!
◦ added -I option: this gets the program image url for each program but requires 1 http request per program! (not useful unless your PVR software makes use of xmltv program icons)
◦ both options cache just like the main grid, but these options can initially result in a lot of http requests if you have a big grid with a lot of programs; perhaps consider using with at least "-S 1" (1 second delay between requests) to be less of a server burden
◦ 2015-07-26 ◦ detect when not using a 6 hour grid and adjust to the 3 hour grid, and handle any mismatches in the cache (selecting "six hour grid" in your zap2it preferences reduces the # of http requests, but some miss this setup step)
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Microsoft had made a change in their data that JRiver uses as "Digital Terrestrial Lineup" and that WMC has the data and MC20 does not.
From the responses, it is unclear whether JRiver is working on restoring "Digital Terrestrial Lineup" (by changing to Rovi format) or is giving up on that source.
Can this be clarified? Thanks.
PS Here is a post from MS establishing that the data is now available again in WMC after users rerun WMC setup:
http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=8983
and apparently this required a software update of some sort that happened 3 weeks ago:
Microsoft is now releasing an update that will cause Windows Media Center to retrieve electronic program guide data from Rovi, the same source being used for the Xbox One. Currently this change is only happening for customers in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Brazil.
The last quote is from:
http://www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2015/07/08/microsoft-breathes-new-life-into-media-center-guide/
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I think this is a transition time for MS and so we should wait a few days to see what happens.
No, the change is long over and working fine for most WMC users.
Posted last week:
The issue regarding OTA channels not surfacing to the WMC guide is believed to be resolved. Please run through your WMC setup (if necessary) and confirm if you now have the missing channels along with their corresponding guide data. If you continue to have issues please open a ticket with Microsoft in the Connect application. Microsoft will work directly with Rovi on any further issues you might be having.
We only know about it now, because it took days for everyone to run out of the data that MC20 downloaded two weeks ago.
Please tell us whether you are going to try to use the Microsoft data in its new Rovi format, or whether you are going to give up on "Terrestrial Digital Lineup". Thanks!
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I used to use a freeware TV Recording Software program that has many more features (for TV recording) than MC20 (including several features that have been requested over the past few years).
I spent a whole weekend setting up one EPG "grabbing" program, only to find out that it required volunteers to write interfaces for each location, and so often the system did not work due to volunteers disappearing (or graduating college :) ).
I then spent a lot of time setting up zap2xml, and another program to use that xml and feed it into the TV recording software.
Some months later Zap2It changed their format. And (just like today), I only discovered it by running out of EPG data entirely.
As a result of that experience, I switched to JRiver MC since it used "Digital Terrestrial Lineup" and I did not have to hours of setup.
If I have to go back to zap2xml and hours of setup, then I might as well go back to the superior freeware TV recording program.
So, I am hoping that JRiver can find out how the Microsoft data can be obtained in the Rovi format, and change MC20 accordingly.
If there is some unsurmountable problem in obtaining the data in the Rovi format, then that is understandable.
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I have to give 25$ for schedules direct? By principle it goes against the whole OTA idea...
That is sooo funny.
OTA broadcasters exist to make profit. They are used to making lots of profit.
They make that profit by charging advertisers for on-air time, to show their advertisements.
They don't care what you watch. Not one little bit. They only try to show good programs so that more people will watch their channel, so they can charge more for air-time.
It is against the broadcaster's interest to provide a good quality, detailed EPG. If they do so, people might decide not to watch the endless repeats of borderline crap TV shows. Instead, they provide as little information as possible, so that people will watch the "new" Friends episode, in the hope that it will, in fact, be new. People tend to sit and watch through repeats once they have decided to watch that channel or program, even though they wanted to watch a new episode.
OTA TV has never been free. You paid for it big time, with your time, and suffering through advertisements.
EPG has been free sometimes, but usually because volunteers provided it, and such a source was rarely allowed to be very successful before a legal challenge closed it down. Which meant users always had to chase the latest free EPG source.
Of course the free EPG issue has only been an issue outside America, because Microsoft has been providing America and a few other places with free EPG for ten years or so. Thank them. Pay them by buying an Xbox One and using the EPG on it. Then they may continue to provide it. (I can't as they don't provide EPG data for Australia.)
In Australia, pretty much all volunteer provided EPG data sources have dried up. The OTA EPG is now useable, because of the one commercial EPG provider. That provider charges $99 per year to have access to their EPG data.
So you have it really bad, having the option to pay $25 per year to get high quality EPG. My heart bleeds for you.
[Sorry. Another rant. It was deserved.]
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So I'm a little confused about the state of play. MC's North American default EPG for cablecard appears to be completely non-functional at my house, which means Cable TV in MC is non-functional. Schedules Direct appears to have data at a reasonable price, which I'm happy to pay, but using it for JRiver looks like a clear violation of their TOS.
Is there a current recommended solution that works and is aboveboard? Is this likely to be fixable on JRiver's end or is this a "no more API" type situation where I need to look for another recording solution (that can legitimately make use of SD's data)?
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It really is a little silly.
For example, you could download free mediaportal and use schedule direct within mediaportal to schedule and then record to a directory that is indexed by JRiver. Just use JRiver as the "viewer."
That would be entirely within SD's term of service.
Oh what tangled webs we weave.
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ok, so what happed in 131 that broke EPG? I was fine in the previous build but now all I get is 3 channels. I've tried to reload it several times. The channels are there when I do the config but nothing shows on the Guide.
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@ SpeedD408 - below is what happened (from my post on the previous page); not a 131 issue specifically.
Well since MC apparently uses Microsoft as a source for the EPG it seems likely that what we are experiencing is the result of a Microsoft switch from Zap2It to Rovi as the EPG provider, per the various topics linked below.
http://www.thedigitalmediazone.com/2015/07/08/microsoft-breathes-new-life-into-media-center-guide/
http://www.thegreenbutton.tv/forums/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=8983
http://winsupersite.com/windows-10/windows-media-center-not-quite-dead-yet
http://blogs.catapultsystems.com/cfuller/archive/2015/07/22/workaround-for-no-television-guide-available-in-windows-media-center-after-july-20th-2015/
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As Thane points out the "terms of use" for SD are a little quirky. For example if someone develops a free open source plugin for JRiver that makes EPG data available to MC then that would seem to meet SD's criteria, based on SD's list of approved applications which includes ...
"sagetv-sdepg A native EPG plugin for SageTV that pulls its data from the Schedules Direct JSON service"
From this web page http://www.schedulesdirect.org/approvedsoftware
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SageTV may be a bit of a special case, since it is abandonware owned by Google, is going to go Open Source, and SageTV users who don't have Key can no longer access the SageTV EPG server.
But you may be correct. An Open Source EPG collection tool may be allowed by SD.
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BTW (and while JR consider options) if you need a quick "fix" (perhaps because the significant other and/or rest of family are about to lynch you due to "broken" TV functionality ... or because missing an episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey is unacceptable :o), then it is worth just reiterating that WMC does work with the the new Rovi EPG, with data out to 8/8/15 in my case.
- If WMC has not automagically updated to the new Rovi EPG service (mine had not), then this may be remedied by going to Control Panel/Programs and Features.
Select the "Turn Windows features on and off" and under "Media Features" un-tick WMC.
In my case I was then required to re-boot while Windows made changes both at power down and power back up, similar to an Update Tuesday experience.
Once powered back up, return to the same Control Panel location and re-tick WMC. WMC then reinstalled with the new EPG service.
You might want to check the about sections before and after just to confirm - before Zap2It is listed afterwards Rovi
I didn't need my install disk for this but might be wise to have it on hand, particularly if WMC wasn't already installed.
Hope this helps someone "in need" ;D
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I've enjoyed RoderickGI's rants.
Good for the soul.
But do I detect a bit of USA envy . . .
Lest I be misunderstood, let me clearly state that I have my own "envy" issues.
Kangaroos! How could you possible be envious of the good old USA when you have Kangaroos!
And Kuala bears . . .
:)
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SageTV may be a bit of a special case, since it is abandonware owned by Google, is going to go Open Source, and SageTV users who don't have Key can no longer access the SageTV EPG server.
But you may be correct. An Open Source EPG collection tool may be allowed by SD.
You're probably right. I may have read too much into them still listing GB-PVR and assumed the list dated back to when Sage was commercial.
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Thanks Thane. They are good for my soul as well. :)
Kangaroos! How could you possible be envious of the good old USA when you have Kangaroos!
And Koala bears . . .
Plus Emus, but also poisonous snakes and spiders.
But we have the Kookaburra to look after those. A great medium sized bird that hunts, kills and eats all sorts of poisonous stuff, particularly snakes. They are little beauties.
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/75/Blue-winged_kookaburra_arp.jpg/1280px-Blue-winged_kookaburra_arp.jpg)
But that is just the start, with the Platypus, loads of Marsupials from the size of a golf ball up to the big red kangaroo, a good range of birds, and lots of space . . . but not much water.
Of course, our current Prime Minister and government are trying to make us more like America, by implementing all the worst aspects of your nation. We don't like it, or him.
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All that, and you are worried about our free epg?
Jeeze . . .
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Jealous of the free EPG you have had for years.
Amused by the "I am entitled to free EPG!" attitude.
Disappointed that so many people don't know where the great resources they are using come from, and who is paying for them.
Amazed that people think a Media Center software application that costs them $50 to buy, then ~$20 a year to upgrade and is constantly developed, also needs to provide free EPG data, and free everything else.
Just as well I am still a happy fellow. ;D
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This is Robert Eden, President of Schedules Direct. I've been asked to comment.
The discussion in this forum is unfortunately correct. JRivier should not be used with data obtained from Schedules Direct.
Gracenote (our data source) has licensed Schedules Direct to distribute guide data for use in hobbyist/noncommercial applications to encourage innovation, prevent scraping (which places a heavy load on web servers), and simply because there's no other way for these projects to obtain data while respecting copyright.
Gracenote is in the business of selling guide data to businesses and if SD would threaten that business we would lose our license, leaving all our projects without a reliable data source. This has happened before.... when Tribune ran Zap2IT labs, they shut it down mostly due to commercial abuse. SD was formed as a replacement and has promised to prevent similar abuse.
As noted by others, Gracenote has granted exceptions for abandon-ware. For an exception to be considered, a company can't be in the business of selling (or promoting for other uses) the product. JRiver is still a product.
JRiver should contact Gracenote and look into their options. If necessary, I can even make an introduction. There *are* solutions.
Please, don't endanger our Open Source / non commercial products by using it with JRiver.
Robert Eden
President, Schedules Direct
Project Lead, XMTLV Project
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This is Robert Eden, President of Schedules Direct. I've been asked to comment.
The discussion in this forum is unfortunately correct. JRivier should not be used with data obtained from Schedules Direct.
Gracenote (our data source) has licensed Schedules Direct to distribute guide data for use in hobbyist/noncommercial applications to encourage innovation, prevent scraping (which places a heavy load on web servers), and simply because there's no other way for these projects to obtain data while respecting copyright.
Gracenote is in the business of selling guide data to businesses and if SD would threaten that business we would lose our license, leaving all our projects without a reliable data source. This has happened before.... when Tribune ran Zap2IT labs, they shut it down mostly due to commercial abuse. SD was formed as a replacement and has promised to prevent similar abuse.
As noted by others, Gracenote has granted exceptions for abandon-ware. For an exception to be considered, a company can't be in the business of selling (or promoting for other uses) the product. JRiver is still a product.
JRiver should contact Gracenote and look into their options. If necessary, I can even make an introduction. There *are* solutions.
Please, don't endanger our Open Source / non commercial products by using it with JRiver.
Robert Eden
President, Schedules Direct
Project Lead, XMTLV Project
Robert, as a JRiver MC user (I'm not an employee) it doesn't appear that you're aware of MC's EPG functionality and that it is generic in nature. MC has various options to incorporate EPG data:
http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/EPG (http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/EPG)
... and one option is to import an XMLTV file from whatever origin that the user configures:
(http://wiki.jriver.com/images/c/cd/TV_Setup_EPG_mode.png)
In my case, I use a standalone application that downloads the OTA EPG included with the broadcast signal in my region. For the statutory framework that I'm in, accessing that EPG data is not subject to commercial limitation for personal use. MC has the ability to run that application as an executable on a schedule and import the XMLTV data.
However, a private individual (as I see it) could quite legitimately subscribe to your organisation and then use the XMLTV import function within MC to incorporate Schedules Direct EPG data within the Television function of the software. That is an activity that has nothing to do with JRiver as a corporate entity, it's user driven. What JRiver has provided is a mechanism for importing XMLTV data, as far as I can tell, and that's it. As my case demonstrates, that provided functionality is generic and enables people in my situation to get the required function out of the MC software. I might have misunderstood a key aspect here but I don't think so.
Hope that helps.. ;)
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It's not going to help. I already had this discussion with SD. :(
I posted this info back on the first page in reply 27.
I don't mind paying for the EPG information - just let me know where to buy it!
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The Kookaburra is beautiful! Thanks for posting it, RoderickGI.
Robert,
I'm the CEO at JRiver. We will be careful not to harm your reputation. Thanks for your reply here. I'm jimh at jriver if you need to continue the conversation.
Regards,
Jim Hillegass
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I'm with CountryBumkin - give me a solution for a reasonable price that works consistently with no fuss and I'll pony-up.
Jim - one of the main reasons I moved to JRiver was that it is a polished product that is easy to set-up and very reliable. The "easy to set-up" and "reliable" parts are taking a hit over this issue (if you use the TV components).
I knows you guys will come up with a great fix in the near future.
Many of us would be willing to pay more for the convenience of an incorporated solution that works well.
At least that's my vote!
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I Second that BIG time.
Doc
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Is there a reason that MC20 cannot have a similar update to "fix" the code that WMC received this month? To use the "Rovi" data source and format instead of the previous data source and format?
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Got it, Countrybumkin - and I do like and use mediaportal as a second choice, so I'm covered one way or the other.
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However, a private individual (as I see it) could quite legitimately subscribe to your organization and then use the XMLTV import function within MC to incorporate Schedules Direct EPG data within the Television function of the software. That is an activity that has nothing to do with JRiver as a corporate entity, it's user driven. What JRiver has provided is a mechanism for importing XMLTV data, as far as I can tell, and that's it. As my case demonstrates, that provided functionality is generic and enables people in my situation to get the required function out of the MC software. I might have misunderstood a key aspect here but I don't think so.
The issue is you don't own the data and are not free to use it as you wish. You obtain a *LICENSE* for the data. The License only allows use in non-commercial applications, so you're violating the SD user agreement. SD can't grant the license because the copyright owner wants things to go through JRiver. Unfortunately, at least here in the US, the copyright owner can decide how they want their stuff used.
I don't agree or like it, but just telling it like it is.
Robert
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Thanks for the explanation.
So, the issue would be with (potentially) the private individuals transgressing their licence obligations.
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While we are waiting for further developments, you can get your timers ("Recording Rules") to continue to operate by clicking on them and selecting "Configure Recording" then select "Subscription Options" and click on Next, then tick "By Time Only".
It should populate the settings according to original day/time/channel, but you should check the settings on this page, just in case.
Click Next and then Finish on the following page.
That will make the timer ("Recording Rule") work without any EPG data being present.
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If you are a paid subscriber to MC2XML, there is an updated version that works with Rovi.
Support for this new service in mc2xml is working, and now donators above the $20 level are welcome to request this version if they want to try it out (please specify operating system).
(PBS offers mugs for donations; I don't have a mug for you but maybe this additional incentive will entice you to donate for the work that goes into mc2xml :) )
2015-07-07: MS swiched EPG providers for certain countries and say they are working on the remaining conversion/lineup issues. Send an email (from same address) if you have any problems/errors (12435R/string error).
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@CountryBumkin: I am using MC2XML to get the XMLTV file. Then I am using the XMLTVDB to 'add' info to the XMLTV. XMLTVDB actually reads the XML file and then accesses thetvdb.com to get season and episode info. So, my process is as follows:
1) On login, I have a scheduled task that starts XMLTVDB.jar. That java application monitors a folder and when a new xmltv file is added, it processes that file.
2) at 1AM I have a scheduled task to run MC2XML to download the latest guide data from SD.
--this kicks off XMLTVDB to process the file automatically -- no intervention is required.
3) at 4AM I have set MC20 to load guide data, and I point it to the updated XML file that XMLTVDB created at 1AM.
So far it seems very reliable. There is also capability in the XMLTVDB to add exceptions, so for instance, if it thinks that Doctor Who is the original series, but you are doing the 2005 version, you can add that to a properties file, and it will remember it from then on. So far, I haven't had this issue.
Musicman0,
I have good EPG schedules/data now using MC2XML - but I thought I could improve it a little with XMLTVDB. I want to be sure to get Season and Episode numbers.
However, I'm having some trouble setting it up. I went through "xmltvdb.properties" and I got stuck at "FTR_WEBSERVICE_URL=http://username:password@FTRSERVER:49943". The setup instructions say "For FTR's web services. Default port is 49943". But what "username:password" am I supposed to use? Do I need an account (username and password) at FTR (ForTheRecord) or is this my computer name and password? Did you enter anything in this area?
Lastly, instructions say "to run this program, execute: "path\to\java.exe" -jar "path\toXMLTVDB.jar" ". How exactly is this executed? I filled in the paths for my file locations, but was unable to execute (I should say - not sure how to execute).
Thanks.
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While XMLTVDB is;
Designed for use with ForTheRecord / ForTheLibrary, but can be used with any XMLTV file.
I think you can use it without the ForTheRecord integration.
ForTheRecord Integration
To use this program with ForTheRecord, set up your XMLTV generator to place the XMLTV files in the directory this program is configured to listen to. Then set this program to output the enhanced .xml files to FTR's Services\XMLTV directory.
That implies this part of the configuration is optional. So I think you just comment out the FTR login line you mentioned. EDIT: Confirmed.
To run a Java program like that you can either;
1. Use the Windows Run dialogue, type the command as you have written it, and hit enter.
2. Put that command into a Batch/Command file then double click on the Command file. You can also create a Windows shortcut for the batch file and put it somewhere useful.
3. Create a new Windows shortcut and put that command with its parameters into the Target field of the shortcut.
4. Set up a Scheduled Task in Windows and enter that command and parameters as appropriate.
I don't know weather XMLTVDB presents a GUI when run, or just runs as a command line program. Either way, the above methods should all execute the program.
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To run a Java program like that you can either;
1. Use the Windows Run dialogue, type the command as you have written it, and hit enter.
2. Put that command into a Batch/Command file then double click on the Command file. You can also create a Windows shortcut for the batch file and put it somewhere useful.
3. Create a new Windows shortcut and put that command with its parameters into the Target field of the shortcut.
4. Set up a Scheduled Task in Windows and enter that command and parameters as appropriate.
I don't know weather XMLTVDB presents a GUI when run, or just runs as a command line program. Either way, the above methods should all execute the program.
I used option #4 above. I just used the 'Create Basic Task' link in the Windows scheduler, answered the question, and in the 'Action' options, I put the following:
Under 'Program/script': "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_51\bin\java.exe"
Under Arguments: -jar "C:\Users\Steven\Documents\XMLTVDB v1.0.1\XMLTVDB.jar"
It is important to note that you need a Java JRE installed. I downloaded from here: -jar "C:\Users\Steven\Documents\XMLTVDB v1.0.1\XMLTVDB.jar"
Also, the paths that are listed above will not be the same for you (well...the java one might be). Also, include the quotes if they are there.
I set mine up to run the task at logon.
XMLTVDB doesn't have a GUI, but a terminal window (CMD, console, DOS, or whatever you want to call it!) will show while the JAR is running. It is mildly annoying to me that it has to stay open, but since this is a headless server, I just have learned to live with it!
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There are lots of solutions to running a Windows command file with the window hidden, or never opened. Mostly based on a Visual Basic script. No flash on the task bar and so on.
https://www.google.com.au/#q=Hide+command+window+Windows+7
For simplicity, but at a cost, you could try this one;
http://www.ntwind.com/software/hstart.html
Disclaimer: I haven't tested any of the solutions.
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I used option #4 above. I just used the 'Create Basic Task' link in the Windows scheduler, answered the question, and in the 'Action' options, I put the following:
Under 'Program/script': "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.8.0_51\bin\java.exe"
Under Arguments: -jar "C:\Users\Steven\Documents\XMLTVDB v1.0.1\XMLTVDB.jar"
Thanks.
My Java program is at "java\jre1.8.0_45", It see you have version ...51 and I have version ...45. So I updated mine - the update creates a new folder "jre1.8.0_51", so if you let Java update you'll need to watch/change the path in your program script.
PS. are you getting any additional/useful info from XMLTVDB?
BTW - XMLTVDB instructions say: "This only has to be done once (recommended to schedule it to be run when the computer starts) and the program will listen infinitely for new XMLTV files."
So I take this mean that if I leave my server running all the time, I don't need to create a task in the Windows Scheduler. Maybe a better solution would be a batch file in the Windows Start folder (if that can even be done).
Thanks again.
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Is there a reason that MC20 cannot have a similar update to "fix" the code that WMC received this month? To use the "Rovi" data source and format instead of the previous data source and format?
Ping?
(For me back to sage in the meantime, guide still working flawlessly so no issue with zap2it...Too bad as I had just started using JRiver over Sage. I did enjoy my 3 days of watching/recording with JRiver...) I re-tried to get zap2xml in MC working without success..There's holes in the xml file I get (missing hours etc...)...
@RoderickGI I really liked your "rant" in an earlier post. No offense taken and very funny and informative :)...Makes me feel less angry about our Canadian government cutting down budget for our national TV and their OTA repeater shutdowns allover the place while being influenced by the cableco lobbyists and refusing to promote OTA for canadians...Our Analog to Digital conversion was a nightmare compared to the US...
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Thanks.
My Java program is at "java\jre1.8.0_45", It see you have version ...51 and I have version ...45. So I updated mine - the update creates a new folder "jre1.8.0_51", so if you let Java update you'll need to watch/change the path in your program script.
PS. are you getting any additional/useful info from XMLTVDB?
You could always just create a batch file and use java -jar [path to XMLTVDB.jar]. That should work. Then you can drop it into your startup folder (in the address bar of My Computer, just type shell:startup, and it will take you to the startup folder...anything in that folder will run at logon).
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You could always just create a batch file and use java -jar [path to XMLTVDB.jar]. That should work. Then you can drop it into your startup folder (in the address bar of My Computer, just type shell:startup, and it will take you to the startup folder...anything in that folder will run at logon).
ha - you posted this at the same time I was updating my post above. ;D
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yeah, just open a CMD window and type java then press enter...if you get a bunch of usage info, then the java executable is registered with the system, and a batch file would work just fine. I may change my system over to that this weekend. I may just copy the JRE folder to a new location and reference that in the scheduled task...that way if Java updates, it won't break the path, and Java has a tendency to break code, so I would also not have that risk.
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Since we are being required to use this thread for EPG DATA issues, then perhaps another thread could be started for technical issues in running XMLTVDB ?
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Good idea. ;D
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XMLTVDB doesn't have a GUI, but a terminal window (CMD, console, DOS, or whatever you want to call it!) will show while the JAR is running. It is mildly annoying to me that it has to stay open, but since this is a headless server, I just have learned to live with it!
So to be sure I understand this, the "DOS window" needs to stay open all the time. Correct?
I minimized the window and left it running but I have no had the "xmltv.enhanced.xml" file created yet. Perhaps I need to wait a little longer.
BTW, I do seem to be getting season and episode numbers from the "mc2xml" process (at least for the single show recorded since I set it up). If I will always get S and E numbers with just mc2xml, I probably will stop with the xmltvdb process.
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I have mc2xml downloading the guide data. But when it tries to parse the data file I get:
"The program guide file is not valid, or does not contain any program information for channels in your channel list"
is this because its a new format? (rovi)
if so can you point me in the right direction to get this working again.
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Jim or Yaobbing any updates or plans to fix the EPG issue?
I personally like Kstuart's idea posted on July 28 hopefully that's something feasible..
thx
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So to be sure I understand this, the "DOS window" needs to stay open all the time. Correct?
I minimized the window and left it running but I have no had the "xmltv.enhanced.xml" file created yet. Perhaps I need to wait a little longer.
BTW, I do seem to be getting season and episode numbers from the "mc2xml" process (at least for the single show recorded since I set it up). If I will always get S and E numbers with just mc2xml, I probably will stop with the xmltvdb process.
It should happen pretty quickly (5-10 minutes) after downloading the XMLTV file, and you should see a lot of activity in the DOS window. (and yes, it should stay open all the time.)
My guess would be that the properties file has the wrong paths in it, and is looking at the wrong directory, but that is just a guess.
If the new rovi guide from MS has the season and episode info, then there would be no need for XMLTVDB...I would be interested in knowing if that is the case. mc2xml does not add it that I know of though, unless the source has the info, then maybe it does. SD for sure didn't have it for me (although they do have it on the JSON interface, so not sure why it wasn't in the XMLTV file).
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Gomjabar - I had the same issue which I corrected by de-selecting "auto" in the profiles.
Just select the profile that runs the mc2xml.
I'm not sure of the implications - but that fixed the issue.
I had problems with the auto update until I figured out that I had not entered a zipcode on the first screen of setup. I had to go through setup again and make sure I entered my zipcode.
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The good news is that running the mc2xml program pulls data from the EPG source I selected (I don't want to mention name of source but I'm sure you know what I'm using). The data is complete and looks good. The data is in the file xmltv.xml. Then JRIver imports this file and it is working nicely. I could stop here and be happy.
But then I run the "extra" XMLTVDB program. In the DOS window there are about 10 lines of code executed and the last line says "monitoring XMLTV folder for activity..." (or something like that). The XMLTV folder is where I have the "xmltv.xml" file generated. It stays on this last line - so I assume the program is running and waiting for some activity (new data) in the xmltv.xml file/folder.
Last nigh the scheduled mc2xml program ran again but there was no file called "xmltv.enhanced.xml" created by the XMLTVDB program. I'm not sure if XMLTVDB is not running properly, or maybe there wasn't any new data added to xmltv.xml file (although the file date changed).
It's only day two of this setup - perhaps I need to wait a little longer to determine if it's working or not.
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no, it should have worked. Can you PM me you profile file, and the paths where your XMLTV file is stored? I'll take a look at it.
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no, it should have worked. Can you PM me you profile file, and the paths where your XMLTV file is stored? I'll take a look at it.
Sure. But I'll have to wait until I get home tonight. Thanks
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Thane108- im not sure what you mean by profiles?
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Thane108- im not sure what you mean by profiles?
Go to this Wiki page http://wiki.jriver.com/index.php/EPG#MC20.2B scroll down to the "MC20+" section and see the fifth setup picture and instructions on profiles. I hope this helps.
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Jim or Yaobbing any updates or plans to fix the EPG issue?
I personally like Kstuart's idea posted on July 28 hopefully that's something feasible..
You must be referring to the idea to simply change the MC20 data acquisistion code to get the MS Rovi data instead of the (no longer available) MS Zap2It data.
Since both WMC and MC2XML have made that code change, it should not be difficult, especially since MC2XML is a much smaller program and company than MC20 and JRiver.
Just like with Red October automating the video setup, the concept behind using MC20 should be that it automates the process of getting the EPG. One should not have to run separate programs like "MC2XML" and "XMLTVDB". (From the above comments, it's clear that setting up those programs is difficult even for techies.)
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You must be referring to the idea to simply change the MC20 data acquisistion code to get the MS Rovi data instead of the (no longer available) MS Zap2It data.
Since both WMC and MC2XML have made that code change, it should not be difficult, especially since MC2XML is a much smaller program and company than MC20 and JRiver.
Just like with Red October automating the video setup, the concept behind using MC20 should be that it automates the process of getting the EPG. One should not have to run separate programs like "MC2XML" and "XMLTVDB". (From the above comments, it's clear that setting up those programs is difficult even for techies.)
MC2XML just pulls EPG data from a source you already have access to (like if your a paid subscriber to Schedules Direct). MC2XML has a box you check if you want data from "Schedules Direct", or "TitanTV" or "Microsoft Legacy" (which doesn't work since the switch) and I think one other source, and TitanTV is dead now too - so it doesn't look like MC2XML is doing any updating.
WMC has the force (and licensing agreement) of Microsoft to get EPG data so it wasn't difficult for them to make the switch (they actually caused the switch from what I understand).
JRiver is relying on a free EPG data source (and there doesn't seem to be a free source anymore, other than downloading broadcast EPG data) so I think they are going to be out of luck. However, I don't know what JRiver is working on - but I hope they "bite the bullet" and pay for a license from Gracenote (or wherever) to supply us with good EPG data. Especially when they are hoping to pick up the WMC users. Just pass the cost along to us Users (I don't mind - as long the price isn't excessive.)
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kstuart you are correct that is what I'm referring to. I'd love to get an answer from the MC team and know what the plan is... :'(
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If the new rovi guide from MS has the season and episode info, then there would be no need for XMLTVDB...I would be interested in knowing if that is the case.
To find out, open the XMLTV file that is output by mc2xml in Notepad, and search for "xmltv_ns". You should find lines like the one below.
<episode-num system="xmltv_ns">2 . 9 . 0/1</episode-num>
Note 1: Do not double click on the XML file to open it, as that will open it in your default browser, which will parse it to display it nicely, which can take a VERY long time, and you will have to wait for it to finish before you can search it.
Note 2: There are other Season and Episode numbering schemes used by some EPG sources. Rovi/Microsoft could use a different format. If so you will need to look through the file to work out if the data is in there.
EDIT: As per kstuart's comment below, I was assuming that the donate-ware version mc2xml was being used to get data from Rovi via Microsoft, as that would be the right thing to do.
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MC2XML just pulls EPG data from a source you already have access to (like if your a paid subscriber to Schedules Direct). MC2XML has a box you check if you want data from "Schedules Direct", or "TitanTV" or "Microsoft Legacy" (which doesn't work since the switch) and I think one other source, and TitanTV is dead now too - so it doesn't look like MC2XML is doing any updating.
You must have missed the post in the thread where someone reported that MC2XML has fixed the Microsoft code to use the Rovi source - but only the donation-ware version of MC2XML has the fix.
BTW, I don't see any evidence of either MC2XML users or WMC users having to pay anything for the Rovi source. Since both MC2XML and WMC are purchased (in this instance), then the Rovi source seems to be available for free for commercial use.
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However, the auto update of the EPG isn't working for me. I have to go into JRiver and select load EPG. Then it runs correctly. So my solution may not be the best solution.
If you have set MC up correctly, then it should load the XMLTV file from the location you specified on the schedule you specified. I have an XMLTV file being created by a third party application (EPG Collector), which just deletes my old XMLTV file, saves a new copy to the correct directory, and then MC loads that file on the schedule I set, which is a couple of hours after the EPG data collection.
So, check through your MC setup for the EPG load. Make sure that the job you have defined is activated and therefore set to run (I forget the terms used in MC, but from memory it needs a tick next to it.)
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You must have missed the post in the thread where someone reported that MC2XML has fixed the Microsoft code to use the Rovi source - but only the donation-ware version of MC2XML has the fix.
BTW, I don't see any evidence of either MC2XML users or WMC users having to pay anything for the Rovi source. Since both MC2XML and WMC are purchased (in this instance), then the Rovi source seems to be available for free for commercial use.
Basically, it looks like the situation is returning to status quo, in that Microsoft are paying Rovi for the EPG data, and are letting a whole bunch of people other than WMC users access it for free. I thought Rovi may restrict the use to just WMC users, much like Gracenote restricts Schedule Direct's and their customer use to non-commercial users. But it looks like they aren't. Good on Microsoft once again. I guess they plan to continue to provide EPG data to Xbox One users into the future?
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Basically, it looks like the situation is returning to status quo, in that Microsoft are paying Rovi for the EPG data, and are letting a whole bunch of people other than WMC users access it for free. I thought Rovi may restrict the use to just WMC users, much like Gracenote restricts Schedule Direct's and their customer use to non-commercial users. But it looks like they aren't. Good on Microsoft once again. I guess they plan to continue to provide EPG data to Xbox One users into the future?
No return to status quo here. My desktop with WMC has Rovi EPG and works fine, but my HTPC with MC, while able to find channels and see Comcast's Rovi, is unable to download any program material.
[signed] NotaHappyCamper
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No return to status quo here. My desktop with WMC has Rovi EPG and works fine, but my HTPC with MC, while able to find channels and see Comcast's Rovi, is unable to download any program material.
[signed] NotaHappyCamper
He meant that the WMC situation has returned to status quo, not the MC situation.
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Yea, huge disapointment. I'm screwed right now as I don't have the technical expertise that many/most here do to engage work arounds. I'm confident JR is working On a solution but an update on their status or thinking at this time would be, at the very least, be welcome and appreciated. I'd certainly be willing to pay to add this service if necessary. Guys please give us a status report!
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Guys please give us a status report!
Hear! Hear! A sticky status report would be appreciated. This is an important matter for many MC users. The number of different threads on EPG problems point this up.
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Thjx Yaobbing for confirming it's not me (ort the fact that I'M canadian :)... How many days can we normally expect out of the native guide? Since Microsoft is now going to Rovi instead of Zap2it will this affect us?
Thx folks. Can't wait to see how my JRiver TV experience will be tonight!!
I guess I've got my answer to this one now...
What I did in the mean time (besides leaving all my recordings with SageTV)...
Is use 2 zap2xml profiles (two accounts as I need username and password for it to work (free to register) One for ATSC and the other one for the STB.
So...If you don't want to shell an extra 20$ for the mc2xml donator version...Just register to zap2it and have an XML profile or CLI with username password with the extension -D for episode name and season that will work....Only thing missing for me is a detailed description
....BUT....it doesn't work if I run it inside JRiver for some reason...I have to run the CMD prompts separately and have jriver just read the XMLTV.xml file in the profiles..
The missing hours (8 to 11 pm) also came back....Read my previous posts for more info.
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....BUT....it doesn't work if I run it inside JRiver for some reason...I have to run the CMD prompts separately and have jriver just read the XMLTV.xml file in the profiles..
I would guess that it is due to a time-out inside MC that ended the process too early. I had promised to make this time-out configurable, but have not gotten to doing it. I will. But in the meantime please run it in the Windows scheduler.
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Thx for getting back to me Yaobbing. I will.
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I am still evaluating MC but with all this EPG trouble just don't know if it's worth buying. Don't get me wrong, I really like the softwares look and performance otherwise. As a non tech person I find all these work a rounds very frustrating. If I was tech savvy I would use the free Media Portal. I am willing to buy MC to avoid having to take a computer programming course just to use it.
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I hear you; some of us old timers feel that way on occasion (and EPG is certainly that occasion).
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Isn't patching this a top priority?
This has been broken for over a week and renders the program useless. The fall season is starting soon and I can't record anything. This is beyond frustrating. I purchased the upgrade code for version 21 thinking that would resolve the issue but after applying the registration code, my version remained at 20 and the program guide is still broken.
Why isn't this fixed yet?!
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It isn't a patch. And it's not a fix. It is a change in what is available to MC. But we are working on it.
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I'm going to lock this thread and the other EPG threads. If you find a problem with MC21's EPG, please report it in a new thread.
mc2xml should be fully functional in MC21.
You can download MC21 for Windows from the MC21 Board (http://yabb.jriver.com/interact/index.php?board=43.0).