Finally, we’ll all be able to tell when the show ‘actually’ ends and not be fooled by a BS estimate provided by the networks. The data will provided by all the Aussie major networks including Nine, Ten, Seven and the ABC. SBS is notably absent from the press release. Channel 9 had been holding out, but now they too have got in on the act.
Sure, we’ve all known for years that most of the popular prime time telly shows go habitually past their printed time slots. Traditionally, TV time slots were posted in 30 and 60 minute slots, with times posted as close to these clock cycles as possible.
TiVo had this bit to add:
An “Up-to-the-minute” EPG displays the announced airtime (within 1 minute) of when the broadcaster intends to air the scheduled program. Actual air-times may still vary if the broadcaster has an unannounced program, re-schedule or cancellation (for example, in the event of breaking major news).
Look, it’s nothing earth shattering, but it might make it easier to schedule shows when you’re recording one or more at the same time on multiple tuners. I also hope that Foxtel’s IQ2 boxes pick up the new programme data too. Sure, you can leave a 20minute buffer, but it’s a real pain to record multiple shows at the same time slot, especially when the networks know well in advance when their specific shows will start and end.
We’ll leave to Giz readers to ultimately decide: will up-to-the-minute programming changes make a difference to the way you watch TV?
[via TiVo]
Andrew
Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 5:20 PMyup, I’ll be trimming back the lag time after programmes for sure on my Media Center.. I actually assumed this had already hit as data has seemed more accurate of late.
John Hedge
Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 5:29 PMNo it won’t.
99% of my viewing is ABC and SBS and they’re usually spot on.
(9 is never at the time advertised and is always the slowest to report on my EPG.)
Larry Biggun
Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 6:58 PMIt’s not new data, Foxtel already has it. It’s not actually Nine’s fault either, nor TiVo’s. It was a mix-up with the EPG aggregator that was picked up by a SMH journo. He pointed it out and they fixed it http://digihub.brisbanetimes.com.au/node/2016
Mick
Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 7:25 PMDoes anyone know if this also applies to the regionals? ie. Prime, WIN, Southern Cross? It doesn’t seem to so far tonight…
Rj
Thursday, February 24, 2011 at 11:56 PM9 is the only one to never show up on my EPG, so consequently, if there’s something on worth watching – I miss it. Never mind, 9 rarely has anything worth watching!
Rob H
Friday, February 25, 2011 at 7:52 AMIn my experience its channel 7 with the most overrun programs, which is crazy as they are the channel promoting/funding TiVo in AU!! ARGH!
Sean
Friday, February 25, 2011 at 11:51 AMAgreed!! 7 do this deliberately too! So if your watching something on their channel and you’ve got something to start shortly – the show on 7 runs overtime and you miss some of the other program. Its pretty piss poor service really. Happening more and more and especially prevident during all of the CRAP reality shows they seem to think we’re all so in love with!
Jahn
Friday, February 25, 2011 at 9:17 PMReally this is of little help when you consider Tivo does not even provide program data for channel 9, GO and Gem in regional areas and has not done for many weeks/months.
sd9ejdh
Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 2:23 PMA desperate plea by Tivo for loyalty