EPG help (1 Viewer)

[Keo]

So I have read many different posts, but I am still struggling on how to get my EPG updated. I was trying to read how to setup XMLTV or WebGrab++ , but I am can't seem to figure out how to get either of them setup to get my guide data. Isn't there a plugin that one can just install that asks you questions such as zip code, and provider? Then gets the guide information for you?

I would like to use this product, but getting the guide has been very difficult for me. Please help!

 

[mm1352000]

Hi Keo

Your options are fairly limited since not many broadcasters in the USA seem to actually broadcast EPG information. As far as I'm aware you've basically got two choices:

mc2xml
Schedules Direct

mc2xml gets guide data from the Microsoft service used by WMC. The "legacy" data is free but not so "rich" (detailed). It will generate you an XMLTV xml file that you need to import with the XMLTV plugin.
You may find Schedules Direct is more convenient for you. There is a free trial available but after that it costs $20 per year (soon to be $25). People around here do seem to be reasonably happy with it. You'd need to install a plugin, set up a lineup, and then link the lineup to channels in TV Server.

I could possibly give you better advice and/or instructions if you can tell me:
1. What version of MP you have installed.
2. What tuners you have (eg. HDHomeRun).
3. What kinds of channels you're trying to receive (eg. clear QAM, over-the-air ATSC, analog cable etc.).

mm

 

[Keo]

Thanks for the information. I would prefer not to pay for a service, but I will if I have to. Here is the information you requested
I am running MP 1.2.1
I have 3 capture cards (2) Haupage cards (don't currently have a model number on me) and an avermedia m180
I am using OTA

I tried the schedules direct plugin, but it shows up under "not supported" in the plugins dir tree. I also tried to run mc2xml, but the program failed to run with an error. I apologize, but I don't have the message right now because I am at work. I can supply a message when I get home.

Do you know what data is supplied by mc2xml?

 

[jimbeam128]

AW: EPG help

Another solution maybe would be webgrab++. It also needs some configuration, but there is a quick-install guide available. I also use it and it´s fast and works well and stable.

There are also american grabbers available...

 

[mm1352000]

Here is the information you requested
I am running MP 1.2.1
I have 3 capture cards (2) Haupage cards (don't currently have a model number on me) and an avermedia m180
I am using OTA

When you say capture, do you mean "not a tuner" - like composite, component or s-video - that kind of capture? I guess I'll wait for you to list the model numbers. The key point is that apart from the Hauppauge Colossus and HD-PVR "pure" capture cards are not supported at this time. Capture inputs on tuner cards are generally supported, but not dedicated capture cards.

I tried the schedules direct plugin, but it shows up under "not supported" in the plugins dir tree.

Seems like it needs to be recompiled for MP 1.2.1. I hope the maintainers can get around to that shortly.

I also tried to run mc2xml, but the program failed to run with an error. I apologize, but I don't have the message right now because I am at work. I can supply a message when I get home.

Okay.

Do you know what data is supplied by mc2xml?

Not exactly. I don't use it myself as Microsoft doesn't provide EPG for NZ and the broadcasters here provide EPG over-the-air with the TV signals.

mm

 

[2BitSculptor]

The SchedulesDirect plugin for 1.2 is posted on their support page, not in the MP repository.

mp-schedulesdirect - SchedulesDirect Plugin for MediaPortal - Google Project Hosting


mc2xml options (case sensitive):

-a append " *" to new programs
-A append " *" to live programs
-F output channel "name" first (rather than "number name")
-L include <live /> tag (not part of xmltv.dtd)
-u output date/time in UTC (default = localtime)
-U output UTF-8 (default = "ISO-8859-1")
-f force re-download (use with caution)
-d <#> set listings duration (in hours)
-s <[+/-]#> set listings relative start position (in hours)
-c <code> set country code
-g <code> set postal/zip code
-w <seconds> wait for <seconds> and exit
-t use titantv service
-y <id> set 30 char id for titantv service
-T <user>:<pass> use schedules direct service
-i <#> add <#> to all channel numbers
-I <xmltv file> include <xmltv file> in output
-R <filename> set ren filename (default = "mc2xml.ren")
-D <filename> set dat filename (default = "mc2xml.dat")
-C <filename> set channel file (default = "mc2xml.chl")
-o <filename> set output file (default = "xmltv.xml")

Chuck

 

[fiseor]

I'm in the US using the WebEPG plug-in to grab the epg data from imdb.com. Works great for me. I could send you the grabber file and the webepg.xml files I use if you wanted to look at it.