[Finished] Make EPG entry point for watching and recording TV (1 Viewer)

[Brownard]

At the risk of adding fuel to the fire I think the standard to follow here is the set top box, I don't think I've ever used a STB or DVR where the main entry point wasn't the full EPG and where the selection of a currently running program didn't jump straight to live TV

 

[Lehmden]

I have to admit "I hate STB" They are stupid and complicated to use. That's why I started using HTPC very early (nearly 15 years ago). Before using HTPC I only used analoge TV without EPG and the very first steps with a DBox1 (running Linux) that directly lead me to HTPC...

 

[morpheus_xx]

Just a reference for Medion STBs:
http://download1.medion.com/downloads/anleitungen/bda_md28004_de-an.pdf
Page 22.

Drücken Sie die Taste EPG. Die aktuelle Sendung im aktuellen Programm ist markiert.
Drücken Sie OK, um sich Informationen über die Sendung anzusehen. Mit der roten Taste VIDEO FORMAT
schließen Sie das Infofenster.

Which means freely translated:

• Press EPG. The currently wached programm is highlighted
• Press "OK" to show information about the program. With the RED key the info window will be closed.

2nd quick google find:
http://wisi.de/fileadmin/Software/OR/OR187/bedienungsanleitung_or187.pdf
"OK"-> Shows to "options" menu. Shows current program details, creates schedules, reminders

I only want to express that the user interaction of different devices can be one way or another.

 

[HTPCSourcer]

Rather than discussing personal tastes, would we want to consider making the behavior configurable?

 

[Timhoh1234]

I only want to express that the user interaction of different devices can be one way or another.

Yes, there will be deviations for sure. I can also tell that Emby, Kodi, WMC and MP1 handle it not like this and my Samsung TV doesn't neither.
The fact is, that the majority prefers to see the dialog window, only if necessary and prefers to use the Full EPG instead of the Mini EPG.
So making it configurable can saticefy everybody. As default behaviour I recommend the majorities request though.

 

[morpheus_xx]

What actions should be invoked exactly under different conditions:

Current version of EPG, simple and consistent:

• Past programs --> OK: Dialog
  
• Current program --> OK: Dialog
• Future programs --> OK: Dialog

"New":

• Past programs --> OK: Dialog
  
• Current program --> OK: Tune | "Info"/Context Menu: Dialog? (Remark: would be inconsistant to invoke dialog differently depending on (not/) current program)
  
• Future programs --> OK: Dialog

or "New 2":

• Past programs --> OK: Tune | "Info"/Context Menu: Dialog? (Question: is it logical to start tuning a channel if you hit ok on a past program, it is over already?)
  
• Current program --> OK: Tune | "Info"/Context Menu: Dialog?
  
• Future programs --> OK: Tune | "Info"/Context Menu: Dialog? (Question: is it logical to start tuning a channel if you hit ok on a future program, this program is not running now?)

The 2 "new" versions are only meant as template to make clear which cases we need to consider. If code changes are required, all possible cases need a clear definition what is to be expected.

 

[Brownard]

Should 'Info' open the context menus in all cases and additionally OK opens the same menu when selecting a past and future program? There's obviously duplication but I think it's a bit more consistent.

 

[ge2301]

"New":

• Past programs --> OK: Dialog
  
• Current program --> OK: Tune | "Info"/Context Menu: Dialog? (Remark: would be inconsistant to invoke dialog differently depending on (not/) current program)
  
• Future programs --> OK: Dialog

Should 'Info' open the context menus in all cases and additionally OK opens the same menu when selecting a past and future program? There's obviously duplication but I think it's a bit more consistent.

I think with the addition from Brownard this is ok. In settings it could be optionally possible to set a dialog always shown by pressing "ok".

 

[Lehmden]

In settings it could be optionally possible to set a dialog always shown by pressing "ok".

With this I'm also fine. And this way (future) external plugins like TVWishlist could hook into this dialog without issues, what would not be (that easy) possible if the usage would not be consistent...

 

[morpheus_xx]

A first step has been done. Code changes are pushed to: GitHub - MediaPortal/MediaPortal-2 at FEAT_GuideDirectTune.

There is a new TV setting to "auto tune from Guide". If enabled, selecting a currently running program tunes the channel. Otherwise the "program actions" dialog will appear.

One step is open:
I still need to build the "context menu" key support, so you will be able to use actions on currently running programs.