Non-Sky EPG

brian boro

Is it possible to receive 7-day TV listings for BBC channels with the EPG on a Humax, Echostar or a Technisat PVR?

Greenman

AFAIK NO!!! But you could try this!!!

brian boro

Thanks Greenman. However, I don't understand how that site would solve my problem.

I was hoping a Humax or Technisat PVR would give me an alternative to Sky+ (albeit limited to BBC) which I think is a bit of a rip off when you consider that its recording features only work while you continue to subscribe to Sky.

However, if the EPGs only support a Now and Next banner for BBC then it's back to the drawing board!

watty

The gypsy media Digiguide can be installed on a PC.

On the PC it can directly control (via 3rd party plugins) a local DAB, WinTV (analog TV), DTT card or satellite RX card, or an IR "learning dongle" that sends commands to anything (3rd party gadget).

Thus with a PC is it possible to automatically have control of Digibox, S-VHS, PVR, Humax, whatever, from more extensive listings mag than Sky's. It cost about EURo 11 per year. You are permitted to install on more than one PC of your own.

You update via internet when you go online, or automatically or once a week.

3rd party plugins also cover some German/French channels and also DVD releases.

watty

I think Sky have a "basic" Sky+ rental for those with no Sky package. They do in UK at about £10 a month.

It still won't work with a FTV card (unless you use a UK address?) or any channels not on the EPG of your Sky+ card. But it will work with BBC (though again at the moment unless it is a UK sub, probably not BBC3/4/Cbbc/Cbeebies).


I won't even consider a Sky+ till they are totally subscription free and can be used on any satellite.

brian boro

Thanks L.

At last I'm making some progress.

Delighted to hear there's someone else out there looking beyond the Sky monopoly.

My present set-up includes an ODM 300CI, hooked up to a 1 metre dish, with 3 LNBs pointing at Astra 1,2 and Hotbird. I also have a digibox with a FTV card. When my motorised dish stopped working (after 8 years!!) I stuck on a multi-lnb arm and I'm delighted with the results.

However, the ODM while terrific for feed-hunting etc has a few drawbacks for normal viewing - picture quality and sluggish changing channels etc.

So now I'm thinking of investing in a Humax PVR 8100 and taking advantage of its recording facilities.

Has anyone had any experience of that particular receiver or can they give me any advice?

SRB

Hi Brian,
You could try e-mailing the BBC and asking will they offer EPG support for other models - you'd think it would make sence now they aren't encrypted. I know you can get full listings from the German Digi Channels with the Humax, but I suspect that the Sky EPG will only work properly with their own software, hence you only get the basic "now and next" info from other boxes.

brian boro

Yes, I think that's an excellent idea.

It would seem only logical that the BBC would continue its FTA policy by making its TV listings freely available to all.

I'll get in touch with the BBC and see what they have to say about it.