readme 4.1

EPG Collector Version 4.1=========================

Contents========

1 Introduction

1.1 Overview 1.2 Application data directory 1.3 Acknowledgements

2 Getting started

2.1 Installing the software

2.2 Standalone collections

2.2.1 Creating standalone collection parameters2.2.2 Running standalone collections

2.3 The DVBLink plugin

2.3.1 Installing the plugin2.3.2 Creating plugin collection parameters2.3.3 Using the plugin2.3.4 Comparison of output methods2.3.5 Log files

3 Using EPG Centre

3.1 Creating and changing collection parameters 3.2 Maintaining programme categories

3.2.1 Standard categories3.2.2 Custom categories3.2.3 Location of files

3.3 Running a collection

3.4 Searching for EPG data

3.5 Dumping a transport stream

3.6 Analyzing a transport stream

3.7 Other functions

4 The EPG collection process

4.1 Exit codes 4.2 The collection log 4.3 Metadata lookup

5 Using the data

5.1 Using the XMLTV file 5.2 Importing to Windows Media Center

5.2.1 Overview 5.2.2 Configuring Windows Media Center

5.3 Importing to DVBViewer or the Recording Service

Appendix 1 Collection parametersAppendix 2 Issues with tunersAppendix 3 Windows Media Center programme categoriesAppendix 4 DVBLogic programme categoriesAppendix 5 DVBViewer programme categoriesAppendix 6 Installation directory structure

========================================================

1. Introduction===============

1.1 Overview============

EPG Collector is a Windows package for collecting DVB or ATSC EPG data. It can retrieve and process the following EPG formats

EITMHEG5OpenTVMediaHighway1 and 2FreeSatATSC PSIPBell TV (44 hour and 9 day extended formats)Dish Network (44 hour and 9 day extended formats)SiehFern Info

It can receive data from the following types of tuner. A Microsoft BDA compatible driver must be installed

DVB terrestrialDVB satelliteDVB cableATSCClear QAMISDB-S and ISDB-T

It also has facilities for DiSEqC switching including custom commands.

The EPG data received can create an XMLTV file, be imported directly to Windows Media Center 7 or DVBViewer and its related Recording Service or be passed to DVBLink TVSource.

It can be used on all versions of Windows from Windows XP SP3 onwards.

There are 3 distinct parts to the package.

- EPG Centre which is the user interface to the package and is responsible for maintaining collection parameters and the

data files that are used to support collection. In addition, it can run the standalone collection process and has

facilities for viewing collection logs, the XMLTV output file and dumping and analyzing a transport stream.

- EPG Collector which is the data collection program itself. This is a command line program that can be run from EPG Centre,

run manually or run from a scheduled task. It is also used by the DVBLogic plugin to collect the data before passing it

to TVSource.

- DVBLogic plugin for seamless collection of data from within TVSource. It uses EPG Collector to collect the data.

The package requires version 4 or later of the .Net Framework to be installed.

1.2 Application data directory==============================

Throughout this document reference is made to the application data directory. This varies depending on the version of Windows and whether or not the user running the software has Administrator privileges. The various locations are as follows:

Administrator

Windows XP C:\Documents and Setting\All Users\Application Data\Geekzone\EPG Collector

Vista/W7 C:\ProgramData\Geekzone\EPG Collector

User

Windows XP C:\Documents and Setting\%user%\Local Settings\Application Data\Geekzone\EPG Collector

Vista/W7 C:\Users\%user%\AppData\Local\Geekzone\EPG Collector

Note that parts of these paths are normally hidden. EPG Centre will list the location of the directories it uses in the log on loading. These are visible using the General log view.

1.3 Acknowledgements====================

This project was not possible without the help and encouragement of many people. It was initially inspired and supported by forum members at Geekzone where the enthusiasm shown got the project started.

There are some individuals who need special mention though having provided outstanding support to the developers.

musicman352000, New Zealandideasman69, AustraliaTony B, AustraliaBen Ryder, UKOzgur Altun, TurkeyPaul White, UKMark Frankland, UKDRCars, United States

========================================================

2. Getting started==================

2.1 Installing the software===========================

The package is available as a Windows Installer file (msi) or as a zipped collection of files. Both formats have the same contents. The package does not install any drivers or DirectShow filters, nor does it store or alter any registry settings.

It is not necessary to uninstall any old version before installing a new version.

If you install from the Windows Installer file a shortcut is installed on the Desktop to run EPG Centre.

The file structure in the zip file must be maintained when it is unzipped.

The directory structure after installation is described in Appendix 6.

2.2 Standalone collections==========================

The following steps are carried out to collect EPG data using standalone collections:

1. Load EPG Centre.

2. Select File - Create Collection Parameters.

3. Select a preset task or if none of the tasks in the list are appropriate select Custom Parameters.

4. Fill in the various tabs. For simple collections it may not be necessary to adjust any of the default settings. At

a minimum the Tuning tab will need to be completed identifying the delivery system and frequency or channel

that is to be used.

5. Select File - Save As and save the parameters.

6. To check if the parameters are correct select Run - Collect EPG Data. When asked if the parameters currently loaded

are to be used answer 'Yes'.

7. The collection process will run and it's progress can be seen in EPG Centre.

8. A message will appear when the collection process is complete, normally within a minute or two.

9. If the collection did not work Select Window - Collection Parameters to adjust the parameters, save them and try again.

9. If the collection was successful a command file can be created to run the collection on a regular basis. How to do this

can be found in section 2.2.2 below.

A more detailed description of the above process follows.

2.2.1 Creating standalone collection parameters===============================================

Standalone collection parameters are created and maintained using EPG Centre. A single parameter file can be used to collect data for multiple frequencies on the same or different delivery systems (ie satellite, terrestrial, cable etc).

If different delivery systems are chosen in a single parameter file the tuner appropriate for each frequency will be used.

By default the parameters are saved to the application data directory but can be saved to any location for which the user has writeaccess.

EPG Centre uses a series of tabs for the collection parameters to be specified. The functions of the various tabs are as follows.

1. Tuning tab

This tab must be completed. It specifies the tuners to be used, the delivery systems and the frequencies or channels

to be scanned.

2. Output tab

This tab is optional. It contains parameters that directly affect the output data and where it is created.

3. Channels tab

This tab is optional. It is used to exclude channels from the collection process or rename and/or renumber them.

Do not use this tab if there are a large number of channels on the frequencies to be processed. Use the Filters

tab instead.

4. Filters tab

This tab is optional. It enables channels to be included or excluded in bulk.

5. Timeshift tab

This tab is optional. It enables data to be created for timeshifted channels (ie the +1 hour type of channel)

where no data is broadcast for the timeshifted channel.

6. Repeats tab This tab is optional. It may be needed if the Output tab option is ch

osen to check for programme repeats in Windows Media Centre. It enables programmes to be excluded from the r

epeat check.

7. Advanced tab

This tab is optional. It contains various options that are only used in relatively unusual collection scenarios. One

field that may need to be set is the Country field as this is mandato

ry for OpenTV data collections.

8. Diagnostics tab

This tab is optional. The fields should only be set under the direction of the developer.

A detailed description of all the parameter settings available is in Appendix 1.

2.2.2 Running standalone collections====================================

Once the collection parameters have been created the collection process can be run. This can be initiated from EPG Centre, from thecommand line or from a command file. All 3 methods run the same program, EPG Collector.exe.

To initiate a collection from EPG Centre select Run - Collect EPG Data. Any parameters currently loaded into EPG Centre can be usedor an existing parameter file chosen.

As the collection process proceeds the messages that are written to the collection log file also appear in EPG Centre.

The Stop button can be used at any time to abandon the collection.

To run the collection process from the command line open a command window and navigate to the installation directory. Then enterthe following command

EPGCollector.exe /ini=full path and name of parameter file

If the path or name of the parameter file contain spaces the parameter must be encosed in quotation marks. For example

EPGCollector.exe /ini="C:\Temp\FreeSat Parameters.ini"

As the collection process proceeds the messages that are written to the collection log file also appear in command window. The'Q' key can be used to abandon a collection at any time unless the option has been set in the parameter file that indicatesthe collection is being run from a Windows service.

Setting up a collection as a scheduled task is a two step process.

1. Create a command file (.cmd) which runs the collection process. This can be done using any text editor (eg Notepad) and

should contain the following commands.

cd \full path of installation directoryEPGCollector.exe /ini=path and name of parameter file

If the path or name of the parameter file contain spaces the parameter must be encosed in quotation marks. For example

EPGCollector.exe /ini="C:\Temp\FreeSat Parameters.ini"

2. Use Windows Task Scheduler to create the scheduled taks. This procedure is different on Windows XP or Vista/Win7 but

the result is the same. A task is created that runs the command file

at the specified time on a regular basis.

Whichever method is used to run collections it is advisable to check the collection log on a regular basis to ensure collections are working correctly. The log can be viewed using EPG Centre or manually using a text editor. The information is held in a text file namedEPG Collector.log in the application data directory.

2.3 The DVBLink plugin======================

2.3.1 Installing the plugin===========================

Additional steps are needed in addition to installing the package to transfer the plugin module to the location requiredby TVSource.

EPG Centre is used to transfer the plugin module to the correct location and it is necessary to have Administrator privileges to do this because the TVSource EPG directory is in the Windows programs directory structure. The easiest way to ensure this is to use 'Run as Administrator' when loading EPG Centre. This is available either by right clicking on the desktop icon or by navigating to the file EPG Centre.exe and right clicking on it.

In addition, if the plugin has been running prior to carrying out an EPG Collector install, you will need to stop the DVBLinkServerprocess using Task Manager or the install will fail because some of the files will be in use. The DVBLinkServer process is visible in Task Manager on the Processes tab. On Windows 7 you will need to click 'Show processes from all users' tosee it.

The additional steps are as follows:

1. If necessary stop the DVBLinkServer process.

2. Load EPG Centre with Administrator privileges.

3. Select File - Update DVBLogic Plugin

4. Select the path to the TVSource EPG directory

5. The plugin module will be transferred to the selected directory.

6. Repeat for any other TVSource EPG directories if there is more than one source defined in TVSource.

If additional sources are added to TVSource at a later time repeat this process for the newly created EPG directory.

If the DVBLinkServer process was stopped it can be restarted manually. It will also restart automatically after a short period of time.

2.3.2 Creating plugin collection parameters===========================================

EPG Centre must be used to create a parameter file for each frequency that is to be scanned for EPG data. The parameter

file will contain parameters and options that control the plugin collection process in the same way as the standalone process.

When running EPG Centre to create or update the parameters it is necessary to have Administrator privileges because the parameterfiles are held in the same location as the plugin in the Windows programs directory structure. The easiest way to ensure this is to use 'Run as Administrator' when loading EPG Centre. This is available either by right clicking on the descktop icon or by navigating to the file EPG Centre.exe and right clicking on it.

When the plugin parameters are saved only the directory where the parameters are to be saved is entered. This is because each frequency has its own parameter file and the file name reflects the frequency. The parameters must be saved in the EPG directory of each source.

A detailed description of all the parameter settings available is in Appendix 1. The settings available are a subsetof those available to standalone collections reflecting the different nature of the collections. However, the settings that are available for plugin collections function in the same was as they do for standalone collections.

2.3.3 Using the plugin======================

The following steps are carried out to collect EPG data using the plugin. The description applies to DVBLink version 4. The DVBLink plugin must have been transferred to the TVSource EPG directory as described above in section 2.3.1 before carrying out this procedure.

Although there are a large number of steps the result is the automatic collection and population of the Windows Media Center programmeguide every 12 hours by TVSource without any user interaction.

1. Load EPG Centre.

2. Select File - Create DVBLogic Plugin Parameters.

3. Select a preset task or if none of the tasks in the list are appropriate select Custom Parameters.

4. Fill in the various tabs. For simple collections it may not be necessary to adjust any of the default settings. At

a minimum the Tuning tab will need to be completed identifying the frequency to be used.

5. Select File - Save As and save the parameters. They must be saved to the TVSource EPG directories.

6. Load the DVBLink Configuration program.

7. Select the Sources tab.

8. Click on the 'spanner' symbol for a source. The TVSource Configuration window will appear.

9. Select the EPG Scan tab.

10. The EPG Collector for DVBLogic should appear in the list at the top of the tab. If it doesn't, it means that the plugin module

has not been transferred to this source's EPG directory and the process described in 2.3.1 above should be carried out.

11. Double click the EPG Collector line in the list.

12. Ensure the Status column is ticked to make the plugin active.

13. Under Default scanning presets click 'None'.

14. In the Additional transponders to scan list tick all the transponders for which parameter files have been set up for.

15. Click the 'Yes' button.

16. Click the Scan button to test the plugin for all the transponders that have been selected. The collection process will be run by TVSource

and when it finishes, which may be several minutes, the list of stations with data will appear. The EPG stats button will also show

how much data has been collected.

Note: If the plugin parameters have not been set up to pass the data directly to TVSource then, at the end of the collection process, TVSource

will report that no data has been collected. The EPG Collector log must be checked to determine if the collection succeeded.

17. Click the Save button to save the settings.

18. Select the Channels tab.

19. Select the EPG Sources tab. The data on this tab shows where the EPG data for each channel is to come from. Automatic EPG source

assignment can be used to do this for all channels in the list at once or they can be assigned individually.

20. To assign individual channels select the channel in the left hand list and then double click on the relevant entry in the right

hand list. The left hand list is then updated to contain the selected source, EPG name and EPG ID. The EPG ID for the plugin begins with

the name 'dvblogiccpplugin'.

21. When all necessary channels have been set correctly click the Save button.

22. TVSource will now automatically scan the transponders selected in step (14) every 12 hours and use the data collected to populate the

EPG for all the channels marked in steps (19) and (20) and using the plugin.

Step 19 describes the settings if the data collected is passed directly to TVSource. If the plugin parameters specify that the data collectedis to be imported directly to Windows Media Center the EPG Source field should be set to 'None'. If the plugin parameters specify that anXMLTV file is to be created then it depends on the use made of the XMLTV file. If it is merely placed in the TVSource XMLTV directory the EPG Source should be set the XMLTV source and if it is processed by some other software (eg BSEPG) the EPG Source should be set as describedfor that software.

Note that the plugin can only be run manually from within TVSource. It cannot be run from EPG Centre.

2.3.4 Comparison of output methods==================================

The EPG data collected can be passed directly to TV Source by the plugin or it can be written to an XMLTV compliant fileif it is to be processed further or it can be imported directly to Windows Media Centre.

The advantages and disadvantages of the various methods are as follows:

Passed to TVSource==================

Advantages - Setup of EPG can be done entirely within DVBLink Server Configuration. No other software needed.

Disadvantages - Extended and custom programme categories not available

Create XMLTV file=================

Advantages - Other software (eg BSEPG) can be used to enhance the data prior to import to Windows Media Centre

Disadvantages - Programme categories and programme colour coding not supported unless BSEPG used.

Windows Media Center import===========================

Advantages - Extended and custom programme categories and programme colour coding supported. No other software needed.

Disadvantages - Additional setup may need to be done in Windows Media Center.

2.3.5 Log Files===============

The plugin outputs logging information to the normal EPG Collector log, not to the TV Source log. The contents can be viewedusing the EPG Centre.

========================================================

3. Using EPG Centre===================

EPG Centre is the user interface to the package. It is used to create and maintain the parameter files used by the collection processas well as other files that the collection process needs.

In addition it can run the standalone collection process, check what types of EPG are present for a frequency and dump the broadcast data for later analysis.

The logs created by the collection process and the XMLTV file created can also be viewed.

3.1 Creating and changing collection parameters===============================================

EPG Centre is used to create and change collection parameters for both standalone collections and the DVBLogic plugin. The File menu contains the relevant options.

When creating new parameters a set of predefined tasks are available. These can either be used as they are or modified to suit specific requirements.

Setting up the collection parameters involves filling in the data on various tabs displayed by EPG Centre. The tabs and their functionsare as follows:

Tuning Specifies the tuning parameters and the types of data to be collected.

Output Defines the destination and the processing to be applied to the data collected.

Channels Allows channels to be excluded from the collection or renamed and/or renumbered. This tab is intended for those

broadcasts with relatively small numbers of channels.Filters Allows for the bulk inclusion and exclusion of channels.

This tab is intended for those broadcasts with largenumbers of channels. It can be used in conjunction with

the Channels tab.Timeshift Permits data to be created for time shifted channels tha

t have no broadcast data.Repeats Allows for exceptions to the repeat programme checking t

o be defined.Advanced Contains various advanced fields and options that should

not be necessary in normal use.Diagnostics These fields should only be used under the direction of

the developer.

The tabs shown for creating and changing the DVBLink plugin parameters are nearly the same as above. The Tuning tab is replacedby the Input tab and the fields available on that tab reflect the fact that the plugin does not access the tuner hardware directly.

Any existing parameters are not permanently changed until the new settings are saved.

Standalone collection parameters can specify multiple frequencies in the same parameter file. When the collection isrun a single merged set of data will be created.

When DVBLink plugin parameters are saved only the directory where the parameters are to be saved is specified. This is because each frequency has its own parameter file and the file name reflects the frequency. If the DVBLink installation has multiple sources the parameters must be saved in the EPG directory of each source.

3.2 Maintaining programme categories====================================

Some types of EPG data categorize programmes and some media players, especially Windows Media Centre, take advantage of this feature to provide enhanced grouping and searching facilities of the programme guide.

Not all types of data support programme categories. The types that do support categories are as follows

EITOpenTVMediaHighwayATSC PSIPDish NetworkBell TV

Custom categories are available to allow for data where there is no category data in the broadcast. They can also be used to supplement the broadcasters data or optionally override it.

EPG Centre is used to maintain the categories. Under the 'File' menu choose 'Change Program Categories'.

If OpenTV categories are being changed the relevant file must then be selected as OpenTV categories are specific to a country.

If MediaHighway categories are being changed the relevant file must also be chosen as the categories are specific to a protocol(MediaHighway 1 or 2) and the frequency. New files can also be created.

The other data types have a single file so do not need any futher selections before the data can be edited.

3.2.1 Standard categories=========================

Each of the protocols that support programme categories is maintained slightly differently due to the way in wich the categoryis identified but they all follow a similar pattern.

The fields that can be entered are as follows:

Category identification

This is the identifier for the category and may consist of a single field or a main and sub field. It is mandatory.

Description

This is the category description that will be output for any matching programmes. It is mandatory.

Media Centre Description

See Appendix 2 for details of this field. This description is optional.

DVBLogic Description

See Appendix 3 for details of this field. This description optional.

DVBViewer Description


3.2.2 Custom categories=======================

EPG Centre provides facilities for maintaing custom categories from the File - Change Custom Program Category options. These canbe used where the type of data does not use categories (eg MHEG5) or the broadcaster chooses to not broadcast them.

Custom categories are matched to programmes by specifying a tag which is matched to the progamme titles and descriptions. If theprogramme title or description matches the tag the programme is assigned the category.

A dialog will appear that enables the relevant information to be entered. There is no limit on the number of categories that can be defined.

The fields that can be entered are as follows:

Category Tag

This field is used to identify the programme. It is matched against the title and description and if a match occurs

the programme is assigned the relevant category. The category tag is mandatory.

Special characters are used to indicate inexact matching.

If the tag is preceeded by the '<' character the tag is matched againt the beginning of the title and description.

If the tag is terminated by the '>' character the tag is matched against the end of the title and description.

If the tag is enclosed by '< and '>' the tag can appear anywhere in the title or description.

If none of these special characters is used the tag must match exactly with the title or description. The comparison is

case insensitive.

So, for example, the following tags

one news at 6<One Newsat 6><News at>

will all match the program with a title or description of One News at 6.

Custom Description

This is the category description that will be output to the XMLTV file for any matching programmes. It is mandatory.

Media Centre Description


DVBLogic Description


DVBViewer Description


Examples of custom categories

Tag: One News at 6Custom description: TVNZ Main NewsMedia Centre description: National News,Main,isNewsDVBLogic description: NewsDVBViewer description: 2,1

Tag: <TVNZ News atCustom description: Other TVNZ NewsMedia Centre description: National News,Other,isNewsDVBLogic description:NewsDVBViewer description: 2,1

Tag: <Johnny Depp>Custom Description: Johnny DeppMedia Centre description: Favourite Movie Stars,Johnny Depp,isMovieDVBLogic description: MovieDVBViewer description: 1,0

Tag: <Angelina Jolie>Custom Description: Angelina JolieMedia Centre description: Favourite Movie Stars,Angelina Jolie,isMovieDVBLogic description: MovieDVBViewer description: 1,0

3.2.8 Location of files=======================

The standard set of category files are installed in a sub-directory of the installation directory. However, if you change any of these files with EPG Centre the updated file will be written to the application data directory.

The collection process searches for the relevant category files in the application data directory first before falling back to thestandard category files in the installation directory.

You can therefore revert to the standard category files by simply deleting the relevant file in the application data directoryif it becomes necessary.

The custom category file is always created and updated in the application data directory.

3.3 Running a collection========================

Select Run - Collect EPG Data to run the standalone collection process. If collection parameters are currently loaded in EPG Centre theycan be used for the collection or a new set chosen.

The progress of the collection will be displayed in EPG Centre and it can be abandoned at any time by clicking the Stop button. Whenit completes a message will be displayed with the exit code which should be zero for a successful collection.

Note that EPG Centre cannot be used to run a DVBLogic plugin collection.

3.4 Searching for EPG data==========================

Select Run - Find EPG Data to search a frequency or channel for the different types of EPG that can be processed. The tuning parametersmust be entered in a similar way to entering them when setting up collection parameters.

Normally the collection timeout of 60 seconds is sufficient. Click the Start Find button to begin the search.

The process will tune to the frequency or channel selected. Note that it needs exclusive access to the tuner selected. The processexamines the data received for the different types of EPG and when it completes, displays the results indicating which protocols are present.

Note that the process only examines the standard PID's for the presence of data. Some protocols, notably EIT, are sometimes broadcast onnon-standard PID's and the search will not find them. However, collections can still be made for non-standard PID's as there are collection parameters available on the EPG Centre Advanced tab to specify the PID's to be used.

3.5 Dumping a transport stream==============================

Select Run - Dump Transport Stream to create a file of broadcast data. The tuning parameters must be entered in a similar way to entering them when setting up collection parameters.

The collection timeout of 60 seconds is sufficient for most protocols. The volume of data in a transport stream is significant, often 200-300 Mbytes. The amount of data can be significantly reduced by selecting specific PID's to be dumped.

If more than 1 PID is entered they are separated by a comma. They can be entered in decimal or hexadecimal.

Click the Start Dump button to begin the transfer. Progress is displayed at the bottom of the window indicating the size of the file.

3.6 Analyzing a transport stream================================

Select Run - Analyze Transport Stream to examine the PID's and tables being broa

dcast on a frequency or channel. The tuning parameters must be entered in a similar way to entering them when setting up collection parameters.

Normally the collection timeout of 60 seconds is sufficient. Click the Start Analysis button to begin the collection and analysis. Whenit is finished the results are displayed showing the PID's received and the tables within those PID's.

Where possible the PID's and tables are identified and listed with the protocol names (eg Service Description).

The presence of EPG data can be detected with this function but it needs to be used with caution. Data is only valid if both the PIDand it's associated table(s) occur together. For instance a table may be identified as Event Information Now/Next but unless it is listed for the Event Information PID it is not EIT data.

3.7 Other functions===================

3.7.1 Clear General Log=======================

The EPG Collector log contains information about the actions of EPG Centre and the progress of collections. It will be a maximum sizeof 8 Mbytes.

This function can be used to clear it although it is not normally necessary.

3.7.2 View General Log======================

This function can be used to view the entire contents of the EPG Collector log file.

On loading EPG Centre displays the contents of the log file but if a collection is run the view changes to just show the progress of the collection.

3.7.3 View Other Logs=====================

From time to time other logs may be created, normally triggered by entries on the Diagnostics tab. This function allows thoselogs to be viewed.

A dialog will appear to enable the log file to be chosen.

3.7.4 View Output File Unformatted==================================

This function enables the XMLTV file to be viewed. It is displayed in the basic XML format.

A dialog will appear to enable the file to be chosen.

3.7.5 Find==========

This function enables the log and file views to be searched for specified text. A dialog will appear that enables the text to search forand other search parameters to be entered.

3.7.6 Filter============

This function enables the log and file views to be reduced in size. A dialog will apppear that enables the filtering conditions to be entered.

========================================================

4. The EPG collection process=============================

4.1 Exit codes==============

The following exit codes are returned by the standalone collection process. They can be tested for in a command file.

0 = run successful, all data collected1 = no DVB tuners detected2 = failed to open the initialization file3 = the initialization parameters are incorrect4 = the command line is incorrect5 = a program exception has occurred6 = run completed but data incomplete7 = cancelled by user8 = the initialization parameters do not match the tuner configuration o

r there is a parameter conflict.9 = cannot write log file10 = some frequencies could not be processed11 = the output file could not be created12 = the simulated input data failed13 = run completed normally but no data collected14 = no BDA tuner filter located15 = the hardware filter chain could not be built

4.2 The collection log======================

The EPG Collector log file is updated by both EPG Centre and the collection process. It contains a large amount of informationregarding the operation of both components and is especially useful for tracking down problems with collections.

It will not exceed a maximum size of 8Mbytes and will be written to the application data directory.

4.3 Metadata lookup===================

4.3.1 Introduction==================

As an option, additional data can be added to each EPG entry by looking up the programmes on internet databases. This

feature is enabled using the Lookups tab in EPG Centre and can be individually enabled for movies and TV series.

The TMDB database (www.themoviedb.org) is accessed for movies and the TVDB database (www.thetvdb.com) for TV series. Both are free to use and open to the public and downloading data to a local PC is within the terms and conditions of use. The databases are maintained by the internet community.

4.3.2 Searching for meta data=============================

Each EPG entry is firstly examined to determine if it is a movie and if it is then the internet movie database is accessed. Ifno information is found on the movie database or if the entry is not considered to be a movie then it is checked to see if it part of a TV series and if it could be then the internet TV database is accessed.

A programme will be considered as a movie if the broadcast data contains category information for movies or if the programme durationfalls within the time limits entered on the Lookup tab in EPG Centre. This defaults to 150 minutes.

A programme will be considered part of a TV series if the broadcast data contains any of the various forms of series link or thedescription contains series and episode information.

An option is also provided override the check for a TV series and to process every EPG entry that is not a movie as a TV series.

The programme title from the EPG entry is used to search the internet databases. This often returns multiple hits so the lookup processmatches the programme title with the entries returned from the search looking for a match.

The type of matching can be selected using an option on the Lookup tab. The options range from an exact match being required whichresults in accurate data but less matches to 'fuzzy' matching which results in more matches but less accurate data.

4.3.3 Download data===================

The data downloaded from the internet databases is slightly different for movies and TV series.

For movies it can be

Poster imagesCast and crew including producers, directors and writersStar rating

For TV series it can be

Poster imagesCast and crew including directors, writers and guest starsStar rating

The crew information will only be downloaded if a specific episode can b

e identified.

Movies or TV series may not have complete information. It depends on how much has been entered into the internet database so for example the cast may be available but no producers or directors. The star rating is present in most cases.

Note that the information in the internet databases is entered and kept up to date by members of the internet community and as suchcan have errors and omissions. In addition, the star rating is generated by the opinions of internet community, not by any commercialbody.

4.3.4 Local data================

To reduce processing time, data obtained from the internet databases is stored locally in the data directory. The movie informationis held in a file called Movie Database.xml and the TV series information is held in a file called TV Series.xml.

Poster or thumbnail images that are downloaded are also stored in the data directory but in a Movie or TV Series sub-directory ofthe Images directory.

The local databases and image directories only hold data relevant to the latest completed collection. Data that has been downloadedbut is not required for the latest collection is automatically deleted.

This is to firstly ensure that the local databases don't get too large and secondly to comply with the terms and conditions of theinternet databases from where the data originates.

4.3.5 Runtime considerations============================

Downloading data from the internet databases is a time consuming process, especially for large collections of EPG data. As describedabove to mitigate this problem the lookup process creates 2 local databases in the data directory, one for movies and another for TV Series. These are populated as programmes are located in the internet databases.

The local databases will be accessed first and only if no entry is found will the internet databases be interrogated.

The Lookup tab in EPG Centre has a time limit for the lookup process. Until the EPG Collector log shows that the lookup processcompleted rather than timed out it should be set to as high a value as is practical. For example, 600 minutes might be reasonable.

When the log shows that the lookup process has completed this indicates that the local databases are complete for the current set of EPGdata and the only internet lookups required from now on are for new programmes so the time limit can be set to a lower value. 60 minutescould be a starting point. Setting the timeout value too high does not cause problems as the collection process will end when all lookups have been completed.

One other option on the Lookup tab controls what happens if a programme is not f

ound on either of the internet databases. Ifthe option is not set then an entry is made in the appropriate local database indicating the programme has no additional metadataavailable and no futher internet lookups will be made for the programme until it disappears from the collection data.

However, if the option is set then subsequent collections will attempt an internet lookup again. This may find data if the internet databases have been updated.

Note that any tuner hardware used in the collection process is released before the meta data lookup process begins.

========================================================

5. Using the data=================

5.1 Using the XMLTV file========================

If an XMLTV file is created it can be imported to the destination system in a number of ways. One method which adds valueto the data is to use Big Screen EPG (BSEPG).

If the XMLTV file is to be passed through BSEPG it is worthwhile setting the option on the EPG Centre Output tab to indicateBSEPG compatability as this can result in the correct series links being generated with some data sources.

If you are using DVBLink it can process the XMLTV file directly by setting the source up to use an XMLTV file and settingthe output directory on the EPG Centre Output tab to point to the correct TV Source directory.

5.2 Importing to Windows Media Center=====================================

5.2.1 Overview==============

There is an option on the Output tab of EPG Centre to transfer the data collected directly into Windows Media Center (WMC).This option is available for both standalone collections and for the DVBLink plugin.

If this option is selected, once the data collection is successfully completed, an MXF file is created and the WMCutility LoadMXF is run to import the data. Progress on the loading process is reported in the EPG Collector logfile.

It is a requirement that the LoadMXF utility is installed in the WMC ehome directory. If it is not the importwill fail. Messages are output to the EPG Collector log file showing which location is used to load the utility.

There are 4 additional options related to importing data to WMC on the Output tab.

The first option is the import name. This field is mandatory if separate collections consisting of different channels areimported into WMC. This is because the channels are grouped into lineups in the MXF file and the LoadMXF utility deletes the channels for a lineup from the WMC database before loading the new set.

This option is used to give each lineup a different name so that only the channels in the collection being run will be replaced. If this field is not entered the default value of 'EPG Collector' will be used.

This name also appears when a channel listing is edited using WMC.

The second option is used to automatically link the EPG data collected with a channel. If this option is not selected it willbe necessary to manually edit each channel using WMC to link the EPG data. Setting this option means this is not necessary.The import process reads all the necessary linking information from the WMC database before creating the MXF file.

The third option is used to mark all programmes as part of a series. Normally the collection process marks programsas part of a series automatically using the broadcast data but in some circumstances this can be unreliable. If thatis the case set this option.

The fourth option is used to disable the internal WMC guide loading process. Sometimes the data obtained in this way canclash with the data collected by EPG Collector.

Setting this option creates 2 registry entries used by WMC. Note that the first time this option is chosen, once the collection is complete, the machine must be rebooted as WMC only reads the contents of the registry settings once on startup.

5.2.2 Configuring Windows Media Center======================================

Configuration is needed in WMC if

- the EPG data is not automatically linked to the relevant channels or- WMC is able to collect EPG data directly from the broadcasts it receiv

es

If either of these conditions exist then each channel concerned must be edited as follows.

1. Navigate to the programme guide.2. Click on the channel name.3. Click 'Edit Channel'.4. Click 'Edit Listings'.5. Click 'Disable Inband' if necessary.6. Scan the list of EPG sources and click on the relevant entry.7. Click 'Save'

Repeat this process for all the required channels.

5.3 Importing To DVBViewer or the Recording Service===================================================

There is an option on the Output tab of EPG Centre to trigger the transfer of data directly from the collection process intoeither DVBViewer or the related Recording Service.

In the case of the Recording Service the current EPG data can also be deleted before the transfer of the new data takesplace. The port that the Recording Service uses for the import of data is also specified on the Output tab of EPG Centre.

If you choose to import to DVBViewer note that it must be loaded and running when the collection process attempts to import the data.

Irrespective of whether the data is imported to DVBViewer or the Recording Service, the collection process accesses the tuners directly so they must not be in use by DVBViewer or the Recording Service when the collection process starts. The collection process does not use the NetStream plugin.

========================================================

Appendix 1 Collection Parameters================================

This appendix gives detailed information on all the fields and settings that can be made when creating or changing collectionparameters.

The fields and settings are grouped by the tabs on which they appear in EPG Centre.

Appendix 1.1 The Tuning Tab===========================

There are 2 types of tuning tab, one for standalone collections and one for DVBLogic plugin collections. The differences reflect thefact that standalone collections access the tuner hardware while DVBLogic plugin collections do not.

For standalone collections any number of frequencies can be selected and added to the list with each having a different collectiontype. The data collected from all the frequencies will be combined on output.

For plugin collections each set of parameters only defines a single frequency as the plugin is run on a per frequency basis by TVSource.

The various fields and options are used as follows:

Tuner====

List of available tuners

The list shows the tuners available. DVBLogic virtual tuners will not appear as they cannot be used by EPG Collector

as they do not pass the relevant control information.

If the option to use any available tuner is selected, when the c

ollection is run the first tuner that is not in use and is appropriate for the frequency being collected is used.

EPG Collector requires exclusive access to the tuner during the collection process.

Delivery System===============

A tab will be shown for each type of tuner that has been detected.

DVB Satellite

Satellite

Contains a list of all the satellites defined in the DVB-S configuration parameters.

Frequency

Once a satellite is selected contains the frequencies in kilohertz and the polarization

defined for that satellite in the configuration parameters.

Collection Type

Once a frequency is selected contains the default data type for that frequency. However, any

required collection type can be chosen.

LNB Type

This parameter is only relevant to North America and, in addition, will only be enabled for

those satellites with band stacking.

It contains a list of the types of LNB available with the Dish or Bell TV networks.

LNB Low Band

Set with the LNB low oscillator setting in kilohertz.

LNB High Band

Set with the LNB high band oscillator setting in kilohertz.

LNB Switch

Set with the LNB switch value in kilohertz. If you set the LNB switch value to zero, when the collection

is run a very high number (20000000) is used to ensure the tuner driver does not turn on the 22kHz signal. This

is consistent with other applications that control LNB's

Defaults

There is a list of default LNB settings that are accesse

d by repeatedly pressing this button The list represents the following

9750000, 10600000, 11700000 standard universal LNB (commonly found in Europe)

10750000, 10750000, 0 single oscillator LNB




11250000, 11250000, 0 single oscillator LNB (North America)

DiSEqC

Specifies the DiSEqC switching requirements for multiple dish configurations.

The list supports the following ports:

1. Simple port A or B.2. Ports AA, AB, BA or BB. These use committed commands

for switches supporting DiSEqC 1.0 and may also be known as ports A - D.3. Port 1 - 16. These use uncommitted commands for switc

hes supporting DiSEqC 1.1.4. Port AA1 through AB4. These use a combination of comm

itted and uncommitted commands for switches that support both DiSEqC 1.0 and 1.1.

As an alternative you can enter custom DiSEqC commands in the box at the top of the list. Each command is

entered as a series of hex values with one or more spaces separating each byte. Multiple commands can be

entered separated by the ':' (colon) character. Multiple commands are transmitted to the switch separated by

a 150 msec gap.

So, for example, the uncommitted command to switch to port 2 would be entered as e0 10 39 01. DiSEqC commands

specify port numbers starting from zero.

Note that values entered manually are not validated. If the correct switching does not occur first check

the EPG Collector log which lists the DiSEqC commands as they are transmitted. If a manually entered value

is formatted incorrectly the transmitted value will be seen in the log as a string of zeros.

Add

This button adds the current settings for the fields to the list at the bottom of the tab of selected

frequencies.

DVB Terrestrial

Country

Contains a list of all the countries that have tuning files.

Area

Once a country is selected countains a list of areas for that country in the tuning files.

Frequency

Once a country and area is selected contains the frequencies in kilohertz and the polarization

defined for the country and area in the tuning files.

Collection Type



Add


frequencies.

DVB Cable

Provider

Contains a list of cable providers.

Frequency

Once a provider is selected contains the frequencies in kilohertz and the polarization

defined for that provider in the tuning files.

Collection Type



Add


frequencies.

ATSC

Provider

Contains a list of ATSC providers.

Channel

Once a provider is selected contains the channels defined for that provider in the tuning files.

Collection Type



Add


frequencies.

Clear QAM

Provider

Contains a list of Clear QAM providers.

Channel

Once a provider is selected contains the channels defined for that provider in the tuning files.

Collection Type



Add


frequencies.

ISDB Satellite

This tab contains the same fields as the DVB Satellite tab but for ISDB-S broadcasters.

ISDB Terrestrial

This tab contains the same fields as the DVB Terrestrial tab but for ISDB-T broadcasters.

Tuning Options==============

Use signal present when tuning if signal lock and signal quality fail

Select this option if the signal is weak but is good enough to receive data.

Check tuner is not in use before changing DiSEqC switch

With some tuner hardware it is possible to change a DiSEqC switch even though the tuner is in use by another

program.

Select this option to ensure that can't happen.

Repeat DiSEqC command if first attempt fails

Some tuner drivers report an error on the first attempt to change a DiSEqC but change it correctly on a second

attempt.

Select this option if that is the case.

Change DiSEqC switch only when graph running

Some tuner drivers will only change a DiSEqC switch once the DirectShow graph that contains them is in the

running state.

Select this option is this is the case.

Change DiSEqC switch only after tune request

Some tuner drivers will only change a DiSEqC switch once the request to tune has already been made.

Select this option is this is the case.

Use DiSEqC commands instead of LNB source

Some tuner drivers only change a DiSEqC switch using DiSEqC commands rather than the Windows API.

Select this option if that is the case. This option is only relevant to the generic DiSEqC handler.

Disable driver DiSEqC commands

Some tuner drivers will send their own commands to a DiseQc switch causing EPG Collectors changes to fail.

Select this option to stop that happening. This option is only relevant to the generic DiSEqC handler.

DiSEqC handler

Normally EPG Collector will automatically select the correct handler for the tuner hardware so the entry

in this list can be left at Default.

However in special circumstances a specific selection can be made from this list.

Selected Scanning Frequencies=============================

Frequency list

The list contains all the frequencies that will be scanned for data. They will be processed in the order of the

list.

If a frequency already exists in the list when the Add button is used there is an option to either overwrite it

or to add the same frequency again. This enables different types of data to be collected on the same frequency.

Delete

Enables frequencies to be deleted from the list. The button will be available if a frequency in the list is

selected.

Appendix 1.2 The Output Tab===========================

The output tab defines where the collected data should go and what processing should be applied prior to output.

Once the output method is chosen the relevant options are made available.


Output Method=============

Create an XMLTV file

If this option is chosen the data collected is written to an XMLTV specification file.

EPG Collector imports the data to Windows Media Center

Selecting this option transfers the EPG data collected directly into the Windows Media Center database which can

then be seen in the TV guide.

The file TVGuide.mxf will be created in the data directory and loaded into Windows Media Center using the Microsoft

utility program LoadMXF.exe.

EPG Collector imports the data to DVBViewer or the Recording Service

Selecting this option transfers the EPG data collected directly into DVBViewer or the related Recording

Service. The data can then be seen in the TV guide.

TVSource imports the data to Windows Media Center (DVBLogic plugin parameters only)

If this option is chosen the data collected is passed directly to TVSource at the end of the collection and TVSource

then imports it to Windows Media Center.

General Options===============

Extract channel logos from broadcast data

If this option is selected the channel logos, broadcast as part of the EPG data, will be extracted and stored

and referenced in the XMLTV file or loaded directly into Windows Media Center.

Restrictions: This option is only relevant to MHEG5 collections in New Zealand.

Set the programme category from the description

If this option is selected the description of the programme that is broadcast is used as the program category.

Restrictions: This is only relevant to EIT collections and, at the present time, only to those broadcasts from

Multichoice in South Africa.

Create BladeRunner channel file

If this option is selected an additional file named ChannelInfo.xml will be created in the data directory that can

be used as input to the BladeRunner software.

Restrictions: This option is not available for all data types. In particular it will not work for the following

ATSC PSIPBell TVDish NetworkEIT (some broadcasts will work - see below)Australian MHEG5Siehfern Info

New Zealand EIT broadcasts will work but with others it will be necessary to try the option to determine if it

will work correctly.

Create area/region channel file

If this option is selected an additional file named AreaRegionChannelInfo.xml will be created in the data directory.

It contains cross-reference information that can be used in other software to maintain channel information.

Restrictions: The comments regarding the BladeRunner channel file above appy equally to this option.

Check for programme repeats

If this option is selected the programme information collected will be checked to determine if a programme is being

re-broadcast.

The result depends on the output method.

If an XMLTV file is created the previous play date tag will be created where appropriate. If Windows Media Center

direct import is selected the original air date will be created and if data is passed directly to TVSource by the

DVBLogic plugin the appropriate tag is used.

Repeats are detected by using the programme information to match

against the data received and, if WindowsMedia Center is installed, by checking the existing programme re

cordings.

Round the programme times to the nearest 5 minutes

If this option is selected programme times that are not multiples of 5 minutes will be adjusted. Any time up to

3 minutes over will be rounded down and any time over 3 minutes will be rounded up. The duration of the programme

will be adjusted accordingly.

Don't remove extracted data from titles and descriptions

The collection process scans programme titles and descriptions looking for information such as cast and series and

episode information.

If this information is located it is extracted into the relevant fields for output and removed from where it was

found.

If this option is selected it is not removed and will still be visible when the EPG data is viewed in a media player.

Restrictions: This option is only relevant to OpenTV data.

Don't log small gaps between programmes

Some broadcasters allow for the advert breaks in the EPG data. These will be reported as gaps in the collection log

unless this option is selected.

Don't log excluded channels

Some types of data, notably Dish Network data, has a very large number of channels and most of them will be excluded

from the collection.

To reduce the length of the log and make it more readable select this option.

Create data for channels with the same name if data not present

Some broadcasters have channels with the same name on which they transmit the identical programmes with regionalised

advertising. The EPG data can sometimes be omitted for the duplicate stations to reduce bandwidth and selecting

this option creates data for those channels that would otherwise not have any data.

Restrictions: This option is currently only applicable to New Zealand terrestrial MHEG5 collections.

XMLTV Options=============

Path The full path name of the XMLTV file to be created.

The default file name is TVGuide.xml and it is placed in the dat

a directory. It will overwrite any existing versioneach time a collection is run.

Browse

Enables a search for the path to be made.

Format of the channel ID

Allows the format of the channel ID tag in the XMLTV file to be defined. The possible values are:

Default (service ID)User channel numberSequential numberFull channel identification

The sequential number option numbers the first channel 1 and increments by 1 for each subsequent channel. Note that

successive runs won't necessarily produce the same channel ID's.

The user channel number option is not available for all data types. In particular it will not work for the following




The full channel identification option creates the channel ID tag with the network ID, transport stream ID, servICe ID

and channel name.

Format of the episode tag.

Allows the format of the episode tag in the XMLTV file to be defined. The possible values are:

DefaultNumeric part of CRIDFull CRIDBSEPG compatible

The default creates a standard episode tag using the season and episode numbers where available.

The options using the CRID (content reference ID) are only applicable to MHEG5 and FreeSat data. These options should

be used if the software that processes the XMLTV file can use the episode tags in this non-standard format.

Create an LCN tag containing the user channel number

If this option is selected an extra tag (LCN) will be added to e

ach channel in the XMLTV file.

This option is not available for all data types. In particular it will not work for the following




Windows Media Center Options============================

Import name

The import name is used to identify and group the channels involved in the import process to Windows Media Center. It

will appear in Windows Media Center if the channels are manually edited to link them to the EPG data.

If multiple EPG collections of different sets of channels are imported to Windows Media Center it is essential that

each collection has a different import name. If this is not the case each succeeding collection will remove the

channels from the previous collection and they will not be accessible in Windows Media Center.

If this field is not completed the default name of 'EPG Collector' will be used.

Automatically map EPG data to channels

If this option is selected the collection process interrogates the Windows Media Center database to enable it to

link the data received with the channels defined in Windows Media Center.

If this option is not selected it is necessary to use the Edit Channel function in Windows Media Center to manually

link the data received with the channel defined in the Windows Media Center TV guide. This will only need to be

done once after the first data collection has been made or if the Windows Media Center database is recreated.

Flag 4 star rated programmes as special

If this option is set any programme that is rated as 4-star will be flagged with the special attribute and will

appear coloured orange in the programme guide.

Note that star ratings are not always available from the broadcast data but may be downloaded using the metadata

lookup feature (see section 4.3).

Disable in-band guide loader

Windows Media Center has it's own in-built EPG loader. In most cases it doesn't matter if this is running in

addition to EPG Collector but in a some cases it can cause corruption of the programme guide.

Selecting this option sets the registry entries that stop the built in EPG loader from running. Note that the

machine must be rebooted the first time EPG Collector is run with this setting for it to take effect.

DVBViewer Options=================

Create the output file in a format that can be processed by Xepg

If this option is selected the tags in the XMLTV file will be created in the format expected by Xepg.

Import the data to DVBViewer directly

If this option is selected the data collected will be transferred directly into DVBViewer. An XMLTV file will

not be created.

Import the data to the Recording Service

If this option is selected the data collected will be transferred directly into the DVBViewer Recording Service. An

XMLTV file will not be created.

Format data so that subtitle is visible

Setting this option changes the layout of the program guide when viewed in DVBViewer or the Recording Service.

Clear existing data before importing

The option to import into the Recording Service must be selected for this option to be available. It will clear

existing EPG data from the Recording Service before the data just collected is imported.

If this option is not selected the data just collected will be added or will overwrite existing data. In most cases

selecting this option is the correct course of action.

Use port

Specifies the UDP port to use to transfer the data to the Recording Service. The default value is 8089. If this value

does not match that set up in the Recording Service the import will fail.

Appendix 1.3 The Channels Tab=============================

The Channels tab enables channels to be excluded, renamed and/or renumbered on an indivdual basis. It is used for those broadcasts that

contain small numbers of channels and should be used instead of the Filters tab in that situation.

The list is initially empty. To fill it complete the Tuning tab with the frequencies to scan and then press the Start Scan button.

All the frequencies selected will be scanned and the list filled with the channels located. They can then be excluded, renumbered orrenamed.

If a channel scan has already been carried out for the Timeshift tab it is not necessary to scan again and the list will appearalready filled.

Channel list============

Excluded

If selected omits the channel from the collection process.

Channel number

The user channel number. A new number can be entered if required and will appear in the XMLTV file if the option

to output user channel numbers in place of the service ID is chosen.

Restrictions: XMLTV output only.

New name

The new name of the channel. This field is optional and if it is entered will be output to the XMLTV file in place

of the original channel name.

Restrictions: XMLTV output only.

Buttons=======

Start scan

Begins scanning the frequencies entered on the Tuning tab for channel information. The text of the button will change

to Stop Scan which can be used at any time to abandon the scan process.

Each attempt at scanning will add any new channels to the list. New frequencies can be entered on the Tuning tab and

the Start Scan button used as often as required.

Clear

Clears the list.

Include all

Clears all the excluded settings.

Exclude all

Sets all the excluded settings.

Appendix 1.4 The Filters Tab============================

The Filters tab enables channels to be excluded on a bulk basis. It is used for those broadcasts that contain large numbers of channels and should be used instead of the Channels tab in that situation.

Channels that are to be included in the collection process are specified on this tab with all others being excluded.


Included Channels=================

Original network ID

The original network ID of the channels to be included in the collection process. This field is optional.

If it is present all the channels that have a matching original network ID and satisfy any other fields

entered will be included in the collection process.

Transport stream ID

The transport stream ID of the channels to be included in the collection process. This field is optional.

If it is present all the channels that have a matching transport stream ID and satisfy any other fields

entered will be included in the collection process.

Start service ID

The first service ID of a range of channels to be included in the collection process. This field is optional.

If it is present all the channels that have a service ID less than it and satisfy any other fields entered

will be included in the collection process.

If it is ommited the end service ID field cannot be entered.

End service ID

The last service ID of a range of channels to be included in the collection process. This field is optional.

If it is present all the channels that fall within the range of the start and end service ID's and

satisfy any other fields entered will be included in the collection process.

If it is ommited the start service ID field cannot be entered.

AddCreates a new entry from the fields completed and adds it to the

list.

Delete

Deletes entries from the list. This button will be available when an entry is selected.

Miscellaneous=============

Maximum service ID

This field is optional and specifies the maximum service ID for channels that are to be included in the

collection process.

If it omitted there is no restriction on the maximum service ID that will be accepted.

Appendix 1.5 The Timeshift Tab==============================

The timeshift tab enables data to be created for time shifted channels (eg +1 channels) when the broadcaster doesn't provide any. It is necessary to fill in the Tuning tab before data can be entered on this tab.

If a channel scan has already been carried out on the Channels tab the results will appear in the Source Channel and DestinationChannel lists. Otherwise it is necessary to use the Scan button to scan for channels using the data set up on the Tuning tab.

A source and destination channel are selected and the offset in hours selected. The data is then added to the list at the bottomof the tab using the Add button.

Any number of entries can be added to the list and the same channel can be used as a source as often as required.


Channels========

Source Channel

Contains a list of the channels that have been found by scanning the frequencies entered on the Tuning tab. Defines

where the EPG data is to come from.

Destination Channel

Contains a list of the channels that have been found by scanning the frequencies entered on the Tuning tab. Defines

which channel the EPG data is created for.

Offset

Defines the adjustment needed in hours from the source channel to the destination channel.

Add

Adds the current data to the list at the bottom of the tab.

Selected Channels=================

Channel list

Contains an entry for each offset channel that has been added.

Delete

Enables entries to be deleted from the list. The button will be available if an entry in the list is

selected.

Appendix 1.6 The Repeats Tab============================

The Repeats tab contains data that enables programmes to be excluded from the repeat checking used in the Windows Media Centerimport process.

The repeat checking process uses the programme title and description to identify repeats. In some cases this will cause programmesto be flagged as repeats even though they are not.

For example, a daily news programme could always have the same title and description even though the contents are different eachday. In that case, if it is required to record the program it may be advisable to define the programme in this tab to avoid eachprogramme being flagged as a repeat.

An alternative to this procedure is to specify to Windows Media Center that both new and repeats of a programme are to be recordedwhen the recording is set up. In that case the programme does not need to be entered on this tab.


Title

All or part of the title of the programme. This field is optional but if it is omitted the description field must

be completed.

Partial matching is specified in the following ways

<text will match the text with the start of the title

text> will match the text with the end of the title

<text> will match the text with anywhere in the title

If none of the above are specified the data entered must exactly match the programme title. All comparisons are

case insensitive.

Description

All or part of the description of the programme. This field is optional but if it is omitted the title field must

be completed.

Partial matching is specified in the following ways

<text will match the text with the start of the description

text> will match the text with the end of the description

<text> will match the text with anywhere in the description

If none of the above are specified the data entered must exactly match the programme description. All comparisons are

case insensitive.

Add

Adds the title and/or the description to the list of programmes to be excluded from the repeat checking process.

Delete

Enables programmes already in the list to be deleted. The button will only be available after an entry is

selected.

Phrases to ignore

Sometimes the title or description of a repeated programme is slightly different from the original. This field

enables phrases to be ignored when examining titles and descriptions for a match.

Multiple phrases can be entered in which case they are separated by a comma. The phrases are processed in a case

insensitive manner.

The phrases (R) and (Repeat) are ignored by default and do not need to be entered.

Appendix 1.7 The Lookups Tab============================

The Lookups tab contains data that controls the downloading of programme metadata from online databases. Information for moviesand TV series can be downloaded.

Movie Lookups=============

Enabled

Enables the lookup of movie information.

Type of image to download

Poster and thumbnail images are available. Generally the default of poster images is the correct setting.

Minimum duration of a programme to be considered a movie

It is not always possible to determine that a programme is a movie from the information that is broadcast as

not all broadcast data is categorized. This parameter enables a more general check to detect a programme as a

movie.

The minimum programme duration is entered in minutes.

Maximum duration of a programme to be considered a movie

It is not always possible to determine that a programme is a movie from the information that is broadcast as

not all broadcast data is categorized. This parameter enables a more general check to detect a programme as a

movie.

The maximum programme duration is entered in minutes.

Phrases used to identify a movie (comma separated)

This field is used to enter phrases that may help to identify a programme as a movie. For example if

the field is entered as

Movie,Premiere:,Blockbuster

then any programme title with the word Movie, Premiere: or Blockbuster will be looked up in the movie internet

database.

Note that these phrases are checked only if the minimum and maximum duration excludes a programme as a movie.

TV Lookups==========

Enabled

Enables the lookup of TV series information.

Type of image to download

Poster and thumbnail images are available. Generally the default of poster images is the correct setting.

Process every programme that is not a movie as a TV series

The metadata lookup process checks each programme to determine if it is a movie first and the lookup parameters

described above aid in this process.

If a programme is not considered a movie or cannot be found in the movie database it is examined to determine

if it is a TV series. This normally means that a series link of some sort needs to be present in the broadcast

data.

If there is no automatic way of determining that a programme is a TV series, setting this option will cause

every programme that fails the movie check to be checked against the TV series database.

Setting this option will normally increase the processing time but it ensures that all potential TV series are

processed.

Miscellaneous=============

Reload all metadata

Setting this option causes all existing local metadata including posters and thumbnails to be deleted before

the lookup process begins resulting in a complete reload of the data.

Always lookup programmes that return no matching entries

The online database that are used are dynamic in nature as they are constantly being updated by the user

community. Normally when a programme is not located by the lookup process it will not be searched for again

in the current or subsequent collections.

Setting this option overrides that processing and ensures that the programme will be looked up during

subsequent collections. This means that the lookup times will be increased but there may be more data successfully

downloaded.

Ignore categories from broadcaster

Sometimes, when the broadcasts contain program categories, they are inaccurate. For example serials or soaps

are categorised as Movies and this results in the wrong internet database being accessed when looking up metadata.

Setting this option causes any broadcast category to be ignored when deciding whether a programme is a movie or

TV series.

Lookup matching method when multiple results returned

The online databases are accessed using the title of the programme. In many cases this results in a list of

programmes being returned and the lookup process scans this list using the method selected for this field.

'Exact' means that the title of a returned entry must exactly match the programme title. If there is no entry

returned that satisfies this condition no metadata is added. Thi

s option results in the most accuratematching but the lowest hit rate.

'Contains' means that the title of a returned entry must contain the programme title somewhere but it need not

be an exact match. The returned entry that contains the programme title and is nearest in length to the programme

title will be used for adding metadata. This option is less accurate than 'Exact' but has a better hit rate.

'Nearest' uses a fuzzy matching algorithm so that the returned entry that most closely matches with the programme

title will be used to add metadata. This is the least accurate option but results in the highest hit rate.

'Exact' and 'Contains' may mean that no returned entry is used. 'Nearest' always uses one of the returned

entries.

Phrases used to ignored when matching (comma separated)

Broadcasters ofter decorate programme titles with phrases such as 'Premiere' or 'Movie:'. These cause the database

lookups to fail to return any entries.

This field enables phrases to be specified that are removed from the programme tite before the internet databases

are accessed.

A good examples is

Movie:,All New,: The Final Season,Best Of,Omnibus

Maximum time allowed for lookup processing

Set this parameter to a high value for the initial collections until the EPG Collector log indicates that the

lookup process completed rather than timed out. At this point all available information for the current set of

EPG entries will have been downloaded.

Then reduce this parameter to a lower value. Trial and error will indicate the correct value to use under normal

circumstances for the volume of data you are collecting.

Maximum number of consecutive errors before abandoning

This parameter is used to stop lookup processing in the event of an irrecoverable error while accessing the online

databases. For example, it would stop the lookup processing if the machine became disconnected from the internet.

The default value of 5 is normally sufficient.

Base path for movie and TV images

This field can be set to point to a location for storing the downloaded images. The movie images will be stored

in a sub-directory named Movies and the TV eries will be stored in a sub-directory named TV Series.

If this field is not entered the default will be the Images sub-directory of the application data directory.

Browse

Use this button to find the base directory for the movie and TV images.

Appendix 1.8 The Advanced Tab=============================

The Advanced tab contains options and fields that are relatively rarely used. The various fields and options are used as follows:

Miscellaneous Options=====================

Use program category subtype when decoding

For some protocols the program category consists of 2 values, the main category (eg Movies) and a subcategory

(eg Action).

If this option is not selected only the main category will be used for decoding the category for output which gives

a more generalised catgeory.

If the option is selected both the category and subcategory will be used for decoding resulting in a more precise

category on output.

Restrictions: EIT and Dish Network protocols only

Use FreeSat Huffman tables to translate compressed EIT text

A few FreeSat channels broadcast text in a compressed format. Use this option if that text is to be decoded. If the

channels are decoded and this option is not set the text for those channels will be corrupted.

Restrictions: Only relevant to a few BBC channels on FreeSat

Custom program categories override broadcast categories

If is possible to define custom program categories that are in addition to those broadcast. If this option is set

and a custom category is defined that clashes with a broadcast category, the custom category definition will be

used.

If this option is not set the broadcast category will be used irrespective of whether there is a clash with a custom

category.

Collection process can be run from a Windows service

Set this option if the standalone collection process is going to

be run from a Windows service.

If this option is set it is not possible to abandon a standalone collection while it is running by pressing the 'Q' key on

the keyboard.

Retain channel information for use in later collections

Some broadcasters transmit channel information specific to each frequency even though the EPG data broadcast on

each frequency is for all the broadcasters channels.

For example frequency X defines channels 1 to 10 but carries the EPG data for channels 1 to 30. Frequency Y defines

channels 11 to 30 and also carries the EPG data for channels 1 to 30.

This can mean extended collection times as several frequencies need to be scanned to get the channel information

even though all the EPG data could be collected from a single frequency.

Using this option can reduce the collection to a single frequency.

It should be set and a collection run for each of the individual frequencies. The collection process will then have

created a single file with all the channels from the separate frequencies.

Then, for the regular collection on a single frequency, this option should not be selected and the option below

set to use the stored channel information.

If the channels on a particular frequency change repeat the whole procedure.

Restrictions: Currently only applicable to MHEG5 collections in Australia.

Use retained channel information in place of broadcast data

If this option is set the channel information stored when the previous option was set (Retain channel information

for use in later collections) is used instead of obtaining it from the broadcast data.

Restrictions: Currently only applicable to MHEG5 collections in Australia

Process all channels irrespective of type

If this option is set only channel type zero is ignored. All others are processed. If this option is not

set channel type 12 (data broadcast service) is excluded as well.

Maximum number of days to collect

This parameter can be used to restrict the number of days data c

ollected.

Timeouts========

Signal lock

This is the length of time in seconds that a collection waits for the tuner hardware to acquire a lock on

a frequency.

Data collection

This is the length of time in seconds that a collection is allowed to take. If a collection consists of

multiple frequencies it is the maximum time allowed for each individual frequency.

Number of retries

With some types of collection data it is not possible to determine from the broadcast that all data has been

collected. In this case collection process uses the number of retries to determine if any new data has

been collected and if not the collection terminates normally.

Each retry takes 2 seconds. Increase the number of retries if it appears that not all the data expected

is being collected.

Restrictions: Applicable to all collection types except MHEG5.

Buffer size

The data collection process uses a memory buffer to receive the broadcast data. The default size is

50 megabytes.

Normally this is sufficient but Dish Network collections involve very large amounts of data so this

buffer size should be increased to 500 megabytes.

Buffer refills

This parameter informs the collection process how many times it should refill the buffer used for

broadcast data before it can be assumed that all possible data has arrived. The default of 1 is

normally sufficient especially if the buffer size is increased from the default of 50 megabytes.

Defaults

Resets all the timeouts to the default values of 10 seconds, 300 seconds and 5 retries respectively.

Location Information====================

Country

Contains a list of countries.

Restrictions: Selection of a country is mandatory for OpenTV data. For MHEG5 data the default is New Zealand.

Area

The list will be filled with areas when a country is selected with data loaded from the configuration files. The

area and possibly region can be used to limit the channels processed.

Restrictions: Only relevant to the following collections. Other collections must set the area to undefined.

OpenTV UK and AustraliaMHEG5 New Zealand satellite

Region

The list will be filled with regions when an area is selected.

Restrictions: As for area above.

Character Set

Some broadcasters transmit data that is encoded in a specific character set but do not include the information

that enables a collection to determine what the character set is.

In those circumstances this field can be used to force a collection to decode the text received using a specific

character set.

Input Language

Some broadcasts contain text in multiple languages. This field enables a specific language to be selected. If this

parameter is not set and multiple languages are received the last one received will be used.

Restrictions: Only applicable to EIT collections

Custom PID's============

Hexadecimal Values

Enables the custom PID's to be entered in hexadecimal. The default is decimal.

EIT

Enables the PID that is used to transmit EIT data to be specified. This field is only needed if the EIT data is

not transmitted on PID 0x12.

MediaHighway1

Enables the 2 PID's that are used to transmit MediaHighway1 data to be specified. They must be specified in

ascending order. This field is only needed if the data is not transmitted on PID's 0xd2 and 0xd3.

MediaHighway2

Enables the 3 PID's that are used to transmit MediaHighway2 data to be specified. They must be specified in

ascending order. This field is only needed if the data is not transmitted on PID's 0x231, 0x234 and 0x236.

Dish Network

Enables the PID that is used to transmit Dish Network data to be specified. This field is only needed if the

Dish Network data is not transmitted on PID 0x300.

Manual Time Adjustment ======================

Enabled

Allows manual time adjustment data to be entered. This is only required when data is collected in one

time zone but is used in another.

For example, Australia has different time zones so if data is collected and an XMLTV file is created in

one time zone but then passed to a machine for use in another time zone these parameters will need to be entered

or program times will be incorrect in the destination time zone.

By default a collection uses the time zone data held by the machine making the collection so these parameters

do not need to be entered.

Current time offset

Allows the current time offset to be entered.

Next time offset

Allows the next time offset to be entered.

Date of change

Allows the date at which the change to the next time offset takes place.

Time of change

Allows the time at which the change to the next time offset takes place.

Appendix 1.7 The XMLTV Tab==========================

The XMLTV tab enables files conforming to the XMLTV specification to be merged w

ith the data received over the air. Any numberof files can be specified.

Channels loaded from the files can be excluded, renamed or have a user channel number assigned to them in the same wayas if they had been scanned over the air.

The various fields and options are as follows:

File====

Path

The full path name of the XMLTV file.

Browse

Enables the file to be searched for.

Language

Selects the language to use for a multi-language file. If the file only contains a single language this field can

be set to undefined.

If the language cannot be located in the XMLTV tags then the first tag without a language will be used.

Precedence

Specifies which data takes precedence if an XMLTV programme also exists in the broadcast data.

Add

Adds the file to the list of files to process.

Selected Files==============

File list

The list of files to be processed.

Delete

Deletes the selected file from the list.

Channel Changes===============

Load this list after the files have been specified by pressing the Load Files button.

Display Name

The name of the channel.

Excluded

Select this option to ignore the channel.

Channel Number

The user channel number.

New Name

The new name of the channel.

Load Files

Loads the specified XMLTV files so they can be excluded, renamed or have a user channel number assigned. If no channels

are to be excluded, renamed of have channel numbers assigned it is not necessary to use this button.

Clear

Clears the list.

Include All

Clears the excluded flag for all channels in the list.

Exclude All

Flags all the channels in the list as excluded.

Appendix 1.8 The Diagnostics Tab================================

The Diagnostics tab should only be used under the direction of the developer. It enables many debugging options to be switched onand also provides for data to be processed from a file rather than a live broadcast.


Diagnostics===========

Debug ID's

Can be set with one or more identifiers that cause a single diagnostic event to be triggered (eg logging some

data). The identifiers are separated by commas.

Trace ID's

Can be set with one or more identifiers that cause multiple diagnostic events to be triggered (eg logging data

from a broadcast as it is received). The identifiers are separated by commas.

Simulation==========

TS Dump File

Can be set with the full path name of a file containing MPEG-2 transport stream data. If a file name is set

the collection process does not access any tuner hardware.

The collection process will process the file as if it was a live broadcast.

Browse

Enables the dump file to be searched for.

========================================================

Appendix 2 Notes On Tuners==========================

Some of the issues that users have experienced when working with EPG Collector involve tuners. This section lists issues that have been encountered with specific tuners.

Appendix 2.1 DVBLogic Virtual Tuners====================================

EPG Collector cannot use DVBLink virtual tuners. These have been specifically designed to work with other elements of DVBLogic software and will not work with software such as EPG Collector as the necessary data is not made available.

Appendix 2.2 TechniSat (all tuners)===================================

TechniSat tuners can be supplied with 2 separate tuner drivers. If the default installation of the TechniSat driver software is carried out anon-BDA compliant driver will be installed and the Collector will not work with it. It will appear to acquire a signal but no data will be received.

The TechniSat BDA compliant tuner driver is in the BDA subdirectory of the driver software. It must be installed by responding to the Windows 'New Hardware Found' message and pointing the Windows installation process at the BDA directory.

Appendix 2.3 TechniSat Mantis=============================

If you are using a DiSEqC switch with this tuner do not select the option on the Tuning tab to repeat the DiSEqC command in the event of an error.The Mantis tuner returns an error even though the DiSEqC command succeeds and repeating the command causes it to not pass any data to the Collector.

Appendix 2.4 HD HomeRun=======================

The HD HomeRun is a network tuner. The Collector can use the virtual tuners set up by this device but it must be given security clearance toaccess the network first or it will silently fail.

This is due to an apparent fault in the Windows OS in that the security failure message is not displayed when the Collector tries to use

the virtual tuner.

Note that both EPG Collector.exe and EPG Centre.exe must be given network access.

Appendix 2.5 Pinnacle=====================

There is a option on the EPG Centre Tuning tab labelled 'Repeat DiSEqC command if first attempt failed'. Users of Pinnacle tuners must set this option or DiSEqC switching will not work.

Appendix 2.6 Genpix tuners==========================

Genpix Skywalker tuners have 2 drivers available, an open source driver and the official GenPix driver. DiSEqC parametersare different depending on which driver is used.

If the open source driver is used the DiSEqC handler should be set to Default and no other special options need be set.

If the official Genpix driver is used the the DiSEqC handler should be set to Generic and the option 'Use DiSEqC commands'ticked. If the DiSEqC switch is committed use a port in the range AA-BB, if it is uncommmitted use a port in the rangePort1-Port16.

Appendix 2.7 Blackgold tuners=============================

When using these tuners with a DiSEqC switch set the DiSEqC handler to Legacy and tick both 'Change DiSEqC switchonly when graph running' and 'Change DiSEqC switch only after tune request.

Only 4 port switches can be used with this tuner due to the switching method that must be used.

========================================================

Appendix 3 Windows Media Center Programme Categories====================================================

This is the description that will be used when creating the MXF file that is loaded into Windows Media Centre if the direct import to Windows Media Centre is selected on the EPG Centre Output tab.

Windows Media Centre provides a two level category search. For this reason this description must consist of a minimumof 2 parts separated by a comma.

The first part is the category group (eg Rugby) and the second and subsequent parts are the sub-category within it (eg Super 15 or World Cup).

In addition there are some special values that you can use to put a program into one of the the Windows Media Centre predefined categories. Theseare shown in the list that appears when you open 'View Categories' in the Media

Centre guide. The values you can use are

isMovieisSpecialisSportsisNewsisKidsisReality

So, for example, a Media Centre description could be

Rugby,Super 15,isSportsSoccer,Arsenal,Premier League,isSports

The predefined categories can occur without the category group and sub-category so a Media Centre description of just isMovie is valid.

========================================================

Appendix 4 DVBLogic Programme Categories========================================

The values that can be entered for a DVBLogic category are as follows. If more than one is entered they are separated by acomma and they are case insensitive.

ActionComedyDocumentaryDramaEducationalHorrorKidsMovieMusicNewsRealityRomanceScifiSerialSoapSpecialSportsThrillerAdult

========================================================

Appendix 5 DVBViewer Programme Categories=========================================

The values that can be entered for a DVBViewer category are as follows. They are the same as those defined by the DVB EIT standard.Only one can be entered so for the Movie category you would enter 1,0.

1,0 Movie1,1 Movie - Detective/Thriller1,2 Movie - Adventure/Western/War

1,3 Movie - Science Fiction/Fantasy/Horror1,4 Movie - Comedy1,5 Movie - Soap/Melodrama/Folkloric1,6 Movie - Romance1,7 Movie - Serious/Classical/Religious/Historical/Drama1,8 Movie - Adult

2,0 News and Current Affairs2,1 News and Weather2,2 News Magazine2,3 Documentary2,4 Discussion/Interview/Debate

3,0 Show3,1 Game Show/Quiz/Contest3,2 Variety Show3,3 Talk Show

4,0 Sport4,1 Special Sporting Event4,2 Sports Magazine4,3 Football/Soccer4,4 Tennis/Squash4,5 Team Sports4,6 Althletics4,7 Motor Sport4,8 Water Sports4,9 Winter Sports4,10 Equestrian4,11 Martial Sports

5,0 Childerens Programmes5,1 Pre-School Programmes5,2 Programmes for 6-14 yearss5,3 Programmes for 10-16 years5,4 Informational/Educational/School Programmes5,5 Cartoons/Puppets

6,0 Music and Dance6,1 Rock/Pop6,2 Serious Music/Classical Music6,3 Folk/Traditional Music6,4 Jazz6,5 Musical/Opera6,6 Ballet

7,0 Arts and Culture7,1 Performing Arts7,2 Fine Arts7,3 Religion7,4 Popular Culture/Traditional Arts7,5 Literature7,6 Film/Cinema7,7 Experimental Film/Video7,8 Broadcasting/Press7,9 New Media7,10 Arts/Culture Magazines7,11 Fashion

8,0 Social and Political

8,1 Magazines/Reports/Documentary8,2 Economics/Social Advisory8,3 Remarkable People

9,0 Education and Science9,1 Nature/Animals/Environment9,2 Technology/Natural Sciences9,3 Medicine/Physiology/Phsychology9,4 Foreign Countries/Expeditions9,5 Social/Spiritual Sciences9,6 Further Education9,7 Languages

10,0 Leisure and Hobbies10,1 Tourism/Travel10,2 Handicraft10,3 Motoring10,4 Fitness and Health10,5 Cooking10,6 Advertisement/Shopping10,7 Gardening

11,0 Original Language11,1 Black and White11,2 Unpublished11,3 Live Broadcast

========================================================

Appendix 6 Installation Directory Structure===========================================

The installation process and the zip format release create the following directory structure.

Software directory

Configuration directory

Countries file

Contains the country, area and region definitions.

Huffman Dictionary files

Contains the decodes for the various Huffman compression schemes used by different protocols.

Language Codes file

Contains the list of languages and decodes.

MHEG5 Parser Format files

Contains parameters that control the decoding of the MHEG5 EPG records.

Parental Ratings file

Contains parameters that control the decoding of the various parental rating schemes.

Program Categories directory

Contains the standard tranlation files for the programme categories (genres) used

by broadcasters.

TuningParameters directory

ATSC directory

Contains the tuning parameter files for ATSC tuners.

Clear Qam directory

Contains the tuning parameter files for Clear QAM tuners.

DVBC directory

Contains the tuning parameter files for DVB cable tuners.

DVBS directory

Contains the tuning parameter files for DVB satellite tuners.

DVBT directory

Contains the tuning parameter files for DVB terrestrial tuners.

ISDBS directory

Contains the tuning parameter files for ISDB satellite tuners.

ISDBT directory

Contains the tuning parameter files for ISDB terrestrial tuners.

Samples directory

Collector directory

Contains the parameter files that appear in the list of preset tasks when new standalone

collection parameters are created.

DVBLogic Plugin directory

Contains the parameter files that appear in the list of preset tasks when new DVBLogic plugin

collection parameters are created.

============================================================ End Of ReadMe ============================================================