Hey Guys,
Here is a screenshot of the Skippa EPG ..
It is a shame that the developers did not offer an alternate EPG (as per JustEPG layout).
It would also be a good selling point.
I find this standard EPG underwhelming.
A bit of effort into a custom EPG could allow users to:
- group channels together on the one screen
- set the number of channels per screen
- set the font size
- set font colour for repeats
On my Toppy I have 3 screens to cover all of the channels that have daily guides (I ignore those shopping channels etc)
I like that Dave, Is Just EPG just for Toppys or can it work on other PVR's?
Quote from: DaveD on June 21, 2015, 02:36:20 PM
It is a shame that the developers did not offer an alternate EPG (as per JustEPG layout).
:'( :'( :'( Yeah, my JustEPG died along with TEDS uploading and I have no idea how to fix it and I miss it terribly :'( :'( :'( :'( (well, actually, it was JustEPG that died first, I killed TEDS trying to fix JustEPG)
Yeah make that 4 votes for a customizable EPG without the bling so that more channels and shows can be seen on the one screen. Some may want flashy logos and preview panes etc but to me they just take up valuable screen space that could show me more EPG.
Ad me to the list!
Ian
As a long time proponent of JustEPG, I also strongly recommend it's style and functionality.
rfk - It's a Toppy only TAP that was written by Peter Gillespie for the 5000 series Toppy PVRs and ported/developed by others for the TMS series. My only issue with JustEPG is that it makes me disdainful towards all the other EPGs I've seen.
Thanks Paul. Not sure about purchasing a Toppy. Really after a 3 tuner PVR. Maybe Topfield might bring out a 3 tuner and with JustEPG it might just suit me perfectly.
Quote from: rfk on June 22, 2015, 04:21:57 PM
Thanks Paul. Not sure about purchasing a Toppy. Really after a 3 tuner PVR. Maybe Topfield might bring out a 3 tuner and with JustEPG it might just suit me perfectly.
About a year ago Topfield foreshadowed the release of a 4-Tuner running android. No mention was made of TAP support as I recollect.
Ian
Hi rfk,
Sorry I haven't repsonded earlie re: Topfield only for JustEPG.
What Paul55 said :D
I do remember some of us (myself and IanL-S) suggesting this in the original ICEBox thread but I think it fell on deaf ears as no reply to whether they would or wouldn't was forthcoming.
With screen sizes so big these days I'd certainly like more than a four channels to view. I have my MC set to view fifteen channels which I can read when I have my glasses on 8)
Unfortunately, the EPG seems to be something that is not considered to be important. Most commercial EPG layouts have a sameness about them. I guess it's a way to avoid the effort of competition - if we all do it the same, none of us can lose.
Hey Everyone,
IceTV is so simple and easy to use from the Phone App - the whole power of IceTV centers around setting recordings directly from the App EPG, or even better - building up your Series' under Manage Shows so that these shows are automatically discovered for you - and sent directly to the PVR, so that you don't ever have to use the EPG.
Relaxing on your couch, watching a show and having your IceTV App open in the palm of your hand you can easily see what's next / later on tonight. Why bother using the clunky PVR EPG? Surely the whole reason for using a PVR is for the recording functionality, meaning that most of the shows you will be watching will have been recorded (even if they only started 10 mins ago or you are time-shifting), you can then use the streamlined App to browse the EPG.. not having to pull up and disrupt the show you are presently watching with the on-screen EPG.
The phone app also gives you access to fast Searching, Recommendations, Most Popular etc.. and you can add Series / Keywords directly from it to continue to build up your List of Series, and Shows.
Quote from: Leon K on June 26, 2015, 01:44:13 PM
Hey Everyone,
IceTV is so simple and easy to use from the Phone App - the whole power of IceTV centers around setting recordings directly from the App EPG, or even better - building up your Series' under Manage Shows so that these shows are automatically discovered for you - and sent directly to the PVR, so that you don't ever have to use the EPG.
Leon,
I agree with what you are saying WRT the functionality of IceTV. However, there are times when some users just want to see what's available now or coming up.
Like many users I rarely watch live TV other than news and live sport. But these are times when access to a superior EPG would be very nice. The only device I consider using for this is our Toppy because it has JustEPG.
Other users may just record some shows and watch a lot of live TV. For them, a great EPG would be a real boon. I don't think is is up to the PVR vendor to tell owners how they should use their devices - hints and suggestions are OK though.
Quote from: Leon K on June 26, 2015, 01:44:13 PM
Relaxing on your couch, watching a show and having your IceTV App open in the palm of your hand you can easily see what's next / later on tonight. Why bother using the clunky PVR EPG?
My phone is normally sitting on charge in another room when I'm home. I was hoping to being able to do more on the PVR. At the moment my workflow is to say to the wife, "Hey, remind me to set that to record". Or I pause, walk up the hall and do it on the computer.
To be honest I don't really care what's on next because I haven't watched live TV for several years now.
But, my in laws use the guide when they visit. And I'm not leaving them my phone when I'm out of the house :)
The ability to use Android/ iOS phone or tablet is, in my view irrelevant. The on-screen EPG has to be functional. Some of us have arthritis or sight impairment which makes using these devices a poor second to a good on-screen EPG.
We should be able to choose an EPG without the stuff that takes up the top of the screen in the screen-shot.
Not at all impressed. Will need to be addressed in future firmware.
Ian
I don't think is is up to the PVR vendor to tell owners how they should use their devices - hints and suggestions are OK though.
[/quote]
+100
I don't own a tablet, only an iPhone. It would never even enter my head to look at the app while at home. The screen is too small. Besides, I don't have it in the "palm my hand" while at home either. ::) Incidentally, why does it have to be a "clunky PVR EPG"? Isn't that up to IceTV to make sure it isn't "clunky"?
Being a Toppy owner, I, too, love JustEPG (although as I said, it is now dead and I miss it greatly) Seems to me, while our opinion was sought early on, we certainly weren't listened to. I suppose, it was so long ago, it was long forgotten.
As a point of comparison, the Beyonwiz T series has a quite similar default EPG layout to the SKIPPA, but it defaults to 8 rows of EPG data.
However, there's a single configuration switch that gets rid of the "banner" stuff at the top (PiG, show synopsis, etc). That still has only defaults to 8 (rather roomy) rows.
But the number of rows is configurable, and you can tweak the font size. With the banner off in the T series, 12 rows fit comfortably on the screen. To get 15, you's need to tweak the font size down a little bit so that descenders on the second line of text weren't cut off by the bottom edge of the EPG cell.
But it's not JustEPG; it's a conventional grid layout like the older Beyonwizes. However, if someone wanted to port JustEPG as a T series plugin, I'm sure there are a number of users who'd be very happy :)
Yes, you can count me as one of them :). This highlights the difference between Skippa, which as far as we know does NOT allow TAPs, APPS or plug-ins, and the new T series of BW. (The previous DP series also do not allow plug-ins either btw).
If JustEPG is ported to the Wiz, the only functionality that the Skippa would then have over the Wiz, would be the ability to set ICETV timers directly from/on the PVR's EPG. I believe that the ICETV's Humax PVR can do this however, so it's been done before on another third party PVR, and it would be great if they were to add this ability to the Wiz. Probably very unlikely now that they have developed Skippa.
Quote from: IanL-S on June 26, 2015, 03:17:07 PM
The ability to use Android/ iOS phone or tablet is, in my view irrelevant. The on-screen EPG has to be functional. Some of us have arthritis or sight impairment which makes using these devices a poor second to a good on-screen EPG.
We should be able to choose an EPG without the stuff that takes up the top of the screen in the screen-shot.
Not at all impressed. Will need to be addressed in future firmware.
Ian
Couldn't agree more.
Quote from: Leon K on June 26, 2015, 01:44:13 PM
Hey Everyone,
IceTV is so simple and easy to use from the Phone App - the whole power of IceTV centers around setting recordings directly from the App EPG, or even better - building up your Series' under Manage Shows so that these shows are automatically discovered for you - and sent directly to the PVR, so that you don't ever have to use the EPG.
Relaxing on your couch, watching a show and having your IceTV App open in the palm of your hand you can easily see what's next / later on tonight. Why bother using the clunky PVR EPG? Surely the whole reason for using a PVR is for the recording functionality, meaning that most of the shows you will be watching will have been recorded (even if they only started 10 mins ago or you are time-shifting), you can then use the streamlined App to browse the EPG.. not having to pull up and disrupt the show you are presently watching with the on-screen EPG.
The phone app also gives you access to fast Searching, Recommendations, Most Popular etc.. and you can add Series / Keywords directly from it to continue to build up your List of Series, and Shows.
Leon,
I agree with you the EPG in the screenshot is fine with me, I don't sit there messing around with the epg and the only time I ever use it is to do a one off recording for a movie or something else that's a once off. The help section near the bottom of the screen is useful but I certainly don't want to see a screen full of text. I like the size of the picture and the large show description area.
Personally I couldn't think of anything worse than scanning a screen full of text on the TV.
I just want to watch my recordings and for the pvr to work perfectly in that respect with IceTV.
But that being said it would good to give these guys an option to swap it to a full screen epg mode by pressing a button.
Quote from: Leon K on June 26, 2015, 01:44:13 PM
Hey Everyone,
IceTV is so simple and easy to use from the Phone App ...
To extend your logic, does this imply Skippa 2.0 will not have an EPG at all?
I tend to scan the JustEPG guide a few days ahead and, if I see something I like, I will get on my laptop (not phone) and set it to record via IceTV.
Now you want me to go to IceTV first rather that use the convenience of JustEPG.
Sometimes while something is recording (e.g. I like to give an AFL match about an hour of recording before I begin to chase-play/watch it) I will scan the guide to watch something else of interest that I don't necessarily want to record.
How hard is it to create a JustEPG-like guide anyway?
Quote from: DaveD on June 27, 2015, 11:39:44 AM
I tend to scan the JustEPG guide a few days ahead and, if I see something I like, I will get on my laptop (not phone) and set it to record via IceTV.
Now you want me to go to IceTV first rather that use the convenience of JustEPG.
How hard is it to create a JustEPG-like guide anyway?
+100
Quote from: JPP on June 26, 2015, 06:30:55 PM
If JustEPG is ported to the Wiz, the only functionality that the Skippa would then have over the Wiz, would be the ability to set ICETV timers directly from/on the PVR's EPG. I believe that the ICETV's Humax PVR can do this however, so it's been done before on another third party PVR, and it would be great if they were to add this ability to the Wiz. Probably very unlikely now that they have developed Skippa.
The Humax sets all IceTV series recordings as "All episodes". On the SKIPPA you can tell it set your series recordings as "First runs only" or "All episodes".
Any PVR that uses IceTV could do the same if the manufacturer updated their PVR's firmware to make full use of IceTV's features.
Quote from: DaveD on June 27, 2015, 11:39:44 AM
Quote from: Leon K on June 26, 2015, 01:44:13 PM
Hey Everyone,
IceTV is so simple and easy to use from the Phone App ...
To extend your logic, does this imply Skippa 2.0 will not have an EPG at all?
I tend to scan the JustEPG guide a few days ahead and, if I see something I like, I will get on my laptop (not phone) and set it to record via IceTV.
Now you want me to go to IceTV first rather that use the convenience of JustEPG.
Sometimes while something is recording (e.g. I like to give an AFL match about an hour of recording before I begin to chase-play/watch it) I will scan the guide to watch something else of interest that I don't necessarily want to record.
How hard is it to create a JustEPG-like guide anyway?
+200
My current setup allows me to see 12 channels on the one screen (and it's user configurable). Being able to see just 4 would be a pain in the neck. I don't want to see all the crap shown up the top when scanning the EPG. If I want more info, I'll click on the show to display it.
Of course I've pre-ordered a Skippa so I guess I'll have neck pain for quite some time!
I'm retiring my TiVo and look forward to opening my new skippa box soon.. I like the look of the skippa epg its nice
But the hardest change will be going back to a grid style epg (usually found on the cheapest media/set top/TVs ect)
The TiVo has 2 options for epg a grid view and a live/list view (pictured), an option like this would be awsome.
I've seen a few people mention justepg and I'd give that a go if it were an option.
I guess the grid view is ok if you rarely use the epg but I surf the guide ,every time I change channels it's through the epg
Anyway I can't wait to try it out cheers
Quote from: DaveD on June 27, 2015, 11:39:44 AM
I tend to scan the JustEPG guide a few days ahead and, if I see something I like, I will get on my laptop (not phone) and set it to record via IceTV.
I use the EPG similarly, however with MCE which is quite easy to set and record as I can just use my Harmony remote.
I thought that dropping back from 12 rows to 8 rows in the EPG was less that ideal when I went from Win 7 MCE to Win 8 MCE, but down to 4 is very disappointing. Surely the rows could easily be doubled if the channel logo is made smaller and the apparent redundant time info was omitted as this is visible in the header and the info panel, but it does look nice.
Quote from: Leon K on June 26, 2015, 01:44:13 PM
Relaxing on your couch, watching a show and having your IceTV App open in the palm of your hand
The idea that we always use our phone etc. is ridiculous, especially as many people still have trouble with technology or want to get away from phones, my wife for one ;)
We also watch Live TV sometimes for news etc. and the EPG is an essential part of this, so having it easily show what is on now or soon is important, especially with so many channels now. Anyway, I don't particularly like the TV Guide view on IceTV.
For me, the idea is to simplify TV watching/recording not to add another layer or device, which is why I have been looking at the Skippa, but the EPG issue is a big one for me so I need to balance this as everything else looks great.
To everyone that is not too sure about this app thingy, all I can say is don't knock it till you try it...
I agree there does need to be an on screen EPG on the unit that is highly functional and meets the needs of the people using it - I'm definitely NOT saying otherwise.
BUT..
I must admit, using the app, it's pretty bloody awesome. Just give it a go before you dismiss the idea altogether, I promise it doesn't add complexity or layers to the equation and it doesn't distract from the unit. It's independent.
It provides recommendations to you based on your areas screenings and your viewing /recording habits, it highlights all of your up and coming shows that are scheduled or that you have previously watched, it allows you to set recordings from the app with a few quick clicks, schedule series recording options like only new or repeats as well, only HD, only SD, networks etc. You can also check TV guides for your area and up and coming shows, and more importantly search for shows by name that are coming up in the next 7 days. Honestly it's worth a look, and at worst it will be a pretty good companion to your on screen EPG, but try it first before thinking it's not going to help you or complicate things, as it is worth it in my opinion.
I actually love it. Watch TV, flick over to the app on the iPad, search for a show I just saw the ad for, select it and set for series recording all within seconds, and all without leaving the current viewing screen on the TV.
Definitely worth your time to check it out and familiarise yourself with it.
Mark
Quote from: warkus on July 21, 2015, 12:08:28 AM
To everyone that is not too sure about this app thingy, all I can say is don't knock it till you try it...
When I'm at home my phone lives on my desk in another room away from the 4 year old. My wife's phone lives in the bottom of her bag and is normally dead. I'm not even sure the app is available for her phone. And I'm not about to set my account up on the grandparents phone for when they visit. Those guys love their EPGs.
Maybe it's because boxer shorts don't have pockets, but I just don't tend to have my phone on me when I'm laying on the couch :). Or it could be I'm just getting old and grumpy.
Quote from: warkus on July 21, 2015, 12:08:28 AM
I actually love it. Watch TV, flick over to the app on the iPad, search for a show I just saw the ad for, select it and set for series recording all within seconds, and all without leaving the current viewing screen on the TV.
Definitely worth your time to check it out and familiarise yourself with it.
Mark
Possibly because I don't have an iPad, only an iPhone and my eyes aren't what they used to be :-\ the only time I look at the phone app is if I want to check something while I am out. While there is nothing wrong with the app, I just don't play with my phone when I'm at home, while I used to flick over to JustEPG several times a day
Not so much to set recordings,etc. but to simply have a quick look what's on now, or what's on later this evening. I also use to to set recordings on the fly. JustEPG happens to have broken ATM and I miss it greatly. I would certainly miss something similar on what ever PVR I got.
Again, I'll reiterate the unit DOES need to have a good fully functional EPG for people to use, definitely not saying otherwise...
But the app does serve a good purpose and is a good accompaniment to the unit, or to any ICE enabled PVR, and you don't necessarily need an iPad to use it, works on a PC too.
To make a point of its usefulness, and whilst I do agree it's probably not for everyone (my mother in law doesn't even have a device to use the app on) - It's rather single minded to focus on using the app solely whilst sitting on the lounge. Who said that's the only place you can use it.??? 😀
Your at work, and your college says to you there's this awesome new show on each day, it's called Dr Phil, and it's on at midday each day, you should watch it, it would be right up wife's your alley... Lol.
Turn to your phone, open the app, search Dr PHIL, click on the next viewing, select recording options, series recordings, first runs only, Ten, Pref HD but SD will do, Only record 2 a day max, Device Skippa, go... Done!
😁
It's not just for use whilst on the lounge!!! Lol
My wife usually sets all the weeks recordings up in one hit each week, nothing to say you have to be in front of the TV to do that, you can do it on your main PC too or on the unit, as remember it's gonna have an awesome EPG as well...we hope...
Or you get to work and remember the wife asked you to record a show for her this afternoon and you won't be home in time to set it, jump on the app and hey presto problem solved.
I think for use in conjunction with a GOOD EPG on the unit itself - like Pasta and sauce, pizza and pepperoni, bourbon and coke - they go well together.
Oh and the boxer shorts comment - ive got a simpons pair that does so no more excuses buddy!!! Lol
Mark
Quote from: warkus on July 21, 2015, 02:34:20 AM
works on a PC too.
Mark
Yes, that is what I am using ATM (and the half dead widget) as my JustEPG is dead. It just serves to reinforce the fact that having to open it on the PC is a lot more painful then pressing a button on the PVR's remote
Quote from: warkus on July 21, 2015, 02:34:20 AMYour at work, and your college says to you there's this awesome new show on each day, it's called Dr Phil, and it's on at midday each day, you should watch it, it would be right up wife's your alley... Lol.
Turn to your phone, open the app, search Dr PHIL, click on the next viewing, select recording options, series recordings, first runs only, Ten, Pref HD but SD will do, Only record 2 a day max, Device Skippa, go... Done!
😁
Mark
Yes, that is the only circumstance under which I'd use the iPhone app ;D
Quote from: warkus on July 21, 2015, 02:34:20 AM
My wife usually sets all the weeks recordings up in one hit each week, nothing to say you have to be in front of the TV to do that, you can do it on your main PC too or on the unit, as remember it's gonna have an awesome EPG as well...we hope...
Mark
Well, that is what I am dying to find out from the (yet to be published) manual. ATM (as I am still on Toppy 5k) I am using TEDS for this purpose, so it (used to be) completely automated for me. ATM, that isn't working properly either, (it sets the timers, but won't upload them) so I have to manually set recordings and I am just not used to having to do that. The only recordings I set through the IceTV app (on the PC) are the recordings I do on the Windows MC
Quote from: warkus on July 21, 2015, 02:34:20 AMI think for use in conjunction with a GOOD EPG on the unit itself - like Pasta and sauce, pizza and pepperoni, bourbon and coke - they go well together.
Mark
I do agree, I am just worried about what the EPG on the unit will be like - don't think much of the screen shots published so far
As a short term solution, removing the stuff at the top of the EPG would allow another 4 services to be display. It should be easy to put in add an ability to select plain EPG or not-so-plain EPG.
I only set one-off timers on the PVR; sometimes I do a one-off that I then update to series via IceTV interactive. I assume we can create series recordings via the PVR with the Skippa.
Ian
Quote from: IanL-S on July 21, 2015, 07:04:32 AM
I assume we can create series recordings via the PVR with the Skippa.
Yes. You can set a single (one off) recording or a series recording. Series recordings set from the EPG via the remote will use your default settings as set in the main menu (like 'first runs only' or 'prefer SD' etc).
Quote from: IanL-S on July 21, 2015, 07:04:32 AM
As a short term solution, removing the stuff at the top of the EPG would allow another 4 services to be display. It should be easy to put in add an ability to select plain EPG or not-so-plain EPG.
Ian
With you on this one. Drop all the crap at the top of the EPG and add at least another 4 channels. Can't be that hard surely. Plain or Non-Plain choice sounds like a great idea.
I only use the app on my phone when away from home. When at home, the phone's in another room charging (and where I can ignore it's ringing if I chose) and I'm flicking through the EPG from the couch. Pretty straightforward really.
.
Due to the fact that IceTV reps have failed to even acknowledge any of the constructive criticism about the EPG I can only assume that updates to it's layout and function will not be happening in a hurry.
It appears that the EPG for these units includes infotainment LCNs: On the Skippa www site there is the following statement: "Use of AutoSkip™ on the following shopping channels is not recommended: 4ME, Extra, Extra2, TVSN, Aspire, Spree, ishoptv." So it is more comprehensive than that for older units such as those made by Topfield.
Ian
I'm not sure that follows.
Quote from: IanL-S on July 26, 2015, 05:28:15 PM
It appears that the EPG for these units includes infotainment LCNs: On the Skippa www site there is the following statement: "Use of AutoSkip™ on the following shopping channels is not recommended: 4ME, Extra, Extra2, TVSN, Aspire, Spree, ishoptv."
There is no EPG data for any of the datacasting channels (shopping, infotainment, racing.com etc). If someone presses record while viewing one of the datacasting channels the resulting recording won't get AutoSkip processed. They're just one long ad anyway.
Liking the I-plate ,Nice basic alternative to the full epg, I'll be using this a lot I think