Why is the EPG so bad? - Page 3

Shaun · 05-09-2003, 15:27

Quote:

Originally posted by Incognitas
Who cares why it doesn't work.I just want it to work whatever the bl**dy reason.

Trust Incog to bring a little sense to the thread.

lynx2oo2 · 05-09-2003, 16:31

ok, i started this, and over the last week there have been some developments regarding my relationship with ntl. have all but decided to give up ntl tv and go for sky. (landlord permission pending).

this came about after a couple of very rude disscussions with a cs rep (he was rude, i stayed suprisingly calm), which resulted in him hanging up on me twice.

anyhow, been looking into the ntl/sky differences.

http://www.ntlhome.com/ntl_tv/family.html#

133 tv channells inc radio

telephone line rental included

http://www.sky.com/skycom/allpackages (sky premier family pack)

192 tv inc radio and all 5 sky premier movie chans

Now to the question, is it worth putting up with c**p cs and less channels or do i go for more channels and better service with sky.?

Help, what to do????????????

Shaun · 05-09-2003, 17:35

Quote:

Originally posted by lynx2oo2
ok, i started this, and over the last week there have been some developments regarding my relationship with ntl. have all but decided to give up ntl tv and go for sky. (landlord permission pending).

this came about after a couple of very rude disscussions with a cs rep (he was rude, i stayed suprisingly calm), which resulted in him hanging up on me twice.

anyhow, been looking into the ntl/sky differences.

http://www.ntlhome.com/ntl_tv/family.html#

133 tv channells inc radio

telephone line rental included

http://www.sky.com/skycom/allpackages (sky premier family pack)

192 tv inc radio and all 5 sky premier movie chans

Now to the question, is it worth putting up with c**p cs and less channels or do i go for more channels and better service with sky.?

Help, what to do????????????

Good on you mate, if my L/L would let us get a minidish then I'd be joining you.

GO SKY.

trentsteel · 06-09-2003, 00:20

CS good for me, no charges either for repairs etc. with ntl

bt phone line extra tenner too with sky, and loss of signal in bad weather, although i think this depends on where you are

i would say ntl good unless your watching tv all the time, with the extra channels sky better though for this

jemnery · 09-09-2003, 13:04

Quote:

Originally posted by C_Cube
Again I repeat, this is nothing to do with the EPG software. It is the SI data supplied to it not being complete. If a web page fails to load fully is that the browsers fault!!!

Sorry, but that's at best a half-truth.

If a web-page fails to load it could be:

The server's fault
The data is corrupt or incorrect
Your ISP's fault
Your network card is broken
Your modem is broken
Faulty browser software
...
...
etc.

I think the EPG software *is* crap, even when it does load. My biggest gripe is that you can only program it 3 days in advance, which is bloody useless.

I don't *need* the listings - why can't I set a schedule even if there is no programme data?

Paul K · 09-09-2003, 13:10

Quote:

Originally posted by Incognitas
Who cares why it doesn't work.I just want it to work whatever the bl**dy reason.
Incog.

Think that just about sums it up for a lot of people, all we want is a properly working service. No point promising "all new amazing features" if your basic service doesn't work

DeKurver · 09-09-2003, 13:35

I typically use the 'Browse' feature when channel hopping, although all too often I run into the same problems as described by others:

The list of programmes is empty.
The list of programmes is available, but pressing More shows a blank page.

The only way to fix this is to unplug and reboot the STB, which makes me think that it isn't a problem with the content provider but rather a problem with the EPG not requesting the correct content.

lynx2oo2 · 09-09-2003, 14:23

So, is my problem with the epg in part caused by my channels start at 101, ie, i am on the dreaded langley side, would things be better on the bromley area.

Or does that not make any difference???

SMHarman · 09-09-2003, 15:51

Called to report a damaged green box today and the recorded announcement said the epg had problems due to software faults.

TigaSefi · 09-09-2003, 20:28

What really really ****es me off is when i do a channel flick thru all the numbers, it VERY VERY odd... I do wish they re sort it out so all the movies are together, all children together and all music together like Sky

**Maggy** · 09-09-2003, 20:37

Hang on I just finally learned where all the channels are.Please don't make me have to learn it all over again!!

Incog

The Watcher · 24-11-2003, 00:13

Quote:

Originally Posted by C_Cube

BDSI supply the content and the epg purley displays what is supplied. If the supplied data is incorrect then it will appear incorrect on the screen.

Who/what is BDSI where can I go to hassle them/it?

zendawn · 28-11-2003, 15:47

Hi all, new here, been with NTL for 2yrs tho.

I was wondering if anyone else thinks the EPG reminder (channel changer) should be time and channel based rather than program based?

i.e. I'd rather use the reminder as a channel changer, (especially for recording when out) than as a reminder for a certain program, so all I need is to change to a CHANNEL (say 3 ITV) at (16:00pm).

Example CHANNEL ??? TIME ??:??

At the moment if you want to change channels for a block program like the UKGOLDs Dr Who @ 40 weekend, you can only do it at the beginning of the show. as the EPG only shows the WHOLE block not individual programs within.
Also with the EPG being wrong 10%? of the time, some programs can be missed, but a time based CHANNEL CHANGE wouldn't make a difference.

Anyone agree?

Zendawn

bigboab5 · 28-11-2003, 16:20

Hi there Guys,

I have been on digital NTL since it was first launched in the Glasgow area. At the time a big deal was made of the fact that as it was cable, it would be "FASTER", "BETTER", and there would be great "Interactivity". We would be able to take part in TV Polls, LIVE. There would be a world of information at our fingertips. In those early days, the EPG had 1 weeks info available. And they made a big deal about it being better than SKY. Now look at it!!!!! I have given up waiting for the full interactivity. From memory the last update to the EPG is over a year ago (writing this from work!!).

As for the above idea, yes, anything would be better than it is. WHY does it have to load in the complete listing at the same time. Surely you can just load down the listing for the channel you want. I really don't care why it don't work, that it is the fault of x, y or z. It is the fault of NTL, it is their network, it is their cables (I think!!) it is their settop boxes and it is their engineers and software specialists who are given the job of providing the service that we pay for. I do not care that they have no money, I do not care that they narrowly avoided going bust. If they did/do go bust , someone will prob take them over at a fraction of the cost. (well maybe not!!!). I pay about ÃƒÆ’Ã†â€™ÃƒÂ¢Ã¢â€šÂ¬Ã…Â¡ÃƒÆ’Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ãƒâ€šÃ‚Â£70 a month before I make a phone call. For that I get a phone service, that is ok, A TV service, that is ok, A cable service, that is ok , but getting worse. and an interactive service that is non existant. ok they provide that free, but it was a big selling point way back then. So it was sold under false pretences!!!

Phewww!!! rant over!!!!

Sorry guys, just had to get that outa my system

Take care ,a nd I do appreciate all you do!!!

Bigboab

flurdy · 17-12-2003, 14:36

Is there a set procedure to make sure the EPG are working ?

Two things that irritate me are:
In the TV guide meny i cant select "At a Glance" option most of the time.

In the now and next pop up thing, it is mostly unavailable unless I have been watching TV for hours.