Electronic program guide: Difference between revisions

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{{Short description|Television term}}

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[[File:Mythbuntu Program Guide.png|thumb|330px|right|Electronic programming guide interface in [[MythTV]].]]

'''Electronic programming guides''' ('''EPGs''') and '''interactive programming guides''' ('''IPGs''') are menu-based systems that provide users of television, [[radio]] and other media applications with continuously updated menus that display scheduling information for current and upcoming [[broadcast programming]] (most commonly, [[TV listings]]). Some guides also feature backward scrolling to promote their catch up content. They are commonly known as '''guides''' or '''TV guides'''.

'''Electronic programming guides''' ('''EPGs''') and '''interactive programming guides''' ('''IPGs''') are menu-based systems that provide users of [[television]], [[radio]], and other media applications with continuously updated menus that display scheduling information for current and upcoming [[broadcast programming]] (most commonly, [[TV listings]]). Some guides also feature backward scrolling to promote their catch up content. They are commonly known as '''guides''' or '''TV guides'''.

Non-interactive electronic programming guides (sometimes known as "navigation software") are typically available for television and radio, and consist of a digitally displayed, non-interactive menu of programming scheduling information shown by a [[cable television|cable]] or [[satellite television]] provider to its viewers on a dedicated channel. EPGs are transmitted by specialized video [[Character generator|character generation]] (CG) equipment housed within each such provider's central [[cable television headend|headend]] facility. By tuning into an EPG channel, a menu is displayed that lists current and upcoming [[television shows]] on all available channels.

Non-interactive electronic programming guides (sometimes known as "navigation software") are typically available for television and radio, and consist of a digitally displayed, non-interactive menu of programming scheduling information shown by a [[cable television|cable]] or [[satellite television]] provider to its viewers on a dedicated channel. EPGs are transmitted by specialized video [[Character generator|character generation]] (CG) equipment housed within each such provider's central [[cable television headend|headend]] facility. By tuning into an EPG channel, a menu is displayed that lists current and upcoming [[television showsshow]]s on all available channels.

A more modern form of the EPG, associated with both television and radio broadcasting, is the interactive [electronic] programming guide (IPG, though often referred to as EPG).<ref>{{cite web|title=A typical PVR website which makes no references to "IPG", using instead "EPG" throughout for the interactive electronic programme guide, as can be confirmed with a site search|url=http://www.toppy.org.uk/|website=Toppy|access-date=3 June 2010|archive-date=12 June 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100612081520/http://www.toppy.org.uk/|url-status=live}}</ref> An IPG allows television viewers and radio listeners to navigate scheduling information menus interactively, selecting and discovering programming by time, title, channel or genre using an input device such as a [[keypad]], computer [[KeyboardComputer (computing)keyboard|keyboard]] or television [[remote control]]. Its interactive menus are generated entirely within local receiving or display equipment using raw scheduling data sent by individual broadcast stations or centralized scheduling information providers. A typical IPG provides information covering a span of seven or 14 days.

Data used to populate an interactive EPG may be distributed over the [[Internet]], either for a charge or free of charge, and implemented on equipment connected directly or through a computer to the Internet.<ref>{{cite web|title=An example of a computer program to export Internet-derived data from an EPG (DigiGuide) to set timers on a PVR (Topfield)|url=http://website.lineone.net/~rwein/toppy/toppy.htm|website=Lineone.net}}</ref>{{dead|access-date=3 June link2010|archive-date=March15 2021April 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160415070640/http://website.lineone.net/~rwein/toppy/toppy.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Television-based IPGs in conjunction with [[Programme Delivery Control]] (PDC) technology can also facilitate the selection of TV shows for recording with [[digital video recorder]]s (DVRs), also known as personal video recorders (PVRs).

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===Key events===

[[File:EPG-TVGuide.png|thumb|''[[Pop (U.S. TV network)|The EPG Channel]]'', an electronic program guide (EPG) from 1987.]]

====North America====

In 1981, [[Gemstar-TVGemstar–TV Guide International|United Video Satellite Group]] launched the first EPG service in [[North America]], a cable channel known simply as [[History of Pop (U.S.American TV networkchannel)|The Electronic Program Guide]]. It allowed cable systems in the [[United States]] and [[Canada]] to provide on-screen listings to their subscribers 24 hours a day (displaying programming information up to 90 minutes in advance) on a dedicated cable channel. Raw listings data for the service was supplied via [[communications satellite|satellite]] to participating cable systems, each of which installed a computer within its headend facility to present that data to subscribers in a format customized to the system's unique channel lineup. The EPG Channel would later be renamed Prevue Guide and go on to serve as the de facto EPG service for North American cable systems throughout the remainder of the 1980s, the entirety of the 1990s, and – as TV Guide Network or TV Guide Channel – for the first decade of the 21st century.

[[File:SuperGuide 1 screen 16L.jpg|thumb|left|SuperGuide from 1986]]

In 1986 at a trade show in [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]],<ref>1986 STTI exhibitor list, p. 33</ref> STV/Onsat, a print programming guide publisher, introduced SuperGuide, an interactive electronic programming guide for [[direct-broadcast satelliteSatellite television|home satellite dish]] viewers. The system was the focus of a 1987 article in ''STV Magazine''.<ref>''STV Magazine''. May 1987 p. 14</ref> The original system had a black-and-white display, and would locally store programming information for around one week in time. A remote control was used to interact with the unit. When the user found a show they wanted to watch, they would have to turn off the guide and then tune the satellite receiver to the correct service. The system was developed by Chris Schultheiss of STV/OnSat and engineer Peter Hallenbeck. The guide information was distributed by satellite using the home owner's dish as the receiver. The information was stored locally so that the user could use the guide without having to be on a particular satellite or service.

[[File:SuperGuide 2 screen 8L.jpg|thumb|2nd generation SuperGuide screen, 1990.]]

In March 1990, a second generation SuperGuide system was introduced that was integrated into the [[Uniden]] 4800 receiver.<ref>''Onsat Magazine''. June 10–16, 1990</ref> This version had a color display and the hardware was based on a custom chip; it was also able to disseminate up to two weeks of programming information. When the user found the show of interest, they pressed a button on the remote and the receiver tuned to the show they wanted to watch. This unit also had a single button recording function, and controlled [[videocassette recorder|VCRs]] via an infrared output (see .<ref>{{Cite patent|country=US|number=5293357|pubdate=1994-03-08|title=Method and apparatus for controlling a television program recording device|assign1=The Superguide Corp.|inventor1-last=Hallenbeck|inventor1-first=Peter D.}}).</ref> Available in North America, it was the first commercially available unit for home use that had a locally stored guide integrated with the receiver for single button viewing and taping. A presentation on the system was given at the 1990 IEEE consumer electronics symposium in [[Chicago]].<ref>1990 Transactions on IEEE consumer electronics society meeting notes/synopses, p. 310</ref>

In June 1988, {{Citea patent|US|4751578}} was awarded to Eli Reiter, Michael H. Zemering and Frank Shannon. This patentthat concerned the implementation of a searchable electronic program guide – an interactive program guide (IPG).<ref>{{Cite patent|country=US|number=4751578|pubdate=1988-06-14|title=System for electronically controllably viewing on a television updateable television programming information|assign1=David P. Gordon|inventor1-last=Reiter|inventor1-first=Eli|inventor2-last=Zemering|inventor2-first=Michael H.|inventor3-last=Shannon|inventor3-first=Frank}}</ref>

TV Guide Magazine and Liberty Media established a joint venture in 1992 known as TV Guide On Screen to develop an EPG. The JVjoint venture was led by video game veteran, Bruce Davis.,<ref name="redherring199310">{{ cite magazine | title=On-Screen Guides: The Vanguard of Interactive Television, | magazine=Red Herring, | date=October 1993, page32| pages=32 }}</ref> Leading competitors to TV Guide On Screen included Prevue Guide and Starsight Telecast. The joint venture introduced the first everan interactive program guide to the market in late 1995 in the General Instrument CFT2200 set -top cable box.<ref name="bc19960325">{{ presscite releasemagazine | url=https://archive.org/details/bc-1996-03-25/page/70/mode/1up | title=VCR function added to TV Guide Onon Screen Preferred| bymagazine=Broadcasting 80%& ofCable Participants| indate=25 UsabilityMarch Study1996 of| Interactiveaccess-date=29 ProgramAugust Guides,2023 May| 1, 1995pages=70 }}</ref> Leading competitors to TV Guide On Screen included Prevue Guide and StarSight Telecast. Telecommunications Inc, owner of Liberty Media, acquired United Video Satellite Group, owner of Prevue Guide, in 1995. TV Guide On Screen and Prevue Guide were later merged. TV Guide On Screen for digital cable set top boxes premiered in the DigiCable series of set top boxes from General Instrument shortly thereafter. See wiki on TV Guide for subsequent developments.<ref>[[TV Guide]]</ref>{{Circular reference|date=May 2020}}

Scientific Atlanta introduced the 8600X Advanced analog Set-top box in 1993 that included an interactive electronic program guide, downloadable software, 2-way communications, and pause/FF/REW for VCR-like viewing. Millions were deployed by Time Warner and other customers.<ref>"Honoring the Past, Scientific Atlanta 1977-2000", "Time Warner Taps S-A for Interactive Analog Box", Multichannel News March 14, 1994</ref>

====Western Europe====

In Western [[Europe]], 59 million television households were equipped with EPGs at the end of 2008, a penetration of 36% of all television households. The situation varies from country to country, depending on the status of digitization and the role of pay television and [[IPTV]] in each market. With [[BSkyB|Sky]] as an early mover and the [[BBC iPlayer]] and [[Virgin Media]] as ambitious followers, the United Kingdom is the most developed and innovative EPG market to date, with 96% of viewers having frequently used an EPG in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Looking for TV Genius? |url=http://www.tvgenius.net/blog/2010/10/25/epgs-viewers-find/ |website=[[TV Genius]] |publisher=Red Bee Media |date=October 25, 2010 |access-date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120304051150/http://www.tvgenius.net/blog/2010/10/25/epgs-viewers-find/ |archive-date=March 4, 2012 }}</ref> [[Inview Technology]] is one of the UK's largest and oldest EPG producers, dating back to 1996 and currently in partnership with [[Humax]] and [[Skyworth]].

[[Scandinavia]] also is a highly innovative EPG market. Even in [[Italy]], the EPG penetration is relatively high with 38%. In [[France]], IPTV is the main driver of EPG developments. In contrast to many other European countries, [[Germany]] lags behind, due to a relatively slow digitization process and the minor role of pay television in that country.<ref>{{cite web|title=EPG Forecast, Western Europe (2008–2014)|url=http://www.international-television.org/tv_market_data/epg-penetration-forecast-europe_2008-2014.html|website=International-Television.org|access-date=14 April 2010|archive-date=22 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100322204725/http://www.international-television.org/tv_market_data/epg-penetration-forecast-europe_2008-2014.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Current applications==

<!-- Deleted image removed: [[File:TV Guide Interactive.jpg|thumb|upright=1.4|''[[TV Guide Interactive|i-Guide]]'', a [[TV Guide]] IPG for North American [[digital cable]] boxes from 2007.]] -->

Interactive program guides are nearly ubiquitous in most broadcast media today. EPGs can be made available through television (on [[set-top box]]es and all current digital TV receivers), [[mobile phone]]s (particularly through [[smartphone]] [[mobile app|apps]]), and on the Internet. Online TV Guides are becoming more ubiquitous, with over 7seven million searches for "TV Guide" being logged each month on [[Google]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Looking for TV Genius? |url=http://www.tvgenius.net/resources/white-papers/online-tv-guide-optimisation/ |website=TV Genius |publisher=Red Bee Media |access-date=October 23, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111213050201/http://www.tvgenius.net/resources/white-papers/online-tv-guide-optimisation/ |archive-date=December 13, 2011 }}</ref>

For television, IPG support is built into almost all modern receivers for digital cable, [[Direct-broadcastSatellite satellitetelevision|digital satellite]], and over-the-air [[digital television|digital broadcasting]]. They are also commonly featured in digital video recorders such as [[TiVo]] and [[MythTV]]. Higher-end receivers for [[digital radio|digital broadcast radio]] and digital [[satellite radio]] commonly feature built-in IPGs as well.

Demand for non-interactive electronic television program guides – television channels displaying listings for currently airing and upcoming programming – has been nearly eliminated by the widespread availability of interactive program guides for television; TV Guide Network, the largest of these services, eventually abandoned its original purpose as a non-interactive EPG service and became a traditional general entertainment cable channel, eventually rebranding as [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop]] in January 2015. Television-based IPGs provide the same information as EPGs, but faster and often in much more detail. When television IPGs are supported by [[digital video recorder|PVR]]s, they enable viewers to plan viewing and recording by selecting broadcasts directly from the EPG, rather than programming timers.

The aspect of an IPG most noticed by users is its [[graphical user interface]] (GUI), typically a grid or table listing [[channel (broadcasting)|channel]] names and program titles and times: web and television-based IPG interfaces allow the user to highlight any given listing and call up additional information about it supplied by the EPG provider. Programs on offer from [[virtual channel|subchannel]]s may also be listed.

Typical IPGs also allow users the option of [[Search engine technology(computing)|searchsearching]]ing by genre, as well as immediate one-touch access to, or recording of, a selected program. Reminders and [[Parental controls|parental control]] functions are also often included. The IPGs within some [[DirecTV]] [[Integrated receiver/decoder|IRD]]s can control a VCR using an attached [[infrared]] emitter that [[emulator|emulates]] its remote control.

The latest development in IPGs is personalization through a [[Recommender system|recommendation engine]] or [[semantics]]. Semantics are used to permit interest-based suggestions to one or several viewers on what to watch or record based on past patterns. One such IPG, [[iFanzy]], allows users to customize its appearance.

Standards for delivery of scheduling information to television-based IPGs vary from application to application, and by country. Older television IPGs like [[Guide Plus]]+ relied on analog technology (such as the [[vertical blanking interval]] of analog television video signals) to distribute listings data to IPG-enabled consumer receiving equipment. In Europe, the [[ETSI|European Telecommunications Standards Institute]] (ETSI) published standard ETS 300 707 to standardize the delivery of IPG data over [[Digital Video BroadcastingDVB|digital television broadcast signals]]. Listings data for IPGs integrated into digital terrestrial television and radio receivers of the present day is typically sent within each station's [[MPEG transport stream]], or alongside it in a special [[data]] stream. The [[ATSC standards|ATSC standard]] for digital terrestrial television, for instance, uses tables sent in each station's [[Program and System Information Protocol|PSIP]]. These tables are meant to contain program start times and titles along with additional program descriptive metadata. [[Time signal|Current time signals]] are also included for [[on-screen display]] purposes, and they are also used to set timers on recording devices.

Devices embedded within modern digital cable and satellite television receivers, on the other hand, customarily rely upon third-party listings metadata aggregators to provide them with their on-screen listings data. Such companies include [[Tribune MediaContent ServicesAgency|Tribune TV Data]] (now [[Gracenote]], part of [[Nielsen Holdings]]), Gemstar-TV Guide (now [[TiVo Corporation]]), FYI Television, Inc. in the United States and Europe; TV Media in the United States and Canada; Broadcasting Dataservices in Europe and Dayscript in [[Latin America]]; and What's On India Media Pvt. Ltd in [[India]], [[Sri Lanka]], [[Indonesia]], the [[Middle East]] and [[Asia]].

Some IPG systems built into older set-top boxes designed to receive terrestrial digital signals and television sets with built-in digital tuners may have a lesser degree of interactive features compared to those included in cable, satellite and IPTV converters; technical limitations in these models may prevent users from accessing program listings beyond (at maximum) 16 hours in advance and complete program synopses, and the inability for the IPG to parse synopses for certain programs from the MPEG stream or displaying next-day listings until at or after 12:00 &nbsp;a.m. local time. IPGs built into newer television (including [[Smart TV]]), digital terrestrial set-top box and antenna-ready DVR models feature on-screen displays and interactive guide features more comparable to their pay television set-top counterparts, including the ability to display grids and, in the case of DVRs intended for terrestrial use, the ability – with an Internet connection – to access listings and content from [[over-the-top content|over-the-top]] services.

A growing trend is for manufacturers such as [[Elgato]] and [[Topfield]] and software developers such as [[Microsoft]] in their [[Windows Media Center]] to use an Internet connection to acquire data for their built-in IPGs. This enables greater interactivity with the IPG such as media downloads, [[Season ticket|series recording]] and programming of the recordings for the IPG remotely; for example, [[Icetv|IceTV]] in Australia enables TiVo-like services to competing DVR/PVR manufacturers and software companies.

In developing IPG software, manufacturers must include functions to address the growing volumes of increasingly complex data associated with programming. This data includes program descriptions, schedules and [[televisionTelevision content ratingsrating systemssystem|parental television ratings]], along with flags for technical and access features such as display formats, [[closed captioning]] and [[Audio description|Descriptive Video Service]]. They must also include user configuration information such as favorite channel lists, and multimedia content. To meet this need, some set-top box software designs incorporate a "database layer" that utilizes either proprietary functions or a [[commercial off-the-shelf]] [[embedded database]] system for sorting, storing and retrieving programming data.<ref>{{cite web|title=Programming Guide Manages Networked Digital TV|url=http://www.eetimes.com/in_focus/communications/OEG20021127S0035|author=Andrei Gorine|website=EE Times|date=December 2002|access-date=August 15, 2008|archive-date=21 August 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080821152630/http://www.eetimes.com/in_focus/communications/OEG20021127S0035|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Hybrid Data Management Gets Traction In Set-Top Boxes |url=http://www.embedded.com/columns/technicalinsights/209601833?_requestid=19509 |archive-url=http://arquivo.pt/wayback/20160523201602/http://www.embedded.com/columns/technicalinsights/209601833?_requestid=19509 |url-status=dead |archive-date=2016-05-23 |author=Steve Graves |website=Embedded.com |date=July 2008 |access-date=August 15, 2008 }}</ref>

==See also==

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==External links==

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* {{cite web|url=http://www.etsi.org/deliver/etsi_en/300700_300799/300707/01.02.01_60/en_300707v010201p.pdf|publisher=ETSI|date=April 2003|title=Electronic Programme Guide; Protocol for a TV Guide using electronic data transmission|quote=300 707 V1.2.1}}

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[[Category:Television terminology]]