cypherstream
Build Fios, and I will come.
join:2004-12-02
Reading, PA
clubs:
 ·Cingular Wireless
| reply to BosstonesOwn
Re: Discovery HD
andy's right.
The database in the I-Guide DVR edition is written for simplicity. The first hit by name is always what's recorded. They could of programmed it to look by channel number... but sometimes operators move channels around, and this channel lineup change would corrupt the series recording and cause it to record the wrong thing.
What I really would like to see in the future, is an addition to the backend provisioning and I-Guide to make HD viewing simpler. A setting which allows the customer to map all channels that have HD content, on the same number as the SD counterpart would ease confusion in tuning, setting up recordings, and cleaning up the cluttered guide. DirecTV and Dish network currently do this, and manage it quite successfully I might add. That goes to show you that it's not impossible. Software can be written to do just about anything.
Basically what needs to be done is a new database / table modification on the current channel lineup.
When the MSO defines it's channel map, they would need a new column in the table that links the SD channel number to a record containing the HD channel assignment.
Next when the backend is all set up, the I-Guide would need to be able to interpret and understand this new column in the map database and utilize it IF the feature is turned on in the Guide Setup screen by the customer. On HD set top boxes, this should be default. On DVR boxes, this should be off due to some people get DVR's but do not have an HDTV. On SD boxes this feature should be non-existent. I-Guide SD would need the ability to understand the new map database, but just ignore the newly added column.
I can't tell you how many times I go to some noob's place with an HD box and TV, but they are on the WRONG SD channel (particularly women and children). This is also prevalent in public places with HDTV's, such as local sports bars or restaurants. I've been to ONE restaurant that successfully tuned ESPN HD, instead of ESPN SD on their two Panasonic Plasma HDTV's. If the offending places can't figure it out, they might as well get rid of their HD boxes and save the money. One place had ABC HD on, simply because of the QAM tuner picked it up (That LCD had no box). That must of been out of pure luck. Most public places have their HD boxes in plain sight, with the ch number configured to display instead of the time. It really bothers me that they have ESPN Ch 44 showing, instead of ESPN HD Ch 202 on a nice plasma or LCD. (Your ch numbers will vary).
I always recommend DirecTV to public places, as they have no need for VOD. Simplicity in channel changing is needed for HD because of various uneducated employees at the remote.
Thanks for reading. |
