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EPG's, IPG's PPV & Navigation Video Vault
This section provides a guide to a number of the EPG's (Electronic Programme Guide), IPG's (Interactive Programme Guide) TV Listings and other "Navigational" services currently on offer in digital TV homes.
These services are highly important in ensuring ease of use, viewer comfort and in the end viewer satisfaction with digital TV networks.
There is a tremendous range of levels of fuctionality in these services from basic Teletext formats, little changed over 20 years through to multi-day, multi-theme EPG's and finally the dynamic integration of PVR (Personal Video Recoder) capabilities that can be found in the latest Sky+ decoders and in TIVO and Replay products elsewhere.
UK
Teletext TV Navigator on Freeview (MHEG5) (2 Mb)
The Teletext TV Navigator is accessed via the Teletext service
(Channel 9 on the Freeview platform) by following the appropriate links. (Yellow from the
entry screen or from within the blue 'Control' menu anywhere else in the service.)
It features innovative and dynamic functionality which has not been used by any other
operators on the platform. All Channels and Radio stations are covered, with 24 hour
listings and programme synopses. It is fully regionalised, tracks schedule changes and
updates 'In front of your eyes'. Added functionality includes the facility to jump to the
chosen channel.
Freeview channel numbers have been used as the basis of a search facility for the
listings. Utilizing both the left and right arrows and the numeric keys on the remote
control the user can either: a) browse through the entire channel list or b) input a
number to instantly download and display the now and next programmes for that particular
channel.
Upon selecting a channel, if the user does not enter another channel number or press an arrow key within a couple of seconds, the full listings proceed to download and are displayed underneath. This functionality allows the user to quickly browse the now and next programmes for multiple channels before the main listings load. The day's listings can be scrolled through using the up and down arrows. Also, if an unavailable channel number is entered the TV Navigator informs the user and displays a list of available channels.
UK
Updated Music Choice on Sky (OpenTV) (3.5 Mb)
UK
based European thematic music provider 'Music Choice Ltd' has launched a redesigned
version of their Sky interactive application.
According to Sean Sullivan Head of Interactive TV Development at Music Choice, it was a 'straightforward' design upgrade. Music Choice commissioned the design agency, ‘Wheel’, to create the 'atmospheric' design concept, which is hoped to be a more compelling visual experience. As previously, NDS were charged with implementing the final application in Sky’s OpenTV environment. The application does seem more intuitive and Sullivan considers it as a 'more 'mature' design compared to the previous version.
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Greece
Nova EPG's: (OpenTV)
Nova's EPG is split up into two applications - The first is a very fast, chronologically listed "Progamme" EPG which makes it easy to see a full evening's schedule, the full title of a programme (very difficult on the Sky EPG for instance) and a full programme synopsis. Nova's second EPG application is a thematic "Search" EPG which allows the viewer to search for programme types and genres over the coming 8 days.
Also, although we're showing the English versions here -
the Nova EPG's operate both in English and Greek! Language is set up in the decoder menu
when first installed.
8 Day "Programme" EPG (2 Mb)
Nova's 8 day listings EPG provides extremely fast access to full
schedules. Each programme is listed chronologically, just as in the TV Guide pages of a UK
newspaper. This interface makes a change from Sky's and seems more logical, at least from
a personal perspective, particularly if you are loyal to certain channels.
Using the UP and DOWN cursor keys allows the viewer to scroll through and explore the
programmes of the day on a particular channel. A full synopsis of each programme is easily
accessible by pressing the "i" button.
Using LEFT or RIGHT takes the viewer through programmes on
that channel Today, Tomorrow and through the days of the week - whilst the "P+"
and "P-" buttons allows the viewer to scroll through the listings of the various
channels available on the Nova plaform. The channel numbers can also be directly entered -
e.g. 32 for MGM, 30 for Filmnet.
Each programme title is accompanied by a graphic symbol relative to the programme content,
this information is tightly integrated with parental control software of the decoder so
that viewing restrictions can be set automatically. These symbols also appear in the Now
& Next banner making it easy for parents to be aware of the content of the programmes
they are currently viewing.
Nova Search EPG (7 Mb)
Nova's Search EPG has a Thematic Search
allowing the viewer for instance to find a programme based on type, sub-type, day and
time. e.g. you are able to search the entire EPG for Action Movies on Wednesday Afternoon
or Tennis on Tuesday mornings.
In addition this application also features a "Nova Highlights" section,
"Concepts" - e.g. related strands of programming and quite uniquely,
"Choose a Mood" which allows you to check the schedules for programmes that
appeal to a particular mindset - e.g. "Playing" , "Entertainment" ,
"Adventure" , "Emotion" , "Exploration" , "Moments full
of Tension"
UK
UKTV EPG on Sky Digital (OpenTV) (4.7 Mb)
This is a brave effort by the UKTV channels
to provide their own listings information and background info across their entire
portfolio of channels, it works well and its bloody fast!
Whether this application is able to significantly enhance viewer loyalty and keep viewers watching UKTV services remains to be seen but the application has been very clearly designed and is easy to navigate.
A triggered call to action appears for a short while and then disappears so as not to encroach on the viewing area. The call to action invites the viewer to press red, the application loads and they are then confronted with the now and next programme title information across all the UKTV channels in the top right hand portion of the screen with the video still in vision in the top left.
Scrolling through the channels provides additional related information in the bottom panel. For instance information on the programme content, when the programme will air again, a related story or quiz and information on how to get to the channel. Unfortunately, unlike the BBC's text application, its not possible to flick through the video of the various channels whilst your are in the application, nor is it possible to dynamically quit the application and jump to your chosen channel with a single keypress.
The service has been developed throught the combined expertise of GOiNTERACTtv, BBC Broadcast and Di3 and is the first fully automated enhanced text application in the UK connected directly to the programme play-out automation system, providing viewers with full and real time details on UKTV programmes.
It also has the added feature of being able to offer viewers programme recommendations (of other UKTV channels) based on their current viewing. For example, if a viewer is watching Thin Blue Line on UK Gold, the service might draw their attention to Blackadder which follows on UK Gold or to another comedy show that is about to start on another UKTV channel, such as The Office on Play UK.
Programme information modules are taken from UKTV's Listing Management System, supplied by Imeta Technologies, by the Content Management System (CMS).
This is a purpose built engine created
exclusively for UKTV by GOiNTERACTtv. The CMS automatically reforms the data into modules
suitable for transmission to Sky homes.
The data modules are then passed to xPlayer, a Di3 product, which uniquely links together
the Compass programme automation system of Chyron-Probel, the CMS, and the Softel
Mediashpere streaming carousels.
The xPlayer supervises the play-out of these modules to the application already
transmitted to viewer's set top boxes. The link to the programme automation allows the
xPlayer to reconcile the data it has received from the CMS against the schedule loaded at
the beginning of the broadcast day. It manages any updates received as those schedules
change during the day.
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France
New Interactive Mosaic on Canalsat (Mediahighway) (1.3 Mb)
Its
poor timing for Canal Satellite to upgrade their interactive menu in the Mosaic. Whilst it
looks much, much better, they haven't really addressed some of the fundemental problems of
their platform.
The concept borrows heavily from the animated video that features on CSD Spain's OK Plus portal - by using looped video as the background of the application, it makes the services appear all the more lively.
However having launched the new menu structure at a pretty rough time in the market, half of the services have or are about to go offline. Effectively the demise of Lagarde Active, Broadway factory and Minisat have thrown the whole platform into chaos.
From a viewer perspective its highly dammaging becuase Canal Satellite's interactive mosaic leads them to a bunch of services that aren't there anymore. If this continues, viewers will stop bothering to consult the interactive features available to them.
Its made all the more frustrating as once a viewer leaves this portal to go to one of the services featured, or even just a sub menu, they need to press several buttons and wait a long time to get back. Its highly frustrating and one of the most damning limitations of the Mediahighway platform.
It also clearly shows the inability of Canal Satellite themselves to modify even simple menu structures without having to lean heavily on the resources of Canal Plus Technologies.
Spain
Cartelera Pay Per View on CSD (Mediahighway) (4.5 Mb)
This application provides a more
user friendly interface to CSD's Pay-Per-View services than the traditional embedded PPV
menus that are familiar across most of Europe's Mediahighway networks.
Using this service, viewers are able to browse the films in a far more graphically right enviornment with the posters of each film providing access points for further information.
Pressing OK when the highlight is over the poster pulls up more detailed info including the price, whether there are subtitles or alternate soundtracks, a short review, the next transmission time and the appropriate channel number.
When viewers opt to buy a film - then the
traditional PPV purchase menus appear. (See Below) Unfortunately once the viewer has
dropped out of this new application, there is currently no simple way of going back
(except returning to the Cartelera channel by entering its channel number or going back
into the OK Plus menu).
Although not shown in this video, viewers can browse multiple pages of posters by
scrolling right with their remotes.
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Spain
Music Choice on Canal Satelite Spain (Mediahighway) (8 Mb)
This application, created by NDS in
partnership with Spanish developer Fresh-iT offers virtually all of the functionality that
is found on the Sky version of Music Choice - (Featured below) including dynamic
advertising and a more than acceptable response time. Producing this application has
been quite a challenge as Music Choice requires 20,000 real time updates every day, with
synchronized information between each music track, on its full complement of 40 channels.
Currently 15 of which are available in this Spanish version.
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Scandinavia
Widescreen Highlights on Canal Digital (MediaHighway) (2.5Mb)
The Canal Digital platform is
increasingly rolling out a wide range of iTV services.
The platform's main EPG already offers a far richer range of information and searches than the other Mediahighway platforms in Europe, such as CSD Spain, Canal Satellite France or Telepiu - and the look and feel of menus and navigation is increasingly different.
The "WIDESCREEN" magazine, authored in IDP's RegieLine, compliments the EPG with a rich environment to browse the programme highlights across the platform, genre by genre including Children's Programmes, Documentaries, Sport, Films etc.
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Spain
OK Plus on CSD Spain (Mediahighway) (1.86Mb)
CSD's Interactive portal "OK Plus"
is a simple application that is made many times more effective by the merging of
application graphics (which can be fairly static in most middlewares) with the dynamism of
moving video as a background.
This lively menu drives viewers to the many applications on the Canal Satelite platform. From the menu the viewer can explore the CSD TV Guide, modify their subscription, browse and purchase PPV movies, reload their "pay as you go" mobile telephone, bank, shop, send email, play games, find out the latest sports results, or browse thematic audio services.
In addition the application features banner advertising (primarily in the video) to promote new or important applications.
For more info on CSD and their services, contact: scortes@sogecable.com
UK
BBC Digital Text Info Bar (OpenTV) (3.2Mb)
This "info bar" can be called up by the viewer by
pressing the "Text" button the Sky remote control and is overlay entry point
into the BBC's digital teletext service. What it provides is BBC Now & Next
information, additional information on the current programme plus the latest headlines,
weather, lottery results and sports information - all without distracting from the viewers
main object - which, after all, is watching television!
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UK
Sky Digital EPG (OpenTV) (9Mb)
This guided video provides an
overview of Sky's EPG functionality. Sky's EPG seems to be very much an evolving product -
with new functionality - such as reminders and automatic channel changing being added in
over the air software downloads.
UK
NTL EPG (Liberate) (2.01Mb)
NTL's
UK Digital Cable EPG doesn't offer the same level of functionality as the Sky Digital EPG.
Its probably fair to say that programme data doesn't appear to update on screeen as
quickly as other services, but navigation is simple, intuative, and special functionality,
such as the "Diary" for the managing of programme reminders is extremely
clear and user friendly.
Ireland
Chorus EPG (OpenTV) (Offline, Available on Request)
Chorus
is the largest MMDS operator and the second largest cable operator in the Irish Republic.
The introduction of their iTV services in October 2000 marked the beginning of interactive
services in Eire. VISIONIK Interactive TV partnered with Chorus to deliver this EPG,
leveraging its previous experiences with EPG for European and Middle-Eastern clients.
Poland
Magazyn+ (MediaHighway) (1.29 Mb)
Canal Plus' Polish direct to home
satellite platform - Cyfra+ has recently adopted IDP's RegieLine technology for the
delivery of a number of its interactive services.
Magazyn+ is regularly updated by Cyfra+ by their in-house teams and provides programming highlights and other information to Cyfra+ viewers.
France
Canal Satellite Mosaic (Mediahighway) (1.9M)
People will argue
whether it is worth the additional bandwidth it takes up (equivalant to 3-4 regular video
channels) but Canal Satellite France's Mosaic application does make zapping significantly
faster. Using the Canal Satellite remote, viewers can see what's currently showing in the
video window, whilst being able to see the programme title and programme running time at
the bottom of the screen. Pressing OK over the highlighted video window takes you direct
to that channel or interactive service.
France
Astra Mosaic (Mediahighway) (1.09Mb)
Sadly missing the
live video streams of the Canal Satellite application above, the Astra Satellite's Mosaic
service does however simplify navigation around the growing number of
"free-to-air" services that are available to digital satellite homes with dishes
pointing at Astra at 19.2 degrees East. Major platforms broadcasting from here include
Canal Satellite France, CSD Spain, UPC Direct for Poland etc and Premiere World Germany.
UK
iTV Digital EPG (MHEG) (1.4Mb)
The iTV Digital
DTT platform (Previously OnDigital) offers a very simple to use 1 day TV Guide for all
services on the iTV Digital. The bandwidth restrictions of DTT may be a reason why no
"8 Day" EPG currently exists for all channels on the platform - however the
service does offer programming highlights for the week ahead.
UK
ITV Text Plus Magazine & EPG (MHEG) (1.5Mb)
Existing since before OnDigital's rebranding, iTV Text Plus operates a
fairly rich service in very little bandwidth - but offers programme information just for
ITV 1 & ITV2 channels plus selected news, weather and sports news. Its interesting to
note that this service is regionalised according to the various ITV Franchises. (which
occasionally offer different schedules to Carlton etc) The Anglia ITV logo can be clearly
seen on the top left hand side of the screen.
UK
Channel Four Text (MHEG) (Offline - Available on Request)
Although about to receive a "design" revamp - this
application provides no more than simple listings for the Film Four and Channel Four
services on iTV Digital. Listings for the new E4 service are promised shortly.
UK
BBC Text Listings (MHEG) (Offline - Available on Request)
On digital terrestrial teletext the BBC offers Now & Next
information for both free to air and premium channels on the iTV Digital platform. The
format is little changed from conventional teletext - (essentially being driven from the
same content source) however this is enhanced by the quick colour coded navigation bars
along the bottom of the screen.
UK
NTL Text EPG (MHEG) (Offline - Available on Request)
Not only did this service take an unreasonable
time to load - the viewer is compelled to press the Green button every time to refresh the
data from one channel to another. Static, unfriendly and with a vein attempt to include
"Interactive Advertising" this is quite possibly one of the worst EPG's ever
produced.
UK
Music Choice on Sky Digital (OpenTV) (4.1M)
Produced by NDS, this application allows viewers to browse titles of tracks, select thematic channels and find out additional background information on each of the discreet thematic radio services that Music Choice provide. Of note is the potential revenue banner advertising might bring to the service in the near future.
France
Lagardere MCity on Canal Satellite (Mediahighway) (4.7 Mb)
MCity
offers a similar range of thematic music services as Music Choice in the French market -
and compliments its track data with the covers of the artists CD's, however no advertising
is currently featured on the service. A link is provided to a small "Boutique"
of MCity CD's for sale - but the choice is extremely limited and the link to the
application takes viewers away from the music application requiring a reload of the
service again! Unfortunate!