Using Smart EPG on Australian Model TMS

[FireBird]

That is the SmartEPG_TMS_Network.ini, not the SmartEPG_TMS.ini.

[FireBird]

Keith's machine is a 7160 and here is a link to his Oct 2011 firmware.

Thanks, Mike. That Firmware is UTF-8 capable.

[keith_leitch]

[quote="FireBird"]That is the SmartEPG_TMS_Network.ini, not the SmartEPG_TMS.ini.[/quote]

That makes sense, based on the content. I will check it again tomorrow, but I am sure that I opened the file with exactly the name SmartEPG_TMS.ini, and found that content.

The unusual characters is a very odd problem. For the first time last night, two shows changed to other characters from the extended set. When I ran a test recording this morning, they reverted back to the same characters I posted yesterday.

[keith_leitch]

[quote="FireBird"]That is the SmartEPG_TMS_Network.ini, not the SmartEPG_TMS.ini.[/quote]

Yes, you are right! When I edited the SmartEPG_TMS.ini file, I found that the extended characters were, for some reason, hard-coded into the INI file. Changing them to a "_" was fairly easy (once I decided to stop the TAP before uploading).

More questions:

My guide and timer list is showing an icon that is not in the manual. It is like a series timer, but with the inner part of the red circle replaced by a sort of hollow section and what looks like a "lightning bolt."

Starting today, each time I first start the guide, the TAP tells me that it has "found lost timers." I finally spotted the timer with the yellow circle, which was due to the station changing the name of the program at the last minute. This happens a lot around here, so I would welcome any advice on how to manage this without answering the warning message. By default, I would like to record these events anyway, "just in case," but without being asked to check the list.

I am using the logo pack that Mike uploaded, and have figured out how to edit the LIL file to create a match between my local station names and the existing logos. However, there are many logos that do not exist in the database; for example, NBN and 7TWO on PRIME. I have these logos on my PC; is there any way to incorporate them?

I would also be very grateful for any advice about how to match my station numbers (not just their order) to the original list.

[keith_leitch]

Does anyone have any information on the TFIR device to start the Topfield via the internet?

[Twilight]

yes i have...just click on the link in my signature "missing link...."

twilight

[gazza]

G'day Keith!

I am using the logo pack that Mike uploaded, and have figured out how to edit the LIL file to create a match between my local station names and the existing logos. However, there are many logos that do not exist in the database; for example, NBN and 7TWO on PRIME. I have these logos on my PC; is there any way to incorporate them?

You can create your own logos using the tool here. You'll have to convert your images to bitmaps first. The bitmaps should have the dimensions 54x34, 50x30 and 36x22 corresponding to the .qtl, .ibl and .qsl formats. It's best to save the bitmaps as 24 bit and use black for creating transparent logos. If your logos are 4:3 and you want to keep the proportions for a 16:9 TV you also have to squash the images horizontally by a factor of 75%.

Once you've created your files, make sure their names match the entries in the lil file and copy them to your toppy.

If you have any probs, post a request here with the original images in a zip container and I'll give it a go.

cu,
Gazza

[FireBird]

My guide and timer list is showing an icon that is not in the manual. It is like a series timer, but with the inner part of the red circle replaced by a sort of hollow section and what looks like a "lightning bolt."

I guess you're talking about that one? This is a series type timer and means that there is at least one more timer which has been identified as duplicate. If the inner part of the circle is grey, it means that it has already been blocked. This happens if the other timer has been successfully recorded.

Starting today, each time I first start the guide, the TAP tells me that it has "found lost timers." I finally spotted the timer with the yellow circle, which was due to the station changing the name of the program at the last minute. This happens a lot around here, so I would welcome any advice on how to manage this without answering the warning message. By default, I would like to record these events anyway, "just in case," but without being asked to check the list.

Menu item 23 is what you?re looking for. In addition we suggest reducing the automatic timer creation to about 3 days (item 20). This does not reduce the amount of EPG data captured during the scan and you can still manually search the whole data set.

I am using the logo pack that Mike uploaded, and have figured out how to edit the LIL file to create a match between my local station names and the existing logos. However, there are many logos that do not exist in the database; for example, NBN and 7TWO on PRIME. I have these logos on my PC; is there any way to incorporate them?

Can you please pack them and your lil into a zip (or rar or whatever) and email them to me? Then I?ll add them to the AUS package. You can find my email address in my profile.

I would also be very grateful for any advice about how to match my station numbers (not just their order) to the original list.

Again, please provide some screen shots. Making assumptions is not good in this business. If you?re using TMSRemote, you can copy the OSD into a jpg with File - Save screenshot.

[keith_leitch]

[quote="FireBird"]
Again, please provide some screen shots. Making assumptions is not good in this business. If you?re using TMSRemote, you can copy the OSD into a jpg with File - Save screenshot.[/quote]

Thanks. I'll have a try at using Gazza's advice to manage my own logos, first. If I run into trouble, I will send some to you.

I have menu item 23 set to "Execute Timer," which is what I want, but it does not stop the "Display timer list?" dialogue from appearing when there is a lost event. I would prefer to leave a wide range of dates in the scan; what tends to happen around here is the show is scheduled with its proper name weeks ahead, then a few days out gets "swallowed up" in the name of a longer show. If I can just run those events anyway, but without being asked the question, that would be ideal.

I have not yet figured out how to make a screen shot from my topfield. I will investigate TMSRemote, though I have not been tempted to install it. It may be a few days before I respond about this.

In the meantime, I will follow your other advice and let you know how it goes.

This is a truly excellent TAP. I had nearly given up on the Topfield before installing it, but I can now really see what all the admiration is about.

[FireBird]

I'll have a try at using Gazza's advice to manage my own logos, first. If I run into trouble, I will send some to you.

But please keep in mind that the guy next door may have all logos from the beginning if you provide the missing data.

I have menu item 23 set to "Execute Timer," which is what I want, but it does not stop the "Display timer list?" dialogue from appearing

OK, I'll check the source code and see what we can do.

I have not yet figured out how to make a screen shot from my topfield.

If all fails, take a picture of your TV screen.

Cheers,
Alex

[FireBird]

[quote="keith_leitch"]I have menu item 23 set to "Execute Timer," which is what I want, but it does not stop the "Display timer list?" dialogue from appearing when there is a lost event.[/quote]
This has been changed in V5.0c and the dialog will only appear if that menu is set to ?Show timer?.

[keith_leitch]

Great job; thank you. I will update to 5.0c and play with some logos when my job slows down. A quick question, though; when you told me about formatting logos, I assumed I would find a folder full of those that Mike created. I do not see any logos in any folder, though. Are they all embedded into a database?

[FireBird]

The logos are located under /ProgramFiles/Settings/Logos/trans-black/169 and /ProgramFiles/Settings/Logos/3pg/169 but you need to use ftp to see the files.

[keith_leitch]

[quote="FireBird"]This has been changed in V5.0c and the dialog will only appear if that menu is set to ?Show timer?.[/quote]

Am I OK to use TAPTODATE to update to 5.0c without my settings, timers and searches vanishing?

[Twilight]

no settings would be reset if you update a tap via taptodate

twilight

[AndrewCowley]

Can I us regular expressions when defining a timer search? For example, I'd like to search for the word Muse (as in the name of the rock band) but by itself that matches other words like amusement and museum. If I use [^a]muse[^u] will SmartEPG interpret this properly? I'd like to use [^a]muse[^u] to match only 'muse' but not 'amuse', 'amusement' and 'museum'. Would this work? Thanks.

[Referee]

Can I us regular expressions when defining a timer search? For example, I'd like to search for the word Muse (as in the name of the rock band) but by itself that matches other words like amusement and museum. If I use [^a]muse[^u] will SmartEPG interpret this properly? I'd like to use [^a]muse[^u] to match only 'muse' but not 'amuse', 'amusement' and 'museum'. Would this work? Thanks.

Hi Andrew,
For each search request, up to 20 keywords can be entered, the search words can be entered using the keyboard. It is recommended to add a * in front of and behind the search term by pressing (Yellow Key). . E.g. the search word is now defined by *today*, this will also find "Australia today". After saving the search term, it must be set whether the search shall take place only in the title (T), in the description (B), in title and description (TB), in extended info (E) or in genre (G).
The assessment can be adjusted from -99 to +99. SE sets a timer to when the sum of scores > = +50. Here are some examples:

T +25 *star*
T +25 *trek*:
takes only programmes, which contain both search words in the title (logical AND)

B +50 *starship*
B +50 *enterprise*
finds items that contain at least one of the two search words in the description (logical OR)

T +50 * spaceship*
T-10 *voyager*
finds items that contain the first search word and does NOT contain the second keyword

T +50 rome
finds items that only contain the word "Rome".

Also you can use Genre terms within the search criteria like this:
The following list contains the terms defined by the channels for different genres. To search for genre keep the same rules as mentioned for the title search.

E.g. a search for all science fiction films:G+50 *science fiction*

It should be noted that programmes are also included, which are declared as fantasy or horror, there is no precise distinction.
Music
Music/Ballet/Dance (general)
Rock/Pop
Serious Music/Classical Music
Folk/Traditional Music
Jazz
Musical/Opera
Ballet

[VaniQ]

Can I us regular expressions when defining a timer search? For example, I'd like to search for the word Muse (as in the name of the rock band) but by itself that matches other words like amusement and museum. If I use [^a]muse[^u] will SmartEPG interpret this properly? I'd like to use [^a]muse[^u] to match only 'muse' but not 'amuse', 'amusement' and 'museum'. Would this work? Thanks.

You can define a search timer more specific with exclusions.
Like Referee already postet (I think thats 1:1 the manual) you can create a workaround.

For example: Search Timer
T +50 *muse*
T -10 *amuse*
T -10 *amusement*
T -10 *museum*
--> only timers with muse in the title will be listet/recorded.
If there are more Series or Movies with the word muse in the title you have to complete the search timer step by step.

I don't see another way to fulfill your wish.

Greetings, VaniQ

[AndrewCowley]

Thanks for the comments. I tried the regular expression [^a]muse[^u] and it works. It must be the case that the underlying code for Smart EPG uses a regular expression library for when doing matching. So it may not be documented, but you can definately use regular expressions for searching. Combined with the +/- scoring system, this makes Smart EPG pretty cool.

[keith_leitch]

I have just upgraded to SmartEPG version f (from version c). There seems to be a problem with conflict detection; the first time I try to load the guide after powering on, it tells me that conflicts are detected. When I ask to display them, though, it tells me "no conflicts."