[Sue_Aitch]

Originally Posted by jj20x

They get a logical channel number because that's how DTT has been set up in this country. [...]

The EPG itself contains a lot of junk, e.g. the red button services have EPG programme information even though they don't have programmes. [...]

The EPG obviously is a useful function but also occupies a similar amount of space on each multiplex as a couple of radio channels.

On the other hand, having EPG information for LCN 200 and 206 at least are able to give a clue to newbies as to what they are for.

[brokester]

The data only channels are a waste of epg space..!

[jj20x]

Originally Posted by Sue_Aitch

On the other hand, having EPG information for LCN 200 and 206 at least are able to give a clue to newbies as to what they are for.

Although, as we are now quite a few months post-DSO, there can't be that many newbies left.

[jj20x]

Originally Posted by brokester

The data only channels are a waste of epg space..!

One of the functions of the EPG is to facilitate channel changing, so I don't really mind the data channels showing up on there. But do we really need to see the EPG populated with 6 hour blocks which simply repeat the channel name. If they must populate the EPG with data, they could at least use 24 hour blocks. It would be preferable not to populate the EPG at all for these channels, they would still show up as channels but with no programme information.

Although, as they are largely accessed via the red button, do the BBC and Sky data streams really need to be assigned LCNs? The number of people accessing the streams directly from the data LCN must be fairly limited.

[technologist]

Originally Posted by soulboy77

....Pay channels may not have a connection with Freeview but they still get epg numbers.

And Freeview has no connection with the EPG either ...

[jj20x]

Originally Posted by technologist

And Freeview has no connection with the EPG either ...

Freeview is a brand name used by DTV Services Ltd to promote/market the platform, nothing more, nothing less.

[technologist]

If you want to know who does what look at this http://www.dtg.org.uk/projects/dtv_c...%20diagram.pdf
the latest change is that DMOL has Merged with Digital UK. adn DSO help schme is being wound up

[chrisy]

Originally Posted by jj20x

They get a logical channel number because that's how DTT has been set up in this country. Personally, I would have put all of the pay channels, Gold, Home, ESPN and the Sky Sports channels up in the 300 range with the other TUTV channels. It's not as if they can be watched on most equipment. Unfortunately, as legacy channels they get to keep their channel numbers, that's the way DMOL have organised the platform.

Only because TUTV complained when DMOL (or TDN as they were then) threatened to group them like that.

Similarly, shopping channels would possibly be better treated as a different genre and given a new range. Again, they keep their channel numbers as legacy channels.

See a bove, replacing TUTV with QVC.

The EPG obviously is a useful function but also occupies a similar amount of space on each multiplex as a couple of radio channels.

If that's the choice, I'll take the EPG.

[jj20x]

Originally Posted by chrisy

Only because TUTV complained when DMOL (or TDN as they were then) threatened to group them like that.

Although they went ahead with renumbering the adult channels when an undisclosed provider of adult channels complained. Also, they will eventually move the children's and news channels. Sky's complaint only served to delay the move.

See a bove, replacing TUTV with QVC.

Part of the problem here is that DMOL is set up by the multiplex operators to co-ordinate operations across the platform. It represents the multiplex operators rather than the public. It's not in the multiplex operators' interests to upset their paying customers by moving channels against their wishes. They don't want to lose their customers.

So, we get an EPG but relative channel positions are more closely related to the commercial interests of the channel operators than relevance to the viewers.

If that's the choice, I'll take the EPG.

It's a comparison not a choice. Some of the junk non-programme data bloating the EIT stream could be removed.

[jj20x]

Originally Posted by technologist

If you want to know who does what look at this http://www.dtg.org.uk/projects/dtv_c...%20diagram.pdf
the latest change is that DMOL has Merged with Digital UK. adn DSO help schme is being wound up

The Digital UK / DMOL merger was expected. Digital UK already provided the management team for DMOL. Digital UK had a limited lifespan after which DMOL will still need a management team, so the merger makes sense.

I think that the flow chart may confuse more people than it helps. It's useful if you already understand the structure.