WMC EPG ending Jan 2020, can Emby rally to gain WMC users?

[otatv 13]

Given WMC's free EPG and Win7 support both will end in Jan 2020, seems this is a good opportunity for Emby to gain new customers for Live TV and DVR.  I've evaluated Emby Windows Desktop but the following issues and missing features are showstoppers for committing to a subscription.  Is the Emby dev team up to the task to deliver all or any of these before Jan 2020?

1) FIX missing playback overlay or video: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/72982-overlay-missing-on-308/

2) ADD CC/subtitles for OTA TV: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/69337-how-to-show-closed-captioning/

3) FIX the long 30 second pause when fast forwarding past the live TV buffer: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/73187-fast-forwarding-past-the-buffer-or-%E2%80%9Clive%E2%80%9D-tv/

4) ADD support for WMC remote Channel Up/Down buttons to:
    a. Change channels: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/74878-emby-theater-channel-and-channel-button-not-working/
    b. Page up/down guide listings: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/49048-pageuppagedown-in-guide/

5) FIX series recording to prevent the situation where multiple duplicate series entries are created, and, fix the behavior to match that of WMC: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/74865-behavior-of-selecting-to-record-a-show/

[Luke 37056]

Hi there, yes we are working on improving all of these. Thanks for the feedback.

[Sammy 735]

WMC's epg ends in January 2020?

[otatv 13]

WMC's epg ends in January 2020?

 

Yes, received notification within WMC.  See: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/release-information/windows-message-center#343

 

Plan for change: Windows Media Center Electronic Program Guide retiring in January 2020

Starting in January 2020, Microsoft is retiring its Electronic Program Guide (EPG) service for all versions of Windows Media Center. To continue receiving TV Program Guide information on your Windows Media Center, you’ll need to configure an alternate TV listing provider.

[Sammy 735]

epg123

 

I used to use it even in Emby. I still subscribe but my tuners changed and I haven't had time to fuss with it yet.

 

Nevertheless, I left WMC behind for Emby a year ago. I'm pretty satisfied except for the lag time to load when time shifting is desired.

 

Other than that, I'm not really seeing the issues ou point out. Emby LiveTV / DVR is pretty solid on ShieldTV / AndroidTV.

[otatv 13]

Yep, WMC + EPG123 is an option with a Schedules Direct membership if Emby doesn't work out.  Good to hear you're happy with the ShieldTV / AndroidTV app.  My comments are for the Windows Desktop Theater app.

[JAJ 11]

Given WMC's free EPG and Win7 support both will end in Jan 2020, seems this is a good opportunity for Emby to gain new customers for Live TV and DVR.  I've evaluated Emby Windows Desktop but the following issues and missing features are showstoppers for committing to a subscription.  Is the Emby dev team up to the task to deliver all or any of these before Jan 2020?

 

1) FIX missing playback overlay or video: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/72982-overlay-missing-on-308/

 

2) ADD CC/subtitles for OTA TV: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/69337-how-to-show-closed-captioning/

 

3) FIX the long 30 second pause when fast forwarding past the live TV buffer: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/73187-fast-forwarding-past-the-buffer-or-%E2%80%9Clive%E2%80%9D-tv/

 

4) ADD support for WMC remote Channel Up/Down buttons to:

    a. Change channels: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/74878-emby-theater-channel-and-channel-button-not-working/

    b. Page up/down guide listings: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/49048-pageuppagedown-in-guide/

 

5) FIX series recording to prevent the situation where multiple duplicate series entries are created, and, fix the behavior to match that of WMC: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/74865-behavior-of-selecting-to-record-a-show/

I agree.

[otatv 13]

Given the fix for the missing overlay issue isn't on the horizon (see https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/79340-overlay-missing/&do=findComment&comment=807385), falling back to Theater 3.0.6 isn't an option since it wouldn't get the other requested missing features and fixes if/when those are delivered. Therefore to deal with WMC's guide data about to be retired, I went with EPG123 + Schedules Direct. I must say it's working very well and the UI tweak tool for WMC is a bonus with the ability to customize the grid layout.

Good luck to Emby. The business model of attempting to deliver fully featured software that runs on multiple continually changing platforms which satisfies enough customers to keep the lights on seems like an impossible task.

[Guest asrequested]

Given the fix for the missing overlay issue isn't on the horizon (see https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/79340-overlay-missing/&do=findComment&comment=807385)

 

A new UI redesign is planned in the coming months. 

 

https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/72982-overlay-missing-on-308/?p=803654

[Raptor6L 23]

Ok, so my understanding (and it's just as likely wrong!) with the Microsoft EPG is that Microsoft supply the guide data for WMC to use, much like a third party does such as EPG123, with the exception that Microsoft supplies it for free. Have I got that right?

 

And just to go on with my train of thought - here in Australia, Microsoft doesn't supply any guide data, it is transmitted OTA with the feed direct from the networks. So, with Microsoft ending support in Jan 2020, does this affect anyone here in Australia?

 

I feel I'm missing something, so please feel free to correct me.

 

Thanks

Chris

Edited November 29, 2019 by Raptor6L

[Spotta 6]

Given WMC's free EPG and Win7 support both will end in Jan 2020, seems this is a good opportunity for Emby to gain new customers for Live TV and DVR.  I've evaluated Emby Windows Desktop but the following issues and missing features are showstoppers for committing to a subscription.  Is the Emby dev team up to the task to deliver all or any of these before Jan 2020?

 

1) FIX missing playback overlay or video: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/72982-overlay-missing-on-308/

 

2) ADD CC/subtitles for OTA TV: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/69337-how-to-show-closed-captioning/

 

3) FIX the long 30 second pause when fast forwarding past the live TV buffer: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/73187-fast-forwarding-past-the-buffer-or-%E2%80%9Clive%E2%80%9D-tv/

 

4) ADD support for WMC remote Channel Up/Down buttons to:

    a. Change channels: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/74878-emby-theater-channel-and-channel-button-not-working/

    b. Page up/down guide listings: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/49048-pageuppagedown-in-guide/

 

5) FIX series recording to prevent the situation where multiple duplicate series entries are created, and, fix the behavior to match that of WMC: https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/74865-behavior-of-selecting-to-record-a-show/

 

6) Fix not being able to watch an in-progress recording. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/79516-cannot-play-currently-recording-program/

 

I'm not holding out much hope..

[Sammy 735]

6) Fix not being able to watch an in-progress recording. https://emby.media/community/index.php?/topic/79516-cannot-play-currently-recording-program/

 

I'm not holding out much hope..

I can watch but cannot time shift with ShieldTV.

 

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[Sammy 735]

Ok, so my understanding (and it's just as likely wrong!) with the Microsoft EPG is that Microsoft supply the guide data for WMC to use, much like a third party does such as EPG123, with the exception that Microsoft supplies it for free. Have I got that right?

 

And just to go on with my train of thought - here in Australia, Microsoft doesn't supply any guide data, it is transmitted OTA with the feed direct from the networks. So, with Microsoft ending support in Jan 2020, does this affect anyone here in Australia?

 

I feel I'm missing something, so please feel free to correct me.

 

Thanks

Chris

Are you sure Microsoft doesn't provide Guide Data?

 

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[Raptor6L 23]

Are you sure Microsoft doesn't provide Guide Data?

 

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

 

Hi Sammy

 

Well, yes, i'm pretty sure. I stand to be corrected though. I don't require an internet connection to get the guide data, which is why I'm pretty sure MS hasn't got anything to do it.

 

To get the guide data all I have to do is watch one of the network's channels and all of their channels data will update. I have it set up as a scheduled task to fire up the htpc at 2am and run thru the 5 main channels (5 networks) for 2 minutes each then close and back into sleep again. Keeps the data somewhat fresh. In fact it's totally live when you're watching a channel, eg if you are recording the show you are watching and the show starts to run over schedule, the guide updates on the run to show that overrun and the program will keep recording without a post buffer - well, most of the time anyway.

 

Is anyone else's set up like this? Surely Australia is not the only country with ota guide data?

[Sammy 735]

US has OTA Guide data. It is part of the ATSC Spec. We just don't use it though..

 

Pretty cool that WMC supports it and it is dynamic like that.

 

Sent from my SM-G960U1 using Tapatalk

[Raptor6L 23]

Don't use it? Why is that? Inferior to the paid products?

 

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

[Chillout 85]

I've been using WMC Live TV w/Emby plug-in for years.  I've tried to switch the family to Emby Theater several times over the years but but it hasn't evolved enough to provide basic functionality and stability found in 13 year old WMC.  For my other media needs Emby is great and do not want to switch.

 

I'm planning a major migration from Win7/WMC to Win10 w/Kodi with some PVR backend (NextPVR?) and use the Emby Add-On in Kodi. If that doesnt work my backup plan is to install Win8.1Pro w/WMC and go thru all this in another few years and hope an equal or better alternative becomes available..

 

I'd be interested in hearing what other people are doing who use WMC Live TV with Emby media manager.

[daldana 47]

Raptor6L,

 

Speaking only for myself, I don't use the ota guide because here in S. California it only gives me three hours of data (not sure if it's different elsewhere) and that doesn't help much for setting up future recordings.

 

Dave

[Raptor6L 23]

3 hours! Yeah, I can see that's only useful for a guide for an actual tv to show info for what you are watching, useless for pretty much everything else.

Thanks for sharing Dave!

 

Chris

 

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[benmoses 4]

I started back in the day (90's) with ATI All-In-Wonders that worked well when cable was still old school.

Then I moved to SnapstreamTV, also while cable was old school (analog I think)  We didn't even have a Hi Def tv back then, this would have been the early 2000's

Then cable went digital and this setup stopped working.

Then I went to WMC but this was not a centralized solution, but it worked great with HDHomeruns.  I went with this for many years.

Then I discovered WMCServer which did centralize the DVR backend.  This was great.  I used Kodi with this for many more years.  (a config nightmare though)

Finally, with Win7/WMC coming to an end, about a year ago I decided I needed to embark on a new solution.  I weighed Emby vs. Plex and chose Emby.  I've been happy with that decision so far.  I'm trying to use ALL emby as a solution, Emby server, Emby Theater, Emby on Roku, etc.  We've recently ditched cable so not much need for my HDHomerun Prime anymore, but my Homerun OTA box works great with Emby.

 

I think Emby has a great opportunity here!

[Spaceboy 2493]

Personally I gave up on wmc as soon as ms gave notice they were ending support. I was already using a hack to get live tv in wmc and it wasn't wholly stable although I found and still find wmc to be the best pvr ui I've found.

 

The first few years with emby were a struggle but it's been reliable for a good while now. The ui is still a long way short of wmc imo but its functional.

 

Sent from my SM-T510 using Tapatalk

[benmoses 4]

Personally I gave up on wmc as soon as ms gave notice they were ending support. I was already using a hack to get live tv in wmc and it wasn't wholly stable although I found and still find wmc to be the best pvr ui I've found.

 

I agree with this.  WMC continuously blew me away with it's level of refinement.  It just stumps me why Microsoft threw this away.  I would have easily paid extra for it, especially if they built a true centralized server.

 

Emby is getting there.  I'm pretty happy with the UI and featureset.  It's also great that the developers are reachable.  I'd much rather be working with people who care to know my feedback, bugs, etc, rather than with a company who hides behind a web page and thinks they got it all figured out.  I'm happy to be part of the process.

[niczoom 0]

And just to go on with my train of thought - here in Australia, Microsoft doesn't supply any guide data, it is transmitted OTA with the feed direct from the networks. So, with Microsoft ending support in Jan 2020, does this affect anyone here in Australia?

 

Hi Chris, did you get a definitive answer to your question above? Im still getting guide data at the moment here in Adeliade as of 7/1/20.

[Raptor6L 23]

Hi Chris, did you get a definitive answer to your question above? Im still getting guide data at the moment here in Adeliade as of 7/1/20.

 

Hi Niczoom, no-one here or on the Green Button forum was able to give me a definitive answer, but I was able to get enough info to say that it wasn't going to affect us in Aus. 

Mine is worthing fine here in Sydney south coast.

[Trevor68 48]

The australian guide will continue to work fine, but having to click OK to the warning message every single time you open the guide is getting old fast, any solutions to kill the message??