[mythtv-users] tv programs that run long

[Mat Mrosko]

On 5/18/05, Michael T. Dean <mtdean at thirdcontact.com> wrote:
> Oh, and here's my favorite (from
> http://customersupport.tivo.com/knowbase/root/public/tv1521.htm? ):
> 
> For 4 to 8 hours after making your connection to the TiVo service, your
> Program Guide Data may show "TBA" with descriptions that read "Program
> titles and descriptions available soon." This means that your DVR is
> indexing. During this time, you can watch any channels and use any play
> features (fast forward, rewind, and pause). You cannot record until the
> indexing is finished.

I didn't click your link, but as a former (and sort of current) TiVo
user, that is not true at all.... That is only during the VERY FIRST
TIME you ever connect to the TiVo service, or I guess if you've had it
unplugged for over 2 weeks.

> So, at a randomly-selected time every 24-48 hours it makes a connection
> to TiVo service and then can only be used to watch TV--and not to
> record--for 4-8 hours while indexing.  Therefore, it seems that a TiVo
> is 5/6 DVR and 1/6 DVP (since for approximately 1/6 of the time, it can
> only be use to play--not to record--programs).

See above... Since the call every day or two (i recall it being every
day, but whatever) would only be getting 1-2 days worth of new stuff,
you just wouldn't be able to search through the last 1-2 days of stuff
for an hour or so after the call.
 
> BTW, what could they possibly be doing during indexing that takes 4-8
> hours?  An 8088 should be able to prep guide data in less than 4-8 hours...

You got me there... plus, i'm guessing 8088 is the processor?  All I
know about it is that on the Series 2's it's a MIPS processor, and
that it's only something weak like 100MHz.... but if people on the
list don't already know, TiVo actually runs linux!!!  Too bad it's not
a gentoo build.... ;)