R.I.P. Pocket TV Browser

[Deaton]

PIMCity made the following post on their page:

Pocket TV Browser is no longer being made available to the public. TV Guide Online, our program's primary source for U.S. TV listings, is actively blocking Pocket TV Browser's access to their servers (using "ScraperBlock" technology). Until arrangements can be made with another listing provider, current U.S. users will not be able to obtain new listings. New users cannot be accepted until the problem is resolved, and we have removed the product listing where possible.

In light of this, does anyone out there know of a similar product that will automatically download TV listings?

[kp*]

I can't help you out with a replacement, but this TV Guide thing is really pissing me off. This is somewhat off-topic, but one of the most useful things on my Mac desktop is a Konfabulator widget called TVScraper, which allowed me to see what was on my favorite channels at a glance, and then click on the listing to bring up the details on the TV Guide website. As of yesterday or the day before, it stopped working, because TV Guide wrote something into the code of their site specifically to block it. I'm saddened to see that it extends into the Palm world as well.

I have no idea what they have against these programs, but I do know that with TV Scraper I would visit their website several times a day, and if they don't want those hits, I don't know what they want. :mad: :mad: :mad:

[Griff]

I'm sure they did it to reduce costs. Imagine the scores of people who used information from their site for free without being forced to look at ads or pay subscriptions. From a corporate standpoint it makes sense.

[notmuch]

There are others but nothing nearly as good as Pocket TV Browser.

Bummer.

[jwittman]

I just downloaded SecondScreen TV from Palmgear. It looks like a pretty good replacement for now. They say they don't "scrape" the listings from someone else's site so the listings will always be available. They have a black and white version that's free. The color version is only $10. Personally, I think the new Noviiremote guide plus remote software looks really awesome, but it's not available yet (http://www.novii.tv/products/noviirg/)

[archangel]

I've been using SecondScreen TV for a long time and I'm pretty happy with it. They need to update it for Hires+, but other than that its a pretty good program.

[Lukasha]

Watson on OS X is still pulling TV listings as of 5 minutes ago, so they must be using some other technology or have a deal with TV Guide.

Jeff

[Deaton]

Originally posted by archangel
I've been using SecondScreen TV for a long time and I'm pretty happy with it. They need to update it for Hires+, but other than that its a pretty good program.

Version 1.75, the one on my Clie, utilizes HiRes+ with no problem. What version are you using?

[Deaton]

Originally posted by Deaton


Version 1.75, the one on my Clie, utilizes HiRes+ with no problem. What version are you using?

Sorry about that - I was talking about ConnectedTV, not Second Screen... My mistake. :rolleyes:

[*YellowRose*]

That's a REAL shame. I suppose TVGL will no longer work either.

*sigh*

[Deaton]

If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out ConnectedTV at http://www.connected.tv/PressRelease . It'a a beautiful HiRes+ combination of TV Guide and IR remote built into one package. Look for a full review soon on PDA News 24... :cool:

[harpgliss]

Hi,

I just wanted to post a quick note and let users of this great program that it does appear to be working again.

I was able to download yesterday afternoon and just about an hour ago was able to update my listings again.

The bottom line is there is no details on if this is permanent or just a fluke.

More details here http:/www.pimcity.com and let's hope this is not just temporary.

Peace,

David

[ShellyBelly]

Second Screen TV ROCKS!

Costs an annual fee, but always works great on my NX70:)

[ShellyBelly]

Oops, I forgot they do have a free version, it's available at the bottom of the page:)

[Shrink]

Originally posted by ShellyBelly
Second Screen TV ROCKS!

Costs an annual fee, but always works great on my NX70:)
I didn't think it was compatible with OS5 or the NX series?
Here's a copy of the caution from their web page:


Known devices that SSTV Guide Remote does not work on:
Palm Devices
1000, 5000, Personal, Pro and III
Tungsten, Sony NX
OS Version 5.0

alan

[archangel]

Originally posted by Shrink

I didn't think it was compatible with OS5 or the NX series?
Here's a copy of the caution from their web page:


Known devices that SSTV Guide Remote does not work on:
Palm Devices
1000, 5000, Personal, Pro and III
Tungsten, Sony NX
OS Version 5.0

alan

Thats just the remote part. They have a separate guide program that works with all Palms including OS5. They guide with built in remote is the one that doesn't work with OS5.

[Deaton]

ConnectedTV does not offer IR support for the NX70 either but, according to the developer, are very close to releasing a version that does...

[Shrink]

Cool, thanks.
alan:p

[kp*]

In a related story, my beloved Konfabulator widget is also working.
And I didn't even get around to sending out that nasty e-mail :D.
My guess is that others got to it before me. I too hope it isn't some fluke, but I wouldn't be surprised if there was a big uproar over this and they backed down. Woohoo!

[LanMan]

I just tried SecondScreen (freeware, of course) and it works well for my needs. I was keeping an HS2 DB of favorite programs, but now I think I can do away with that.

[ShellyBelly]

Originally posted by Shrink

I didn't think it was compatible with OS5 or the NX series?
Here's a copy of the caution from their web page:


Known devices that SSTV Guide Remote does not work on:
Palm Devices
1000, 5000, Personal, Pro and III
Tungsten, Sony NX
OS Version 5.0

alan


I've had it on my NX70 for 10 months now without a single problem:)

And yes, I only use the guide program not the remote program.

[hherbzilla]

From the pimcity web site: TV Guide Online appears to be functioning as before, so current users should be able to download listings again.I was just able to get an update. Let's hope it keeps working!

[rhart00]

I am able to update also. I really hope all this works out. I find this application extremely useful.

[Deaton]

Today's post on their page:

Thursday, August 21, 2003
TV Guide Online appears to be functioning as before, so current users should be able to download listings again.

For new users, a new FREE version of Pocket TV Browser will soon be available. It should also restore the ability to download movie reviews for upcoming movies into your database. The only other major difference in the free version is that support will only be available through the Pocket TV Browser Forum, and there are no plans to make additional updates. An announcement regarding the availability of the free version will appear in the forum in a day or so.

Because we can no longer be confident of the reliability or availability of listings from TV Guide Online, we felt it was only fair to make the program available at no charge now, on a strictly as-is basis. You're always welcome to use the forum to let us know what you think, too. Thanks.

[LanMan]

How about a link to the free version?

[Deaton]

Originally posted by LanMan
How about a link to the free version?

Same place: www.pimscity.com

[Alistar]

Originally posted by Deaton
Today's post on their page:

Thursday, August 21, 2003
TV Guide Online appears to be functioning as before, so current users should be able to download listings again.

For new users, a new FREE version of Pocket TV Browser will soon be available. It should also restore the ability to download movie reviews for upcoming movies into your database. The only other major difference in the free version is that support will only be available through the Pocket TV Browser Forum, and there are no plans to make additional updates. An announcement regarding the availability of the free version will appear in the forum in a day or so.

Because we can no longer be confident of the reliability or availability of listings from TV Guide Online, we felt it was only fair to make the program available at no charge now, on a strictly as-is basis. You're always welcome to use the forum to let us know what you think, too. Thanks.

That seems pretty fair. Its nice to see a company is still trying to make a profit while not demanding that users pay for a system that may or may not work the next day.

[LanMan]

The freeware v1.50 has been posted in Pimcity's forum area.

FYI

[javabird]

Originally posted by Deaton
If you haven't already done so, be sure to check out ConnectedTV at http://www.connected.tv/PressRelease . It'a a beautiful HiRes+ combination of TV Guide and IR remote built into one package. Look for a full review soon on PDA News 24... :cool:

Wow, there's a 2-week free trial now available, and it works with Macs, too!

http://connected.tv/FreeTrial

[Shrink]

Originally posted by LanMan
The freeware v1.50 has been posted in Pimcity's forum area.

FYI
Thanks for the heads up, LanMan:p
I just installed it and it seems like a really neat app.
alan

[mnapier]

Anyone seen the site up yet? I went to it earlier cause my settings were all hosed again. Anyone know what happend to it? And is the forum still up and running and if so where can I find the link?

Thanks

[Deaton]

As far as I know the site has been completely down (the main page as well as the other associated pages) for 2 days. I have no idea when or if it will be back up. Apparently both it and TVGL are history...

[LanMan]

Anyone having any luck downloading today? Mine ist kaput. :(

[Bionic Antboy]

Actually, mine is going fine right now. Getting listings for my area, I set my delay to 90 and it seems to be getting everything. Looks like it's going to take about 2-3 hours to get it all, but hey, it runs in the background, so that's fine by me.

Still using version 1.51 so TVGL is no good to me. Considering that Pocket TV Browser is the only app that has Canadian support, well, I hope it holds up.

[Deaton]

Originally posted by Bionic Antboy
Actually, mine is going fine right now. Getting listings for my area, I set my delay to 90 and it seems to be getting everything.

Unfortunately the latest release will only let you set it as high as 10. I'm trying it now to see if it will do anything at all...

[sebring]

Using V1.54, it has now taken 8hrs and still isn't finished, to download 14 days of data. The first time I used this version, my listings were incomplete (my 4 highest numbered channels were not included). The second time I ran it, hoping the time would be significantly reduced, since I had selected to only download new days. There was no noticable difference in the time it took, but my resulting database only included my local broadcast stations. I cleared the cache and re-setup my listings and am now waiting for this 8 hr+ marathon to finish, so I can see what I got this time. Apparently this version ignores the listings cache, regardless of what box you have checked.

I'm getting real close to kicking this one to the curb. I did save a DB I downloaded with V1.53 of 14 days, which seemed to be complete, except for A&E, which it skipped. The DBs from V1.53 and V1.54 do seem to work fine with TVGL.

[Deaton]

I'm giving this one more try before buying a subscription to ConnectedTV. I hate yearly subscriptions for software but it seems to be the best thing going at the moment and ai very close to having IR controls for the NX70V and an automated conduit.

[Deaton]

I give up. I finally bit the bullet and subscribed to ConnectedTV. With the pending support of the NX70V IR and the development of an automated conduit like Pocket TV Browser used to have, I decided that it was the best option for a NX70 owner.

[LanMan]

It appears to be working for me this morning! Just in time for the weekend. :)

[Deaton]

The best result I have been able to get from it for the past 3 days is "unable to queue channel request" errors

[hherbzilla]

Yeah, still not working for me.

[Unregistered]

I saw the message below, from the developer of Pocket TV Browser on another forum. It appears that the site will only be down for a short time. I hope so, because my downloaded listings run out on Sunday. I need to update to the latest version, 1.30 is no longer working for me.


>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

Additional info re: the web site for the developer, Jeff:

Unfortunately, the company hosting www.pimcity.com suspended the site because of a large number of connections to the server. I'm working with them to move the site to another server, but it will be a couple days before the name change takes effect, and a while longer before I'm able to bring the site up-to-date, restore the forums, etc.

My apologies for the ongoing problems. One problem seems to snowball into another. Anyway, check the site in a few days. Thanks.

-Jeff

[hherbzilla]

That's great news. Thanks for the update.

[mnapier]

also offering my thanks for the update. curious though, which forum were you on when the developer offered the update?

Thanks

[Unregistered]

Here's a link to the thread:

http://www.pocketpcmag.com/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2145

I found the forum by doing a search for Pimcity on google and it came up near the top of the list.

[Deaton]

Also, has Jeff given any indication as to how long he is going to try staying one step ahaed of TV Guide or any plans to reach a deal with them?

[Bionic Antboy]

I'm curious as well.

Can you post a link to the forum? BTW went to pimcity.com and instead of a "suspended" page it's not resolving.

EDIT: thanks for the link.

[mnapier]

thanks.

[Chukar]

The palmapps site is back up, though it says the forums won't be back for 24 hours. Moved to a new server.

[harpgliss]

Hi,

I just got new listings downloaded but it is a very slow process.

I started just after midnight and it took until just before 1:00p.m. and the settings used were a delay of 4 and a full 14 days with all the vcr codes and movie reviews.

All i can suggest is to be patient.

It will look like it is hung up but it is working.From near as i could tell there will be no progress,it will just go thru the normal process of building the database and be done.

I also emptied the cache before trying to download new listings.

I am using version 1.54 and i hope this helps.

Peace,

David

[mnapier]

where are you getting 1.54 at? Thanks

[Bionic Antboy]

I'd like to get my hands on 1.54 as well, if someone could email it...

antboy@valis.net

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by mnapier
where are you getting 1.54 at? Thanks Are we all talking about the same thing? I checked the version available on Handango this week and it was still 1.3... which is what I've been using all along. Are you talking about Pocket TV Manager or something else?
http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/data/500/6577ptb.jpg

[Deaton]

Yes, that's the same thing. The developer made lots of updates lately trying to stay one step ahead of TV Guide. His last update was 1.54 and was a free version available from his forums.

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Deaton
Yes, that's the same thing. The developer made lots of updates lately trying to stay one step ahead of TV Guide. His last update was 1.54 and was a free version available from his forums. OK, thanks!

[LanMan]

Originally posted by hherbzilla
Are we all talking about the same thing? I checked the version available on Handango this week and it was still 1.3... which is what I've been using all along. Are you talking about Pocket TV Manager or something else?
http://www.cliesource.com/gallery/data/500/6577ptb.jpg

It should say v1.54 on the screen, and is/was only available in the Pimcity forum area.

[Bionic Antboy]

Pocket TV 1.54 is working, albeit slowly, for me. I figure if I just set it up to update every night, then the process should be more or less invisible to me.

Does anyone know what version was the last to be released of TVGL? I have 1.2 and it doesn't seem to be working with the 1.54 database.

[Anita]

Where is this "delay" setting everyone talks about? Is it the "time out" setting under performance? Or something new in 1.54 (I have 1.51)?

TIA

Anita

[*YellowRose*]

Originally posted by Anita
Where is this "delay" setting everyone talks about? Is it the "time out" setting under performance? Or something new in 1.54 (I have 1.51)?

TIA

Anita I'd love to know as well.

[Brownster]

The delay setting is on the Performance tab under Misc on Ver 1.54. Appears that the website is down...I have a copy I could email...size 269kb for windows.

Jim

[sebring]

The delay is in the upper right corner of the performance tab, under miscellaneous. I think it's been there since at least 1.53, maybe earlier. The default is 5.

Anita, you having any success with v1.51? The one I've had the most recent success with is v1.53 but, for some reason, it won't get A&E. V1.54 was supposed to fix that, but all my listings with it have taken at least 8hrs and have been incomplete. Once, after an 8hr+ marathon download, all I got was my broadcast channels.

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Brownster
The delay setting is on the Performance tab under Misc on Ver 1.54. Appears that the website is down...I have a copy I could email...size 269kb for windows.

Jim Jim - If you get a chance, I'd like to get 1.54: hherbzilla@yahoo.com

Thanks!

[Bendex]

If 1.30 is working perfectly for you, why would you want the 1.54 with all its problems? I'm using 1.51 and working perfectly. As a matter of fact, it's downloading right now as I type and I'm not upgrading to 1.54 if you can call it an upgrade.

[Anita]

Jim -- I just pm'd you to get a copy, thank you so much!

Anita

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Bendex
If 1.30 is working perfectly for you, why would you want the 1.54 with all its problems? It's NOT working for me.

[Anita]

Originally posted by sebring
The delay is in the upper right corner of the performance tab, under miscellaneous. I think it's been there since at least 1.53, maybe earlier. The default is 5.

Anita, you having any success with v1.51?

In 1.51, only thing under Miscellaneous is direct, logging, and MaxCompress. I am having zero success with 1.51. I've been getting the "no valid listing data. . . " error messages all week.

I've tried SecondScreen and ConnectedTV and neither one of them even come close to PocketTV for me. I love TV Browser's full search capabilities, it's extremely user-friendly click-and-sort functions, and the direct link to datebook, because the shows I truly care about always go on tape (eliminating the hassle of phone call interruptions during a favorite show <g>).

And I don't use (or much like) a grid at all. I would happily pay $30 a year in subscription fees to keep PocketTV running on my T665C. My brother, who doesn't even have a handheld, bought it just to use on his PC. He'd pay a subscription fee too.

I was wondering whether a poll here on paying for it would help out the developer at all -- but he may be totally sick of the entire mess.

Sigh.

Anita

[Anita]

Sebring, PS, I have to download from three different services to get all my listings, due to the hinky way the local cable provider (Mediacom) is set up. You might try that with A&E, find a different service in your area and download from it.

Anita

[Bendex]

Try to lower down the number of days in database. Mine is 7 days. I'm using 1.51 and no problem.

[sebring]

Anita, apparently the developers web site outage is only temporary and he is currently working to get it set up again on a new server. Hopefully he will finally find an acceptable resolution to the TVGuide.com issue. I agree, none of the other TV schedule programs compare to Pocket TV Browser (I haven't tried ConnectedTV yet, it seems a little expensive and the remote control feature doesn't really interest me). I do like the Grid program, mainly because it uses my entire hires+ screen on my NR.

I also would be willing to pay a subscription, if we can get this app working again, like it use to.

[jcvgolf]

Jim (or anyone!), I also would appreciate 1.54 if you can jcvgolf at yahoo.com

Thanks!

[Brownster]

The website is up...partially. There is a note that they are switching servers and should have it all moved soon.

Jim

[Anita]

Well, YAY! I got a successful 7-day download with 1.54 last night. But it only pulled down my one main service, not the other two I use to fill in some missing channels.

Is anyone else successfully downloading merged multiple listings with 1.54 or any other version? I think it worked with 1.51 but that was two weeks ago.

TIA

Anita

[Brownster]

I think I remember reading (in the palmapps forum, when it was up) that you cannot use the delay and multiple listings at the same time. You might try setting delay to 0 and see if you can get the multiple listings. Sometimes it works without the delay and other times it does not....depending on TVGuide's mood.

Jim

[druss]

Hi can someone email me the new update also? pastl37@aol.com and i hope it is going to be up soon. Dr

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by druss
Hi can someone email me the new update also? pastl37@aol.com and i hope it is going to be up soon. Dr On the way...

[cherylmeadows2]

I would love a copy of the lastest version also.
Thanks.
cherylmeadows2@yahoo.com

[mnapier]

put me down for one copy please, mnapier@earthlink.net.

Thanks

[druss]

Thank you all but for now it is down, I keep reading that it is going south for good, i hope not but i did get the other connect tv too and am having problems with the id hotsync name, have to get it right the first time. ohhhh just want my tv guide. to lazy to walk to the tv lol. dr

[Unregistered]

Originally posted by druss
Thank you all but for now it is down, I keep reading that it is going south for good, i hope not but i did get the other connect tv too and am having problems with the id hotsync name, have to get it right the first time. ohhhh just want my tv guide. to lazy to walk to the tv lol. dr Yeah, I've been unable to download my schedule. I'll wait to test the Novii product (http://www.novii.tv/products/noviirg) before buying anything else.

[hherbzilla]

Oops... that was me.

[sebring]

hherbzilla,

Thanks for the link. It looks interesting, but the details are pretty sketchy. Does it support putting the data and program on the card? Will it support hires+? Looks a little pricey at $39.95 and doesn't indicate if that is a subscrption price or one time price. Do they control their own listing source?(big one after Pocket TV Browser debacle).

It looks similar to ConnectedTV, which is currently available. Have you tried it yet? I'm going to try it when my current PTVB listings run out.

I may just go back to the freeware version of SecondScreenTV until something comes along that compares to PTVB.

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by sebring
It looks similar to ConnectedTV, which is currently available. Have you tried it yet? I'm going to try it when my current PTVB listings run out.

I may just go back to the freeware version of SecondScreenTV until something comes along that compares to PTVB. Now that I've started looking for a replacement, I like the idea of having an integrated remote and guide. However, I didn't realize I would have trouble finding something to work with my NX70V. :(

[Deaton]

I have contacted Novii several times and have never received a response as to if or when they will be providing IR support for the NX70. ConnectedTV, on the other hand, has assured me that they are very close and should have it completed by the end of the summer.

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Deaton
I have contacted Novii several times and have never received a response as to if or when they will be providing IR support for the NX70. ConnectedTV, on the other hand, has assured me that they are very close and should have it completed by the end of the summer. Good to know. Thanks!

Are they doing anything to give the app a prettier UI?

[Anita]

Originally posted by Deaton
I have contacted Novii several times and have never received a response as to if or when they will be providing IR support for the NX70. ConnectedTV, on the other hand, has assured me that they are very close and should have it completed by the end of the summer.

Have you tried the new version that just came out? I know they worked on this version, which uses the enhanced IR ports of the Clies, for several months because they had me testing it on my T665C -- it was working WONDERFULLY, BTW, except on one odd DVD player I have. The prior version gave absolutely no range at all (like, 1 foot) on the T665c)

So if you might want to take the latest version - released about a week ago -- for a spin on your NX70.

Anita

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Anita
So if you might want to take the latest version - released about a week ago -- for a spin on your NX70.

Anita From their web page:WARNING: The program does not yet support Sony Clie OS 5 devices (NX/NZ series, TG50, etc).

[Bionic Antboy]

Pocket TV 1.54 gave up the ghost on me over the weekend. No data at all anymore.

Curiously enough I went the the tvguide site, and entered my postal code, and it said it was an invalid postal code. I also tried my work postal code, to no avail. I had previously used both of these to get my Pocket TV listings.

ON THE TVGUIDE website: I changed the postal code to one near me that I hadn't used in Pocket TV before, and it worked?!?

So I fire up Pocket TV again this morning, enter the new postal code, and bam... it appears to be dowloading everything again.

I'm wondering if TV Guide is monitoring (in US and Canada), zip and postal codes that are using things like Pocket TV to get listings, then at least temporarily blocking those postal codes. I'm guessing that this is easier (but less elegant) way for them to prevent "non-official" listings than changing their database structure. It's all quite stupid, in the end, because they provide the listings free on their website, and that sucks much more bandwidth than the raw data.

I'd suggest someone in the US try changing your zip code listing by one number to another address that has the same TV service providers, and see if that works.

I've also sent an email to TV guide (it was a pop-up tech support for "Postal Code not in database" errors) and I'll see if they send anything.

UPDATE: a few minutes later. My original postal code works on the website again, about 10-15 minutes after the tech support email was sent to them. For all the hassle it must be creating for them, it just seems more cost effective to not bother blocking anything.

[jpendergraph]

You can download Pocket TV Browser again at the PimCity website http://www.pimcity.com/

I don't think the forums are working yet, but they do have a link to the file on the main page.

[hherbzilla]

And I successfully downloaded my TV schedule today! Yay! :)

[mnapier]

hherbzilla, can you post what settings you put in place for your version of TVGL?

Thanks

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by mnapier
hherbzilla, can you post what settings you put in place for your version of TVGL?

Thanks Based on posts above, I kept playing with the Delay setting. It worked for me when I set it to zero. Other settings:
On Status page - Details is unchecked
Detail - 7 days and All Shows
Performance - New days only

[mnapier]

here are my current settings that have yielded no sucess.

Details, General Detail
- Days in Database = 7
- Include Details for = All shows
Details, Movie Detail
- Download Movie Reviews = Checked
- Include reviews for = 0.0 Stars and up

Performance, Cache Settings
- Download new days only (recommended) = checked
- Download all days everytime (disables caching) = unchecked
- Max Cache size (Mb) = 200,
note, cache has been cleared

Performance, Miscelaneous
- Delay = 4
- Logging = Checked
- MaxCompress = Checked

Performance, Proxy Settings
- Address = empty (no data supplied)
- Port (shaded) = empty (no data supplied)

Performance, Network Settings
- Time-out (in seconds) = 60
- Number of retries per file = 10

Your guys, thoughts

Note, this is using the 1.54 build on a LAN connection, through a proxy server.

Thanks

[LanMan]

Darn, it's not working for me today.

[druss]

I bought the connect tv, had some hassle with him over my hotsync it is different but only one guy in the past year or so has givin me any problems like this one. anyway, i do find from trying hard to make this work as good as my tv brower, that the connect tv even though it stats where i live and such the time goes off, forward and find i have to fix the clock on it backwards which gets confusing at times, it is an ok alternitive but man do i miss my tvbrowser!! i have had that for a very long long time, wish we could petition tv guide to leave it alone. dr

[Brownster]

Appears that TVGuide has changed the website format again here....and PTV is not working for me. Anyone having this problem?

Wish the PIMCity/PalmApps Forum was back up :(

Jim

[Anita]

Same problem here. I couldn't even get it to check the station list yesterday. No connection at all on 1.53 or 1.54. Looks like I'm going to have to subscribe to Second Screen and hope that PTV eventually straightens out. I've been using PTV since last fall and I'm pretty spoiled <g>.

Anita

[LanMan]

No joy, today.

[Brownster]

It is obvious that TVGuide has changed its website. Hopefully a PTV update will get things back up and running. I too have been trying SSTV. It is not PTV but is the closest thing.

Jim

[druss]

where is second screen?

[Shrink]

Originally posted by druss
where is second screen?
Here:
http://www.guideremote.com/
You can also do a search at PalmGear!:)
alan

[druss]

Thank you very much, just bought it for 10.00. I did buy the connect tv wish i didnt after seeing this but that is what i get when you jump the gun, but this second screen is great, second to pocket tv! dr

[Shrink]

I agree. I tried Connected TV but found it really lacking in user friendly areas. I'm not thrilled with the listings in SSTV, but c'est la vie;) Glad you like it.
alan

[Brownster]

I find SSTV a distant 2nd to PTV. I have 12 days left in my current PTV listing. Hopefully something will change in the next week so that I won't have to change :)

Jim

[hherbzilla]

My 2 cents for anyone considering ConnectTV or SecondScreen for TV llistings (I can't comment on the remote since I have an OS5 system that isn't supported), I found that SS is a much nicer application -- much more similar to PTV.

Here's what I don't like about CTV:

* It's an ugly app with a poorly designed user interface
* It annoyingly takes over the Home silk button
* As far as I can tell, there's no way to switch times and see what's on later


SSTV still isn't as nice as PTV, but it comes close. What I don't like:

* Default color coding (specifically the black on red)
* Lack of favorites (it has reminders, but they're not the same)


I would write more but as I was evaluating both, my Clie crashed and now I have to rebuild it! :( A HotSync brought most, but not everything, back.

[hherbzilla]

For comparison...

SSTV:http://www.secondscreentv.com/NonMembers/PalmPilot/graphics/sstvgr3_ani.gif
CTV:http://connected.tv/Images/animated_screens_color

[Brownster]

I tried CTV and found it unusable.

Jim

[sebring]

For what it's worth, it appears to me that Pocket TV Browser was just the victim of a routine site update by TVGuide.com and not specifically targeted. Perhaps once TVGuide.com finishes their changes, Jeff can adapt PTVB and it will remain stable until next time TVGuide.com decides to change their site again. Could be wishful thinking, but the alternative TV listing programs leave a lot to be desired. I'm also spoiled by all the great features of PTVB.

Am I the only one that is annoyed by SSTV hijacking my browser and taking me to their web site every time listings are updated. Seems as bad a popup ads and unnecessary. Should be able to just download listings in the background.

Also, has anyone found any way to run SSTV and it's huge DBs from MS?

[Deaton]

Originally posted by sebring
Also, has anyone found any way to run SSTV and it's huge DBs from MS?

That's one of the primary reasons I chose to go with ConnectedTV - the ability to store the database on the MS. The upcoming IR support for the NX70V was also a big plus as well as the automated conduit and extended views that are in the works.

[sebring]

Originally posted by Deaton


That's one of the primary reasons I chose to go with ConnectedTV - the ability to store the database on the MS. The upcoming IR support for the NX70V was also a big plus as well as the automated conduit and extended views that are in the works.

I think I'll wait until they're finished. I've been burned too many times by purchasing future promises. Thanks for the info.:)

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by sebring
Am I the only one that is annoyed by SSTV hijacking my browser and taking me to their web site every time listings are updated. Seems as bad a popup ads and unnecessary. Should be able to just download listings in the background. You can turn that setting off.

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by sebring
For what it's worth, it appears to me that Pocket TV Browser was just the victim of a routine site update by TVGuide.com and not specifically targeted. Perhaps once TVGuide.com finishes their changes, Jeff can adapt PTVB and it will remain stable until next time TVGuide.com decides to change their site again. Yeah, this is one of the times I'm exercising patience. I'm trying to be optimistic that it will work again, and not going to jump quickly to another app.

As for CTV, I'm with Sebring and will wait. Need to see it to believe it. Plus, CTV needs to go through a major overhaul before I'll contemplate using it. Way too unfriendly and cumbersome, IMO.

Actually, the one I'm interested in seeing is Novii, which is supposed to be released this summer.

[Deaton]

I am also anxiously awaiting Novii but have received no information on the ETA of suport for my NX70V. I whsh I could beta test it for them...

[sebring]

Originally posted by hherbzilla
You can turn that setting off.

Thanks for pointing that out. I assume it the Web Page option "Disable Web Page on sync".

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by sebring


Thanks for pointing that out. I assume it the Web Page option "Disable Web Page on sync". Yes, sorry I couldn't be more specific but it wasn't loaded on my Clie anymore.

[sebring]

:) Understand. When my two week demo runs out, I'll probably use their freeware version for a while, until something better comes along.

[druss]

I too didnt know you could turn off the going straight to their web site which is my only pet peve, i found that cctv he wasnt very nice to deal with wanted me to make a new hotsync because he had trouble with it i have had it for over a year and only one other had trouble with it, (by accident when i was new to pda's have a blank space in the name) but no one else has trouble with it and i have spent way too much money to switch which i had to explain to him why i wouldnt change it, so i feel i wasted 29. bucks and dished the program and now with sstv which is a good second and no problem to ptv. dr

[Anita]

For those of you who use Second Screen, how do you configure the Memo Pad button to call up the show description? I find the multiple tapping to get to the description a little annoying (also think TVBrowser's descriptions are much better. . .)

It says Memo Pad button will do that but I haven't figured out how to configure that to happen.

TIA

Anita

[harpgliss]

Hi,

Just got this off the pimcity website:

Wednesday, September 10, 2003
Pocket TV Browser is currently not operational, due to further listing format changes at TV Guide Online. If we're able to work something out with tvguide.com, we'll release an update to Pocket TV Browser. Until then, browse your listings at TV Guide Online. If you'd like to see your listings on your handheld device, click their "Customer Service" link to drop them a note. If you were a Pocket TV Browser user, thanks for your support and encouragement.

Does not sound like there will be a quick fix.

Peace,

David

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by harpgliss
If you'd like to see your listings on your handheld device, click their "Customer Service" link to drop them a note. Sounds like a plan! Let's do it.

[Brownster]

Did it already :)

Might do it again...and again....and again...until I get a reply :p

Wonder what keeps Jeff from looking into SSTV's database?

Jim

[hherbzilla]

Originally posted by Brownster
Wonder what keeps Jeff from looking into SSTV's database?

Jim Probably SSTV. :D

[Bionic Antboy]

Done and done!&nbsp; :)

I'd put up with an ad on the main page of Pocket TV Browser to get it back :)

[druss]

I wrote twice so hopefully, dr

[Brownster]

Zap2It's TV Listings appear to be like the old TVGuide listing...wonder if it could be a source for PTV?

Jim

[sebring]

Latest from PimCity

"Thursday, September 11, 2003

Pocket TV Browser has been discontinued, until arrangements with a new listing provider can be worked out. Despite our best efforts to work with TV Guide Online, they have asked us to stop distributing Pocket TV Browser in its current form, and we have agreed. The full text of their request and our reply will be posted here at a later date.

If you enjoyed having TV listings on your handheld, be sure to visit their web site, click their "Customer Service" link, and tell them what you think. If you were a Pocket TV Browser user, we thank you for your support and understanding, and hopefully we'll be back again, with a new, improved version. Thanks."


At least it sounds like there may be some faint hope.:(

[harpgliss]

Hi,

I hope it comes back as i have been using this for the last thirteen months and it is one of my most used apps.

I still have ten days of listings but have totally uninstalled it from the PC as i do not use it on there.

I used to use the secondscreen stuff when it was just freeware but did not care for it much.

Certainly would not pay for it but may be tempted by novii if Jeff does not get a new version going in the next few months.

Peace,

David

[Brownster]

Forums are back up!! Now to hope that a new listing provider can be found. I did jump over to Novii website to see what their TV Listing app looked like. From the little information given on the website....it looked too much like CTV; highly graphic and cluttered.

Jim

[LanMan]

"Gloom, despair, and agony on me! If it weren't for bad luck I'd have no luck at all! Gloom, despair, and agony on me!" - Hee Haw

Darn, I just started using PTVB, and I love it. :(