EPG Collector: The Ultimate Tool for Over-the-Air TV Guide Data
EPG Collector is a powerful, open-source Windows application designed to scrape and process Electronic Program Guide (EPG) data directly from digital broadcast streams. For home theater enthusiasts, HTPC (Home Theater PC) builders, and cord-cutters, it serves as an invaluable bridge between raw over-the-air (OTA) or satellite signals and media center software. Instead of paying for premium subscription-based TV guide services, this application extracts scheduled data directly from the transport stream completely free of charge. Core Mechanics: How It Works
The program works by directly communicating with standard TV tuner cards via Microsoft BDA-compatible drivers. It tunes into specific broadcast frequencies, captures the broadcast packages containing the interactive program guide info, and parses them into usable formats. The suite splits into three distinct components:
EPG Centre: The desktop graphical user interface used to configure parameters, map channels, and run test collections.
EPG Collector Command Line: The underlying executable that performs the actual data harvesting. It runs silently and integrates with automated macros.
DVBLogic Plugin: A dedicated module for seamless background data collection within compatible TVSource architectures. Supported Broadcasters and Formats
Unlike basic internet scrapers, the program excels at decoding complex data streams broadcasted globally across terrestrial, satellite, and cable systems.
[Broadcast Stream] ──> [TV Tuner (BDA)] ──> [EPG Collector] ──> [XMLTV File / Media Player]
It comprehensively decodes a vast array of international broadcast metadata protocols:
EIT & PSIP: Standard data streams used across global DVB networks and North American ATSC channels.
MHEG5 & FreeSat: Formats heavily utilized across UK television networks.
OpenTV & MediaHighway: Extended data formats frequently used by global satellite providers.
Dish Network & Bell TV: Specialized 44-hour and 9-day extended formats prevalent in North America. Key Features and Capabilities Multi-Tuner and Switch Integration
The software offers extensive compatibility with DVB-S/S2 (Satellite), DVB-T/T2 (Terrestrial), DVB-C (Cable), ATSC, and Clear QAM. It handles advanced hardware setups easily, boasting DiSEqC support for 2-to-16 port switches alongside custom tuning commands. It even interfaces with Sat>IP network tuners. Clean XMLTV Export and Integration
Once the data is parsed, it creates an XMLTV-compliant file. This standardized format imports seamlessly into IPTV players, NextPVR, Plex, and Emby. Furthermore, it features legacy native hooks to push listings directly into Windows Media Center and DVBViewer. EPG Collector – Browse /V4.0 at SourceForge.net
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