In order to be able to use the full functionality of MediaPortal, we need guide data. There are two options in MediaPortal:

• DVB EPG-data
• XMLTV-data

DVB EPG-data

DVB EPG-data is data which is sent by the provider. The positive side is that it is extremely easy to configure, the downside is that (depending on the provider) there is only a limited set of data available (mostly one day ahead). This option is only available when you are using a DVB-card (digital card). If you are using an analogue card, this is not an option for you. If you are using a mixed environment (digital/analogue combination), this might not be the best option (?please add experience?).

XMLTV-data

XMLTV-data on the other hand is somewhat more complicated to get up and running, but also richer. Depending on the guide-source, there is data available for around 5 days into the future.

To get all the channel and program detail into MediaPortal for The Netherlands you will have to create an XMLTV file. This can be done using various tools. Here are some sites to get you started:

http://code.google.com/p/tvgrabnlpy/

http://members.home.nl/robertprins/

http://mediaportal.hostinplace.com/TV-Gids.php