Intro to XMLTV

Hi folks. I've just subscribed to the list and thought I might introduce
myself. My name is Gerry Smit, and I'm from Toronto Canada.

First of all, let me admit up front that I might be on the wrong mailing
list. With a name like "xmltv-announce" , I'm a bit concerned that the rest
of my posting might be considered "too far off topic", and that it should
be on "xmltv-discussion" (or something). If so, please accept my apologies,
and delete away!   :-)

I'm currently enrolled in an Intro XML course. The course project requires
me to talk about an existing XML.  Instead of doing something dry and
boring (aka work related - Insurance - bleah), I convinced the prof to let
my surf thru the xml.org site  and pick an existing XML language.  I
searched for "TV Listings", and bingo, was introduced to XMLTV.   From
there, it was just a few clicks to this list.

I have a few questions for the list, which could certainly be answered off
line, or on list, whatever the list prefers.

When I first thought of the idea of TV listings, other than being a bit of
a couch potato myself, I envisioned the potential for a massive B2B XML for
interchanging data from Networks to Stations to Print companies (such as
local newspapers and TV Guide). It might include elements or attributes
such as "rerun". Certainly a capsule review of the upcoming epsode. Which
the print company may or may not display depending upon interest, or space
left on their page, or whatever.  For instance I could envision setting up
a transformer that always leaves out the Capsule Review if it's a rerun,
unless it's a prime time hot show.  Other elements could be episode
numbers, guest stars, directors, writers, and possibly any awards won by
the series or the episode. (Emmys for writing tend to go to specific
episodes I believe).

As I've read a few of the links to XMLTV from xml.org, it's starting to
seem like XMLTV has been put together to allow individuals to set up their
own listings viewer, and might not be an industry standard at all. Any
comments or suggestions?  Regardless, I think I'll stick to talking about
XMLTV, because even if it's "homegrown" or "casual use", it's an
interesting usage of XML.

I have to admit, I'm also a bit puzzled about where to get "source
listings" from various channels or networks, and whether or not such source
is (a) text data, (b) some sort of well-formed XML ; or (c) actual XMLTV.
Again any comments or suggestions?

Any replies could be sent to me at :

[email protected]


Thanks ,

Gerry Smit
Toronto, Canada.