7mate HD to launch 16 Jan

[prl]

7mate HD seems to be on its way. There's been a report of the new channel (so far witrhour content) on the IceTV forum.

Wikipedia says:

A full-time high definition simulcast of 7mate will be launched on 16 January 2020. The service will be broadcast in 1080i HD in an MPEG-4 format on digital channel 74, replacing the previously-closed 7food network. The channel will be available on the Seven Network's owned-and-operated stations ATN Sydney, HSV Melbourne, BTQ Brisbane, SAS Adelaide, TVW Perth and STQ Queensland.

So Hobart and most regions miss out (STQ is Sunshine Coast).

Jasmeet181 already has a logo for it. I'll prepare the picon files and see whether I can fake up its links. I may need to get some scan data.

[MrQuade]

7Food in Perth has already been showing a continuous static advert for the new 7MateHD service for some time now.

I was vaguely curious as to how that had changed without comment here .

[prl]

I was vaguely curious as to how that had changed without comment here .

I wonder whether that's indicative of its viewership generally

[Grumpy_Geoff]

7Food in Perth has already been showing a continuous static advert for the new 7MateHD service for some time now.

I was vaguely curious as to how that had changed without comment here .

I didn't bother commenting here, as I'd pointed it out to prl over on the IceTV forum -
http://forum.icetv.com.au/iceforum/smar ... 7#msg33037

The only other party that seemed to be affected by the Seven Network 7mate content on 7HD shenanigans was Rockets.

edit -
Oh, and I did report it here -

On Thu 16-Jan, when 7mate HD (maaaaate!) fires up on LCN 74 to replace 7food network, I'll replace its SD service with the HD service.

[IanSav]

Hi Prl,

The "7mateHD Melbourne" name started today in Melbourne. The only change from "7food network" appears to be the name. All other service parameters are the same - so far.

At the moment the channel has a static image with no sound.

Regards,
Ian.

[prl]

Yhanks, Ian. Il looks as though i may be able to fake up the picon links by pointing the 7food network links to point at the 7mate HD image file.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Yhanks, Ian. Il looks as though i may be able to fake up the picon links by pointing the 7food network links to point at the 7mate HD image file.

I'd imagine the Service Type would change from the current 0x16 to 0x19 when the time comes.

[prl]

Yes, I'd expect so. Thanks for reminding me.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Yes, I'd expect so. Thanks for reminding me.

But also remembering those fools at Seven incorrectly changed openshop from service type 0x16 -> 0x01 and then only reverted it in some markets.

[vader1111]

I wonder how long it will take for Prime7 to wake up and bring 7Mate HD to the masses in the bush? 6 months, 12 months? Any takers?

[prl]

Yes, I'd expect so. Thanks for reminding me.

But also remembering those fools at Seven incorrectly changed openshop from service type 0x16 -> 0x01 and then only reverted it in some markets.

There is a certain amount of flexability built into how service types are managed for picon display. If the servicetype in the picon name being opened isn't 2 and the open of the picon file fails, it replaces the servicetype in the picon name to 1, and tries again.

The picon link setup script creates links with both the original servicetype and servicetype 1 if the original servicetype isn't 1 or 2.

So if the picon link is set up to contain "_19_" and the broadcast serviceref has servicetype 0x16, the picon code first tries with "_16_", and when that fails, it tries with "_1_", which will succeed, because the picon file is also referenced under that link.

BTW: if anyone has done a rescan and now has their bouquets showing 7mate HD instead of 7food network, what servicetype does it show in the Service reference field in MENU>Information>Service launched from the 7mate HD channel? The servicetype is the third number in the field (bolded in this example): 1:0:16:957:940EEEE0000:0:0:0:.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

BTW: if anyone has done a rescan and now has their bouquets showing 7mate HD instead of 7food network, what servicetype does it show in the Service reference field in MENU>Information>Service launched from the 7mate HD channel? The servicetype is the third number in the field (bolded in this example): 1:0:16:957:940EEEE0000:0:0:0:.

I rescanned this morning (there was nothing new y'day). Snippet from http://beyonwizu4/api/statusinfo -
"currservice_station": "7mateHD Perth",
"currservice_serviceref": "1:0:19:567:506:1013:EEEE0000:0:0:0:",

[prl]

I wonder how long it will take for Prime7 to wake up and bring 7Mate HD to the masses in the bush? 6 months, 12 months? Any takers?

I can't find any announcement on Prime7's corporate web page (http://www.primemedia.com.au/) about 7mate HD. But then I couldn't find much about it on Seven's corporate web page (http://www.primemedia.com.au/), either. Are these not communications companies?

A press release from SevenWest (16 Dec 2019), (http://www.sevenwestmedia.com.au/assets ... ership.pdf), says that some of 7food network's content will be moving to 7flix. On 7mate, it only says "7mate will be going HD" without giving any further detail.

The same press release says that "premium" true crime content will be added to 7TWO. But when one of the "premium" programs is "Momsters: When Moms Go Bad," I do wonder a bit how "premium" it is. I wonder whether it will replace much of their dated repeats of UK crime drama?

[prl]

BTW: if anyone has done a rescan and now has their bouquets showing 7mate HD instead of 7food network, what servicetype does it show in the Service reference field in MENU>Information>Service launched from the 7mate HD channel? The servicetype is the third number in the field (bolded in this example): 1:0:16:957:940EEEE0000:0:0:0:.

I rescanned this morning (there was nothing new y'day). Snippet from http://beyonwizu4/api/statusinfo -
"currservice_station": "7mateHD Perth",
"currservice_serviceref": "1:0:19:567:506:1013:EEEE0000:0:0:0:",

Thanks, Geoff. Looks like they have the servicetype correct this time (at least in Perth, anyway).

[prl]

Does anyone know what's happening with 7mate HD in regional Queensland? The Wikipedia item about it mentions it launching on BTQ Brisbane and STQ Queensland. I originally thought that STQ just meant Sunshine coast, but it seems that STQ (the network, rather than the callsign) has transmitters in Cairns, Toowoomba, Mackay, Rockhampton, Warwick, Townsville & Maryborough. The scan data that I have for stations in some of those areas (I don't have complete coverage) shows 7food network in all of them. I presume that that means they will also be getting 7mate HD, replacing 7food network?

I'll probably assume that anyway, because it's too hard to do otherwise

[Grumpy_Geoff]

I'll probably assume that anyway, because it's too hard to do otherwise

If you go to the streaming service for 7food network / Regional QLD (https://npc.cdn.7livecloud.io/hls/live/QLD5/master.m3u8) you can see the "7mateHD coming" image

[prl]

I've made up a new picons package with 7food network switched to 7mate HD, but I can't test the changes. Anyone in an area that's getting 7mate HD and has a T4 (to test both front panel and screen picons) willing to try out an alpha?

[adoxa]

Rockhampton/CQ has it (the name is Rockhampton, but the watermark is Central Qld). 1920, too, 7HD is only 1440. The service ref has 19.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

I've made up a new picons package with 7food network switched to 7mate HD, but I can't test the changes. Anyone in an area that's getting 7mate HD and has a T4 (to test both front panel and screen picons) willing to try out an alpha?

Yep, I can test it later today.

[raymondjpg]

The same press release says that "premium" true crime content will be added to 7TWO. But when one of the "premium" programs is "Momsters: When Moms Go Bad," I do wonder a bit how "premium" it is. I wonder whether it will replace much of their dated repeats of UK crime drama?

Wouldn't it be a shame if 7 departed from showing dated repeats of UK crime drama? Not that I watch it, but it seems to me to be a splendid resource for aficionados of that genre. I think Morse features quite regularly there!

[IanSav]

Hi Prl,

For your information the service reference for LCN-74 "7mateHD Melbourne" today is "#SERVICE 1:0:19:537:503eeee0000:0:0:0:".

Regards,
Ian.

[prl]

Thanks IanSav and adoxa for confirming the 7mate HD servicetype.

[prl]

The same press release says that "premium" true crime content will be added to 7TWO. But when one of the "premium" programs is "Momsters: When Moms Go Bad," I do wonder a bit how "premium" it is. I wonder whether it will replace much of their dated repeats of UK crime drama?

Wouldn't it be a shame if 7 departed from showing dated repeats of UK crime drama? Not that I watch it, but it seems to me to be a splendid resource for aficionados of that genre. I think Morse features quite regularly there!

We've recently been enjoying the repeats of Poirot & Miss Marple on 9Gem, which carries a similar sort of collection of old UK crime drama to 7TWO, but they seem to have dropped them. I'm sure they'll be back eventually, though

[prl]

Here is an alpha of the updated picons for the screen and T4 front panel. I think most of those who will test it know how to use the attached tarballs.

[vader1111]

I wonder how long it will take for Prime7 to wake up and bring 7Mate HD to the masses in the bush? 6 months, 12 months? Any takers?

I can't find any announcement on Prime7's corporate web page (http://www.primemedia.com.au/) about 7mate HD. But then I couldn't find much about it on Seven's corporate web page (http://www.primemedia.com.au/), either. Are these not communications companies?

A press release from SevenWest (16 Dec 2019), (http://www.sevenwestmedia.com.au/assets ... ership.pdf), says that some of 7food network's content will be moving to 7flix. On 7mate, it only says "7mate will be going HD" without giving any further detail.

The same press release says that "premium" true crime content will be added to 7TWO. But when one of the "premium" programs is "Momsters: When Moms Go Bad," I do wonder a bit how "premium" it is. I wonder whether it will replace much of their dated repeats of UK crime drama?

Remember how long it took them to give us 7Flix? 7Flix started in February 2016. Prime finally got around to showing it in September 2017. That's a delay of 19 months.

Is there anyone willing to bet that Prime will be quicker this time around?

[prl]

I was originally going to mention 7flix, but I couldn't remember the timeframes. You're probably right not to be optimistic. OTOH, I think 7mate got rolled out on both Seven and Prime at about the same time.

The fact that here's no channel up yet for 7mate HD in Prime areas (I rescanned in Canberra this morning) doesn't bode well for 7mate HD being introduced on Prime when it starts on Seven.

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Here is an alpha of the updated picons for the screen and T4 front panel.

Yep it's fine on the T4, front panel and OWIF included.

[prl]

Thanks, Geoff. I'll put it into the picon repository tomorrow.

[Pete123]

Mt Gambier (regional SA) has had 7Mate in HD for a few years now, but the picon is just the standard 7Mate.

Here’s the Service Information screenshot in case it helps..

[MrQuade]

Mt Gambier (regional SA) has had 7Mate in HD for a few years now, but the picon is just the standard 7Mate.

Changes to the picon require a software update on the Wiz.

[Pete123]

Mt Gambier (regional SA) has had 7Mate in HD for a few years now, but the picon is just the standard 7Mate.

Changes to the picon require a software update on the Wiz.

Yes, I understand that. I just posted the info in case it was of any interest.

(Edit) I’ve just realised I should have said channel logo, not picon. My mistake.

[prl]

Mt Gambier (regional SA) has had 7Mate in HD for a few years now, but the picon is just the standard 7Mate.

The broadcast channel name is also still 7mate (not 7mate HD).

In fact I have that serviceref in my scan data. The picon setup script uses the broadcast channel name to match it to the picon image file, so, because the broadcaster calls it 7mate, it gets the 7mate picon, even though it is in fact MPEG2 HD.

There's a limit to my willingness to fix up broadcaster's mistakes.

[prl]

The updates for the picon setup for 7mate HD where it replaces 7food network are now in the picon repository.

They should appear in the next applicable firmware update.

[Pete123]

Mt Gambier (regional SA) has had 7Mate in HD for a few years now, but the picon is just the standard 7Mate.

The broadcast channel name is also still 7mate (not 7mate HD).

In fact I have that serviceref in my scan data. The picon setup script uses the broadcast channel name to match it to the picon image file, so, because the broadcaster calls it 7mate, it gets the 7mate picon, even though it is in fact MPEG2 HD.

There's a limit to my willingness to fix up broadcaster's mistakes.

Sorry, I didn’t mean for my comment to be a request for a picon fix, although that’s exactly how it sounds when I reread it. I just thought the service info may be of interest with the upcoming change to 7MateHD, and mentioned the picon/watermark in case it was noticed.

[Trial_Master]

Hi Peter

"currservice_station": "7mateHD Brisbane"
"currservice_serviceref": "1:0:19:547:504EEEE0000:0:0:0:"

[Trial_Master]

Hi Ian

Are you still running your update server for picons?

[IanSav]

Hi Trial_Master,

Are you still running your update server for picons?

I wasn't intending to provide any more updates after Peter's previous comments. I can create an update if people still want me to do so.

Regards,
Ian.

[Trial_Master]

It’s probably not worth your time if it’s only me. I’m really not keen on beta firmware just to get latest picons. Is there any other way to keep them current?

[Grumpy_Geoff]

Is there any other way to keep them current?

Yep sure, you just need to wait for the next beta release, then wait for a kind soul to note the file name of the new picons-tv-australia package and post the URL to that package on the forum.
Then directly download that .ipk file using a web browser, stick the file on a USB thumb drive, insert the drive into the Wiz, and install the picons package via the "install extensions" popup prompt.

[IanSav]

Hi Grumpy_Geoff,

Yep sure, you just need to wait for the next beta release, then wait for a kind soul to note the file name of the new picons-tv-australia package and post the URL to that package on the forum.
Then directly download that .ipk file using a web browser, stick the file on a USB thumb drive, insert the drive into the Wiz, and install the picons package via the "install extensions" popup prompt.

An even better solution would be for PeterU to add the picon package to the standard Beyonwiz feeds so that the picons can be fetched separately from any other code / changes. The picons would then arrive as a simple update just like when I host the file for anyone who uses my feeds.

Having a simple package that can be independently updated is how all the other images operate. Yes, the other images build Prl's picons directly from Beyonwiz repository and distribute them on all the other images.

Regards,
Ian.

[Trial_Master]

@Grumpy_Geoff I recall you provided to me via this mechanism in the past. I’ll keep an eye out for when you guys mention you have a new beta.

@IanSav Having them update by standard feed would be ideal. I imagine there are many owners out there that don’t follow these forums, aren’t on beta and have incorrect picons for months, years until a new public release firmware update comes along.

[prl]

It's possible for anyone so inclined to install the new picon setup from the alpha I posted here, which is identical to the setup I put into the picon repository.

Requires the use of the commandline interface on the PVR to install it, though, and it needs to be uninstalled before installing any online update.

[Trial_Master]

It's possible for anyone so inclined to install the new picon setup from the alpha I posted here, which is identical to the setup I put into the picon repository.

Requires the use of the commandline interface on the PVR to install it, though, and it needs to be uninstalled before installing any online update.

Thanks Pete. I recall seeing that process over the years. No good for my household unfortunately, I'm not overly confident with Linux and the family would be likely to accept any online update without realising. I will wait for beta and request the url to .ipk file.

Is there any scope going forward to entertain Ian's suggestion? It would make things a bunch simpler if they were applied as any other online update.

[IanSav]

Hi Prl,

The new 7mateHD is running in Melbourne. There have been no parameter changes since I last posted. OpenViX has the new picon.

The EPG is currently not available for the new channel but I assume that should be sorted out soon.

Regards,
Ian.

[Trial_Master]

Hi Prl,

The new 7mateHD is running in Melbourne. There have been no parameter changes since I last posted. OpenViX has the new picon.

The EPG is currently not available for the new channel but I assume that should be sorted out soon.

Regards,
Ian.

Hi Ian

Not sure if it applies to FTA, but to get the ICE EPG to populate I had to restart GUI on my T2 & T4.

Regards
Lach

[prl]

Thanks, Ian.

[stephenh]

I wasn't intending to provide any more updates after Peter's previous comments. I can create an update if people still want me to do so.

Hi Ian, I for one appreciate your efforts very much and would vote for you putting up an update on your “feed” so we can access an updated picon as soon as possible - who knows when/if there will be another beta!?

[IanSav]

Hi Stephenh,

Hi Ian, I for one appreciate your efforts very much and would vote for you putting up an update on your “feed” so we can access an updated picon as soon as possible - who knows when/if there will be another beta!?

Unfortunately Beyonwiz is falling farther and farther behind the other Enigma2 images. I will extract the picon package from OpenViX and put it on my server some time tonight or tomorrow.

Regards,
Ian.

[Trial_Master]

Thanks Ian.

I feel sorry for the people that buy these pvr's, aren't technical and don't frequent these forums. They would see incorrect station logos possibly for years as they won't be on beta and that doesn't look good for the Beyonwiz brand.

My Inlaws have a Fetch and it's updated already and my T2 via HRTunerProxy plugin shows the updated logo from ICE TV in PLEX DVR. The Beyonwiz process is obviously very manual for Pete and all concerned and doesn't present a good user experience. Not having a go at any one just my observations of end to end process.