EPG (Electronic Programme Guide)

EBS is on hand to help our clients get the most from their schedules. We offer self-edit with full training so clients can tailor their schedules to suit their requirements or we take on some or all scheduling responsibilities ourselves, including schedule creation, creative writing and amendments for the EPG, teletext, websites and listings distribution.

Digigate and Digifile

EBS uses a program developed in-house called Digifile to create schedules. It parses Excel and Word documents to produce a text file, which EBS schedulers can edit and perfect before uploading to the online schedules editor Digigate, also created in-house, where schedules are prepared for the EPG. Digigate is a "write once, publish many" application: the information in the database can be shared among different media platforms - EPG, teletext, websites and listings distribution.

From Digigate we can publish an RTF that contains the channel's schedule. This is useful for sending to clients if they request a copy of the current live schedule, and also for listings distribution where the schedule is thoroughly proof read and edited before being sent out to press contacts. The format of the RTF schedule can vary depending upon each channel's specific requirements. We can supply a schedule with full listings information - time, title and synopsis, with programme information such as cast, director, age certificate and year of release - and we can also supply a very simple schedule detailing time and title only. When schedule changes occur, EBS immediately responds by updating the EPG, and, when necessary, sending the amended RTF schedule to a list of press contacts supplied to us by the client.

With each new channel that EBS gains, Digifile and Digigate expand and improve to meet the requirements of our clients. Digifile and Digigate integrate seamlessly with the Sky+ series linking system, ensuring viewers never miss their favourite shows.

Creative Writing

When EBS receives schedules from a client our creative writing team gets to work, researching new programmes and producing exciting copy to get the viewers interested. We liase with the channel's programming and press office staff to ensure programme descriptions are correct both in content and in branding.

Current uses for Digigate:

• EPG - schedules are sent to Sky with the click of a button; amendments can be made quickly and easily.
• Email - RTFs can be sent to press contacts ensuring up-to-date listings in newspapers and magazines. Patrons of this service include SCI FI Channel, The Horror Channel and the Reality TV channels.
• Web - for up-to-date information on the broadcaster's website, such as SCI FI Channel and The Horror Channel.
• Teletext - as with the EPG, we can send amendments to the screen quickly and easily.

>> Click here to download the EPG (Electronic Programme Guide) PDF
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