I have been heavy into using IPTV for almost 2 years now. Pretty much right from the start I realized how unreliable it is even after trying endless different providers with the same issues so I began a project to do something about it. One of the details of this project is a central database containing each channel with details for naming and identification. While this database is designed for my platform to do many other tasks, it can very well be used by providers as a way to assist in providing a clear, unified and concise nomenclature for channel descriptions. This can be used for standard channels but is most needed for US local stations, specifically ABC, NBC, CBS, PBS, CW, MyNetwork, telemundo, unimas and univision. The goal of offering this resource is to give providers a quick, free and accurate resource to help make stream descriptions with. Currently there are over 1200 regional stations listed however unimas and univision have not yet been added. The table is searchable and includes call signs, networks, states, cities and channel numbers to make locating a station quick and easy.
Please consider using this 4 point system when naming local/regional channels otherwise the description may not be accurate and always include a country of origin. 4 points or better is the goal.
Call sign - 2 points
Network - 2 points
City - 1 point
Channel Number - 1 point
call sign + network = 4 pts
network + city + channel # = 4 pts
call sign + city + channel # = 4 pts
call sign + network + city = 5 pts
Good examples:
,US ABC WABC
,Locals ABC 7 New York
,USA WABC 7 New York
Poor examples:
,WABC 7
,US ABC New York
,USA WABC NY
If the 4 points are not met, other channels or specifically sub-channels may also fit the description as well making it unclear of which channel is actually being described.
I am not here to tell anyone how to do things but I am offering my resources that took a great deal of work for the benefit of everyone. I hope the community considers my offer and please feel free to contact me with any questions.
GMaster