Hate Mail: Correspondence About Our Competition Part I

Competition is always a good thing. It can improve companies, processes, and people.

And at FYI, we don’t shy away from competition. We welcome it. We should—because we spend a good amount of time with our competition, believe it or not.

Via the emails, phone calls, and text messages we get from clients, stations, and even consumers.

Here’s just a sample of how FYI responds to queries that don’t even involve FYI.

Responsiveness starts at the top.

Let’s start at the top. The very top. Mr. Chris Stark, the president, founder, and CEO of FYI Television.

How often do top C-level executives take the time to respond to even the most innocuous of client requests? At FYI, as you’ll soon see, it happens frequently—because our data and your listings are precious assets.

Here, Mr. Stark responds to a request with illuminating information that clears up a client’s query, while also explaining the situation that caused their current dilemma.

Here’s the response from, once again, the very top decision-maker at FYI Television.

if you want to get the message, go to a message board.
Nothing speaks the truth like message boards. That’s why we monitor them to see just what satisfaction levels are like for both our product and that of our competitors.

Enjoy this sample of unbridled, unvarnished opinions from folks who use program guides.

Now might be a good time to mention that we’ve masked the identities of our competitors to save their tender feelings.

WE HELP YOU CHECK YOURSELF BEFORE YOU WRECK YOURSELF.

Second party verification. It’s not necessarily on our list of services, but when you have your act together it kind of just happens this way.

Because FYI has set such an indelible standard of excellence in accuracy and completeness, we’re often tasked to track down issues and provide answers well outside the framework of the actual service we deliver.

Whatever it takes to get our clients the most complete, accurate, and flexible data for their customers.

Like this case in point. A traffic coordinator found a glitch and FYI tracked it down, instinctively.

AND NOW, HERE'S AN UNSOLICITED ANTI-TESTIMONIAL

Sometimes we learn about our competitors directly from our contacts. Without any prompting at all.

Here’s a case in point.

Don't just take our word for it. The writing is on the wall--and apparently in lots of emails and on lots of message boards.

We hear it all the time. Rest assured, we handle every inquiry with professionalism and concern.

Even when it's not our professional concern.

Watching Dead: The Walking Dead DVR Fiasco

Perhaps you’ve heard of a little program called The Walking Dead?

It just happens to be the most popular program on television.

And one of the reasons it is the most popular program on television is that no cast member is safe from elimination. You really don’t know from week to week who’ll make it to the next episode.

Thus, episode ending cliffhangers, shockers, plot changers, and spoilers of the highest order occur during the very last few seconds of the various episodes. So, DVR times would be kind of important, wouldn’t they?

Planning for little delays in timing that might cut off the recording, leaving thousands of plot-hungry Walking Dead fans bereft of the cataclysmic plot-changing series-defining moment they’d intended to record? That’s what we do.

We’re ever-vigilant so that missing out on the precious last minutes of a show—especially a show like this—doesn’t happen. Because we’re fans ourselves, we know what that kind of thing can cause.

Frustration. Anguish. Despair. Confusion.

LIKE HAPPENED THIS PAST SUNDAY NIGHT TO THOUSANDS OF WALKING DEAD VIEWERS. THOUSANDS. (Those are zombie horde-like numbers.) And they all missed a CRUCIAL plot and season changing moment in the dying (no pun intended) seconds.

Now at FYI, a system is in place with our clients to “buffer” both ends of a DVR recording with a little extra at the front and back. You know, just to make sure. Our clients like the idea of making sure. And, we’re right there with them.

Because we’re not just dishing out the very best entertainment information & rich media content in the world. We’re thinking about the ways people use our data. Always.

Including not just giving the start and stop times of a program, but engaging in an informed discussion with our clients to prevent moments our Walking Dead fan friends have just endured.

When you have TV-centric, show savvy editors, clients experience a more informed approach to entertainment data that presupposes programming issues affecting DVR recordings. In other words, we think about this stuff in advance.

The takeaway? When the zombie apocalypse comes, it would be nice to have a DVR filled with fully-recorded programs to help pass the time away.

So make sure your service provider uses FYI data—just ask. If they do, you'll have a far greater chance of seeing all the shows on your DVR, recorded all the way to the very ending, when the zombie apocalypse happens.

THEY KILLED KENNY!--The South Park DVR Disaster

FYI’s persistent IDs and exacting standards of data and metadata administration make sure giant problems don’t occur.

“What kinds of problems?” you may ask.

Consider this posting from a competitor’s message board. It illustrates the problem quite well.

Wow. Missed DVR recordings and—perhaps worse—South Park, one of the most controversial and edgy shows on television, is listed as “Religious programming.”

Those who have ever seen an episode of South Park can use their vivid imaginations to wonder what a person searching for “Religious programming” would think after lighting upon Cartman and the boys.

The takeaways from this little event are many:

1.  DVRs frequently make note of programs they record. If an incorrect program has been recorded with a particular ID, it may not record again to save space. Even if that ID has been resubmitted with the proper program.

2. When conflicts in airing material arise, a system should already be in place to resolve conflicts, particularly associated with the release of new programs.

3. South Park is NOT generally considered a religious program.

We at FYI were able to detect the potential problem and remedy it by creating a new program ID—insuring that missed recordings with the improper ID wouldn’t block out new recordings. And, of course, attributing the correct program info to the correct airing.

FYI looks well beyond standard data entry to identify issues and to create resolutions for clients—on the fly without manual interaction or request.

That’s an elaborate way of saying that guides powered by FYI—and their customers--had the correct info and were able to record South Park automatically via DVR. Those using other data? Not so much.

And that pretty much says it all.

ONE NIGHT ONLY: 5 EPG Mistakes That Make Special Events A Little Less Special

Special events listings for Electronic Program Guides present some unique challenges.

They’re programs that are singular—not part of a series or a league schedule. So, the listing must be self-contained in terms of communicating the attributes of the program. There is no week to week learned storyline to lean upon.

They’re programs that, by definition, are prominent. After all, they’re called “special” events for a reason. Most likely, they are a part of a network’s programming strategy and will be expected to deliver important ratings.

They are also programs that are generally only shown once a year—or once EVER. So the job of the listing has to garner the maximum attention and communicate the maximum show information.

Here are a few common mistakes that can turn a special event into an unfortunate event listing:

There She Is, Miss America…So Point It Out! Special Events Are Special For A Reason!
The Miss America competition is an undisputed 100% Grade A "no doubt about it" national institution.

Therefore, it follows that the listing should reflect an element of that tradition and prestige.

Befitting an institution, you understand.

So, in our good example, a potential viewer could learn the name of the reigning Miss America who won last year, the location of the event, and even some idea as to the elements of the competition.

And in our bad example? Not only is there a vague show category or genre of “Shows” but the show description could apply to several other award shows. It’s a listing hardly befitting Miss America.

Shameful! It’s our hope that no children had to view that listing, which undeniably sullied an icon. In the listings game, you never sully an icon.

Year After Year After Year, There Are Events More Special Than Others—Make ‘Em Seem That Way!
When a special event has been around 65 years, that’s very very special.

So, when it’s appropriate, it’s nice to comment on last year, this year, and the events traditions. Especially for the night all of television holds in the highest esteem.

Good example. The listing is informed with Neil Patrick Harris’ past hosting stats, while we also learn both the city and theater where the event is being held.

Not to mention a nice, robust list of guests and nominees to add star power.

Bad example. Gives only the most generic description of arguably television’s biggest night—and just a listing for host Neil Patrick Harris.

Well, if that’s how you treat TV’s best in a listing, that’s downright…disappointing. May we have the envelope please? And the loser is…everybody—but especially the viewers at home.

When A Special Spins Off Into Another Special, Describe It In A Way That’s Special!
Lesser known special events or extensions of award shows—as they’re not as traditional and yearly at this point, will require more explanation to define the program within the mind of the viewer.

Take CMA Music Festival: Country’s Night To Rock. Part of another program effort, yet a special event within that offering. More of a performance program than an awards show.

For instance, good example. A vivid and detailed program description lets viewers know what to expect, while the host and some of country’s biggest names add to the intrigue and night of great music described by this listing.

Meanwhile, bad example. Not only is the event described in a vague manner that pays no homage to the larger event, all the performers are in a “cattle call” that does not distinguish guests from hosts from nominees.

Even country music stars deserve listings better than hog slop.

Star Power Is Special So Don’t Skimp On Celebrity Attraction!
Healing in the Heartland: Relief Benefit Concert was a star-studded music event designed to bring relief and support to those struck by the tornado disaster in Central Oklahoma.

Given all the high-octane star power there, wouldn’t you want to highlight the event and its worthy cause by getting the most mileage out of those big names? After all, that’s why they’re there—the “star-studded” part of a “star-studded” event!

In our good example, the names leap off the screen with the just attention they deserve. In our bad example?

It’s almost like they’re an afterthought. When, in reality, they ARE the event of musical performances and will bring a ton of loyal country music fans to the proceedings.

You got stars? Let ‘em shine. Your program guide with get a little shinier when you do, too.

Some Special Events Aren’t Quite As Big Or Prominent As Others—So Explain The Event!
BAFTA happens to be the British Academy Of Film & Television Arts. Basically, they’re the British version of our Academy Awards.

And, while anglophiles and movie fanatics might know this like the back of their hand, the average person does not. So, the guide should explain this fact, while giving the potential viewer their usual amount of requisite information to make their selection.

In our good example, a robust and wide-reaching definition of the event informs viewers as to what they can expect from the program. Celebrated stars, glamorous proceedings, and the annual awards ceremony. Not to mention Britain.

Our bad example, rather than defining the program, launches into a very small number of nominations—without even stating what the nominations are for. Doubly confusing without the context of what the event is about.

As you can see, special events need special care, or they wind up not being very…special.

To find out even more about how and why special event listings need to be even more special in this mobile and second screen age, just contact FYI. We promise it’ll be special.

11 Cordless Reasons Mobile EPGs Are Better Than Onscreen Guides

Don’t get us wrong. We love our trusty onscreen Electronic Program Guide.

It has served us well—bringing us into a new and exciting world of digital guides—and will continue to do so.

But, we’d be remiss if we didn’t point out that the wave of the future is heading toward mobile TV applications—in tablets, laptops, smartphones, you name it.

So in that spirit, here are just a few of the advantages mobile TV apps have over your hard-working onscreen Electronic Program Guide.

1. Keep Your Full View.
Isn’t it obvious? Not to be a harsh judge but, right out of the gate, when you access your onscreen EPG, it blocks what you’re actually currently watching. With mobile TV apps on smart phones, tablets, etc., you can actually keep watching your program in full screen while you surf for listings and other info on the mobile device.

2. Mobile TV Apps Are More Current.
They access the VERY LATEST data, while your onscreen EPG most likely relies on a database with scheduled updates. Even though your onscreen EPG is likely VERY accurate, it’s not quite as up to date as a mobile TV app. Something to consider when shows or schedules change due to very late-breaking events.

3. Mobile Can Alert You To A Show—While You're Not Tied To A TV Screen.
OK. Your onscreen EPG can alert you when a favorite show is impending. Of course, you’d have to be actually in front of your TV to take advantage of this benefit. Meanwhile, a mobile TV app can alert you to that same “can’t miss” show when you’re almost anywhere on earth. The mall. A ball game. Or, even right there in your living room.

4. Mobile Allows You To Set Your Own Reminders—And Even Record Shows—From Anywhere, Anytime.
Mobile TV apps, unlike the onscreen EPG, can incorporate reminders into the rest of your device’s scheduling and organizational software. And, you have the option of being able to record programs from anywhere, so you never miss a program. You just don’t have to be with your TV to record a show any more.

5. Mobile Has Extended Information And A Depth Of Links.
The amount of information you can get from your onscreen EPG is really pretty amazing. Even so, your mobile TV app has access to extended information and links to almost an infinite extent. When you’re really looking to dive deep, discover, and explore—the mobile TV EPGs beat the onscreen EPG hands down.

6. Mobile Has Added Filter, Search, And Sort Options.
Sadly, searching with your onscreen EPG can be tedious. Depending on the interface, it can take ponderous amounts of time even to type in a search term or figure out the navigation.

A mobile TV app is a must more streamlined and intuitive interface—with search and filter options you won’t find on your onscreen EPG. So you’re again able to use the power of mobile TV EPGs to inform choices.

7. Did You Know Mobile Can Go Anywhere? It Can. Really.
Again, this is a pretty obvious one. But it needed to be said. So we said it. When you’re mobile, you simply have more access to the programs you want because you can view them in an unlimited “whenever you want and wherever you go” fashion. This is of particular value with mobile TV apps that enable streaming functionality of your favorite programs/episodes.

8. When Your Onscreen Falters, Mobile Is Still Hot(Spot.)
On those occasions (power or service outage) when you can’t get your onscreen EPG? Your mobile TV stream is still connected and able to stream or view if you have internet connectivity or a hot spot. Plus, there are a variety of sources for listing information on your mobile device, not just one and done as with an onscreen EPG.

9. Mobile Is A More Private Experience, But Easily Shared When Significant.
When you’re looking at an onscreen EPG, everybody who can see the screen is taking part.

Mobile is a little different. It’s a more private experience, but one that can easily be shared—personally and intimately—when something that bubbles above the everyday might be of interest to someone nearby. Information and programs alike.

10. Mobile Has An Element Of Community Built Into Sharing, Comments, Likes, & Common Interests.
Onscreen EPGs only involve community when scrolling a feed or being viewed by a group in the same room or general area.

Mobile reaches out with social media, email, and even voice or camera communications. And, viewing is further informed by community in the form of social indicators like comments, Facebook likes, or Twitter retweets.

11. Mobile TV Apps Turn Into TV Remotes, Too!
Last but certainly not least; you can stop worrying about where your kids, brother, wife or live-in mother-in-law last left the remote. These days, our mobile phones are practically super-glued to our bodies. Chances are you can find your phone much faster than you’ll find that remote. That, my friend, is what we call je ne sais quoi.

As the whole world is moving to a more mobile, interactive platform, so too are TV program guides. EPGs are going there, too. Taking all the advantages of the onscreen EPG and maximizing them with mobility, connectivity, and accessibility.

Curious if your provider has an app for that? Here are a few TV service providers that have mobile TV applications, all free to download.

AT&T Uverse
DirecTV
Dish Network
Time Warner Cable
Comcast

If you are searching for a generic TV listings app, here are a few other mobile apps you can try (also FREE!)

i.TV
BuddyTV Guide
TV Show Time
Digit Remote
Yap TV
Peel

As always, to get the most robust and versatile data for electronic program guides, mobile applications, or connected devices, just contact FYI. We’d love to demonstrate just how our data stacks up to all the exacting demands you have for it.