[VU+ Duo2] Auto-Timer v Timer

[birdman]

I would like to know when somebody needs the normal timer. What can be done in Timer you cannot in Autotimer?

I see a flim and click on Record to record it. Why would I use an AutoTimer for that?

My suggestion: Kick out the normal timer.

You do realize that all the AutoTimer code does is to set a "normal timer"?

 

[nekrub2]

Hi Birdman
I can't agree with your answer that the AutoTimer just sets set a "normal timer". The "normal timer" does an action at a given time, however the Auto Timer does it when a certain transmission starts. This is what I assume is needed in 99% of the cases. But instead of offering two user-interfaces I would integrate them into one, with a possibility to to say "yes" if the user wants the action take at a specific time.
nekrub2

 

[ccs]

So you want autotimer to ask if you want to set a timer, so yet more key presses, daft idea.

I use both, maybe I use autotimers more, but the current choices are fine.

 

[adm]

Hi Birdman
I can't agree with your answer that the AutoTimer just sets set a "normal timer". The "normal timer" does an action at a given time, however the Auto Timer does it when a certain transmission starts.

No it doesn't. It's effectively a search facility and when it finds something matching what you have asked it to search for it sets a timer.

For instance if you configure an Autotimer to record every episode of programme A then as programme A is listed in the EPG normal timers for programme A are added in advance of the program being transmitted. If you have a 7 day EPG and have configured the search to be for 7 days then the timer for that programme will be generated 7 days in advance of it being broadcast.

Try it for yourself. Chose a future programme in the EPG, say one in a few hours time, and configure the Autotimer just to zap to that programme. Exit the EPG and wait 60 seconds. Now go to menu -> timers -> timers and you will find that the Autotimer search has found the programme selected in advance of it being broadcast and has set a timer for it.

The Autotimer is NOT waiting for a program to start. It is searching for a set of criteria and setting a timer when an match is found irrespective of the broadcast time.

If you delete an Autotimer you will be given the option to keep or delete all the timers generated by this Autotimer.

This is what I assume is needed in 99% of the cases. But instead of offering two user-interfaces I would integrate them into one, with a possibility to to say "yes" if the user wants the action take at a specific time.
nekrub2

Possible the only “timer” that takes action at a specific real time is a Power Timer but this is more to do with configuring waking up and shutting down the box at user specified times.

 

[EGGMANCAN]

No it doesn't. It's effectively a search facility and when it finds something matching what you have asked it to search for it sets a timer.

For instance if you configure an Autotimer to record every episode of programme A then as programme A is listed in the EPG normal timers for programme A are added in advance of the program being transmitted. If you have a 7 day EPG and have configured the search to be for 7 days then the timer for that programme will be generated 7 days in advance of it being broadcast.

Try it for yourself. Chose a future programme in the EPG, say one in a few hours time, and configure the Autotimer just to zap to that programme. Exit the EPG and wait 60 seconds. Now go to menu -> timers -> timers and you will find that the Autotimer search has found the programme selected in advance of it being broadcast and has set a timer for it.

The Autotimer is NOT waiting for a program to start. It is searching for a set of criteria and setting a timer when an match is found irrespective of the broadcast time.

If you delete an Autotimer you will be given the option to keep or delete all the timers generated by this Autotimer.



Possible the only “timer” that takes action at a specific real time is a Power Timer but this is more to do with configuring waking up and shutting down the box at user specified times.

Is there any way to make the Power Timer shutdown the box regardless of whether the EPG menu is open or not?

 

[EGGMANCAN]

What's the issue with making the "Record" button bring up a dialogue box saying "Record" and "Record Series"?

 

[EGGMANCAN]

That's evolution for you :thumbsup:

God dammit, I think I'm gonna start using the power button to switch on my toaster!