tojikomori

just remembered that VideoPlus+ existed. what a concept.

if you weren’t around: you’ve probably heard that VCRs could be programmed to record shows at a certain time. well, that was the caveman way of doing it, and it was unreliable because sometimes shows were delayed by sports or something worse. in the TV guide there’d be an 8-digit number next to each show which you’d type into your VCR. a code embedded in the broadcast would then signal your VCR to start and stop recording when the show was actually broadcast. (apparently that second feature was only for us in the EU!)

Edit: h/t @lainling for fixed details of PlusCodes vs PDC/PIL codes, TIL those were different!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Video_recorder_scheduling_code

Video recorder scheduling code - Wikipedia

Feb 7 at 12:52amWeb
Show threadlainlingFeb 7

@tojikomori
> The number is generated by an algorithm from the date, time and channel of the programme; as a result, it does not rely on an over-the-air channel to serve as a conduit to ensure the recording is properly timed.

The thing you're describing I think is https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Programme_Delivery_Control ? Which seems to have the part responsible for handling the sports delays and all

Programme Delivery Control - Wikipedia

Show threadtojikomoriFeb 7

@lainling Thanks! 🤔 I think you’re right. I remember it being a feature of VideoPlus+ because of this:

The BBC recommends you program the video by taking the published start time or VideoPlus+ number from a weekly listings magazine. It's usually these times that are contained in the broadcasters' PILs.

https://625.uk.com/pdc/

So I always entered the VideoPlus+ code which corresponded to the time encoded into the PIL code which is what my VCR actually waited for. And it sounds like this was an EU-only feature.

I don’t think I knew until now that this was happening, I always thought it was a primary feature of VideoPlus+ itself, so this is interesting to learn!

PDC (Programme Delivery Control) Explained - 625.uk.com

PDC (Programme Delivery Control) is a method of controlling video cassette recorders so that rescheduled or delayed programmes are recorded in their entirety. PDC, also known as StarText and VPS, is a European TV standard. This document is an FAQ list about PDC written in layman's terms.