I want my EPG, say Windows Media Center users left in dire straits

Users of Microsoft’s Media Center PCs report that their electronic program guides (EPGs) aren't downloading data, or are offering incorrect data, nobbling their ability to use their boxen as video recorders.

In the Media Center feedback thread at Microsoft.com users report receiving no data, data for the wrong location, images for the wrong show and many variations on those themes. Complainants come from the USA and Europe.

In early July Microsoft announced it was moving its EPGs to “new data providers”. Reports like this one from thedigitalmediazone.com suggest the new supplier is an outfit called “Rovi”. Perhaps Rovi's not quite got the knack of Windows Media Center's feed formats yet?

We make that suggestion because the company first provided EPG data for Xboxes: Microsoft's July announcement was actually news that it had chosen Rovi for Media Center and Xbox feeds.

Reader “AB” kindly pointed out the mess and that Microsoft has form messing Media Center customers about, notably when its EPG service went dark in 2013.

We've asked Microsoft's US and UK offices to explain the mess and will update this story if news comes to hand. ®