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Status of programming guide after January 2020

Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2019 4:13 pm
by dave8647
I have seen statements on this forum that the programming guide (EPG) for WMC will not be updated after Windows 7 support ends in January 2020. But I have not found any official confirmation of this.

For now my Windows 7 based WMC is working fine and I get EPG updates for the over-the-air channels that I use it for.

Since Windows 8 support will continue until Jan 2023 and WMC will presumably get EPG updates until then, I see no good reason why EPG updates for Windows 7 WMC would be blocked. Does it cost Microsoft that much per user of the EPG service that they would stop Windows 7 users from getting EPG updates while continuing to provide updates to WIndows 8 users?

Anyway, my main reason for asking this question is to see if anyone can provide official confirmation that EPG service for Windows 7 WMC will stop after January 2020.

Re: Status of programming guide after January 2020

Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2019 4:51 pm
by jachin99
The best answer is that Microsoft will cut off guide support whenever they feel like it I think. Since Windows 7 isn't making them any money, I don't forsee Microsoft spending even a penny to maintain it. Your best bet for the future will be EPG123 but that's just my opinion.

Re: Status of programming guide after January 2020

Posted: Sat Aug 10, 2019 9:11 pm
by dmagerl
My worry is not that they'll cut off the guide, afterall EPG123 works well to replace it. My worry is that they'll stop the download of Playready and the TV tuner info needed to set up MCE. This would effectively block any new MCE installations after the cutoff date.

Re: Status of programming guide after January 2020

Posted: Fri Aug 16, 2019 4:22 pm
by DavidinCT
People... Windows 8.1 is still supported till 2023. Windows 7 WMC and Windows 8.1 WMC is/are the same, they get guide data the same exact way.

Odds are you will be fine... If it fails, spend the $25 a year for EPG123...