XML File format

The XML file is a plain text file that can be edited using a simple text editor such as NotePad.

channels

The root of the document. Contains a list of channel items

channel

Contains a single programmes item. The attribute name is the channel name. This is mandatory.

programmes

Contains a list of programme items

programme

An individual schedule entry.

  • The attribute name is the programme name. This is mandatory.
  • The attribute startdate is the date this programme starts in the format YYYY/MM/DD. This is mandatory.
  • The attribute starttime is the time this programme starts in the format HHMM. This is mandatory.
  • The attribute episode is the episode title, if any, for this programme. This is optional and is currently not used by any version of DigiGuide ... instead add the episode title to the beginning of the synopsis with a trailing full stop and space followed by a carriage return and line feed.
  • The attribute duration is the duration of this programme in minutes. Zero is not allowed. This is mandatory.
  • The attribute category is the category of this programme. [ View full list of supported categories ]
  • The attribute keywords is a comma separated list of keywords that help to identify the programme. Only keywords understood by DigiGuide will be used. [ View full list of supported keywords ] (This attribute is only understood by DigiGuide v8.3 and later)

synopsis

The description for the programme in HTML encoded form. You can encode new lines between text with "
"
Extra information can be used by DigiGuide if it is formatted properly.

Episode Information

Must be on the first line AND must end in a full stop then a space before a carriage return and line feed.

Series and episode numbers must be added in the format "Series 3, episode 12." (the capitalisation is important) ... if there is no series number, then just "Episode 12." should be used.

Directors

Must be on a line after the description. Must be preceeded by the term "Director: " (capitalisation, colon and space are important). Each director should be separated by a comma and space and there should be no full stop at the end of the line.

Cast

Must be on a line after the description and any directors. Must be preceeded by the term "Starring: " (capitalisation, colon and space are important). Each actor/ess should be separated by a comma and space and there should be no full stop at the end of the line.

Qualifiers

Must be on a line after the description and any directors and cast. Must be preceeded by a space and contain a list of qualifiers in brackets.

Example

A typical example of usage is below (synopsis is broken onto separate lines for readability): 

<channels>
  <channel name="Channel Name">
    <programmes>
      <programme name="Crossing Jordan" category="Drama" duration="60" starttime="0700" startdate="2006/05/02"
      episode="Dead in the Water. Series 3, episode 12" keywords="Crime, Crime drama, Medical, Drama">
        <synopsis>
Dead in the Water. Series 3, episode 12. &#13;&#10;
The detectives investigate when the body of a politician's missing daughter washes ashore.&#13;&#10;
Starring: Jill Hennessy, Miguel Ferrer, Ken Howard, Ravi Kapoor, Steve Valentine, Kathryn Hahn&#13;&#10;
 (Repeat, Stereo, Close Captioned, Crime, Crime drama, Medical, TV-14)
        </synopsis>
      </programme>
    </programmes>
  </channel>
</channels>