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Set up EPGRefresh

EPGRefresh tunes reception services to collect their DVB EPG. It does not download an XMLTV schedule from the Internet. IPTV without programme data usually needs EPGImport and suitable channel mappings instead.

Install and prepare a small test

Section titled “Install and prepare a small test”
  1. Install EPGRefresh from the feed’s extensions.
  2. Open Menu → Setup → EPG → EPGRefresh. Other plugin versions may also offer an Extensions entry.
  3. Use Blue – Edit Services to open the service/bouquet editor. Choose the list type and use New to add a few receivable services, for example Das Erste HD and ZDF HD.
  4. Save the selection, then save the configuration with Green.
  5. Use Yellow – Functions → Refresh now for a manual test. Expect a channel change if the main picture is used for refreshing.
  6. Open these channels’ EPG afterwards. Check later days too, and use INFO in EPGRefresh to inspect the last refresh. Starting successfully does not prove that all data was collected.
EPGRefresh service and bouquet selection
This list determines which reception services EPGRefresh visits. This image shows an unsaved selection of Das Erste HD and ZDF HD; the existing plugin list was not replaced. Open original image ↗

A DVB transponder often carries EPG for several channels. The checked plugin groups matching transponder identifiers, so a large bouquet does not necessarily require a separate visit to every channel. The broadcaster still determines how much information is transmitted.

Refresh automatically at a quiet time

Section titled “Refresh automatically at a quiet time”

Enable automatic refreshing and select a window such as 05:00 to 07:00, when the receiver is normally in standby and no important recordings are running. This is an example, not a universal recommendation for every household.

EPGRefresh configuration showing advanced options
Advanced options were displayed using an unsaved form for this image. No new schedule was created. Open original image ↗
Setting Meaning and choice
Earliest/latest refresh time Window for starting the automatic refresh or retrying while the receiver is busy. The end time is not a guaranteed hard stop for an already running cycle.
Duration per service Time allowed for collecting EPG. For example, start with 120 seconds and increase it if data is demonstrably incomplete.
Delay when not in standby Delay before retrying while the receiver is in use or recording.
Force refresh Can override consideration for viewing/recordings. Initially leave this off for a normal overnight run.
Main picture, PiP or another offered adapter Selects the reception path used. Available options depend on support; a background mode does not create an extra free tuner.
Wake up from deep standby Registers a wakeup time with Enigma2. This needs suitable hardware and a correct clock.
Shutdown after refresh In the checked version this is tied to a wakeup initiated by EPGRefresh, not every manual run. Other shutdown checks may intervene.
Flush EPG before refresh Removes existing data. It is not a general requirement: a failed refresh could then leave less EPG available.
Inherit/run AutoTimer Optionally include services from AutoTimer rules or evaluate rules after refreshing. Relevant only with AutoTimer installed.

EPGRefresh has its own scheduler. Do not duplicate the same action in cron. A manual refresh deliberately starts more directly than a normal standby run and does not test all automatic safeguards.

When a refresh adds no data

Section titled “When a refresh adds no data”

Check reception, selected services, standby/recording conditions and the refresh window. An unavailable transponder cannot provide data. Tuning an IPTV service does not automatically link it to XMLTV. Also check the clock.

In the checked plugin, service/bouquet selections are stored in /etc/enigma2/epgrefresh.xml, with general options in /etc/enigma2/settings. Normally change them through the interface. Messages containing EPGRefresh appear in the Enigma2 debug log when logging is enabled. The last-refresh display is not a full error log.

Verification: Captured native DE/EN dialogs of the installed version and checked the implementation. No new automatic schedule was saved and no deep-standby wakeup was tested.

Source: EPGRefresh configuration, refresh and timers, revision 0f1eab407f.

Set up and check AutoTimer: after filling the EPG, rules create ordinary recording timers. This plugin’s AutoTimer integration is a separate trigger; disabling AutoTimer polling does not automatically disable that call.