Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!rpi!crdgw1!ge-dab!tarpit!bilver!bill
From: bill@bilver.uucp (Bill Vermillion)
Newsgroups: sci.electronics
Subject: Re: VCR+: algorithm for first 100
Message-ID: <1991May18.045645.5966@bilver.uucp>
Date: 18 May 91 04:56:45 GMT
References: <1991May14.074739.3646@agate.berkeley.edu> <24353@dice.la.locus.com>
Distribution: usa
Organization: W. J. Vermillion - Winter Park, FL
Lines: 44

In article <24353@dice.la.locus.com> jfr@locus.com (Jon Rosen) writes:

>In article <1991May14.074739.3646@agate.berkeley.edu> shirriff@sprite.berkeley.edu (Ken Shirriff) writes:

>>I've determined the algorithm for the first 100 codes.  I wrote a C program
>>to decode a code from 1 to 99.  To use this, run "code 42 3" to determine
>>what happens with code 42 in March.
  
>Ken, please don't take these a flames, just gentle chiding! :-)
  
>But really, what is the point?  Get a life, man!
  
>First of all, the codes are printed in the newspaper right where the
>times and channels of the programs are.

John - the reason people are trying to do this, and why there is a mailing
list to do this, is simple.

Not all the codes are printed in the newspaper.   Why should you have to
buy the newspaper if it's not one you normally read?

And to find codes that are not in the paper it's a 900 call with a 95 cent
per item charge.

The VCR+ has some good featuers.   It will keep running and do the
recording even if you have a power failure and your VCR timer goes off.

It will also select programable cable boxes so that you can program
recording of premium channels while you are away.

Being able to generate your own codes eliminates this.  

The codes are also typically being listed only 1 week in advance.   You
could program the VCR+ to take care of things while on a vacation, or to
pre-program a series you don't want to miss, etc.

Being able to gen your own codes makes buying a VCR+ more attractive to
many.   Locally the codes are only printed for evening programs, and daily
series.


-- 
Bill Vermillion - UUCP: ...!tarpit!bilver!bill
                      : bill@bilver.UUCP