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Rovi has notified publications that it will no longer be providing VCR Plus+ Codes after May 2010.
Why discontinue the VCR Plus+ program now?
Over the last several years, sales of Rovi's PlusCode-enabled devices have declined significantly. In addition, the number of publications providing PlusCode listings has steadily decreased as those publications transition into the digital age.
While VCR Plus+ has been hugely successful since its launch in 1990, the analog switch off and conversion to digital-only broadcasting has made it increasingly difficult to support this product from a technological standpoint. In addition, cable and satellite DVRs have effectively replaced VCR Plus+ as the recording mechanism of choice for most consumers due to the increased number of channels and data delivery options that are now available. Given these large scale changes in the broadcasting landscape, Rovi will cease providing VCR Plus+ Codes to publications that have historically printed PlusCode listings, after May 2010.
Please note that certain publications may choose to continue providing PlusCode listings after May 2010, but they are not obligated to do so. However, users who wish to continue using a VCR Plus+ enabled device to make a recording may generate PlusCodes online using our automatic generator tool: www.vcrplus.com/p-code.asp
Are the publications required to cease providing PlusCode numbers in its program listings at the end of May?
No. Publications may choose to continue providing PlusCode listings after May 2010, but they are not obligated to do so. After May 31, 2010, Rovi will no longer assign new VCR Plus+ Guide Channel Assignment numbers for publications or make updates to the existing VCR Plus+ Guide Channels Assignment Lists.
The data files needed for PlusCode numbers generation through the end of 2010 have been provided to newspapers’ listings providers. Newspapers will need to consult with their listings provider regarding continuing PlusCode numbers insertion through December 31, 2010.
I am a TV editor who has been getting the table files for the InstaCode program. Will I be able to get table files through the end of the 2010 year?
Yes. You should receive these by the end of May, 2010.
How many people are still using VCR Plus+?
While we are unable to track the specific number of consumers that currently use VCR Plus+, we know that traffic to the VCR Plus+ website has declined significantly over the last few years. This is likely due in large part to the increased use of DVRs as consumers’ recording mechanism of choice. In addition, CE manufacturers in the U.S. have ceased shipments of products that incorporate the VCR Plus+ technology.
We also believe that the number of consumers that continue to use legacy VCR Plus+ enabled products is quite small. Additionally, the analog switch off and conversion to digital-only broadcasting has made it increasingly difficult to support this product from a technological standpoint.
Will users be able to generate PlusCode numbers manually?
Yes, users who wish to continue using a VCR Plus+ enabled device to make a recording may generate PlusCodes online using our automatic generator tool, which can be found on our website, www.vcrplus.com. PlusCodes may be generated online using this tool through December 31, 2010:
1. Select your primary area/publication at registration to initiate channel mapping.
2. Go to p-code.asp or select the "Get the Code!" link from the home page
3. Select the channel you wish to record from the pull-down list. Its Guide Assignment will automatically appear in the box.
4. Enter the information for the program you wish to record (date, start time and length of the program in minutes)
5. Press the "GetPlusCode" option. The PlusCode number for your program will appear.
Note: to generate a PlusCode number for the very first channel on the pull-down list, you will need to select a different channel then select the first channel.
Who should I contact if I have additional questions?
You may email us with questions at publications@vcrplus.com
Is there additional information that I can provide to my readers?
You may refer your readers to our Frequently Asked Questions page for information regarding changes to VCR Plus+. You may also direct your readers to our website, www.vcrplus.com or suggest that they contact us at inquiry@vcrplus.com.
© 2010 Rovi Corporation. All rights reserved.
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