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Separate guide download, parsing and mapping failures

A guide workflow has several stages: obtaining the file, reading its structure and matching programmes to channels. Completion of one stage does not prove the others succeeded. Note whether the player downloaded data, reported a parse error or showed unmatched channels.

Illustrated guide: Separate guide download, parsing and mapping failures
Why does an EPG import finish without useful listings?

A guide workflow has several stages: obtaining the file, reading its structure and matching programmes to channels. Completion of one stage does not prove the others succeeded. Note whether the player downloaded data, reported a parse error or showed unmatched channels.

Start with the reported stage

If no file is retrieved, investigate the supplied guide address and access method. If the file arrives but cannot be read, its format or completeness matters. If it reads successfully but rows remain blank, channel identifiers and coverage become the next questions.

Avoid broad resets too early

Deleting the account can remove working video and local favourites while leaving the guide source unchanged. Use the player’s guide-specific controls first. Keep the last-update time and any visible import message so each attempt produces an interpretable result.

Provide a focused example

Choose one channel that should have current listings and record its displayed name, guide assignment if visible and current time zone. A single well-described mismatch can be more useful than a screenshot of hundreds of blank rows. Keep the full guide URL private if it contains credentials.

Questions about this topic

Does a progress bar reaching 100 percent prove mapping worked?
No. It may show only that a download or processing step finished.
Can a valid XML file still be the wrong guide?
Yes. Valid syntax does not establish that its channels or schedule window match your playlist.

Sources & further reading

Keep reading

Related guides.

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Why live TV can work when the guide URL fails

Yes. The video stream and programme-guide feed are separate resources. A player can receive a channel successfully while its guide address is unavailable, outdated or mismatched. Troubleshoot the guide as a metadata problem when playback itself remains normal.

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Illustrated guide: When only one channel has the wrong EPG

When only one channel has the wrong EPG

When most guide rows are correct, focus on the affected channel’s mapping and regional edition. A global time adjustment would disturb the working rows. Compare the channel’s identity, guide assignment and current programme before making a targeted change.

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Illustrated guide: Taking a useful screenshot for IPTV support

Taking a useful screenshot for IPTV support

Capture the relevant error or screen clearly and remove unrelated personal information. Add a sentence explaining what you did immediately before the screen appeared, because an image alone may not show the sequence that caused the problem.

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