Wii TV Guide

[Kamalot]

In an attempt to be more of a television companion, the Wii will eventually be getting a TV Guide-like channel (http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/071026/06.html) that allows people to browse their local TV listing.

The news comes from Nintendo's recent financial results briefing. The president of Nintendo commented that he wants the Wii to become a friend of the TV in the living room. This service will be available in Japan from Spring 2008.

There is a small Flash movie showing off the TV Listing channel (in Japanese) on Nintendo's Site (http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/library/events/071026/06.html).

[Gorvi]

Don't they have cable boxes?

[UnderHero5]

... the thing already has an internet browser.

tvguide.com

[Karmakin]

Actually, I saw some screenshots of this someplace else (forget where), and the 3d view looks pretty cool.

[DaXIthR]

The DS is going to get one as well. Japan is still nearly oblivious of DVR boxes; perhaps that will be the next step.

[Smoof]

This seems completely pointless. Not only do I have a cable box that gives me this information, but I have my second PC as my DVR with Vistas Media Center and it gives me all the listings as well. This Wii functionality is completely redundant.

[Baron Samedi]

Yet another step towards World Domination.

[Kamalot]

This seems completely pointless. Not only do I have a cable box that gives me this information, but I have my second PC as my DVR with Vistas Media Center and it gives me all the listings as well. This Wii functionality is completely redundant.

In your case, an Internet Browser is completely redundant too. The point is, if people turn on their Wii every day, they get a little more comfortable with it, and are a little more likely to think about buying software for it.

[bean19]

Sweet. Another channel that I couldn't give a shit about.

[rein]

This seems completely pointless. Not only do I have a cable box that gives me this information, but I have my second PC as my DVR with Vistas Media Center and it gives me all the listings as well. This Wii functionality is completely redundant.

Yep, they built this feature just for you. Too bad they wasted all of that time. ;)


Is this feature coming the U.S.?

[TheSolidHair]

That's like turning on your TV to see what video games you have to play.

[TheKeck]

This going to be free? I love freebies but would never pay for such a service.

[DylonCorp]

... the thing already has an internet browser.

tvguide.com

True, and it's what I use now. If I could bookmark a page to show up as a Wii channel, it's one of the few I would have on my Wii start page.

Since I can't bookmark single pages onto the start page, though, it's a channel I would certainly use. I'm a different type of TV viewer, though; I don't have cable and still only watch over the air.

With five PBS channels, what else do I need? A Wii TV guide channel! See how circular that becomes?

[EternalGamer]

In your case, an Internet Browser is completely redundant too. The point is, if people turn on their Wii every day, they get a little more comfortable with it, and are a little more likely to think about buying software for it.

Ok, so according to you, a TV guide is a cool feature for the Wii meanwhile the PSP to PS3 remote play is pointless.

Why would someone want to turn on their Wii to get TV guide information when there are about half a dozen other ways to get that information that are easier (online, magazine, newspaper) one of which includes just turning on the TV itself. If you have cable or satellite, you hit your guide button. If you don't, you have all of 5 or so channels to flip through.

[KSmitty]

... the thing already has an internet browser.

tvguide.com
Yep, YahooTV is linked under my favorites. Nice feature if you don't have digital cable/satellite though.

[gzsfrk]

I have to agree with those who have said this seems a bit pointless. I mean, I guess someone will get some use out of it if they're playing their Wii and then just happen to have a thought flash across their mind wondering when such and such show is going to come on. But I mean... a TV episode guide? Why are they wasting time on this when their online multiplayer infrastructure is still such crap? Get the essential stuff sorted out first, then maybe devote some time and resources to fluff like this.

[gzsfrk]

Ok, so according to you, a TV guide is a cool feature for the Wii meanwhile the PSP to PS3 remote play is pointless.

Why would someone want to turn on their Wii to get TV guide information when there are about half a dozen other ways to get that information that are easier (online, magazine, newspaper) one of which includes just turning on the TV itself. If you have cable or satellite, you hit your guide button. If you don't, you have all of 5 or so channels to flip through.

Hahaha... pwned. That was awesome, EG; I have chills. :)

[TheFlyingOrc]

My understanding is that Japan, and much of Europe, does not have a good resource for TV listings like american preview channels - I even heard that most of Japan still uses the print magazines.

[Rafer]

I can't say I'm happy with my cable box, the thing came with a remote that has sixty goddamn buttons on it. Just horrible, horrible UI. I'd like to see a remote control more like a Wiimote.

Why are they wasting time on this when their online multiplayer infrastructure is still such crap? Get the essential stuff sorted out first, then maybe devote some time and resources to fluff like this.

Good question. And people say the Wii is successful because Nintendo concentrates on "just games", ignoring all the superfluous weather/news/browser/voting channels they've implemented.

[Kamalot]

Ok, so according to you, a TV guide is a cool feature for the Wii meanwhile the PSP to PS3 remote play is pointless.

Actually, If you took the time to read what I wrote (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1067114&postcount=15), you'll see my statements about remote play are that it only works for a tiny niche of people who have a PS3, broadband, a PSP, a WiFi connection, and digital media accessible to their PS3. I never said it was a crappy feature.

As it has already been pointed out, this TV channel will only be useful to a small niche of people who own a Wii hooked up to the Internet. The positive side is that it does not require me to also own a DS hooked up to WiFi in order to use it.

Granted, you also have to have a TV, but that is somewhat of a given if you are: A) using your Wii B) Looking up TV programs to watch.

[KingGorilla]

Wii is all about redtube.com

[EternalGamer]

Actually, If you took the time to read what I wrote (http://www.evilavatar.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1067114&postcount=15), you'll see my statements about remote play are that it only works for a tiny niche of people who have a PS3, broadband, a PSP, a WiFi connection, and digital media accessible to their PS3. I never said it was a crappy feature.

As it has already been pointed out, this TV channel will only be useful to a small niche of people who own a Wii hooked up to the Internet. The positive side is that it does not require me to also own a DS hooked up to WiFi in order to use it.

Granted, you also have to have a TV, but that is somewhat of a given if you are: A) using your Wii B) Looking up TV programs to watch.

Most of us are sophisticated enough readers that we understands connotation. Don't insult our intelligence. There is a clear attitidinal difference between the way you responded to this feature on the Wii and the way you responded to the remote play feature on the PS3.

[Kamalot]

Most of us are sophisticated enough readers that we understands connotation. Don't insult our intelligence. There is a clear attitidinal difference between the way you responded to this feature on the Wii and the way you responded to the remote play feature on the PS3.
Right on.

If someone was in here stating "Basically what I'm saying is if you don't think a Wii TV Guide channel is even promising, then you don't care about gaming." I would be calling Bullshit on them too.

[Wilkz07]

My satellite Guide button will do the same thing on picture-in-picture whilst I pause my game if i need to know when The View is on.

[Hellstorm]

This is for people who aren't overly tech savvy and can spout the number of SPU's in a Cell at the drop of a hat. And there are a ton of those whose clocks still flash 12:00.

[pseudopseudo]

I've actually found that TitanTV.com works pretty well - and if you have a TV tuner card in your PC, you can use TitanTV along with your TV tuner softward kind of like TiVo to capture your shows directly to your hard drive.

[Chameleo]

i'd use this for sure. i dont get the paper, i don't use online listings for TV shows, and i hate that TVguide channel you get with cable. it uses more than half the screen for advertisements or plays corny music and shows me a bunch of channels i don't need. (making me wait for them to scroll through again, so i can catch the first 30 or so out of the 100+ listed)

this is perfect for someone like me.

[Suave Peanut]

this is perfect for someone like me.

Bullshit! This is stupid and no one at all will ever use it for any reason! ;)

I think it's cool, whether I would use it often or not.

Wii is all about redtube.com
Note to self:
Dear self, remember that curiosity did kill the cat. Mind your surroundings when on the Internet.

[Feltoar]

Im never going to use it so I hope its free. Then I can still play with it at least.

What I want is TV integration with Animal Crossing! Walk up to the TV and press A "[insert TV Guide description of show here] is on TV". Ad: "Up next: [insert next TV show]". Set your favourite TV station and so on. Another way to customise your town :D

[shnastybiznastic]

Hrmn, I wonder if I could scrape that listing for a DIY DVR...