As we passed into 2001, Time Warner Communications expanded their cable lineup to include a whole menu of new channels for digital subscribers, making the problem of keeping track of over 100 channels even harder. These days, cable and satellite subscribers are relying more and more on the program guides built into cable boxes and the Internet to track what's on and when. As with most things on the Internet, there are plenty of choices, so Internet Watch has visited several of the most popular TV listings sites to give you a sampling of what is available. Almost every service relies on TV listings provided by national companies who supply program guides and information to newspapers and cable systems across the country. The task is monumental, particularly for keeping listings for local broadcasters and low power television signals up to date and accurate.
Internet sites can continually update their listings right up to the beginning of a program.
The chances of errors in printed guides are much higher due to the lead time required to get them to the printer and delivered to subscribers. As you might expect, since many of the services reviewed receive program information from the same sources, the differences between them are often limited. What does differ is the presentation style of the listings, the ability to customize listings to add and delete channels, the speed and responsiveness of the site, and its other news content. None of the sites make it easy for those with rooftop antennas, who receive distant signals from cities up to 90 miles away. Since the listing services provide channel listings based on zip codes, it's difficult if not impossible to configure listings for distant broadcast stations outside of your local area.