[ExtremePC]

I've been playing with codename 'Fiji' for a few days now and I will confirm it uses the EIT data instream to populate the guide. No mucking about with third party apps. needed. The guide is now included FREE in Media Center.

From a users POV this changes the dynamics of the entire IceTV vs. Nine issue where ABC, Seven, Nine and Ten ARE providing usable guide data for FREE vs. IceTV that is charging for data that pretty much gives you the same thing.

The EIT data is NOT under the jurisdiction of NineMSN or HWW as it comes from the stations individually. Both NineMSN and HWW only have rights to the media release of the guide data as in third party websites, print media etc etc.

Even if IceTV secure the rights from the official aggregators of programming data it will still be a case of will a user want to pay for something that is already available for free and usable.

Don't get me wrong IceTV has had its place in probably being intrumental in the progression of the EPG scene in Australia BUT in the cold hard light of the EIT and 'fiji' are we willing to continue backing IceTV just for the sake of historical significance?

Sure IceTV may still have its place in STBs that cannot use the EIT data but even then how long before firmware updates address even these boxes?