+1 Channels

So, it's a really obvious question - but just HOW do +1 channels work?

I understand the concept of a playout system simply duplicating a schedule of programmes, promos, idents and adverts one hour later; but what about right now on ITV4+1 where a live programme is being repeated second for second? Is it recorded on a hard disc and then played out again? If so where's the join where one recording finishes and the next starts? Is it every hour? Or is the programme recorded and a different (identically timed) set of adverts played out?

Just curious....

Think of it as a buffer rather than a recording; where a recording has a start and a finish, a buffer simply stores the video for an hour, where it is then played out (and shortly after deleted).

If you imagine a recording the way a VHS recorder/player worked, then imagine your buffer as 3 'heads', one playing, one 'wiping' and one recording. Between recording and playing, the tape would go around a 1 hour loop.

At a guess, the advert breaks are 'flagged' so the DOG generator can automatically apply and remove the +1 DOG (although I've seen this doesn't happen on Discovery or MTV).

WillPS's explanation is accurate, I think.

However, the simplest analogy would be to think of the playout system as the same as your domestic Sky+.... but permenantly playing out after having originally being 'paused' for 1 hour (which is possible under the settings menu).

AFAIK, the repeating Sky Box Office Channels playout under the same method.

Also most +1 channels start the play out around 58mins in thus giving it time to wipe around 60min

Say again.

What you're saying is at ends with what I'm saying; you suggest there are 62 minute long recordings rather than a buffer?

A buffer would not need to stop and start by its very nature.

Im not sure now, BUT most plus +1 channels do start before the hour is up, I have seen it

I assume there is a facilty present to over-ride the '+1' feed is something has to be changed or removed (eg. a breaking news story within that hour which would deem the content of an ad or programme inappropriate)? I'm thinking for example the Michael Jackson sketch that was 'cut' on Channel 4 at the time of his death - had the death been announced an hour later could they have prevented this going out on 4+1 even though it had gone out on 4?

How are live 'phone-in' voting shows handled (eg BB Evictions)? I've heard that the standard feed shows the 'voting now closed' caption and this is 'over-laid' on the original transmission - but not sure how accurate that info is.

Certainly have seen captions overlaid on +1 channels, either full or part. E4+1 has had a couple of 'edits' in the past to remove inappropriate language/comments from Big Brother's Little Brother in the form of a cut in the sound - presumably this was simple enough.

On one occasion the incorrect episode of Hollyoaks (one that was a few weeks ahead) had been played out so on +1 they managed to play out the correct one. Presumably that required an extra playout stream somewhere.

As they are one hour behind the main channel and not an hour ahead, +1 channels should be called -1 channels.

But the timing of the actual programme is an hour +1 - I.e. a programme on Channel 4 at 9pm is 10pm on C4+1. That's where it comes from.

Having spectacularly lost the debate about the 'Anthropological Benefits of Tat TV', are you embarking on a second crash within 24 hours, Chie?