Overly specific EPG Times

I've been aware of this in the past, but i've only just seen this in use on Nickelodeon - why do networks have the need to specifically time their shows; 12:17pm, 6:01pm, 7:42am etc.

How can any network be that specifically precise? Also, who ever runs back home and says "I've got to get back before twenty-three to six to watch that show"? It's a ridiculous feature and I'm desperate to know why it is used.

It would be preferable if some of the networks were more precise with their EPG information.

Many people now use Sky+/V+/Freeview+ and will get programmes recorded with either the start or end missing. The One Show usually starts at 18:58, and This Week always over-runs.

Any, which is fully automated and has no live programming?

As others have said its a great feature and the question should be why doesn't the BBC use it.

A commercial channel has an obvious reason why they may not want to publish the true schedule. Who is going to tune in to Coronation Street at 19:30 and watch 3 miutes of adverts if ITV told viewers it wasn't on until 19:33?

Indeed - even networks like the BBC will know down to the frame what is happening at any particular time (provided the network director doesn't edit it). The automation systems running the channels need to know the data in order that we don't get long bursts of bars & tone, or black silence between items in the chanel running order.

Wish it had been accurate enough not to start my recording of Top Gear at 8.15pm last night...

That wound me up aswell, I flicked on BBC TWO at 7.55pm to see Top Gear starts at 8.15pm, and then a friend tells me at 8.05pm that it's on! Well I only missed the first couple of minutes.

Annoyed me too when the "Your programme is about to start" banner appeared 15 minutes in. Cue scamble to find the sky remote to get rid of the dratted thing - under normal situations I know it's about to start, that's why I'm watching this channel.

For all those Top Gear fans... http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/digitaltv/a163786/bbc-apologises-for-top-gear-sky-error.html