[doublebit]

As the author of Pocket TV Browser, I wanted to make a few additional points that I think have been overlooked:

1. PTVB is smaller and faster than PTVL in almost every measurable way (PTVB's databases are smaller, it doesn't create and leave large "cache" data files on your device, and its "instant searching" is much easier to use and much faster at finding results than PTVL).

2. Yes, it's true that PTVL has been around longer and may even be bug free. However, PTVB was in development and testing long before its release last month, so I believe PTVB to be every bit as bug-free (but for the record, I don't really believe there *is* such a thing as bug-free software ;-) ).

3. If you look closely at PTVL's new beta, almost every single feature on its list appears to have been "inspired" by PTVB (which was released the month before). However, I don't think there's much benefit in comparing the sheer weight of one set of features against another. The question is, how well do they fit together, and how well does the program do what you want? We think PTVB is a better fit for the average user. We spent a lot of time designing its "browser-like" interface, which is distinctly different (and, hopefully, simpler) than PTVL. I have no illusions about dissuading users from something they already like, I would just encourage you to give PTVB a try before deciding.

4. PTVB is already moving beyond the arena of "electronic TV guide". Our newest release can integrate more web listing services (like DirecTV.com), and contrary to other comments here, we ARE looking at providing coverage for other services/areas (such as tvguidelive/canada). And now we offer the ability to seamlessly integrate movie reviews into your listings.

Just some more food for your "Pocket PC Thoughts". ;-)
-Jeff

[doublebit]

As the author of Pocket TV Browser, I wanted to make a few additional points that I think have been overlooked:

1. PTVB is smaller and faster than PTVL in almost every measurable way (PTVB's databases are smaller, it doesn't create and leave large "cache" data files on your device, and its "instant searching" is much easier to use and much faster at finding results than PTVL).

2. Yes, it's true that PTVL has been around longer and may even be bug free. However, PTVB was in development and testing long before its release last month, so I believe PTVB to be every bit as bug-free (but for the record, I don't really believe there *is* such a thing as bug-free software ;-) ).

3. If you look closely at PTVL's new beta, almost every single feature on its list appears to have been "inspired" by PTVB (which was released the month before). However, I don't think there's much benefit in comparing the sheer weight of one set of features against another. The question is, how well do they fit together, and how well does the program do what you want? We think PTVB is a better fit for the average user. We spent a lot of time designing its "browser-like" interface, which is distinctly different (and, hopefully, simpler) than PTVL. I have no illusions about dissuading users from something they already like, I would just encourage you to give PTVB a try before deciding.

4. PTVB is already moving beyond the arena of "electronic TV guide". Our newest release can integrate more web listing services (like DirecTV.com), and contrary to other comments here, we ARE looking at providing coverage for other services/areas (such as tvguidelive/canada). And now we offer the ability to seamlessly integrate movie reviews into your listings.

Just some more food for your "Pocket PC Thoughts". ;-)
-Jeff

[Doug Raeburn]

I wrote the review on pocketnow, and I have to state once again how impressed I am with Pocket TV Browser. Its browser metaphor makes searching so simple and instantly accessible that I find myself looking through the listings in ways that would be difficult to impossible with PTVL or any magazine. IMO, PTVB has rewritten the book on interfaces for products of this type.

Another of PTVB's big draws is its powerful filters. Creating, saving and applying these filters is so easy that I find myself using them all the time.

In my opinion, PTVB's browser interface really leverages the power of having the listing information on the Pocket PC, in a way that goes beyond the scope of an "electronic magazine", a term which I think aptly describes PTVL. Don't get me wrong, PTVL is a fine product... I've owned and used it for over a year. But PTVB makes the listings so much more accessible and useful. It's the next logical step in the evolution of this category of product.

Congrats, Jeff, on a job well done!

[st63z]

Hmm, you guys do make PTVB sound very interesting, I may just have to check this out

[doublebit]

I've added support for Canadian listings from TV Guide Live (http://www.tvguidelive.com) in Pocket TV Browser "test" version 1.03, which is now available for download at http://www.pimcity.com. I'd be interested in any feedback, if you're willing to give it a try. Our goal is to go beyond being the smallest, fastest, and simplest TV listing browser, to also have the broadest listing support.
Thanks,
Jeff