How does Videoplus work?

[Razorblade]

How can a 3 to 5 digit figure convert to Day, Time, Channel, Start time and End Time?

[sabrinah]

VideoPlus works using something called a reverse algorithm, a computer programming function. The VideoPlus algorithm is a commercial secret, but here's a basic example of how algorithms work. Say you want to record a programme on 4th October at 8.15 pm. VideoPlus probably uses a cyclic date system, rather than the standard way of representing dates. If, for example, there were 50 days in a VideoPlus "month", then it would be possible to use VideoPlus up to 50 days in advance of a programme. So if October 4th is actually day 30, for example, and you convert 8.15pm to the 24 hour clock then this gives you 201530. Then you to work out by what single-digit number 201530 could be divided by without leaving a fraction. In this case 5 would be good, giving us an answer of 40306. You add the dividing number to the end, 403065, which gives you a VideoPlus type number. And as long as the system knows the dividing number then it can convert it back into a time and day on which to record your programme.