electronic programme guide
Low-FrequencyTechnical / Formal / Media
Definition
Meaning
An on-screen menu that provides information about television programmes currently being broadcast and scheduled for the future, allowing users to navigate, select, and sometimes record them.
A digital interactive interface, typically provided by cable, satellite, or streaming services, that displays programme listings and metadata, often with search, filtering, and content recommendation features.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term is strongly associated with television and digital video platforms. It is a compound noun where 'electronic' denotes the digital/on-screen nature and 'programme guide' refers to the schedule of content. Often abbreviated to 'EPG'. While 'guide' implies direction, in this context, it functions primarily as a source of information and a navigation tool.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'programme' is the standard spelling for a broadcast show, while in American English, it is 'program'. The American English term is thus 'electronic program guide'.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation beyond the spelling. Both refer to the same technological feature.
Frequency
The term is equally low-frequency in both dialects. The abbreviation 'EPG' is common in professional and technical contexts in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Subject] consults the electronic programme guide[Subject] browses [through] the electronic programme guide[Subject] is listed on the electronic programme guideThe electronic programme guide shows [Object]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in the media, broadcasting, and telecommunications industries when discussing product features, user interfaces, or service offerings.
Academic
Appears in media studies, communication technology papers, or human-computer interaction research focusing on digital television interfaces.
Everyday
Used by consumers when discussing features of their television service, e.g., 'I found it on the EPG.' More common in its abbreviated form 'EPG'.
Technical
Standard term in software development for television platforms, set-top box manuals, and technical specifications for broadcast data services.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- You can see what is on TV tonight on the electronic programme guide.
- I used the electronic programme guide to find the start time of the film.
- Modern set-top boxes feature a sophisticated electronic programme guide that allows you to search for shows by genre.
- The broadcaster's new electronic programme guide employs a recommendation algorithm based on your viewing history, significantly enhancing content discoverability.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of an ELECTRONIC (digital) version of the old-fashioned printed PROGRAMME GUIDE you'd get in a TV magazine.
Conceptual Metaphor
A GUIDE/NAVIGATOR (for content), a MAP (of broadcast schedules), a MENU (for selecting content).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct, word-for-word translation like 'электронный гид программ', which is unnatural. The standard equivalent is 'электронная программа передач' (ЭПП).
- The word 'guide' is not translated as 'гид' (a person) but as 'программа' in the sense of a schedule or listing.
- Remember the British/ American spelling difference: 'programme' vs. 'program'.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling 'programme' as 'program' in British English contexts.
- Using the indefinite article 'an' incorrectly before the abbreviation 'EPG' (it's 'an EPG' because 'E' is a vowel sound).
- Confusing it with a general 'TV guide', which can refer to a magazine.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'electronic programme guide' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'TV guide' is a general term that can refer to a printed magazine or newspaper section listing programmes. An 'electronic programme guide' (EPG) is specifically the digital, interactive version found on your television screen.
It is almost always pronounced as the individual letters: E-P-G.
Typically not. Streaming services use 'libraries', 'catalogues', or simply 'interfaces' or 'menus'. EPG is traditionally reserved for linear, scheduled broadcast television where a timetable is central.
Beyond scheduling, modern EPGs often allow you to set recordings for future programmes, browse by category (e.g., sports, movies), read detailed programme descriptions, and sometimes access parental control settings.