XMLTV can express episode information using different numbering systems. In the xmltv_ns convention, the season and episode components are zero based, while an on-screen label can use the familiar human numbering. Confusing the two can make every episode appear one number out.
Read the declared numbering system
The same-looking numeric value can mean different things depending on its system label. A value intended for an on-screen display should not be interpreted as xmltv_ns without checking. Preserve the original field when reporting a mismatch.
Distinguish metadata from media ordering
An incorrect episode label does not necessarily mean that the stream points to a different episode. Compare the programme title and synopsis before replacing the media entry. Conversely, a correct label is not proof that the linked media matches.
Correct at the right layer
A personal metadata correction can help local browsing, but a recurring source error belongs in a source-side report. Include both the displayed label and the original numbering field so support can identify an off-by-one conversion.
A practical sequence
- Inspect the episode numbering system.
- Compare the source value with the displayed season and episode.
- Keep a concrete example of any off-by-one error.
An example
Under zero-based xmltv_ns numbering, 0.0. identifies the first season’s first episode. Displaying it literally as season zero, episode zero would be a conversion mistake.
Questions about this topic
Are all XMLTV episode numbers zero based?
No. The declared numbering system matters.
Does a wrong number prove the media is wrong?
No. Metadata and media association need separate verification.
