Television Template‑class

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OK, so I'm being a bold newbie to this area. I noticed that a couple of shows didn't have infoboxes, or didn't have them fully filled out, so I added them. That led me to have to research what I should put into some of these fields, which in turn led me to record my observations back into the documentation and update the example to match observed common style.

It occurs to me that consistency could be aided by using strongly stylized values, with the template turning them into common presentations. (imdb_id and tv_com_id are good examples of what I mean.)

For instance:

Parameter	Comments
format	Automatically link. Note that a red link will be a hint that you haven't picked a good value.
camera	Automatically link. Perhaps automatically expand to some canonical values.
picture_format	Automatically link
audio_format	Automatically link
country	use ISO 3166 country codes; automatically generate flag template references
language	use ISO 639 language codes; automatically generate appropriate link
preceded_by	It'd be nice to standardize the formatting here, but I suspect too complex.

{{editprotected}}

 Not done for now: please establish a consensus for this alteration before using the {{Edit protected}} template. PeterSymonds (talk) 08:32, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Was going to do this myself, but as a mere Untermensch I'm not able to thanks to Collectonian's valiant requesting of full protection.

Code dump is at User:Thumperward/tv. Drop-in replacement. The only changes to existing style are as follows:

1. The title is in the "title" infobox parameter, and thus floats outside the box.
2. {{{show_name_2}}} is used as an "above" at the top of the box, rather than being a normal parameter.

If these things cause serious distress then I can use the previous markup for those, but I feel that this is making better use of the infobox semantics. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 01:28, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

No, those were not the only changes. You significantly changed the code, and you changed all instances of No. to Number, making multiple lines wrap needlessly. -- [[::User:Collectonian|Collectonian]] ([[::User talk:Collectonian|talk]] · [[::Special:Contributions/Collectonian|contribs]]) 01:33, 29 June 2008 (UTC)

I said "only changes to existing style". I'm aware that the code has changed heavily; that's the whole point. Minor wording issues can be trivially corrected afterwards (or would be, were it not for the template being needlessly fullyprot). Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 01:42, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The point is you didn't bother to discuss you. You just waited until the template was unprotected and immediately went through making a ton of changes with no discussion as to whether they were needed, valid, or desired. -- [[::User:Collectonian|Collectonian]] ([[::User talk:Collectonian|talk]] · [[::Special:Contributions/Collectonian|contribs]]) 01:49, 29 June 2008 (UTC)

That's because I'm a skilled template editor, and know well enough to work without needing my hand held. Procedure is there to keep the project ticking smoothly, not to give random weenies power over other editors. You reverted edits which you didn't even understand, which leads me to believe that I'm not the one who shouldn't be editing in templatespace.

Regardless, I'm not here to argue with procedural nonsense. I'm here to get peer review for the updated code. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 02:01, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I should point out that Edokter also disagreed with the switch, as it functions the same. This isn't a matter of skill, as making an infobox isn't rocket science. People just disagree with the need to switch. — Trust not the Penguin (T | C) 09:20, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Where did Edokter disagree?

Look, there's literally no reason not to switch. The advantages in the new version are obvious:

1. The code is vastly simpler, easier to follow and maintain.
2. It ends arguments about default text size, because the size is standardised across every {{infobox}}.
3. There's a trivial fix to allow {{{show_name}}} to inherit from the article title, which should have stood regardless of the other changes.

There are no advantages to using the current version. Nobody has come up with a single one, other than bickering about process. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 10:52, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I didn't necessarely disagree, however, I said it is a major operation. Before this conversion is done, it should be thouroughly tested in the sandbox. Chris, please move your code to the this template's sandbox, so we can all test-drive it. — Edokter • Talk • 11:04, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Done. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 11:05, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

{{editprotected}}

Might as well re-do the non-controversial part.

Currently, the template demands a {{{show_name}}} attribute. This shouldn't be necessary if the show's article is located at the same name, so changing:

! style="font-size:125%; background:{{{bgcolour|{{Television colour|{{{show_name}}}}}}}};
color: {{{color text|{{{colour text|#000}}}}}}; text-align:center;" colspan="2" | ''{{{show_name}}}''

to

! style="font-size:125%; background:{{{bgcolour|{{Television colour|{{{show_name}}}}}}}};
color: {{{color text|{{{colour text|#000}}}}}}; text-align:center;" colspan="2" | ''{{{show_name|{{PAGENAME}}}}}''

Allows the infobox to exist without any mandatory parameters. This is pretty common across infoboxen now, and doesn't break anything anywhere.

Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 11:04, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

 Done Cheers, PeterSymonds (talk) 11:24, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Eeek! Wrong section. This is the meant to replace the second line of the template. Re-enabling. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 12:40, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

 Done. — Edokter • Talk • 12:54, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oops, I apologise. Sorry. Best, PeterSymonds (talk) 16:56, 29 June 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Is there any interest in adding a "Host" section to the info box for shows such as news magazines and game shows? There is some debate on talk pages as to whether or not "hosts" should be billed as "stars" of the show. Sottolacqua (talk) 14:57, 3 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Hosts are generally put in the presenter field. -- [[::User:Collectonian|Collectonian]] ([[::User talk:Collectonian|talk]] · [[::Special:Contributions/Collectonian|contribs]]) 15:07, 3 July 2008 (UTC)

I think the parameter "Original channel" being used for currently running tv programs is not useful.

I think the parameter should cease use and be replaced by a new parameter called "Original network(s)" as channels refer to frequencies not networks or stations although the community uses the term channel for stations.

Lets not delete the parameter "Original channel" but rather replace it. Also, the "Original network(s)" parameter should only be used for no longer airing tv shows. Also, lets make three new parameters for more specific uses.

• "Current network(s)" - The current network(s) that broacasts show on its stations
• "Former network(s)" - The former network(s) that broacasted show on its/there stations
• "Rerun network(s)" - Like "Original network(s)" should be used for no longer airing television series.

Is that a good idea?

I disagree on ceasing use as a large number of lay people use channels the same way it is used here, as do all the satellite and cable companies. Adding an alias of original network would be find. I disagree on having current/former as its are enough to not be an issue. Big huge no on rerun networks - syndicated series don't need to have every network listed that may have shown an episode or two of a series. The channels a series is rerun on is rarely notable at all, and if it does become notable it will be covered in the prose.-- [[::User:Collectonian|Collectonian]] ([[::User talk:Collectonian|talk]] · [[::Special:Contributions/Collectonian|contribs]]) 02:02, 10 July 2008 (UTC)

I don't think "first aired" makes sense for programs that haven't even debuted yet. Think there should be some sort of switch to change it to something else for shows that haven't aired yet and are set to debut, like maybe "Premiere date" or something? ViperSnake151 15:55, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

"Premier date" isn't really that important; it'd only encourage even more futuritis in articles. The attribute is optional, so it can just be omitted if the show hasn't started. Chris Cunningham (not at work) - talk 16:15, 22 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Am I imagining things or has a formatting change taken place that now aligns the TV info box on the left hand side of pages rather than on the right and in-line with text? Not sure how to correct this... Sottolacqua (talk) 14:31, 28 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Is there a specific article you are seeing this on? It looks normal to me on TV articles I checked. -- [[::User:Collectonian|Collectonian]] ([[::User talk:Collectonian|talk]] · [[::Special:Contributions/Collectonian|contribs]]) 14:38, 28 July 2008 (UTC)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rodeo_Drive_(game_show)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Price_Is_Right_(U.S._game_show)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Office_(U.S._TV_series)

Are you using Firefox or IE? This appears to be happening with just Firefox on my current computer.

Sottolacqua (talk) 16:45, 28 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

I'm using Firefox and they are all appearing on the right side for me. -- [[::User:Collectonian|Collectonian]] ([[::User talk:Collectonian|talk]] · [[::Special:Contributions/Collectonian|contribs]]) 16:53, 28 July 2008 (UTC)

Actually, after doing some hunting I think it has to do with using the Modern skin rather than the default MonoBook. Sottolacqua (talk) 17:56, 28 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

LOL, I meant to ask which skin you were using and if it might have been changed lately :) -- [[::User:Collectonian|Collectonian]] ([[::User talk:Collectonian|talk]] · [[::Special:Contributions/Collectonian|contribs]]) 18:35, 28 July 2008 (UTC)

Thanks for your help. I switched back to the default skin and all is well. Have a good day Sottolacqua (talk) 19:05, 28 July 2008 (UTC)[reply]

The explanation for the "writer" parameters says The show's writer or writers. Separate multiple entries with line breaks (<br/>. Don't use if the show has many (5+) writers. The first bracket needs closing. ;) —97198 talk 02:27, 2 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

For future reference, Template:Infobox Television/doc is not fully protected. — Trust not the Penguin (T | C) 02:31, 2 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oh :) Well, thanks. —97198 talk 02:46, 2 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Original run	(For country of origin) (first aired) - (last aired) ((airing note): To describe airing status and also the network switches. Examples are: "(Cancelled)" and "(Ongoing; On UPN (until December 31 2009), Fox (from January 1 2010))")
(airdate aux1) run	(Additional airdates. In airdate aux1, you can put something like "British", "South Korean", "Japanese" or "Italian".) (first aired aux1) - (last aired aux1) ((airing note aux1))
(airdate aux2) run	(Same as aux1) (first aired aux2) - (last aired aux2) ((airing note aux2))
(airdate aux3) run	(Same as aux1) (first aired aux3) - (last aired aux3) ((airing note aux3))
(airdate aux4) run	(Same as aux1) (first aired aux4) - (last aired aux4) ((airing note aux4))
American run	(To show the American airdate of non-US TV series. You can ignore it if the show is from the USA.) (first aired usa) - (last aired usa) ((airing note usa))
Canadian run	(Simmilar to USA parameters.) (first aired can) - (last aired can) ((airing note can): Also the place for the airdates of Canadian-French version if not same dates as of English version.)
British run	(Simmilar to USA parameters.) (first aired uk) - (last aired uk) ((airing note uk))
Australian run	(Simmilar to USA parameters.) (first aired aus) - (last aired aus) ((airing note aus)) If you met a situation like Robotboy (Programme from France. Shown in UK prior to US run.), you can put British airdate on aux1.

1. Aside from the AKA parameter, how about a separated parameter to show the original title of the programme from non-English-speaking countries, locating right under the showname parameter?
2. Does the separated parameters of Genre and Format working well?
3. How about the extra parameters of airdates like what is on the right?

--JSH-alive ^(talk)_(cntrbtns)^{(mail me)} 11:33, 2 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

{{editprotected}}

Please change: [code redacted to save space] so that this template will output an hCalendar microformat.

Thank you. Andy Mabbett | Talk to Andy Mabbett 14:59, 23 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

 Done Is that Ok? Happy‑melon 16:29, 23 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Thanks, but class="description" should wrap the row, not just one cell. Andy Mabbett | Talk to Andy Mabbett 16:40, 23 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

 Fixed, I hope. Happy‑melon 14:50, 24 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Oops! Still missing <span class="summary"> from around {{PAGENAME}}. Andy Mabbett | Talk to Andy Mabbett 15:03, 24 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

 Done Happy‑melon 16:57, 24 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Bingo! Thank you.. Andy Mabbett | Talk to Andy Mabbett 17:05, 24 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Under usage, should be production_website not prod_website Nfitz (talk) 09:39, 25 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Done. Template:Infobox Television/doc is a semi-protected page. — Trust not the Penguin (T | C) 09:47, 25 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Since 25 March 2006 the Usage Guideline (now at Template:Infobox Television/doc) for this infobox has said "The number of episodes currently produced." for the num_episodes field. (Note, prior to 25 March 2006, the Guideline was either silent or unclear on the issue.)

I pointed this out an editor this morning. Shortly thereafter a second editor changed the Guideline to read "The number of episodes aired." Shortly after that, the first editor responded that I was mistaken (I.E. that the Guideline said the field should be episodes aired.)

I believe that the change made today should have been discussed. I also believe that the long standing guideline was correct; If a reliable source gives a number of episodes produced higher than the number of episodes aired the number produced should be used. An episode's existence is not dependent on it having aired yet. —MJBurrage^(T•C) 03:23, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Actually, the "aired" edit would be a better choice, as the long (long long)-standing practice has been to use aired episodes. It is just too unpredictable to use "produced", plus it creates issues with dates and other lists. --Ckatz^chat_spy 05:49, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

What about a ep never aired but available in dvd box set? I think that should be included as well. I think it should be the number of ep's available to the public in any form, because until the public can watch it, it can't be considered cannon !DISCUSS! SomeoneE1se (talk) 09:03, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

"Canon." Though it usually isn't an issue, I think the distinction should be noted when a series has a different number of broadcast episodes vs produced episodes. — Trust not the Penguin (T | C) 09:54, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]

Another oddity if we were to use "episodes aired" rather than "episodes produced" would be the many current series were the episode list (section or page) lists all known episodes produced, which would be more than the aired number. So the entry might read "4 (list of episodes)" but anyone clicking on the link can see a table detailing 12 episodes known to be produced so far. In this case there are 12 episodes, eight have just not been seen publically yet (but they do exist). If we have a valid source for the production list, than we have a valid source for the episodes existence; and the example should read "12 (list of episodes)". The list's airdates would answer any questions vis-a-vis number of aired episodes. —MJBurrage^(T•C) 11:15, 28 August 2008 (UTC)[reply]