Over the Air (OTA) Electronic Program Guides (EPG) are not included on all TV’s and have not been ever since someone found they can profit by forcing you to use internet based guides where private info about what you are looking to watch and likely what you are watching can be made a commodity.
The OTA EPG is included in the ATSC signal data by every broadcast station. The fact that manufactures are being subsidized to not include this is a questionable act. Since it costs more to do a internet based system, where someone can profit from user info. Just like tracking your actions on the web.
Do your homework, because if it does not say it has a ‘OTA’ EPG, it does not. You will need a internet connection to the device to get it. There is no other way.
It is true many ATSC converter boxes have OTA EPG’s and they are cheap. Many even offer DVR capability. with the addition of external storage. For many that got ripped off getting a TV without OTA EPG, it perhaps is the best option.
Until enough people demand a change, it will continue. There is profit in this for someone.
I am just wondering how they will manipulate the new ATSC3 protocol. They will because they can. Nobody is stopping them.