How accurate are the recordings?

Generally: Since the duration of the programs can vary on short notice or programs can be postponed in the last minute, ALL recordings are always automatically recorded with 5 minutes advance and run 15 minutes longer that the actual program. E.g. the episode of “Doktor Ballouz” on ZDF runs from 8:15 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (45 minutes), but the recording runs from 8:10 p.m. to 9:15 p.m., i.e. 65 minutes. This means that each recording has a total of 20 minutes reserve to compensate for such program changes.