Hauppauge HD-PVR & Colossus Support (4 Viewers)

[shamus252]

@All,
My apologies for the late response, I was on holiday (Memorial Day Weekend in the US) and was forbidden to touch a computer. With work, MediaPortal and another venture with some friends I have spent way too much time pounding the keyboard... It was time for a break.

@mm,
Wow, it looks like you have been VERY busy over the weekend, thank you for your help! I'm glad you were around to assist!

@ shamus252,
In regards to your blaster issues, have you looked at the documentation from this thread -> https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/ir-server-suite-irss-165/ir-server-suite-aka-irss-releases-75092/. Which blasters are you using? Hopefully not the Hauppauge blasters?

Wile E.

Yes it's the Hauppauge Colossus IR Blaster that came with the card. Also if you look at my 2 post before, im getting issues with MP becoming unresponsive.

 

[luci5r]

Hi again luci5r

It sounds like you have understood correctly so I really have no response except to say:
1. I'll be here if you need me. I don't mind questions...
2. Good luck!!!

mm,

As "promised", I do have a question for you

I was looking at the "Channel" and "TuningDetail" table in my MySQL Database for TV Server Configuration. I'm trying to write a PHP/MySQL script to create all the channels for me in these 2 tables using the tvguide.xml (for channel name & numbers).

Following are my 2 tables with 3 example channels that I had entered manually using the TV Server Configuration GUI:

Here's my question:

In the "Channel" table, I can get data for these 2 fields from tvguide.xml:

- externalId
- displayName

In the "TuningDetail" table, I can get for these 2 fields from tvguide.xml:

- name
- channelNumber

Now I see there's a lot of fields which are pretty much consistent so I don't have to worry about them and I'll just copy what's in the rest of the records. However, there are 2 fields that seems to have "intelligent" data which is different for each record but not available in tvguide.xml:

- idTuning (this is in TuningDetail)
- idChannel (The primary key - in both tables which joins the 2 records)

Where do I get these 2 values from? Do I generate them on my own? They are obviously not in the tvguide.xml; I'm not sure where to get data for these 2 fields from.

Following is an example value from my "tvguide.xml" :

<channel id="I655.189993291.microsoft.com">
		<display-name>655 FNCHD</display-name>
		<display-name>655</display-name>
		<display-name>FNCHD</display-name>
		<display-name>Fox News Channel HD</display-name>
		<display-name>Satellite</display-name>
</channel>

As you can see, I have externalId, DisplayName & ChannelNumber available in this block; but I don't have idTuning & idChannel in here.

Would really appreciate your help.

Thanks!!

EDIT:

I might be answering my own question here; but I just added another channel "manually" and I can see a pattern emerging. It is appearing to me that both "idTuning" and "idChannel" are not so intelligent - instead - they are just sequential numbers. If that is the case - my PHP script should be able to give them sequential numbers without issues.

If anyone can confirm this. Thanks!

 

[mm1352000]

Looks like you're well on your way!

In the "Channel" table, I can get data for these 2 fields from tvguide.xml:

- externalId
- displayName

In the "TuningDetail" table, I can get for these 2 fields from tvguide.xml:

- name
- channelNumber

Yep, that's correct.

Now I see there's a lot of fields which are pretty much consistent so I don't have to worry about them and I'll just copy what's in the rest of the records.

Pretty much. The channelType needs to stay as 0, but aside from that what you're doing is fine.

However, there are 2 fields that seems to have "intelligent" data which is different for each record but not available in tvguide.xml:

- idTuning (this is in TuningDetail)
- idChannel (The primary key - in both tables which joins the 2 records)

Where do I get these 2 values from? Do I generate them on my own? They are obviously not in the tvguide.xml; I'm not sure where to get data for these 2 fields from...

..I might be answering my own question here; but I just added another channel "manually" and I can see a pattern emerging. It is appearing to me that both "idTuning" and "idChannel" are not so intelligent - instead - they are just sequential numbers. If that is the case - my PHP script should be able to give them sequential numbers without issues.

If anyone can confirm this. Thanks!

idChannel and idTuning are the primary keys on each table. They have to be unique (ie. you can't have two TuningDetail records with the same idTuning... and the same for Channel with idChannel), but other than that you can make them whatever you like. Sequential is probably best and easiest. Note that there is one important thing to remember: the idChannel column in the TuningDetail has to match the idChannel of the Channel record that the TuningDetail is related to. That's a standard foreign key reference...

 

[luci5r]

Hi again luci5r

It sounds like you have understood correctly so I really have no response except to say:
1. I'll be here if you need me. I don't mind questions...
2. Good luck!!!

mm,

Look like I succeeded!!!
I wrote a PHP script that extracts data (externalID, ChannelNumber, DisplayName) from tvguide.xml and inserts it into the Channel & TuningDetail table. Once the SQL Insertion was complete - I fired up the TV Server Configuration, and lo & behold, my 516 channels were visible in the TV Channel tab.

I switched over to the XMLTV Plugin and hit "Load/Refresh" under "Mappings" ... all 516 channels showed up with corresponding channels from guide dynamically mapped by the program (based on the Name, since I used the exact same name).

I hit Import under "General" and it took a while, but imported all programs for all 516 channels for the next 7 days per the tvguide.xml.

Finally - went into TV Mapping under "TV Channels" and mapped all channels to my Hauppauge Colossus card.

I fired up MediaPortal and went into "Watch TV" - fired up my Guide and all my channels & programming was there!!!

Just need to get the IR Blaster switching now! Last piece of the puzzle.

Thanks mm!!

PS : Screenshots coming!!

 

[mm1352000]

Fantastic!!!
I'm *really* happy for you! Hopefully you manage to sort the blaster out - the finishing line must be within sight...

 

[motor]

motor,

Can you possibly detail your process?
The IR Blaster is one area I'm getting stuck. I've tried to follow the IRSS Wiki & TV3 Blaster Plugin guide but I'm getting nowhere. I'm very close to getting my EPG all setup (thanks entirely to "mm"), and would like to get the IR Blaster working as well.

I am "indeed" trying to use the Hauppauge Colossus IR Blaster that came with it's package. It's the only IR Blaster I have. I did make sure I have the Blastcfg that came with the Colossus package as well. A detailed instruction on how you managed to get it to work would be awesome.

Thanks!!

1st Are you lucky enough to find your STB in the list of devices within blaster config (I wasn't but choose something like it)?

2nd Choose Advanced

3rd Choose Learning

Check the bullet is set to learn (not send)

Use your STB remote to learn the individual digits (point STB remote at the Colossus IR receiver (hold within a few cm or 1- 2 inches) and push the corresponding key several times quickly - should come up with succes or fail, repeat until you have learned all digits +/- on

Position the blaster bud over the STB IR sensor, if you can't see it keep sending the power on command and move the bud around until the STB responds - stick in place.

Not absolutely required but to check I used Wintv7 windowed, chose to use it to control STB (settings,devices, tuner) video input via component.

Blast a few numbers via the blaster config (change the bullet from learn to send or use the little input box) Test all the digits eg send 123 456 789 000 you should see them in the OSD in the Wintv app

If all working enter MP tv server config

tv channels - add or if the channel is already setup edit and edit again enter the corresponding STB channel number, freq = 0, input, cable, country, us, vcr input leave unchecked, vid source, YRYBY #1, aud source, (i use stereo via line in#1 - for optical use spdif#2 - I believe) - will be the same as what you already have if you can see STB in MP. The channel number is what is important as that is what is blasted ok etc

Also make sure the analog channels (STB) are mapped to the hauppage colossus crossbar 0

In tvserver goto plugins tick serverblaster
choose + and enter serverblaster config - blaster type - Hauppuage ok

Hopefully that is enough to get you going

 

[luci5r]

motor,

Can you possibly detail your process?
The IR Blaster is one area I'm getting stuck. I've tried to follow the IRSS Wiki & TV3 Blaster Plugin guide but I'm getting nowhere. I'm very close to getting my EPG all setup (thanks entirely to "mm"), and would like to get the IR Blaster working as well.

I am "indeed" trying to use the Hauppauge Colossus IR Blaster that came with it's package. It's the only IR Blaster I have. I did make sure I have the Blastcfg that came with the Colossus package as well. A detailed instruction on how you managed to get it to work would be awesome.

Thanks!!

1st Are you lucky enough to find your STB in the list of devices within blaster config (I wasn't but choose something like it)?

2nd Choose Advanced

3rd Choose Learning

Check the bullet is set to learn (not send)

Use your STB remote to learn the individual digits (point STB remote at the Colossus IR receiver (hold within a few cm or 1- 2 inches) and push the corresponding key several times quickly - should come up with succes or fail, repeat until you have learned all digits +/- on

Position the blaster bud over the STB IR sensor, if you can't see it keep sending the power on command and move the bud around until the STB responds - stick in place.

Not absolutely required but to check I used Wintv7 windowed, chose to use it to control STB (settings,devices, tuner) video input via component.

Blast a few numbers via the blaster config (change the bullet from learn to send or use the little input box) Test all the digits eg send 123 456 789 000 you should see them in the OSD in the Wintv app

If all working enter MP tv server config

tv channels - add or if the channel is already setup edit and edit again enter the corresponding STB channel number, freq = 0, input, cable, country, us, vcr input leave unchecked, vid source, YRYBY #1, aud source, (i use stereo via line in#1 - for optical use spdif#2 - I believe) - will be the same as what you already have if you can see STB in MP. The channel number is what is important as that is what is blasted ok etc

Also make sure the analog channels (STB) are mapped to the hauppage colossus crossbar 0

In tvserver goto plugins tick serverblaster
choose + and enter serverblaster config - blaster type - Hauppuage ok

Hopefully that is enough to get you going

Thanks for responding.

I'll be trying to go through your process (as best as I can), but I'm definitely hitting a snag right off the bat. I don't see my STB in the list of devices (I'm assuming we're talking about the "STB Setup" screen under "TV3 Blaster Plugin"). I have the Comcast RNG110 STB. I don't even know what device to choose that is "something like it". So how do I proceed?

The other problem is, unlike the screen cap from the TV3 Blaster Plugin Wiki for the IR Commands, my "Port" is greyed out - so I can't actually proceed creating new IR Commands. Not sure what I have to do here. See below:

Thanks!

 

[GoldenEye]

I'm not 100% sure but you might be on the wrong track here.

You probably need the ServerBlaster (rather than the TV3 blaster) plugin to control your set top box. In this case, you'd need to choose "Hauppauge" as the blaster type and to use the application C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Hauppauge WinTV\BlastCfg.exe to learn your remote's IR codes (outside of the MP setup).

Hope this helps

G.

 

[luci5r]

I'm not 100% sure but you might be on the wrong track here.

You probably need the ServerBlaster (rather than the TV3 blaster) plugin to control your set top box. In this case, you'd need to choose "Hauppauge" as the blaster type and to use the application C:\ProgramData\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Hauppauge WinTV\BlastCfg.exe to learn your remote's IR codes (outside of the MP setup).

Hope this helps

G.

G,

I have a feeling you're right. I was getting absolutely nowhere with TV3 Blaster and reading motor's comments again, I'm beginning to realize he's not talking about TV3 Blaster Plugin, but rather the Hauppauge Blast Configuration.

So this is what I did, I set the Blaster Type to Hauppauge in the TV Server Configuration.
In the "BlastCfg.exe" that came with my Hauppauge Colossus, under "Device Type" I set "Cable Box" and under "Vendor/Model", I saw "Comcast" listed which is my cable provider - and I have the Comcast RNG110 STB, so I selected "Comcast". See below ...

I have located the other buttons motor is talking about and will try to proceed per his instructions.

Thank you so much for pointing out that I was on a wild goose chase per my own mis-interpretations!!!

Will report back!

 

[luci5r]

1st Are you lucky enough to find your STB in the list of devices within blaster config (I wasn't but choose something like it)?

2nd Choose Advanced

3rd Choose Learning

Check the bullet is set to learn (not send)

Use your STB remote to learn the individual digits (point STB remote at the Colossus IR receiver (hold within a few cm or 1- 2 inches) and push the corresponding key several times quickly - should come up with succes or fail, repeat until you have learned all digits +/- on

Position the blaster bud over the STB IR sensor, if you can't see it keep sending the power on command and move the bud around until the STB responds - stick in place.

Not absolutely required but to check I used Wintv7 windowed, chose to use it to control STB (settings,devices, tuner) video input via component.

Blast a few numbers via the blaster config (change the bullet from learn to send or use the little input box) Test all the digits eg send 123 456 789 000 you should see them in the OSD in the Wintv app

If all working enter MP tv server config

tv channels - add or if the channel is already setup edit and edit again enter the corresponding STB channel number, freq = 0, input, cable, country, us, vcr input leave unchecked, vid source, YRYBY #1, aud source, (i use stereo via line in#1 - for optical use spdif#2 - I believe) - will be the same as what you already have if you can see STB in MP. The channel number is what is important as that is what is blasted ok etc

Also make sure the analog channels (STB) are mapped to the hauppage colossus crossbar 0

In tvserver goto plugins tick serverblaster
choose + and enter serverblaster config - blaster type - Hauppuage ok

Hopefully that is enough to get you going

motor,

I'm not having any success with this. I want to make sure I'm doing this right.
I followed your instructions & got to this point ...

Use your STB remote to learn the individual digits (point STB remote at the Colossus IR receiver (hold within a few cm or 1- 2 inches) and push the corresponding key several times quickly - should come up with succes or fail, repeat until you have learned all digits +/- on

I keep getting "Failed". Basically I'm pointing my STB Remote at the Colossus IR Reciever (1 ~ 2cm away from it); right after I hit a button on the Blaster Configuration software (For eg, "2"), I then press the "2" button on my STB Remote. A few seconds later I get failed. See Below.

I have tried different distances; different holding patterns; still getting failed. What am I doing wrong here?

Thanks.

**********************************
**********************************

OK - SCRAP the last post!! I guess I'm one of the lucky ones who's STB is actually listed in the Blaster Configuration. I *did not* need to go through the learning step!! As it turns out, once I set the Vendor to "Comcast" and CodeSet to "85", my STB was recognized by the Blaster Configuration. I can put in any number in the "IR Channel Test" box and hit Send and it actually switches the channel on my STB.

Once this was verified; I entered TV Server Configuration and made sure all my channels were mapped & everything; Hauppauge is selected under ServerBlaster plugin.

The problem is - if I select a station in my TV Guide - IT DOES NOT switch the channel on my STB. I can't get the TV Guide (or MediaPortal) to switch the channel on my STB. If I use the "Blaster Configuration" and do the IR Channel Test - it switches the channel on my STB.

So how do I get MediaPortal (TV Guide) to blast the signal to my STB now?

Thanks!!


*************************************
----------------------------------------------------


IT WORKS!!!

Believe it or not - I had to reboot after setting up the Blaster Configuration for my Hauppauge Colossus; once I rebooted & went back into MediaPortal - I'm now able to switch channels in the TV Guide!! It absolutely works!!!

I'm considering this whole Hauppauge Colossus/MediaPortal venture completed at this point. I think my entire MediaPortal setup is complete at this point.

Thanks again mm, motor, Goldeneye ... much appreciated.