IR Blasting with Fios (1 Viewer)

[Thecodont]

Hi,

I am planning on using the IR Server Suite but had a couple of questions about what hardware I need. https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/ir_server_suite_public_test_version-t24849.html

I understand that I need some sort of ir emiting device that will translate the signals from my hauppauge pvr-250 remote and send them to my Verizon Fios settop box.

This seems similar to what I did with my old Tivo box and my old Comcast box.

I have a minijack ir device that came with my Tivo box years ago. Can I use that with the IR suite? Also, I had purchases a serial cable based IR blaster for use with a Mythtv install I did (but never completed). Would that one work better?

If neither of these devices will work, what is the reccomended hw for doing the blasting...and where would one get it?

 

[and-81]

Hi thecodont,

There is no support for your Tivo or Serial IR Blaster currently in IR Server Suite, but it could be added at a later date.

Can you give me more information on the serial cable ir blaster? maybe some website links?

I recommend the Microsoft MCE IR device that comes with the MCE Remote, it's really very good.

I also think the USB-UIRT is very good.

PS. I've moved this thread to the MCE Replacement Plugin sub-section, which is more appropriate.

Cheers,

 

[Thecodont]

Thanks

Thanks for the help. Here is the link to where I got the serial IR Blaster. The site also used to give instructions on how to build your own too. They were recommended by an admin at the Knoppmyth wiki

http://irblaster.info/

So, it sounds like its best to find the MCE remote and blaster and use that. Checking around I found one on yahoo shopping. Do you know if this is still something that is carried by major electronics retailers?

Just so I am clear. I need this because, if I want to use the PVR functionality I will need something that tunes the set top box to the same channel as my PVR 250 sets itself to when it wakes up to record a program?

If I did not care about this functionality (I do though) then couldn’t I just use the Verizon remote to change the channels and the Hauppauge remote for all the MP activities?

 

[and-81]

Well, it looks like the serial IR blaster is fairly simplistic, I think I should be able to make something for IR Server Suite to use.

Otherwise, yes, the MCE IR device is very good. I've bought two from online computer stores here in Australia.

If you want MediaPortal to automatically change the channel on a Set Top Box then you need either a serial cable connection to the STB or an IR blaster. Connecting a serial cable to the STB is more reliable, but is not often possible.

If you're not interested in recording from your STB then you can just use the STB's remote control and not bother with IR Blasters.

But the other thing you can do with IR Blasters is control other equipment ... The TV, Surround Sound, etc ...

I'll let you know if I add support for the RS232 IR Blaster device ...

Cheers,

 

[trhaynes]

I would like to add my vote to having serial IR blaster support to your wonderful IR Server Suite. Serial IR blasters are far less expensive than the MCE IR device. And, let's face, most of us go to Open Source alternatives partly at least because of the cost savings. The MCE remote & IR blaster can be had from eBay for about $40 shipped, but a serial IR blaster can be had for about $12 shipped (or built from scratch for even less).

Looking forward to serial IR blaster support in IR Server Suite........

Thanks!
Tim

 

[and-81]

I've started adding Serial IR Blaster support to IR Server Suite. You can try it out in the latest test version.

If you put a command file to blast into the IR Server Suite IR Command folder ...

XP:
\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\IR Server Suite\IR Commands

Vista:
\ProgramData\IR Server Suite\IR Commands

you will be able to select the file and try to blast it...

I don't know what a serial IR Blaster command should look like, but I can tell you that anything you put in the file will be sent to the serial port ...

Maybe you could give me some examples of what you send to the device so I can check it out ...

Hope that helps,

 

[Thecodont]

Happy to help...but kind of a noob on this subject. I am not sure what you mean by "Maybe you could give me some examples of what you send to the device so I can check it out" but if you tell me I will tack it down!

Maybe a little education on how the whole IR thing works would be helpfull too

 

[and-81]

Well, I don't have one of these devices, so I don't know exactly how it works. What I'd like to see is an example of a IR blasting command that gets sent to the device ...

If you don't know what that means or is then don't worry about it, I'll try to figure it out.

Cheers,

 

[felo]

Hey!
I could buy the MCE remote whit the emiter, but it says is for Win Vista Only and im on XP. (not planing to go in to vista soon)
So ill like to know how is goin this project! did you find the way to use it? is working for you guys?
Or is BS from MS and the MCE remote works fine in XP? or what model should i look for?
Cheers!