Media Portal + Multichoice set top box (1 Viewer)

[Nokoff]

MediaPortal Version: 2.30 RC2
MediaPortal Skin: Default
Windows Version: MCE 2005

1. TV Card: Hauppage
1. TV Card Type: CVBS/AV from Set Top Box

Satelite/CableTV Provider: Multichoice

Remote: MCE Remote

I hope i've kept of the important stuff here in the description. I have just recently purchased a Sat TV subscription with multichoice and I wish to control the set top box/decoder with mediaportal using the IR blasters that I received with the MCE remote. I currently have a working setup to do so in Windows MC and windows had the setting for the ir codes for my decoder remote. The blaster is aligned and it changes channels correctly in MCE in order to schedule recordings or control live TV.


Is it possible to achieve the same configuration in Media Portal (it pains me to go back to MCE).

 

[geov]

Hi

The simple answer is yes, but you will have to teach the ir-codes to Media Portal using the MCE Replacement Plugin...

 

[rekenaar]

I think it is also possible using winlirc. I played with it a while back and was able to get a 95% success rate. Note: This was ouside of MediaPortal, but it seems like MP hav built in winLIRC support.

One of the possible remote layout files attached.
This is one of the items on my todo list to try and configure this.

offtopic if I may:
By the way, what are you ZA guys (galls) use for EPG? I am currently using this site, but it seems that is was last updated on 2007-09-08. Maybe we should combine effort to get WebEPG working for South Africa?

 

[geov]

Hi Rekenaar

The EPG data is a big problem, DSTV has been known to threaten people with lawsuits if they download and distribute "THEIR" data. In the past the XMLTV files were freely made available, but now everyone is too afraid to do it. For reference have a look at the following two forum threads for more detail...

http://www.dstv.com/Gysmm/Forum/threadView.aspx?sid=20202&Id=132

http://www.dstv.com/gysmm/forum/threadview.aspx?sid=22721&strSearch=XMLTV

It is a very sad thing, but because Multichoice is the only provider they have the monopoly to get away with murder. This goes one step further, Multichoice has also by means of encryption disabled all DVB-S TV cards and are starting to force people to use only their decoders.

 

[geov]

Hi Rekenaar

The EPG data is a big problem, DSTV has been known to threaten people with lawsuits if they download and distribute "THEIR" data. In the past the XMLTV files were freely made available, but now everyone is too afraid to do it. For reference have a look at the following two forum threads for more detail...

http://www.dstv.com/Gysmm/Forum/threadView.aspx?sid=20202&Id=132

http://www.dstv.com/gysmm/forum/threadview.aspx?sid=22721&strSearch=XMLTV

It is a very sad thing, but because Multichoice is the only provider they have the monopoly to get away with murder. This goes one step further, Multichoice has also by means of encryption disabled all DVB-S TV cards and are starting to force people to use only their decoders.

Just an update one the EPG issue, one of the sites that I used before decided to start publish the XMLTV file again. I have also found another site that just started up that is also publishing an XMLTV file. The link to both these can be found under the South African Wiki page if you are interested.

http://wiki.team-mediaportal.com/Country_Specific_Informations/South_Africa

 

[rekenaar]

Good stuff!!!

Dankie