MyBlaster doesn't like to MyBlast (1 Viewer)

[wspnut]

MediaPortal Version: 0.2.1.0 (The 10/21 Feature Release)
Windows Version: MediaCenter Edition
Remote: MCE Remote

(I'm at work right now, and my roommate has changed a lot of the hardware on our mediacenter lately so I do not know the exact specs. If anyone needs more information on my hardware about this issue (which I doubt will be needed) please let me know).

And now my problem! It seems to be a common problem that people are having that MyBlaster seems to be learning remote commands, but is having trouble blasting them.

I downloaded the latest MyBlaster off of the plugins page, and I tried to run the Blaster.exe software to learn my remote (so that I can get MP to control my external digital cable box). Learning the remote seems to work. I hit the "learn" button and it counts down until I press a button on my remote. However, when I hit the "test" button, the MCE blaster hardware will flash like it's trying to send a signal, but the receiver will not pick up on it.

The hardware works fine with MediaCenter, so I know that it's (hopefully) not a hardware issue.

I tried some of the tips on the forum, like turning off all the lights (and even my TV) before learning, but it was to no avail. I've searched and applied any upgrades and new releases I could find for the MCE remote control (such as the RC6 (I think) upgrade for the MCE remote features that was recently released on the forums), but that is not working either.

Has anyone been able to successfully get MyBlaster to control their external box? Could anyone please give me any tips or any other methods to try to get MyBlaster to successfully learn and repeat my remote frequencies?

Thanks a bunch guys. I'm real excited to start using this software once it becomes functional for my setup =)

-Andrew

 

[joboehl]

Hard to tell.

I do have it working, controling two STBs and also a test version controling one STB from the TV Server.

Without knowing the STB, Blaster hardware (Microsoft, SMK bundled with Hauppauge and etc) it's hard to say what's going on.

Also, I usually learn with Blaster.exe and then try trough MediaPortal. That way more log is generated and it's easier to debug.

Julio

 

[wspnut]

Thanks joboehl

I will have to come back to you on the STB name and version, but I will definitely try the blasting with Media Portal even though the "Test" button was failing in Blaster.exe. As for my remote, it is the Microsoft remote (not the HP one). I will be able to pull the device name and ID off of the learning software when I get home.

Hopefully I'll be back in a few hours with either positive results (fingers crossed) or a log from Media Portal

 

[wspnut]

OK, issues and questions.

Running MP, I was only ever able to get any kind of TV working if I added channel 3 (because our STB runs through the tv card on channel 3). I was never able to get it to change channels.

Adding any type of "external" channel to the MP causes a black screen that is unresponsive.

On top of it all, when I do have tv (with channel 3), it only works in the menu-surrounding screen. When I try to make it fullscreen, it stays black (but the audio still plays)

...meh...


Edit:

By the way, our STB is a Scientific Atlanta Explorer 3200. Don't know if that may help in the future.

 

[joboehl]

wspnut,

You can't use external channels (STBs) trough channel 3 in MP AFIK. What you should do is connect your STB troughg either composite or s-video and then add the channels in the channel configuration.

In each channel you need to define as external and inform the channel number to be blasted.

BTW, what's your specs? Usually the gfx problems are due to imcompatible gfx cards.

In the MediaPortal.log file you can check what's going on with myblaster. If you can, post it so I can take a look.

Julio

 

[wspnut]

We have no way of connecting our STB any other way at the moment other than through channel 3. Does anyone know of a way to get the STB working through this channel?

It'd seem like a common option for me for that to be available... that's how a lot of STBs seem to be set up.

If there is no way, I would definitely like to make it a feature request.

 

[joboehl]

Take a look at this thread, it might work for you, but is based on the new TvServer, wich might not be ready for prime time yet (beta).

https://forum.team-mediaportal.com/showthread.php?t=12236

Julio