Serial channel changer/directv (1 Viewer)

[mikildemion]

TV-Server Version: 1.0.0 RC2
MediaPortal Version: 1.0.0 RC2
MediaPortal Skin: XFace
Windows Version: XP Sp2
CPU Type: AMD
HDD: IDE - 30gb SATA - 500gb x2
Memory: 2gb
Motherboard:
Video Card:
Video Card Driver:
Sound Card:
Sound Card AC3:
Sound Card Driver:
1. TV Card:
1. TV Card Type:
1. TV Card Driver:
2. TV Card:
2. TV Card Type:
2. TV Card Driver:
3. TV Card:
3. TV Card Type:
3. TV Card Driver:
4. TV Card:
4. TV Card Type:
4. TV Card Driver:
MPEG2 Video Codec:
MPEG2 Audio Codec:
h.264 Video Codec:
Satelite/CableTV Provider: Directv
HTPC Case:
Cooling:
Power Supply:
Remote:
TV:
TV - HTPC Connection:


Ok I've spent the last several days searching the forums for an answer, but most of the information no longer applies (too old). If I've missed is some where, then please point me where I need to go.

So here's the issue. I'm trying to send channel change codes to my D11 Directv STB. I'm using a perl script to do the actual changing. It works out side MP (command window) fine. But I can't for the life of me figure out how to get it to work inside MP. I am using TV Server (1.0.0 RC2). I've tried using the MPExTuneCmd plugin, but it seems to only want to work with My TV and not with TV Server.

I have 4 channels setup in TVS (241, 244, 296 and 280) Input type is antenna, country: USA, source SVHS #1 for all 4. I get picture and audio so card is working and TVS is working. But when I change channels in MP it stays on the same channel. I have looked in the logs and see nothing about MPEx sending commands (hence the reason I did not attach the logs).

So is what I'm trying to do even possible now? Or has this functionality been broke/removed since TVS is replacing My TV?

 

[budda1]

I have an older Directv receiver, but it should work the same. Download and install the IR Server Suite Here. Choose the newer version 1.4.2 RC1. Make sure you select the TV3 Blaster Plugin. I unselected almost everything else. Download directv.zip from GBPVR web site Here. Extract to the directory of your choice. Enable the plugin in the tv server configuration. Choose the STB setup button. Select the tab that corresponds to your directv tuner card. Check the box for pre-change command. Highlight pre-change from the commands window. Below the commands window, choose Run Program and click the Set button. Navigate to the location of directv.exe for program and for parameters enter -box D10200 #%2. Make sure that Shell execute is selected and choose Hidden. That should do it.

 

[WileECoyote]

I have an older Directv receiver, but it should work the same. Download and install the IR Server Suite Here. Choose the newer version 1.4.2 RC1. Make sure you select the TV3 Blaster Plugin. I unselected almost everything else. Download directv.zip from GBPVR web site Here. Extract to the directory of your choice. Enable the plugin in the tv server configuration. Choose the STB setup button. Select the tab that corresponds to your directv tuner card. Check the box for pre-change command. Highlight pre-change from the commands window. Below the commands window, choose Run Program and click the Set button. Navigate to the location of directv.exe for program and for parameters enter -box D10200 #%2. Make sure that Shell execute is selected and choose Hidden. That should do it.

Budda,
Thanks for the information! I was struggling to get my Directv H21 & H23 receivers with paterson devices set up with a serial connection, and your information provided the key. I did have to make a few 'tweeks' to make mine work and maybe its because my recievers are a little newer. I played around with the directv.exe command line until I got it working, and ended up having to use the -key %2clear command instead of the channel command #CHANNEL OR *CHANNEL. Not sure why the regular channel command wouldnt work with my receiver, but I was just happy to get the -key command working.

Here are the steps I followed, VERY similar to (and copied from) yours. Again, this works for the Directv H21 & H23 recievers with Paterson Tech serial to USB devices. For instructions on setting up the Paterson device visit the web site here .


1.) Download and install the IR Server Suite Here. Choose the newer version 1.4.2 RC1.

2.) Install the IR Server Suite. I only selected the TV3 Blaster Plugin. I unselected everything else.

3.) Download directv.zip from GBPVR web site Here.

4.) Extract directv.zip to the directory of your choice.

5.) Open MP TV Server Configuration.

6.) Enable the plugin under plugins.

7.) Configure the TV3 Blaster Plugin (I selected 'localhost' on the pop-up, Ignore message about not being able to find 'localhost'.)

8.) Choose the STB setup button.

9.) Select the tab that corresponds to your directv tuner card.

10.) Check the box for pre-change command.
10a.) Check the box for Send select command.

11.) Highlight pre-change from the commands window.

12.) Below the commands window, choose Run Program and click the Set button.

13.) Navigate to the location of directv.exe for program.

14.) For parameters enter -box D10200 -port com3 -key %2clear (be sure to enter the correct port number.)

15.) Make sure that Shell execute is selected and choose Hidden.

Thanks again Budda!

 

[mikildemion]

OK, I got all the above done, now how did either one of you setup your channels?

 

[WileECoyote]

OK, I got all the above done, now how did either one of you setup your channels?

Here's a thread on problems setting up a Schedule Direct plugin.

In short, create a Schedule Direct account. Add a channel lineup once you log into your account. In MP, setup the Schedule Direct plugin in TV Server Configuration.

After that your schedules should show up on the tuners (at least they did for me.)

 

[mikildemion]

Nothing personal WileE, but what does a schedule have to do with setting up channels? I'm not making the connection.

What I am looking for is setting up channels for Direct TV, something that cannot be scanned (if they can be, then I'm really missing something), so has to be manual.

 

[WileECoyote]

Nothing personal WileE, but what does a schedule have to do with setting up channels? I'm not making the connection.

What I am looking for is setting up channels for Direct TV, something that cannot be scanned (if they can be, then I'm really missing something), so has to be manual.

Sorry, I guess your looking JUST to set up the channels, and not get guide information?

I guess my point was after I setup the schedule direct account, created the list and configured the plugin, the channels then showed up on my tuners. Before that I had no channel information. Im not sure if the channels can be pulled in from another source (e.g. XML...) Sorry if I confused you....

 

[mikildemion]

WOOT! I want to say thank you very much WileE. Your suggestion about using Schedules Direct worked like a charm. Some one needs to throw this in the Wiki.

 

[WileECoyote]

WOOT! I want to say thank you very much WileE. Your suggestion about using Schedules Direct worked like a charm. Some one needs to throw this in the Wiki.

Cool deal! Im glad you got it working...

 

[antonehenry]

say i don't have a serial port....

any other way to change channels on directv hr20?