DB9 to COM1

[paulgates]

Thanks to Stephane on this forum i can now import program data into BTV.

The only last problem i have (so far ! lol) is that BTV doesn't change channel using my serial DB9 to COM1 connector bought also from Snapstream in Dallas.

I know it's probably a setting in BTV, does anyone here in the UK know how to do this. I guess it's the same setting as the US right??

I have SKY Digibox

Thanks guys....

[RobertH]

The serial control cables are only for directv satelite boxes, they wont control anything else. You may be able to get girder or something to be able to control the digibox but for the most part the only way to control any settop box other than a supported directv receiver is to use an irblaster.

[paulgates]

Thanks for your reply Robert. What is a directtv sat box? I would have thought i'd be able to control my digibox as it has all the required connectors (straightforward).

I bought these cables from SS as it seemed the less problematic. An Irblaster did appear to be a good idea as it works with my Phillips 890 Set-top DVD Recorder also, but users have reported it to be a nightmare, how hard is it to set up? Do i have to get my scientist white coat out? lol

[RobertH]

well basically satelite in the US comes in one of two varieties (for the most part) DirecTV or DishNetwork.

The Directv receivers use a very specific protocol on the serial control cable to control those boxes, more than likely your digibox is not the same protocol.

The issue most users have is that they go out and get cheap devices or things like the ir200l wich is basically designed to be an irda controller not something that operates at the frequencies required to do stuff at an IR remote level, something like the USBUirt (you may want to get one with the extra 56khz sensor because the UK boxes seem to use a different IR standard that normal remotes) should be able to pull off controlling that box, you can get one from the manufacturer's website: www.usbuirt.com alternatively there is something liek the mytv blaster wich has a good amount of codes pre-programmed into it but it isnt as straight forward to setup with beyondtv.

[paulgates]

Thankyou for your detaled responce Robert. I'll check out the USB IR URL you included.

[paulgates]

I'm confused!

How will a USB device plugged into my HTPC control my SKY Digibox when there is no connection between them?

Surely BTV sends out a signal to change channel ?

arrgghh, please help (somehow!)

[V_D_O]

BTV sends a signal to your USB-UIRT/MyBlaster/IR200L/whatever else saying "change the channel".

The USB-UIRT/MyBlaster/IR200L/whatever else sends an infrared signal to your receiver saying "change the channel". It looks exactly like a signal from your remote, so the receiver obeys.

Depending on your hardware, you may have to change settings, or learn signals from your remote so they can be transmitted when neccessary, but most software has built in support for digiboxes these days.