chaning channels on a RCA DirecTv receiver

[yanksno1]

Snapstream sells the DirecTV Cable Pack (RCA Receivers) and I wanted to get your opinion on it. I have a RCA DRD420RE DirecTv receiver with the "low speed data port" on it (I already bought a similar device for my Tivo and it works great).

With this device Snapstream sells I wouldn't have to mess around with a IR blaster as this would (once configured) change the channels automatically through the data connection right?

One of the things with the IR blaster I don't like at this point is I've heard reports of where it takes 2-3 min to change the channel. I'd think this would be a much better option and was wondering what your guys thoughts were about it. Thanks.

[TomZ]

As per http://kb.snapstream.com/Kb.aspx?kbid=1147 your receiver will work with the cable pak. I bought one and it worked and was high quality etc ....

As for IR Blaster, I have no experience. But after reading these forums for the past few months, I am glad to not have the experience

Some of the channel change delay when watching live TV through PVS is just the buffering delay. Your channel may change immediately, but then the data is written to your disk, and then reread "later", and finally you get to see the new channel.

[Chimpware]

I have used both configurations (although with Sony receiver). The serial interface is significantly faster. Actual time difference is no where near minutes, but on the order of seconds. I would estimate, but have not actually timed it, that it takes about 5-6 seconds with the IR blaster and about half that for serial. I agree that some of this time is the buffer, at least 2 seconds.

[TomZ]

Thanks for the clarification. I misread the original post as 2-3 SECONDS not minutes.

I just timed my channel change at 3 seconds.