DirecTV Control

I have searched the forum and found a few references to DirecTV, but nothing definitive.

My question is this:

Can SnapStream control and Record DirecTV via a serial connection to an RCA receiver?

Bacisally I'd like to set up a machine with its own cable feed and DirecTV receiver and have SnapStream record both cable and DirecTV shows (DirecTV doesn't offer local channels in my area).

Assuming this machine is a basic PIII-933 running Windows 2000 SP2, what would I need to purchase to set this up? It already has a (probably generic PCI) sond card, but no video capture card. DirecTV can output over S-video or Composite video cable, cable TV would be normal "analog" cable TV over RG6 coax.

Tim Allen
tim@allens.com

[jmracek]

Yes, DTV works really well.
You just have to make the special serial
cable. I have my computer setup with a
5 gen receiver. Works good. I bought
snapstreams video card combo though.
I have 2 other capture cards, one by
matrox the G450ETV and the Osprey 200.
Both good cards but snapstream doesn't
seem to like there drivers. But the
hauppauge card works well. So I'd recommend
that.
Good Luck.
jack.

[wtallen4]

Thanks for the help. Turns out that machine doesn't have a sound card in it, so I'll need to dig one up and also run a satellite feed to that room, but it looks like I'll probably go with that setup.

2 Further questions, though:

1. Where can I get the serial cable?

2. Are there any particular series of satellite box that do/do not work with SS? I use DirecTV and will be purchasing a new box, so I can either use the new box (which will likely be an RCA, but I can change what I buy based on SS requirements) or the old box (which is an RCA, but I am unsure of the model #, it's about 3 years old). Is there a list of compatible DirecTV boxes somewhere?

Tim Allen
tim@allens.com

[patrick]

you actually have 2 options for tuning a sattelite receiver:

Serial Port Tuning: If you are using a compatible satellite receiver (most Sony and RCA satellite receivers including the Sony SAT-B3 and SAT-B55 and the RCA DRD420RE and the RCA DRD303RA), then serial port tuning can be used.

For this option, connect the serial port on your SnapStream PVS to your satellite receiver and install the SnapStream serial port tuning module (dss.dll). If you don't already have a cable, you can read about cables on this page http://www.snapstream.com/products/i...er/sonydss.htm (build an RCA cable http://www.snapstream.com/products/i...le-diagram.htm ).

IR Blaster Tuning: With an Actisys ACT-IR200L and the SnapStream IR tuning module http://www.snapstream.com/products/i...er/actisys.htm (price: approximately $60 -- http://www.actisys.com ), you can control any satellite receiver box. The RedRat works in a similar fashion and is also supported by SnapStream via a module written by Daniel Broad.

All of this information can be found on our webpage. http://www.snapstream.com/support/satellite.htm

If you have any other questions let me know

Sincerely,
Patrick



[This message has been edited by patrick (edited 02-21-2002).]