How to set up IR blaster???

[sub]

OK, the channel changing function appears to be working in WinTV. Next step looks to be pairing the Verizon remote with the IR blaster, is that right? Or can I now move straight on to NextPVR? For this particular system, I seldom use a remote.

But if we do wish or need to pair the Verizon remote, then here's the next question. Last time I tried this Learn Mode, repeatedly pressing/holding/releasing the 1 button for example, the display on the STB would change and I'd end up on like channel 10 with a LearnKey failure. I don't want to screw up anything that I've already gotten to work and end up back on Square One: can I safely repeat that Learn process now, assuming it's even necessary?

I can't remember what the process is with that specific device. The exact procedure in Hauppauge BlastCfg varies depending on the device. Some device only offer a preconfigured database of remotes they can emulate. Some have learning capability. It's probably been 15 years since I last saw it, and I don't remember it very well.

Ultimately you need to get fully configured in BlastCfg, so that it is able to successfully able to change channels on your set top box.

The last step is telling NextPVR to run HaupBlast.exe {channel-number}, which is effectively asking the Hauppauge software to change the STB to the requested channel.

[Joram]

@sub and/or @mvallevand, sorry for the delayed reply (busy day, will pick up on things tomorrow).

In the meantime, the thought occurred to me: what exactly is it that Hauppauge proposes to do with BlastCfg -- is it

(1) to pair a remote, and if so, then is it the cableco (Verizon) remote, one of its own remotes, or something else? Or,

(2) is the process intended simply to teach the blaster how to communicate with the STB? This is what I'm now suspecting is the case, but then it leaves open the question of how one would control NextPVR (change channels, schedule recordings, etc.) at a distance, the way we've been doing it with the WMC remote.

Although progress has been made, this part of the process is still fuzzy in my mind. FWIW, it looks like I can already tell WinTV to change channels via the computer keyboard, and the STB is receiving the correct commands, in which case the tedious Learn process may not be needed.

[sub]

(2) is the process intended simply to teach the blaster how to communicate with the STB? This is what I'm now suspecting is the case,

Yes, that is exactly what blastcfg is used for. It's to configure the Hauppauge blaster for what type of signals your set top box would expect, so that we can tell it to change channels when we need to.

...but then it leaves open the question of how one would control NextPVR (change channels, schedule recordings, etc.) at a distance, the way we've been doing it with the WMC remote.

Assuming you're using the NextPVR desktop client, you can just use your WMC remote for this.

If you're going to be using something like Kodi, then you'll have other remote control options to.

FYI, using a remote control to control NextPVR or other client is entirely unrelated to your blastcfg and blaster to control your set top box.

[Joram]

Assuming you're using the NextPVR desktop client, you can just use your WMC remote for this.

Ahh, that is great to know. Looks like we're in business then!

If you're going to be using something like Kodi, then you'll have other remote control options to. 

Thank you. I'm not familiar enough with Kodi to know what it can do that can't be done with NextPVR. May look into it when we're comfortable enough with NPVR.

FYI, using a remote control to control NextPVR or other client is entirely unrelated to your blastcfg and blaster to control your set top box.

Thanks again for clearing that up. Preparing for the eventual transition from WMC has required taking in a large amount of new information and a lot of it isn't well sorted out in my mind yet.

***

Possibly (hopefully) the last question on the IR blaster subject: In the "Import Channels" (fourth) image on the NPVR Wiki STB setup page, I'd be entering the path to HaupBlast.exe in the path field, but then what gets entered in the last field, the one that in the image reads "{channel_d2} {channel_d3}"? The instructions right above the image say:

The parameter values can be ... {channel} ... to send a complete channel number or ... {channel_dN} {channel_dN} ... repeated where "N" is a digit in the channel number 

I can understand sending a complete channel number, for example to view a different channel or to schedule a recording from a given channel. But, what might "a digit in the channel number" mean??? Don't understand the use case here.

[mvallevand]

My box does not accept {channel} "123" cleanly it misses some digits By sending digits I can insert a pause YMMV.

For your unique 4 server scenario you might consider Kodi since it allows you to hook up to multiple servers and as an example watch and schedule recordings from any box. You can even have WMC and NextPVR.

Martin

[Joram]

OK, maybe I'll start with the simpler {channel} command and see what happens.

[sub]

I can understand sending a complete channel number, for example to view a different channel or to schedule a recording from a given channel. But, what might "a digit in the channel number" mean??? Don't understand the use case here.

This was mainly for people using other blaster software, with set top boxes that might require a certain number of digits. ie, changing to channel 12 might require a three-digit channel number like 012, or some set top boxes require a four-digit channel number like 0012.

[mvallevand]

To add to what sub said, sometimes for STB that don't require an Enter/OK padding with zeroes could prevent a tuning delay avoiding the STB pause. It doesn't know that when you type 12 that you don't want 1234 (assuming 4 digit tuning) so there is a built in pause. You can check this with your STB remote.

Martin

[Joram]

Thanks @sub and @mvallevand.

I've input the information for those fields and am now trying to import the Schedules Direct EPG, but I seem to have run into some sort of loop. After inputting the blaster path and channel selection command, then click on the blue Import button...
   

...a new option to Save appears at the bottom next to the Cancel button. When I hit Save, this is what I see:
   

Now when I click on the Update EPG button, I get the following:
     

Note that nothing (0) got added. When I close that out, this screen appears:
   

If I then follow the suggestion to hit the Import button (upper right), I end up right back where I started:
   
(Note that the input value has now changed to HDMI and I'd need to manually change it back to component.)

What am I missing? How does one get to actually import the Schedules Direct EPG?

[mvallevand]

Did you try clicking the Add Schedules Lineup button? You can do it on the Settings->Guide screen too.

Martin