Digital Cable Set Top Box Question

[lajams]

are you buying the cable box yourself? or is it being provided by the cable company, and you just know the exact one you are getting.

I strongly suggest trying to get something in the DCT2xxx series, they are very well supported in many other apps, and you can change channels through serial (assuming its enabled) which is much more reliable.

I would imagine that it will work fine when you are not logged in, assuming things like post/parallel processing work as well

Yep, buying the cable box myself...I rented one for so long I could have purchased TWO of them by now. And I fell into the DCT700 since its used by my cable-co as an entry-level STB, and I won't need any frills. I would really LIKE to get a DCT2xxx....I have seen those mentioned many times...but I'm worried my cable-co won't support them on their infrastructure.

I'll look into the serial IR....I do have a serial port on my pvr server, so that would be an option...kinda old school though, isnt it?

Thanks much.

[lajams]

The problem with ANY IR blaster is that it's a one-way signal. There is no way for the system to know if it changed to the appropriate channel, or even if the STB is on.

If you can get a STB with serial connection, that's the best way to go.

I'll look at the higher-end STBs that are currently used by my cable-co and see if they have any that have serial ports. Thanks much.

[lajams]

Ok, I found that indeed there is a 2xxxx series supported by my cable-co (a DCT2500). AND it has a serial port. BUT....the instructions claim its for a high-def decoder. :confused:

Is this something I could use a serial channel-changer on, and how would I know its enabled?

http://broadband.motorola.com/consumers/..._Guide.pdf

[Ted the Penguin]

from what I remember all of the motorola DCT2xxx series boxes will work with the same serial program, I have a 2244 and my serial port was enabled. since you are buying the box itself, then you should be able to make sure the serial port is enabled when you buy it. here is the thread where the serial changer is talked about
http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=16940

[wtg]

Don't get your hopes up too high on the serial port. These are often disabled and many cable companies don't like enabling them. Apparently they can do so if they send a signal down the line, but many won't or the support person doesn't know how. If you can get it to work it's the best way to go, but don't get your hopes up too high unless you know for certain yours is enabled.

The USB-UIRT works very well. Within GBPVR it doesn't require any additional software... GBPVR supports it directly. I did have some trouble getting mine to learn my remote's commands correctly, but I think that's at least in part due to my dog having chewed on the remote, maring the plastic end and it therefore not providing the cleanest signal. After a few tries I got each digit memorized correctly and channel changing was flawless afterwards.

[lajams]

Thanks much guys. Based on all the responses, cost and risk, I will probably go straight for the DCT700 and the USB-UIRT. I'll keep the serial idea in mind, however. I am considering upgrading to a DCT2500 for the STB in my HT setup upstairs, so I may yet have a chance to play with the serial changer.

Thanks again for all the helpful tips and advice.