Using a Remote Control?

[davidwellsuga]

hey there to all...
I am new to the wide world of PVR'ing and I am wondering how I can change the channels on my PVR in GBPVR now that I've built the darn thing. In other words, I got her up and running but can't change the channel. I've read about IR blasters and something called Girder, but I'm a newbie to PVR'ing. I do have experience in building computers and servicing them however. Thanks for the help!

BTW,
I have digital cable but I am running off the analog signal as of right now. I don't know if it makes a difference.

[sub]

You can buy a product like the USB-UIRT, RedRat3, Actisys IR-200L. These IR Blasters can be connected to GB-PVR, and pointed at your set top box. GB-PVR will control these devices, and send the appropriate infra-red signals to your box to change channels when required.

If you have a different type of IR blaster, or wish to control channel changing using a serial cable, then you could look at using the third party Girder software. I dont use Girder myself, and know bugger all about it, so cant answer any questions about it.

[davidwellsuga]

thanks sub for the reply!

My next question would be...does any of those IR options you listed have to be right opposite of the cable box? my box is about 8 ft to the left of my pvr, so would i have to rearrange everything, or will the IR blaster thing still get it?

I don't think anything I just said made a lick of sense....

David

[sub]

The IR blaster typically needs to be positioned somewhere in front of the IR sensor on your set top box.

[davidwellsuga]

oh...and the only remote i have is the one that came with the cable, do I need to buy another one? the usb-uirt should just redirect the signal coming from my old remote...correct?

[davidwellsuga]

cripes! I was afraid you were going to say that...

[sub]

There is two different aspects to IR signals in GB-PVR.

- IR receivers: GB-PVR only directly supports the Hauppauge remote or the MCE remote. These are used for controlling GB-PVR's menus etc.
- IR transmitters: GB-PVR supports the USB-UIRT, RedRat3, Actisys IR-200L IR Blaster. These are used for transmitting channel change to the set top box. These can learn the IR signal from (pretty much) any remote control, for replaying when required.

[sub]

Quote[/b] ]cripes! I was afraid you were going to say that...

It's pretty much pretending to be a remote control, so you'd need to place it where a remote control could normally work.

[davidwellsuga]

Thanks for all your help, sub. that clarified things a lot for me. now i'm going to have to figure out how to re-arrange my apt. to make it all work.

as for the blasters...is there one you like better? the actisys is pretty cheap...i live in the states and I don't know about the RedRat3, the usb-uirt looks pretty expensive for what it does. Is one more user friendly than another? I (being a lazy american ) would like to get the PVR up and running with as little work as is necessary and as cheaply as possible. I would rather not have to buy another remote if possible.

BTW, GBPVR rules... Long Live GBPVR

[sub]

I would choose the USB-UIRT (with 56khz option) over the Actisys IR-200L. This device works with a wider range of hardware, and can also work as a receiver, which will allow you to use any old remote for controlling GB-PVR sometime in the future.

BTW, only the Actisys IR-200L will work. All other Actisys models (IR-220L etc) use IRDA and are incompatible.