Turning Satelite Settop Box On for Recording

[amadams]

I have a Hauppauge HVR-1600 and the channel changing functions in GBPVR work fine. I would like to record programs while I am away and don't want to leave my RCA Directv receiver on all the time. I tried a test recording with the receiver turned off but it looks like GBTVR doesn't power up the receiver when set to record. Is there any way to get GBPVR to turn on the receiver when set to record a show and turn it off when finished recording? Any solution would be appreciated.

PS I tried to search through the forums but cannot narrow down the search to just my question.

[sub]

There is no built in functionality that does this since it would have no way to know if the box was currently switched on or off, and most set top boxes only have a power toggle function.

You might be able to roll your own solution using HIP or Girder though.

[amadams]

Just a suggestion, how about having a check box option when setting up the recording to send the power button code before recording starts and then again after the recording is finished. It would be up to the user to verify the box is off before recording begins. It's similar to the way some old VCRs used to work.

[sub]

Sorry, I wont be adding this to GB-PVR. You'll need to find some external solution for this. HIP or Girder are your best chance.

[nitrogen_widget]

Why wouldn't you just leave it on?

[amadams]

So what do you do if you lose power before the recording time? I am trying to set up a system where I can go out of town and still get my recording if there's a power blip. I know I can hook up a UPS but I'm also looking at the energy wasted leaving the satellite receiver on all the time.

[Ted the Penguin]

So what do you do if you lose power before the recording time? I am trying to set up a system where I can go out of town and still get my recording if there's a power blip. I know I can hook up a UPS but I'm also looking at the energy wasted leaving the satellite receiver on all the time.

all valid concerns, but IIRC a STB does not really draw much power.

and on that note, I believe you can set your STB to turn on when power is turned on, let me know what model you have, and I will take a look for you.

[Braklet]

I know I can hook up a UPS but I'm also looking at the energy wasted leaving the satellite receiver on all the time.

The DirecTV and DishNet receivers I've played with since 1998 consume nearly the same wattage when switched off as switched on. They have to leave their receiver stage powered up in order to maintain network communications, and they usually leave their output stages powered up but generating a black screen.

The only consumption increase that I've seen during power on is due to the LEDs being lit which is negligible and not detectable using a regular power meter like a Kill-A-Watt.

So hook up a UPS, leave the receiver box powered on, and enjoy your PVR.

BTW, most modern CRT televisions consume a large amount of power while "off" in order to display an image as quickly as possible.

[Ted the Penguin]

BTW, most modern CRT televisions consume a large amount of power while "off" in order to display an image as quickly as possible.

well thats a fun tidbit, glad I am going to get rid of all my old tubes ASAP (meaning as soon as I can afford a 56" samsung DLP with LED backlight)

[amadams]

I have a Toshiba CRT TV which is plugged into a power strip that I turn off when TV is not in use.