how to use IR server suite with GBPVR

[zaprat]

Guys,

DISCLAIMER. IF YOU CHOOSE TO DO THIS, DO SO AT YOUR OWN RISK! IMPORTANT: CHANGING REGISTRY SETTING CAN MAKE YOUR SYSTEM INOPERABLE. VISIT MICROSOFT SITE FOR DETAILS:confused:.

Update: 30/3/2008 - I have uploaded a updated config to which the volume up and volume down buttons should now work in most situations. the volume up and down buttons are translated to the to {ADD} and {SUBTRACT} keys.

I tried using a number of programs including eventghost and Hip and found IR server suite to one of the best. I use a MCE remote with MCE blaster and found it to be reliable in my situation. I found that 'some difficult to learn remotes' were easily learnt using this app making it my choice. It is also easy to use.

The following is based on XP system. I have not tried it on Vista.

STEP 1

To use it you need to first get the installer. It is available at http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/mce-re...1-a-33512/

Then goto http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/mce-re...ete-29024/ - Dont load the replacement driver for XP systems, it is not needed.

After these changes you need to reboot.

STEP 2

Install and run the applications. You will then need to setup the translator. This app is used to translate commands received from the blaster into commands that are sent to the application. It will also send commands to the blaster (which it has learnt from your device remote).

To save you some time, I have attached a copy of the config file which is suitable for MCE remote to control GB. To use it, import the config file using Import under the File menu. Once loaded you should see a GBPVR icon and a PVRX2 icon. If you click on GBPVR, it will display a list of codes (as received by from the remote) and commands that it will sent to GBPVR.exe.

You can add other applications and commands as you choose, but this is up to you.

Click the Start the Translator with Windows checkbox at the bottom of the form.

STEP 3 - SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU DONT INTEND TO BLAST COMMANDS

Once this is done, you can now program commands that you wish the blaster to send to another device. Let start by getting blaster to change channels on the source device using the blaster. To do this, you need to click on the IR command tab to learn the channel button commands. Click the NEW button, Enter 1 into the name field and select the port (I used both). Click the LEARN button and learn using your remote for the device you wish to control. Repeat this for all channel buttons 0 to 9.

STEP 4 - SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU DONT INTEND TO BLAST COMMANDS
Then start the config.exe in gbpvr. Go to the capture source tab and select the appropiate capture source you created previously (creation of capture source is not described here, please refer to the gb wiki). Click the edit button.

Under Channel Changer select ".exe changer plugin" in the drop down list. Click the setting button. Browse to C:\Program Files\IR Server Suite\IR Blast\IRBlast.exe or C:\Program Files\IR Server Suite\IR Blast\IRBlast-NoWindow.exe (I use IRBLAST.exe) and press ok. Enter in the parameters field "-host localhost -pad 3 -channel {channel}" (without the quotes). Note: this set up is for 3 digit channel numbers. You will need to change this for other options. Leave the 2 check boxes unchecked and press OK.

Update/ensure the channel numbers are correct.

Save config.

STEP 5

To check it is all working, ensure the translator is running and start GB, use your remote to move around.

STEP 6 - SKIP THIS STEP IF YOU DONT INTEND TO BLAST COMMANDS

Then go to livetv and attempt to change change channels. This should change channels on the source device using the blaster. The mce blaster leds can only send a short distance, so make sure the led is very close to the receiver on the device.

Good luck.

[and-81]

Hey,

Thanks zaprat, I really appreciate you putting up a guide.

I just joined up over here to say thanks and to let everyone know that if they want to use IR Server Suite with GBPVR then I'd be happy to help you out in any way I can.

Seems like zaprat has already got it figured out, but if there is anything I can help with, perhaps even a GBPVR plugin to make the process smoother then let me know.

I can't say I visit many forums other than my home forums over at Team MediaPortal. So if you need any help with IR Server Suite it's probably best to contact me there.

I just want to assure everyone that I'm not interested in trying to steal users away from GBPVR to MediaPortal... it's not my thing, heck I don't even expect to get people to switch from HIP, EventGhost or Girder to IR Server Suite. But if you wanna try it out then go for it.

I try to make my software as flexible as I can and I try to give the best support I can, so if you give it a try and it doesn't work or doesn't do what you want then just let me know and I'll try to sort it out for you.

Cheers,

[tomper]

Thanks for this

I'm confused, though. Do you need the replacement driver on XP or not? Your instructions are a bit ambiguous (or I'm stupid, one of the two)

[zaprat]

Actually, I will reserve comment. There a 2 references to this, they are at:

http://forum.team-mediaportal.com/mc...bsolete-29024/

&

http://www.byremote.com.au/Hip/mce_remote_faq.htm


From my experience, I only made changes to registry and did not load the replacement driver and it works. (DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK, SEE DISCLAIMER AT TOP OF THREAD). I suggest before making changes to registry, you take the advice in thread and use the export function to allow you to undo the changes (if needed).

Any one know the correct answer?

[richardw456]

Thanks for this, I have been playing with HIP for hours!! Never did get it working. Got IRServer working in about an hour. I did have to take out the pad command to get the blaster working with my Dish network STB. If anybody tries this with dish, don't use the -pad3 in the command line in GBPVR config.

[TornadoTJ]

Should/Could this be added to the WIKI?

[zehd]

Should/Could this be added to the WIKI?

I'll put this up if you want...

[Etacovda]

this programme is bloody brilliant, makes hip look awkward, unintuitive and unresponsive - channel changing is MUCH improved on my set up after using this. i recommend it highly, nice one Aaron!

[zehd]

It turns out you need to become a member to download... That sucks

[and-81]

zehd:

It's just a simple forum registration, nothing serious. But I understand that people don't like to do that.

The reason I've kept it that way so far is so that while the application is young I can get people providing feedback on issues, etc.. through the forum. But once the next version is ready I will be posting it in MediaPortal's download section which does not require any registration.

I'll post back here when I've done that.

Cheers,

EDIT:

I just wanted to mention that I've downloaded Zaprats app profile and I'm going to include it in an upcoming version of IR Server Suite (probably version 1.0.4.3) so that it's easier to configure the software for GBPVR users. Thanks again Zaprat.

I should also mention that the registry change to get the default eHome driver to work like the replacement driver (that is, to stop it from automatically handling many of the buttons) is completely safe. I can tell you that after a lot of testing this is a very safe thing to do. If you want to recover those registry settings all you have to do is delete the eHome driver from Device Manager and then either click "Action" menu, "Scan for Hardware Changes" or just reboot. The registry keys come back by themselves if you do that. And the eHome driver is better than the replacement driver because it lets you keep useing the MCE keyboard. The replacement driver is still necessary for some third party remotes to get them working in certain situations though.

Hope that helps,