Comcast Conversion Problems Too

[Kulero]

I was using GBPVR just fine with Comcast analog and a Hauppauge PVR-150, but they're converting to all digital. I got a Comcast tuner (DTA - digital transport adaptor), hooked up and receiving signals with GBPVR on channel 3.

Now I need to be able to change channels with the 150's IR Blaster, and here I'm having problems. There are two parts: 1) Getting the IR Blaster to talk to the Comcast DTA. 2) Getting GBPVR to change channels with the IR Blaster.

#2 is perhaps easier, so let's do that first. If I'm not mistaken, in GBPVR Config I should set the recording Source to "Fixed-Channel, External Tuner" with Constant Channel 3. Which Channel Changer should I use? There's no option that seems appropriate for my PVR-150 (it's not MCE). Should I use ".exe Changer Plugin" with IRBControl.exe ?

But I can't test that until I get part #1 working.

BlastCfg has only one CodeSet for Comcast (0085), and it doesn't work for the DTA, a Dolby DC50X. I've verified the 150's IR receiver works; it can change channels in their WinTV (important since the Blaster uses the same connector). The blaster (transmitter) bud flickers when I test it with Blaster config, but it has no effect on the DTA. I can change channels on the DTA using its own remote control. Does anyone know how to change its channels using the IR Blaster? (I realize this issue has nothing to do with GBPVR, but it's what I use, and perhaps someone here has solved it. TIA!)

[sub]

If I'm not mistaken, in GBPVR Config I should set the recording Source to "Fixed-Channel, External Tuner" with Constant Channel 3. Which Channel Changer should I use?

.exe channel changer, pointing to haupblast.exe.

BlastCfg has only one CodeSet for Comcast (0085), and it doesn't work for the DTA, a Dolby DC50X. I've verified the 150's IR receiver works; it can change channels in their WinTV (important since the Blaster uses the same connector). The blaster (transmitter) bud flickers when I test it with Blaster config, but it has no effect on the DTA. I can change channels on the DTA using its own remote control.

If BlastCfg doesnt have a code for this device, then you'll probably need to request Hauppauge add this device.

[Kulero]

If BlastCfg doesnt have a code for this device, then you'll probably need to request Hauppauge add this device.

That's what I was afraid of. I think it means I'm SOL.

[Kulero]

Many thanks, turajb! That looks like exactly what I need! But so far, no joy.

I installed the Suite (1.4.2.3015). When I run IR Server setup (config), and click Detect, it selects the Windows Messages plugin. Is that what I should use? Doesn't look right. I deselected that and selected Hauppauge. Both the Windows Messages and Hauppauge plugins show Receive only. They have no checkbox for Transmit (as some others do), which is what I need to use IR Blaster. There's nothing apparently useful in the Configure options for either plugin.

I also tried using Translator to learn digits. I'm not quite sure what to do, but my guess was, I selected the IR Commands tab and hit New. Changed the Name to 1 (to learn button 1 on the remote). Clicked Learn, and a message immediately appeared: "Learn IR failed". I expected it to wait and "listen" for an IR signal from the remote. This happens with the server set to either Windows Messages or Hauppauge plugin.

So I'm not finding it very easy to setup at all. Any suggestions? TIA.

[LowEntropy]

Kulero - just wanted to add my agreement with your post - I also tried to down load the IR Server Suite and set it up...it is not intuitive (this just isn't my area). We definitely need at least a short list of configuration steps to try and follow. I hope turajb can provide a bit more info because this is (like you) the key to my whole setup. Thanks, BGD

[johnsonx42]

why don't you both just get a digital tuner and lose the dta box? another comcast user just got his working: http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=42777

[Kulero]

why don't you both just get a digital tuner and lose the dta box?

I have a perfectly good Hauppauge analog board which, other than tuning issues caused by the Comcast changeover, works for my needs. I can't justify spending the $100+ at this time.

For now, let's stick with the issue, getting the Hauppauge 150 IR Blaster to control the Dolby (or Pace, my box says Dolby but others on the web have said Pace) DC50X. Thx.

[Kulero]

UPDATE: I sent an email to Hauppauge, then with no response called their tech support. Here's what I got:

1) Can you provide a PVR-150 IR Blaster profile to control the Comcast DTA Pace DC50X.
"I can put in a request to Engineering, but it won't be fast. They only release new profiles twice a year, in June and December."
Note: Assuming Hauppauge intends to support their existing customers/users, I'm surprised they didn't do it in June. Surely the devices had been released before then, and other customers have experienced this problem long before I did.

2) Can you provide a way for the 150 to learn the codes from the DTA's remote?
"Not possible. That product's IR chip doesn't have learning functionality."
Note: That seems to me more like a software issue. They have a receiver which can read remote signals; why can't it just read the signals, then duplicate them through the blaster? UNLESS, the receiver cannot provide the raw IR signals, only processed signals. (I would assume there's some way to tell the blaster how to send raw IR signals, perhaps associated with a logical code, even if the "send" request uses the logical code. Otherwise, the blaster would never be able to deal with new devices. Ditto for the receiver.)

3) Can you provide the API to control the IR receiver and blaster?
"Those are provided to us by a 3rd party company, the chip manufacturer. We don't have authorization to release it."

I think this boils down to Hauppauge, and/or the IR chip manufacturer, not wanting to support existing customers and provide their needs. If I can't get my current Hauppauge board to work, then I have to go out and buy another, as johnsonx42 suggested.

If I do, it won't be a Hauppauge.

For others having the same issue, you can reach their technical support online http://www.hauppauge.com/site/support/su...ntact.html Or call the U.S. support at +1 631 434 3197.

[Kulero]

Kulero - just wanted to add my agreement with your post - I also tried to down load the IR Server Suite and set it up...it is not intuitive ... We definitely need at least a short list of configuration steps to try and follow...

Thanks BGD for your vote of agreement!

Getting help from Hauppauge is also key, I think. Everyone who's having this issue using their cards, please contact Hauppauge support, and let them know this is a widespread issue. I gave contact info in another post.

[johnsonx42]

If I can't get my current Hauppauge board to work, then I have to go out and buy another, as johnsonx42 suggested.

If I do, it won't be a Hauppauge.

The catch is that Hauppauge devices are the most trouble-free and best supported by GB-PVR for QAM tuning. I sure do understand your frustration with Hauppauge on this issue but it would hardly serve your interests to invite more trouble. If you've got a PCI-Express x1 slot available, nothing beats an HVR-1250 (except perhaps a dual-tuner HVR-2250, though at twice the price).

Back on the subject of getting your IR blaster to work, I confess I have no direct experience in such matters but I have been led to believe that HIP can learn codes from your DTA remote and then blast them, all using the hauppauge receiver/blaster. pBS has written a better blaster .exe for use with GB-PVR and HIP here: http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=41043

edit: ok, now I'm not at all sure of that. I don't know if HIP can actually learn remote codes, it seems to operate at a higher level. maybe it was IR Server Suite i was thinking of, which has already been mentioned. forgive me if I've sent you down the wrong path.