New HD distribution via QAM tuners from Bocs? Cheap HD Modulation? - Page 6

Now be prepared to get some "crap" from refurb buyers like myself, depending on the condition of the unit (I haven't received it yet.)

They should be pristine - other than a little of that cinnamon/sugar donut dust - there was a vendor an aisle away and frankly I couldn't help myself - repeatedly... I really need to find another show soon...

You have my word, find anything at all you don't like and I'll make sure you get a new one.

David

This question is slightly off topic but I believe it is relevant since it would only really come up through use a device like the BOCS Xtender.

Does any one kow how to use the IR remote for two cable Set Top Boxes (STB) that are locate next to or near each other? I would like to use the Xtender to distribute two SA8300 DVRs to the TVs through out my home. In this way I can avaoid some conflicts and reduce the number of DVRs. Presently I have 4 DVRs and they are often used to record the same popular shows.

Do STBs like the SA8300 have some way to use somesort of alternate code set?
Thanx!

With the BOCS unit in particular, it has independent outputs to each device - meaning you could have all three of it's inputs loaded with identical DVRs and only the one meant to get the "Channel up" (or whatever) will get it. We switch the outputs of the IR bugs independently. Only caveat is you sometimes need to shield the light on the end of the IR bug so it does not shine into more than one box - anything from $.01 of black electrical tape to a $5 fancy plastic molded cover would work.

With other systems you would have to use the individual addressing systems built into many STBs - DirecTV and Dish both have 6 or 7 I think independent IR codes not sure about your particular brand of SA box though.

Let me know and I'd be happy to research it for you.

David

Well this sounds like it's exactly what I need. My question is this:

If I have a PC as one of the inputs/channels, is there a way to control the pc with the BOCS remote or do I need a wireless mouse/kb for that? Anyone know if it is possible to use a wireless mouse/kb from downstairs to a pc that is upstairs?

Thanks.

Absolutely - but what you need to do "wirelessly" governs the equipment you need.
Most folks that hook up a PC are displaying media center, boxee or another media player application - all of which we have codes for. Worst case, if your PC does not already have an IR receiver, you would need to pick one up (many USB connected options are available for about $30 - for instance from hauppauge)...
If, however, you want "more" - wireless mouse and some way to enter text say into a web browser (media center lets you do a rudimentary job by the way), you would need a better wireless Keyboard/mouse or something that comes close. There are some "long range" combos available, but at best I've only gotten 30' or so out of the ones I've tried. So I'm using two different solutions in my home - X10 has a pretty darn good wireless remote that has mouse and a pop up keyboard for pretty cheap - works home wide pretty well but you aren't typing a long email with it. Option 2 is a USB extender - I picked up a powerline deal - one side plugs into the PC, other end plugs into any power outlet in the home and I can plug my USB keyboard right in. Works well, but frankly I have no idea where to get more - I traded a guy a BOCS unit for it way back.

Hope this helps -

And if you think this is something you need, you ought to act pretty quick - Amperor has specials still going on this week. I'm not sure which is best right now but PM me and I can look into it for you.

David

Yeah, I would just need to access Media Center or equivalent so that should be good. I will be building the pc at some future date so I can make sure it has what is needed.

One other thing. I am going to use my cable to get an ethernet connection to a different spot using MoCA on two of my cable connections. Will this conflict with BOCS at all?

I just tested my Addesso WKB-300UB RF keyboard which I use to control my HTPC. It worked everywhere on the main floor, in the basement it worked about 30-32 feet from the HTPC. I built the HTPC about 1.5 years ago and have never changed the batteries in the keyboard (4 AAA). The keyboard goes to sleep when not in use and to wake it you hit the "Enter" key first. It has a built in track ball but no number pad. I hope this info helps. Gil

I just found the link to the IR/USB module - always hard to find on the Hauppague site http://registration.hauppauge.com/we...uct=mce_remote
It comes with a media center remote that you can probably just chunk (as you will be using the BOCS remote) - then when you install BOCS use the HP code under DVR - that runs media centers - computer already knows how to decipher those codes...

MOCA - no problem, if I recall, MOCA uses different frequencies that do not conflict with BOCS. There is another thread with all the details on using MOCA this way - although if there is any possible way to run a CAT6, that will always work better.

David

Gil:

Very nice, I'm going to pick one up - sounds like a good product.
And for the benefit of others (after some searching) the part number is actually WKB-3000UB and they are about $60
http://www.google.com/products/catal...wAw#scoring=tp

David.

Gil:

In case you are the same Gil that left a message on our website (www.bocsco.com) about how to change modulation frequencies -
Actually it is pretty simple -
1) Hold down "Red" and "CH-" at the same time until the power light on the BOCS remote comes on
2) Enter the channel numbers you want three digits each like this - if you want channels 64, 66, 68 (remember they need to be two channels apart) enter 064066068 then hit OK
3) If you want to switch from CATV to OTA modulation frequencies you can change that too - see the user manual here.

Keep in mind, that we purposely block allowing you to use frequencies below about channel 55 (You can look up exactly which one in the manual) since harmonics created tend to knock out higher channels although I can provide you instructions on how to modify the BOCS if you ever want to modulate lower.

Let me know if this was helpful

David

Yes I left the message, waited for an answer, but it was about lunch time when I posted. Wife called me for lunch shortly after I posted. I was going to resend today but got tied up. Thanks for the info, I will try it when the unit arrives. Thanks, Gil

I am having difficulty progamming the remote for some devices. I had no problem with any of my TVs and the cable box (SA8300) was not too difficult. But I can't seem to get the remote programmed for a ROKU DVP (Neflix) or for a WDTV. The list of codes included does not seem to cover these and the scanning options (AUX, DVD CBL) don't help either. Does anyone have the codes or directions for these two devices?

Oddly enough, I have both devices:
(As a side note the Netflix video selection is really bad and I've had trouble with the WDTV box not syncing audio and video on some of my older movies)... But neither of those codes is "standard" but both can be learned - I've learned them both into the BOCS and the remote.

The detailed written instructions are in the Users Manual.
And there are videos about how to learn into BOCS (if the BOCS unit controls the device) or learning into the remote itself (If you control it directly with the remote using IR in the same room as the remote.(Can't find that video - but you do it the same way except you point the remotes into each other.

Let me know if you have any troubles

David

Hey all -
I just put up a new "virtual BOCS" page - and frankly, I'd love all of your input...
I had to go learn how to do flash and actionscript to build a home system that actually works. Should answer a lot of the questions I get via PM around here.
Yes - I'm the cheesy host on the side :-)

www.bocsco.com/virtualbocs.php

Seriously - feedback is welcome.

David Feller

I am having some interference on some TVs at some locations. First instance the red channel is clear throughout the house except on the "local" TV. The blue channel is clear everywhere. But the green channel is distorted everywhere. Channels 14, 96, and 98 are used on my cable system but I don't care about them (CSPAN, shopping, etc.). I understand that I could use different channels but I would have to get an unfiltered Supercombiner and then my own filters. Is that correct? Where does one get an unfiltered Supercombiner? Have others overcome these issues?

Howdy baf01:
Terribly sorry for the late response - embarrasing I missed this for so long.

Two things to do:
1) The remote at the "local tv" (The remote that controls the TV connected to the "local-tv" Coax) needs to be set as the local master. Hold down Menu and VOL+ together until the power light comes on then press OK. Long story short, there was a techincal hurdle that we could not overcome and that output (local-tv) actually is switched between "BOCS channels" and "CATV" depending on the last button you pressed on that remote. That should clear up all the channels on the local-tv
2) For remote locations, try boosting the output power of the BOCS unit - hold down Menu and "1" until the power light comes on (any BOCS remote), then press the up arrow (just above OK) or down arrow until you get a signal level that looks good throughout the home. Be sure to press OK before the 10 second timeout to save your setting.

If #2 does not provide enough power for your entire home, a catv amp can be placed between the "RF-out" of the supercombiner and the input of your splitter.

Feel free to give me a call at 720-206-4114 if you have mroe questions on this.

David Feller

All:

Apparently, there were some dealers selling BOCS products on Amazon for "supercheap prices". Unfortunately they did not offer the full product package and some buyers got less than they thought they would get.

Specifically, the Amazon based dealers were not including the installation kit that includes the cable finder tool, the IR bugs, and all the accessory cables to hook up the BOCS unit.

Although none of those were authorized dealers (They were buying product from an overstocked distributor and offering quick turn sales off the books), we would like to offer to anyone that purchased via Amazon:

1) A Free cable-finder toolset
2) A Free set of IR bug cables

Just send me a copy of your receipt from wherever you purchased the system and I'll make sure you get everything you need to complete your installation.

It is critical to us that regardless of where you purchased, that you are happy with your system.

Thanks
David Feller

Thanx David for the help you provided me with my earlier questions. I did figure out on my own about the local master remote and that made the local tv work very well. I have not tried changing the signal level yet, but I am fairly certain that it will help as well. I guess if I had read the manual I would have figured all of this out right away.

I did have a good experience with Amperor. I ordered extra remotes and I had plenty of supporting cables for a complete install. I also found that I needed a repeater. Even though my home is fairly small, the odd shape caused me to shoot trhough two outside walls from a bedroom to the family room. I guess the stucco and wire mesh on the walls blocked the signal enough to make a ~40 ft. shot a little too weak. I put the repeater in a location such that the remote to repeater and repeater to Xtender were only through interior walls and all works well now. I also purchased the repeater through Amperor and that sale went well also.

Thanx for a great product and I can't wait for the HD module to come out.

Bruce

Thanks David for all of the posting in regards to the BOCs system. The product seems fantastic and with it not being replace when HD is availble it seems like now is the time to buy (especially with that turkey day deal).

I have one question that maybe you or another forum member could answer that has nothing to do with your system but how I intend to use it.

Can a Directv hd20 or hd21 output over HDMI and composite at the same time? I would love to distribute my 2 hddvr boxes throughout the home to 3 upstairs SD tvs. But I don't want to lose out on the ability to watch HDTV locally. I tried google and didn't come up with anything and lugging a 32in SD TV down 3 flights of stairs to test it would be a lot of work.

Can anyone confirm if this can be done? If so I see no other hangups for my intended use. I will be adding some HDTVs down the road and the upgrade to HD with this system with add on devices makes now an ok time to buy.

Thanks.

Yes, both Motorola, Cisco, Pace cable boxes and the 20/21 receivers from Directv can do hdmi and composite at the same time.
Even though I've done a BUNCH of installs this way, I just ran over to my stack and double checked it - plugged hdmi to a local TV and ran the composite over to Xtender. All is good.

(See my ungainly stack on my blog - I did a writeup on it www.bocsco.com/wholehome)

David Feller

So - if everyone read the manual I'd be out of a job - so no worries at all (I even keep some secret codes up my sleeve for those special situations - for instance hold menu and "2" then press OK - very handy.)

And thanks for the feedback on Amperor - Of the many channels they are most responsive and just like to keep track.

David Feller

David - Can we get an update on how things are going with the HD upgrade? Early 2010?

Thanks!

Josh

Hey Folks,

Ive googled this, and I'm probably dreaming, but is there a way to get a second tuner output out of this PVR? I know there are two tuners, because I can do PIP, and record one show while watching another. Now is there a way to get this second output from the box?

Also, David,, are you the same david as the guy on your website in the box?

Normally, no. While PVRs typically have two tuners, I'v eont seen one yet that had two output chips. I suppose it makes sense since they are pretty much designed to serve a single TV. Even a windows media center is only designed for one output although I've kludged one up with three video cards for just this purpose.

As for the www.bocsco.com/virtualbocs site - yes, embarrassingly that is me. My family and friends made fun of me mercilessly, especially for the "intro hand wave" but I thought it was a good attention getter. I found a company in England that, for about $500 will film a professional actor/ess and send me a flash video for that little box. So watch for a significant upgrade in that box...

That whole page was my first attempt at flash video and actionscript programming - a real blast.

DF

Curious about this as well. System looks great, but worthless to me w/out HD.

One of the first posts said July I think (2009 I believe).

I was really ticked that I missed out on the $299 - 4 remote special after I finally talked the wife into it, then I found the Black Friday sale. Combining that with the BOCS09 coupon code was almost as good, so I just ordered the BOCS and 4 remotes.

Is it possible to upgrade the BOCS to multi-headed IR blasters?

Here is why I ask? I have a multi-source, multi-room AV receiver that I used to use the output to the 2nd room to feed a modulator into my cable system. That, combined with an IR repeater system allowed us to access all of my AV components throughout the house. As many of you have experienced, the move to all digital cable has really dorked that up. Anyway, the BOCS only supports 3 components without adding another BOCS. That has additional cost and you have to find 3 more free channels that won't cause digital cable issues. If I can connect my AV receiver up as one of the BOCS sources and then connect a blaster to that and several of my other components I could in theory have more than 3 components available in the system with the caveat that whatever was tuned in on the receiver would be the component in the receiver stack on that one channel throughout the entire house at that time.

Hope that makes sense? Has anyone tried something similar.

Thanks for your input,
Tony

I installed the BOCS system about 3 weeks ago and it has been great, however, my programming data has started to dissappear from my Comcast SA8300 DVR about once a week. It could be a problem with the DVR box, but I wanted to see if anyone else had experienced this. I have gone through a series of resets while rerouting the cable feed around the BOCS unit, but I still do not have a defined sequence to make the programming data come back. I just see "No Data Available" in the guide and on the channel tag.

Could the data be filtered by the BOCS gear?


UPDATE - 11/29/2009
In order for the program data to appear, I need to power off the BOCS unit and reboot the DVR. Once the DVR is up with the fresh data downloaded, I can then turn on the BOCS unit. I guess this will have to be a weekly task unless I can come up with something with BOCS.

UPDATE - 8/23/2010
Calling Comcast every month to reset my STB and having to unplug the BOCS unit after every power failure was getting old. Today, Comcast could not get my STB to reset, so I gave in and got a new one. i still have the same problem even with the new Cisco RNG200. The BOCS unit must be powered off in order for the Comcast box to boot and receive program data. Surely someone else has exoerienced this and can offer some advice.

DAVID, Not to worry about the Video. As a Hi-Tech Marketing guy, I would nominate you as the Product Marketing Manager Of The Year for all the AV Forum input & support.
I just ordered your product with the "Black Friday Special" and look forward to installing and using. I do have a quick question that has not been asked!

Any experience with RCN? I am switching from Comcast to RCN on Thursday and need to know if there are issues I need to discuss with installer or that I will need to know to install BOCS -THANKYOU Keep up the great support work, TVK

Hi Dave,

I am also curious if you have a new expected release date and maybe even a price point you are going for? I am on fence about getting one because as cool as it is if the HD never gets going its not worth it to me right now. Every TV I have in my house is HD and I would bet that alot of people who would get something like this have at least 2 HD sets if not more.

Thanks!