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Control STB from PC

post #1 of 6
4/6/07 at 9:45pm
Thread Starter 
I would like to run my cable STB into my tuner/capture card, but would like to be able to change the channels via software on the PC...how is this done?

I am currently running MCE 2005, and from what I have found, I need something called an "IR Blaster"? but there seems to be compatibility issues with MCE 2005.
Also, from what I read about the IR Blasters, I couldnt find any way to control it via software.

Any help with this would be appreciated!

thanks,
Nickolas
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post #2 of 6
4/6/07 at 10:12pm
usb-uirt?

www.usbuirt.com

you'll need something like xlobby www.xlobby.com or Girder to use it.

xlobby is still free for now ( oh well I haven't checked in few weeks it went commercial not too long ago) and most excellent front end I've ever seen.
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post #3 of 6
4/7/07 at 12:12am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by galileo2000 View Post

usb-uirt?

www.usbuirt.com

you'll need something like xlobby www.xlobby.com or Girder to use it.

xlobby is still free for now ( oh well I haven't checked in few weeks it went commercial not too long ago) and most excellent front end I've ever seen.


thanks for the suggestion...i read somewhere that USB-UIRT may not be compatible with MCE 2005, is this correct?

Also, xlobby looks nice, but, for the purpose I need, it seems like a bit of an overkill, is there perhaps a simpler application, meant for JUST talking to my STB?
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post #4 of 6
4/7/07 at 12:47am
Your remote sensor for the MCE remote should have a port for an IR blaster on the back. You can pick them up at Rat Shack or a similar store.

The control for that blaster is configured within the MCE software. I don't recall the exact location, but it's there in the menus. Just poke around, and I'm sure you'll find it.
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post #5 of 6
4/7/07 at 2:19pm
MCE supports IR Blasters which connect to your IR receiver then you affix it (usually they are self adhesive) to the IR receiver of your STB.

When you go and setup your TV signal there is an option that states you are using a set top box. Select that and when it comes to changing channels in MCE it will send a change channel signal through the IR blaster to your STB thus changing the channel.

This link may help

Also this information is found in the MCE 2005 software manual.
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post #6 of 6
4/7/07 at 2:21pm
also check out fireSTB http://home.comcast.net/~timmmoore/firewire/readme.htm

depending on which cable box you have you can control it via firewire or RS232 from your pc.

- Josh
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