[FreezeFrame]

I quite often watch one of my ReplayTV's on my computer and was wondering if anyone else does the same. The reason I ask is that I am trying to figure out a way to control the ReplayTV from the computer. I have an ATI all-in-wonder card, run linux and use a program called GATOS. Here is a photo!
http://www.slip.net/~gmd/atitvRemote/ChanGuide.jpg


I currently have things set up so I can control the GATOS program from the keyboard/mouse and/or IR remote. The nice thing is I can switch back and forth without having to do anything. However, when it comes to controlling the ReplayTV, I have to drop the keyboard or mouse and go to the ReplayTV remote! What I really want to do is fold the ReplayTV into the same model as above, i.e. I want to be able to control the beast from my keyboard, mouse or remote.


It looks like IR is the only way to remotely(computer) control the ReplayTV. Given the problems others have had tying to program universal remote controls, I gather the ReplayTV IR system is a bit unique. I know of several IR blaster type devices for PC's but am concerned that they may not work because of the ReplayTV's unique IR system. I found a couple of devices that claim to handle unusual IR devices:
http://www.dodgies.demon.co.uk/index.html http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S...0IRP6P&o=M&a=0


This one doesn't say about unusual IR signals, but looks interesting:
http://www.smarthome.com/8002.html


Has anyone else tried any of the above units with a ReplayTV? Anyone know why these may not work? Anyone interested in finding out? I'm thinking about buying the first one on the list and giving it a shot.


Hey ReplayTv guys, does this cause any consternation on your end? I don't want to do anything that would interfere with your plans or cause you problems.

 

[jleavens]

Talk to The Robman if he hasn't already found his way to this message. I believe he's the remote control guru and should be able to point you to the definitions for the Replay remote control signals...

 

[FreezeFrame]



Thanks, I had a look at his web site. It has some stuff I might be able to use, specifically the ReplayTV codes. I am looking for docs on the formating of the codes, i.e. what do the values mean?

 

[gbuskirk]

You also may be interested in the VCR Commander from X10.com. It's kind of a roundabout solution though. It will generate learned infrared remote signals when triggered by x10 commands. There are linux drivers to generate x10 commands through an interface called the CM11.


I'd be interested in hearing what solutions you reach. I've been looking for a way to generate IR remote signals from my PC, that I can trigger over the internet.


------------------

The Other Glenn

 

[FreezeFrame]



Thanks, that's interesting, but I want to duplicate all of the IR functions so that I can create a virtual remote control on my main Linux system.


Although I am also thinking about setting up a video security system with X10 and a ReplayTV. I have a couple of mini cameras already(they are getting really cheap!) and I will probably get some more. I want to hook them up via a video switcher to one of my ReplayTV inputs. Then use the X10 motion sensors to power on the cameras, change the switcher and turn the replay onto record(if it's not doing anything important). One of my Linux boxes is on all the time anyhow, serving as the house gateway/firewall/web server, so adding X10 should not be a big deal.


I wonder if there are any other unusual uses for ReplayTV's? Anyone else planning on using them for something other that TV watching?

 

[gbuskirk]

Quote:

Originally posted by FreezeFrame: I want to hook them up via a video switcher to one of my ReplayTV inputs. Then use the X10 motion sensors to power on the cameras, change the switcher and turn the replay onto record(if it's not doing anything important).

As you know, the newer x10 XCAM2 cameras have X10 controlled power supplies. X10 signals can be sent to enable one camera at a time, which will send the video signal by RF to the lone receiver connected to your ReplayTV. The video switcher is not absolutely required but may give improved video quality (but if you want great video quality this is the wrong camera!).


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The Other Glenn


[This message has been edited by gbuskirk (edited 10-26-2000).]

 

[FreezeFrame]



Status Report from the Advanced Development Labs of Inter-Dimensional Research.


Success!!!!!!!!! I got my RedRat IR device a couple of days ago. Last night I got round to hooking it up. After training the device with the ReplayTV remote control it works just great!


I used the perl script from:
http://kramer.ne.mediaone.net/ir/


which makes it a breeze to capture and replay IR codes! I threw together a quick GUI remote program which is just text labeled buttons, but it works perfectly!! I can now watch the ReplayTV on my computer and use the mouse and/or keyborad interface to control it!!!!! Yaaaahhhhhhooooooooooo


The perl script is written to support:


command line interface

email interface!

web interface!


It got me thinking that one could setup *real* Internet remote control for your ReplayTV. All it takes:


One Linux box (always on)

One high speed internet connection(always on, and addressable)

TV/Video card, e.g. all-in-wonder

One RedRat IR controller

Apache web server

IR program from above.

Some glue web software.


Just take snapshots of the screen after sending commands to to ReplayTV!!!

Use web pages that refresh the image automatically and provide buttons for the remote control functions!!! I don't really have any need for this, but might do it just for fun.


Next project: Portable nano-emitter based universal constructor.........

 

[jleavens]

Uhm, I think you win http://www.avsforum.com/ubb/smile.gif


Now, just boil it down to a "black box" that you can sell at a profit for $99 and you're set.


Actually, it does sound kinda cool what you're doing. The only drawback I can think of it that you're at the mercy of the Replay's GUI still. You can never be quite sure exactly when that "Instant Record" screen will be up, or what it will say in future version of the software. But do put me down for the universal constructor...


------------------

Remember, it's just television...


[This message has been edited by jleavens (edited 11-13-2000).]