[alexsutn]

I need a way to determine the state of a set top box. I thought there would be something from mcm, amazon, etc. that would have a RCA input that would detect video signal and have either contact closure output or a DC voltage output.
Does anyone know of said device? I'm in a desperate need for a bunch.

I found a basic schematic where I can build one, but I need 7 asap and plenty more. and I don't want to mess around with project boxes...

My situation:
Time Warner cable boxes used to have a beautiful "Power/Numeric" option to power on a cable box giving me discrete control over power. (Power=off / 0,Exit=on). They removed that feature and now in a clients home, I lost control over their cable boxes and its a crap shoot if they are on or off. Cause no matter what, even with "power save mode" off, they always revert to an off state! Angry clients=no bueno.

I was going to take the feedback from said sensor and run it into the processor i/o port and have one for each cable box to know if I need to power on or not.

If anyone can help me I'd be eternally grateful!

Thanks!

 

[jautor]

Get the client a TiVo! Better solution than spending money on workarounds...

Also, why not just leave the box on all the time? If it's a DVR the power savings is almost zero.

Xantech has both a video and an audio sensor for their ISM4 control unit, which might work for you (but may replace more gear than you want):

http://www.xantech.com/Controls/ControllersSwitches/ControllersSwitchers/SMVID01/

And Global Cache also has one to be used with the GC-100 (don't know if it would work with an iTach / iTach Flex or not):

http://www.globalcache.com/files/docs/QuickStart_GC-SV1_distrib.pdf


Jeff

 

[cshepard]

What control system/processor?

 

[trx250r87]

http://www.amx.com/products/VSS2.asp

Eric