What will I need next?

[rtwhbw]

I need some help getting my sage remote control set up. Currently, I do not have a remote, in the process of looking around and wanted to ask what you all think.

I have a P4 2.8 ghz, 80 gig HD, GeForce 440 (s video out), satellite receiver (D10-300, it does have low speed data place on back but not sure if it is activated).

I currently have the set up working and controlling with keyboard and mouse. I had issues getting output to tv, but a windows update solved that.

I guess I am clueless at this, but if some one could explain how the set up and what I will need to buy so I can control sage and sat box.

I am assuming I need a USB-IRT ($50), remote control ($30ish), and serial port connector for my sat box. Am I missing something? Thanks in advance.

Russell

[JUC]

well, if you go with the USB-IRT, you do not need serial control. The USB-IRT basically sits infront of your STB and blasts the channel changes to that. It receives information from sage. The serial sable is a direct connection from the sage box to the STB (directv receiver). It is much quicker. Unfortunately, the D10-300 does not work with serial control. The low speed data port is disbled and noone has been able to get it to work yet. I for one, unfortunately, have two of them:(. The D10-100's do work however. I think CircuitCity sells them new for $50. I currently use an Actisys 200L and it works fine as my blaster. It doesn't receive though. If i was doing it over I would have spent the extra money for the USB-UIRT--or gotten sat boxes capable of supporting serial connection. Hope this helps a little. As far as remotes go---everyone has a different opinion. I use the ATI Remote wonder and like the fact it is RF and not IR. Others don't like its layout though.
JUC

[rtwhbw]

Another quick question, can I record a show that comes on our local station that is not on sat service? What would be necessary to do that? Thanks
Russell