Can SageTV change channels on Dish 301 receiver?

[mhi]

I just got the PVR 250, and I realized that I can not change channels on my Dish 301 receiver from my pc. So I am looking for a solution. So far people have been saying about Actisys 200L . Can it be used to change channels on Dish 301 receiver through SageTV? or do I need any extra software like HE Remote to make it work?

I know there is the USB-UIRT. Does this work with Sagetv?
If both transmitters can work with Dish 301 receiver, which one is the best bet? Well USB-UIRT costs $58.

If any one of the IR transmitters can work with sageTv, can sagetv change channels using only one transmitter to record two shows( may get another tuner in the future)at once from two RF video inputs from the same video source using a splitter?

Thanks

[msm]

Both Actisys 200L and USBUIRT can change channel on cable/digi boxes. Must are pretty generic, ut I don't have any specific info whether yours will work ok im afraid, but my guess is it will.

The Actisys has support integrated into Sage BUT is only a transmitter- if you want to receive signals you will need a seperate device.

The USB-UIRT is both an IR receiver and transmitter. The receiver part is integrated into SAGE, the transmtter part is not. This means if you want to use this device for transmitting you will have to use a program called GIRDER. GIRDER is fantasticly powerful, but can be daunting to get set up. However, several kind people have produced plugins/guides.how tos etc - a search on this baord will allow you to find all the info you require to get things working.

I have used both, but prefer the USB-UIRT. It takes a little bit of setting up, but usign GIRDER gives a wealth of options outside of Sage and is great once you know what you are doing. Since setting it up correctly, i have not missed one channel change. It is also USB, and contains a receiver, which works wonders for my dedicated Sage PVR

I imagine you would need a seperate transmitter for each cable box, as otherwise they would both always change when transmitting a signal (the transmitter basically replicates what would be sent form the remote control unit). This can be acheived if you use the USB-UIRT as it is a USB device, and therfore you can runlots of them. Also, you will need GIRDER in this instance, as i don't think Sage has built in support for more than one transmitter.

Hope this helps. As a last note, GIRDER is FREE, but there is a donate button on the webpage. I don't have any affiliation with the program, but in an age where you get charged for crap software (obviously Sage excepted as it is ace) i believe great software like Girder should be supported. That said, i havn't actually donated yet myself, but i will soooooon

Cheers

Matt

[Mike Young]

I am using the IR200L with the PVR-250 and the DISH 301 and it works perfectly!
I actually bought the device from Snapstream's web site (they have them for 20.00) when I was testing Snapstream. Ironic thing is, I could never get it to work with thier software and the DISH, unless I also used HEremote. They have a disclaimer about that issue. Sage however, recognized the device and I have never had a missed channel change (except when my kids move the IR200).
The only negative thing I can say about it is the lag time between pressing channels and the change, it took a while to get used to. I was able to speed it up some, I found that the Serial ports were by default set to 9600, I upped them to max speed there are also some settings you can tweek in Sage for the IR200. Some of the lag time may be because I am using an X10 remote (ATI) not an IR, and I think that may be slower, also I'm using girder and that probably adds some overhead as well.
Girder really is the key to doing some neat things with the remote.

Mike/

[SHS]

That odd Mike I could without HEremote under Snapstream PVS
There trick to it make copy DishSatelliteReceiver1.ir rename to irtuner.tvr now need to edit the irtuner.tvr drag & drop in notepad
you need add the word CHANNEL in front of 1 like this CHANNEL1 do the same 2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,0
Now copy the irtuner.tvr to ?:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Application Data\SnapStream\
Rerun Personal Video Station Setup Wizard set it up
When it ask you (A preconfigured remote was detected. Would you like to use this remote?) Say YES but don't mess with turning part just check next.
If dosen't work rigth the first time go back and uncheck the PAD box by reruning the Setup Wizard.

[mhi]

Thanks for all the replies. Since IR200 is not available, I think i will get USB-UIRT. I know that Sagetv only supports the receive function. Then it needs the Girder to send IR signals to the satellite receiver to change channels. Did anyone have any problem with Girder and SageTV working together? or should I wait for a future version of Sagetv to support it fully?
And also can USB-UIRT control DISH 301 receiver?
I really need definite answers for this issue.

Thanks

[msm]

You cant use the receive functions of Sage AND the transmit of GIRDER as Sage will want full control of the remote, and therefore Girder won't get it. To get around this, simply use Girder for both receive and transmit control. Don't bother waiting, GIRDER is fantastic, allows you to control things outside Sage, and once you know what you are doing (or find someone that does )it is easy to set up and get going. The interfacing between Sage and Girder is great, there are Girder set up files avaiable on this board of you do a search, along with some explanantion of how things work.

Since IR200L can control (according to post below) the DISH 301 the USB-UIRT will be able to contro it no problem,

Matt

[mhi]

Thanks msm for clearing the air for me.