Can MVPs be set to different remote codes like Tivo?

[dmiraclejr]

I am thinking about putting 2 or 3 MVps in my drop area in the basement and using a RF modulator to distribute the output from the MVPs around the house. This will probably only work if I can set the MVPs to respond to different sets of IR codes. Tivo has remote codes from 0 to 9 with each set being different. My Channel Plus modulator/IR engine takes care of getting the IR signals from upstairs to the video equipment in the basement. I want to set up all the MVPs together downstairs and control them independently from each other. Basically like having 2 MVPs on top of your TV in the same room and controlling them independently. Can this be done?

I know I could just buy 3 MVPs and hook them up to the network but the wife likes to have the same show on two different tvs at the same time and have them play concurrently (time synced). I've already been using the distribution equipment for years so it is not an added expense.

Thanks for any info you can provide.

[Opus4]

I think the green power button is hard coded, but the rest of the buttons can be changed by learning the codes in Detailed Setup -> Commands -> Link Command & then you'll have to unlink the old buttons. (Make sure you have new OK & arrow buttons first!)

The downside is that the MVP cannot decode just any IR code... you have to use the RC5 IR protocol and you'll have to use some other programmable remote. RC5 codes are usually Philips devices in universal remotes, but not all Philips devices use RC5... so you'll have a bit of trial and error to go through. If the remote is programmable on the PC, such as a Pronto or JP1-capable remote, you can program your desired RC5 codes directly.

- Andy

[dmiraclejr]

Thanks for the info.

I think the MVPs will be on 24/7 except for maybe on vacation to be able to use Placeshifter so the power button should not be a problem. I will be using a Harmony 676 or 800 to be the middle man to get the codes into Sage. Do you think I could just keep applying the codes from different Phillips DVD players from the Harmony data base that is on the Internet?

Thanks.

[Opus4]

Originally Posted by dmiraclejr

I will be using a Harmony 676 or 800 to be the middle man to get the codes into Sage. Do you think I could just keep applying the codes from different Phillips DVD players from the Harmony data base that is on the Internet?

I've never used Harmony remotes, so maybe someone who does could comment...

- Andy

[John.Kelly]

The MediaMVP's are made to be connected directly to the TV you want to receive the stored video delivered to. With SageTV, they also allow anything that can be done with the computer application, to be done at the TV set.

I fail to see any advantage to using your MVPs as you describe. Do you have more than 3 TVs?

Personally I have purchase Harmony H659 units for each of 3 TVs with MediaMVPs, and taught it the Hauppauge MediaMVP commands.

[dmiraclejr]

The advantage to me is purely WAF. See likes to have her soap on in the bathroom and in the bedroom concurrently so as to be able to walk freely between the two rooms in the morning while getting ready for work. How would you sync up to MVP's to the split second to make this happen. Yes, I (not her) could make this happen with a little effort but it is not something I want to do every morning. Why not just use video distribution on channel 22 and bam, same show being shown on both (actually 5) tvs. Another bennefit is being able to watch Sage on 5 tvs in the house with only 2 MVPs. Basically $300 less and the wife is happy too! If I had my way I would have the 5 MVPs and stereo audio instead of mono.

Maybe my question should have been "How do you automatically sync up the same show, to the split second, on two MVPs that are feeding two separate tvs?" I just thought it would be simpler to do it with my already payed for/installed video distribution system that has worked so well with DirectTV these past 4 years (3 x $5 per receiver = $15 dollars a month saved).

I must admit the WAF seems to hold me back all the time when it comes to the home entertainment system, but I will concede this battle to win the war!!