USB-UIRT.... Would you recommend it?

[Kev]

A while back I switched my cable provider to Verizon FIOS. All but the local stations are digital/encrypted, so I will need to incorporate an STB to watch anything else. I have read alot about the USB-UIRT or any other IR-blaster and have seen a lot of mixed reviews, but alot of them seem to be older. Some people say that it is slow, which I wouldn't care about because I don't use sage for channel surfing, but I would want it to be dependable on recordings. I looked into changing channels through a USB cable to the box, but the USB doesn't seem to be active so looks like my only option is an IR-blaster.
I am looking for feedback on what others are using for changing channels on STB's and how they like it?

[jmiddleton]

I've been using the USBUIRT with Sage and a Motorola DCT 2000 for about 3 years. The device has been totally reliable. The USBUIRT is capable of controlling up to 3 cable boxes with some add-on bits.

[InsertHere]

I've used it for about three years. Mine controls 3 DirecTV boxes, and is pretty flawless.

The only time I've ever had problems with it was when I foolishly updated the version of Java I was running (stick with 1.4).

[mattdcknsn]

I have verizon FIOS and I have to use the USB-UIRT, like you said all the ports on the back are shutdown.

So far so good. I have had problems, it seems that the 0 key just doesn't broadcast. But I have only missed 2 recordings that I know of. The only other alternative is to try firewire with the HD boxes they have. I haven't tried it so I cant say if it works or not.

[Wheemer]

Controlling three boxes here perfectly... even with java 1.6

[belleboyd]

I have Fios - and a Motorola2500 STB and Motorola6200 STB.
Both are controlled by the USB UIRT. The 6200 is a little more
touchy sometimes than the 2500.. it seems to miss channels
that start with a "1". I haven't missed any recording that I couldn't
replace though.

Just watch out for updates from Fios that turn the boxes OFF!!
4 hours of blank screen..

HAND

[dlandrum]

Like the users above, I use it on my server for changing channels.

On my clients, I use it in combination with Eventghost to handle: TV/Projector ON/OFF, Volume +-mute to the TV/Receiver. I then created macros to turn every thing on/off. I then created timers to watch for inactivity (30 minutes) from my Firefly and turn everything off and put the PC in standby.