HD PVR Channel Changing

[Steve52]

Looking to get a HD Pvr and I have a question. The instructions for the HD PVR talks about connecting the supplied IR Blaster from the HD PVR to your STB to change channels. I will be using a Directv H21 and Sage. If I also use a Paterson USB device connected to the H21, wouldn't the IR Blaster be unnecessay? Sage would change the channels with the Paterson device, and much faster than with an IR Blaster.

[Brent]

Right. If you have the Patterson USB device working you wouldn't need to use the IR blaster. Same thing if you were to use firewire channel changing on a cable box.

[camus]

So this Patterson device works with the new DTV HD boxes?

Could a guy take his old DTV serial control and change one end to USB? Would anybody know how?

[Beefcake550]

yes, go to monoprice.com

get these parts:
(2) or (1) USB->Serial Adapter (2 if you don't have a serial port on the PC)
(1) null modem cable or mini adapter.

I got:
http://www.monoprice.com/products/se...p?keyword=1204
http://www.monoprice.com/products/se...p?keyword=2276

For a total of less than $10. Compare that to the Paterson cable! Honestly, I'm not bashing him in any way. I just want others to know you can do it cheaper.

-Brian

[camus]

Thanks!

I was thinking of just taking my old serial to phone jack adapter and changing to USB if possible, but your suggestion looks much easier.

[Beefcake550]

camus, glad I could help. I gues you are changing the STB from an older phone jack style one to a newer USB based one? If so, yes, my idea will work.

-Brian