2 Happauge Collossas Blasting

[vanchie21]

Well I will get right down to it, How do I get two different set top boxes to change channels when I have two Hauppauge colossus 2 capture cards in one computer? I don't see how I can configure the blaster, and the ir seems to only want to control one. Is there a way I can use a usb blaster, or find a two port blaster that will fit the collossus?

[JustFred]

As you've discovered, Hauppauge is only able to control one IR blaster, no matter how many Hauppauge cards are installed. Depending on your specific STB, you might be able to control it via the network.

For IR, most folks here end up using USB-UIRT, which can control up to 3 IR blasters. Search these forums for details. It's available for purchase directly from usbuirt.com.

[vanchie21]

Yes that is what I thought, but I can at least use one while I wait to order the usbuirt then.

[vanchie21]

so tell me, does the usb-uirt need the external blasters or does it have them internally? I guess I am a little confused on how it is working

[tvmaster2]

External blaster. My solution is to have one Colossus, and one HDPVR. The Colossus controls a set top box via IR. The HDPVR is controlled by either 1394 tuning, or USBIRT tuning. The problem is that Hauppauge IR software won’t allow any other IR address but 01. I think.

[JustFred]

Originally Posted by vanchie21

so tell me, does the usb-uirt need the external blasters or does it have them internally? I guess I am a little confused on how it is working

The usb-uirt box has one blaster built-in to the "front" of the box. It also has a mini-jack (1/8" tip-ring-sleve) on the back that allows plugging in 2 more blasters via a standard Y cable. A 3-conductor stereo to Left and Right splitter is needed.

In the interest of simplicity, my personal recommendation would be to let usb-uirt drive both blasters. In your environment (with multiple Hauppauge cards), I'd advise against letting Hauppauge driving any blaster. The Hauppauge software is a bit goofy and has some non-obvious behavior when it comes to deciding which of the Hauppauge cards actually controls a blaster. And its choice of cards can change somewhat unexpectedly. Bottom line: if you've got usb-uirt, let it drive both blasters.

[vanchie21]

Yeah I sorely found that out, I'm going to get a usb-uirt as I had one in the past but it got fried. I just don't remember if it has internal blasters on it, I do know they have an external one on it.

[vanchie21]

yeah Justfred as I found out though, the software only supports 1 blaster. If there is multiple colossus cards it is like the other one doesn't exsist. When I get the USB URIT in I will be only using it to blast the channels

[garbageman]

The usb uirt also has the ability to be programmed to different zones. If you have 2 set top boxes that are the same but you can program different remote codes for them then you can program those remote codes into the usb uirt. I am controlling 2 605 shaw direct boxes with a usb uirt with no external blasters.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by garbageman

The usb uirt also has the ability to be programmed to different zones. If you have 2 set top boxes that are the same but you can program different remote codes for them then you can program those remote codes into the usb uirt. I am controlling 2 605 shaw direct boxes with a usb uirt with no external blasters.

correct

[wayner]

I haven't used these in SageTV but I have for other purposes, but Global Cache devices are another option. This model would drive three boxes and there are other models with 6 IR outputs. https://www.ebay.com/itm/28432200122...sAAOSwq4Bgu9Lz

[vanchie21]

well I got my USB UIRT in, however sage for whatever reason isn't seeing it, I see that it is working but it isn't controlling anything on my computer or anything in sage for that matter. I see it is set up in windows and windows recognizes it and it is set up. It has been a while since I have had a USB UIRT is there something else to go along with the device or am I am missing something all together...

[DougTV]

I have two Colossus cards in my server. I'm using the GlobalCache IP2IR device with EXEMultiTuner to control my cable set top boxes.

[wayner]

Originally Posted by DougTV

I have two Colossus cards in my server. I'm using the GlobalCache IP2IR device with EXEMultiTuner to control my cable set top boxes.

What is the registry entry that you have to call the IP2IR devices? I have a bunch of Globacl Cache devices to use with my Home Automation system, but I am also considering using them for SageTV.