USB-UIRT Questions

[Datalux]

As I understand it, the UIRT receives commands via any remote control or IR device and translates these button presses into SageTV commands.

1. I think you have to "train" the UIRT to translate the remotes command to a specific SageTV command? So when I tell Sage that "UP" on my remote means "Arrow-up" in the GUI, it saves this command into some sort of database?

2. When I tell it that "Channel up" means "Channel-up" in the GUI, how does it (SageTV) train or figure out what this command is for my specific satellite box and then re-transmit it to the receiver via the UIRT? Does this also need to be trained using the satellite remote or does SAGE include some kind of database of equipment codes?

Am I going to need Girder to be able to do this??

My satellite box is a Zenith SAT520 (HD) and as far as I have researched, it cannot be controlled via serial connection as it uses a propriatery language on the Calibration/EZ link port.

[salsbst]

If you've been reading the forum, realize that there are two popular ways of using the USB-UIRT with Sage.

1) built-in support for communication between the USB-UIRT and Sage
2) Girder

It takes some consideration when reading posts about the USB-UIRT in this forum, to figure out which posts are referring to using method #2 and which are referring to method #1.

I use method #2, which it seems you are not, and so I can only offer two points of advice:

1) watch out for this distinction;
2) I'm pretty sure you don't need to use Girder to accopmplish what you're describing, but some people like the added flexibility (usually it's because they have more than one HTPC app that they want to control).

[Opus4]

If you are using the USB-UIRT directly with SageTV & also want it to control your converter box, you would first go through the Setup Wizard & specify that you will use the USB-UIRT to control an external tuning device. If your converter is not listed as one of the units the USB-UIRT can control, you would then simply teach IR commands from the box's remote to SageTV via the USB-UIRT. The instructions on the screen walk you through that process.

Then, if you want to use SageTV to directly receive commands from the USB-UIRT, go to Setup -> Detailed Setup -> Commands. The last option is used to tell SageTV to use it via the USB port. Then you will have to use the Link option to teach SageTV the IR codes for every button on the remote that you wish to use.

Like salsbst said: if you want to control more than 1 app, look into Girder.

- Andy

[Datalux]

Thanks, I was hoping it was something like that. I don't mind teaching it the remote codes for my satellite box if I can avoid Girder for now. I just want Sage to be family friendly ASAP and then I can get into the Girder stuff for J.River Media Center & Theatertek as time allows. UIRT should be here tomorrow so....