Looking for a no-hassle SageTV "serial" cable (PC USB--> DirecTV Low Speed data port)

[mkanet]

Every time I look into this option, I get discouraged because of the ambigious information given about serial cable support for changing TV channels on my DirecTV RCA receiver via SageTV. All I need is one place (URL) where I can order the right "serial" cable which will allow me to control my DirecTV STB via it's low speed data port (RJ 11). I dont have any legacy serial interfaces on my PC; only USB.

Thanks in advance!
Michael

[dbfresh23]

You can order a cable from www.dtvcontrol.com and then just buy a DB9 Serial to USB adapter. These aren't exactly standard cables so you're not likely to find a one stop shop.

[mkanet]

So, when I get the cable+usb->serial adapter. Is it as simple as pluging in the cable/adapter (connect to PC's USB port and STB's low speed data port) and going into sageTV confuration and telling it to use "serial" instead of USB-UIRT for channel changing?

Does the USB->serial adapter cause any issues with configuration in Windows XP or SageTV (since sageTV is only expecting a serial connection)?

Thanks!

[dbfresh23]

So long as the usb-serial adapter works correctly after it's configured - it should be as easy as just reconfiguring the source.

[mkanet]

Which USB->serial adapter should I order (URL???) that for sure works with the serial cables sold at:

http://www.dtvcontrol.com

Thanks for all your help!

[dbfresh23]

Well, it shouldn't really matter as it should just be seen as a serial port once configured. I can't really suggest a specific model since I don't have one (I just use serial from the pc). Take a look at newegg and check out the reviews...

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...+rs232&Ntk=all

If you have an available pci slot, I'd sooner spend the $15 on a pci rs232 serial card.

[mkanet]

I've owned two different serial to USB converters in the past (belkin and some other name I cant remember). They are not all the same. One works for my wirless keyboard, the other didnt.

So..... again, I would really like to know which converter works for sure

Thanks for your suggestion though.

[dbfresh23]

I guess no available pci slots? That really would be the best option - just adding some serial port to the pc via an expansion card.

[mkanet]

No PCI slots. There's gotta be somebody here with USB->serial dtv with SageTV. I dont think I'm asking for something that propietary. Just USB support that work

[Jere_Jones]

I use a converter called ComHUB. I bought it at NewEgg. It is a USB to "Box with 4 serial ports" thing. Since I have 3 DTV boxes, it is pert near perfect. It even has lights on the front when there is activity on the ports. It was very helpful in troubleshooting when I'd get a cable plugged into the wrong port.

Jere

[mkanet]

Cool! Now we're getting somewhere. Now, all I need is a single port solution I only have one directv STB.

[mkanet]

Uhhh... is there ANYONE at all that uses a simple serial -> usb converter with their serial cable? Why is it so hard to get this information?