Scientific Atlanta Explorer 2000 - How do I change the channel..

[ericr]

I've been trying to figure that one out..

I have one of the SA Explorer 2000s but need to know what I have to get to have Sage change the channel to do the recording..


Thanks,
Eric

[dkardatzke]

Eric,

You need an external IR transmitter like the Actisys IR-200L we sell in our Online Store or the USB-UIRT (which we should also have for sale in the next couple of days in the store). These devices are taught the remote control commands of the SA 2000 receiver and then SageTV uses these commands to change the channel when necessary for recordings.

[ericr]

Originally posted by dkardatzke
Eric,

You need an external IR transmitter like the Actisys IR-200L we sell in our Online Store or the USB-UIRT (which we should also have for sale in the next couple of days in the store). These devices are taught the remote control commands of the SA 2000 receiver and then SageTV uses these commands to change the channel when necessary for recordings.

Do you have to teach the IR the codes by emitting them on the SA 2000 remote? Or is there a code that is entered that has all of the settings?

Edit: One other thing.. if I hook up two SA2000's to my server then how does that work.. two IR transmitters?

[dkardatzke]

Yes, you will have to use the SA 2000 remote or at least a remote that you've taught the codes to for that receiver. Otherwise if someone else has the receiver they can make their IR codes available to you.

I have to research your options with multiple receivers with our recent support for the UIRT so I'll add to this post later on.

[sleonard]

I have been researching the multiple identical reciever issue myself since I'm in the same boat. At the current time I only know of one way to get past this and that is to distribute the recievers/PVRx50's in different rooms and use them as network encoders. But this means also having PC based clients for each one. It also means spending more money to also get Sage Recorder.

What is needed is an IR tranceiver that supports independantly addressable mini-blasters. I have communicated with J. Rhees from USB-UIRT and he has indicated that it would be possible to modify the USB-UIRT to add discrete mini-blaster support. I expect it would be cost-prohibitive for a one-time purchase.
Since Sage TV users are most likely to encounter this situation, maybe we could get together and have Jon make a special version for Sage TV/Cable box owners. Dan, you should think about this also since I believe it would require a modified USB-UIRT plugin for Sage TV to be able to address the correct mini-blaster.

[ericr]

Ok, it sounds like programming the device will be simple since I have 3 of the cable boxes with remotes.

If having 2 cable boxes hooked to the same server is not possible then I'm kinda stuck since I was planning on using the MediaMVP for the connection to the TVs.. not a show stopper though I could always backup the digital recording with analog for the low channels at least. If need be later I can add light clients to the TVs (or one of them at least) should it be a problem.

[dkardatzke]

You can use multiple IR-200L units on one PC if you use SageTV in conjunction with SageRecorder. Then you will run one tuner card as a "network encoder" on the same PC but at least you'll be able to control both cable boxes.

[turak]

Originally posted by dkardatzke
Eric,

You need an external IR transmitter like the Actisys IR-200L we sell in our Online Store or the USB-UIRT (which we should also have for sale in the next couple of days in the store). These devices are taught the remote control commands of the SA 2000 receiver and then SageTV uses these commands to change the channel when necessary for recordings.

Can the Actisys IR-200L recieve IR? I thought it only transmitted IR.

-Scott

[dkardatzke]

It only transmits but is has a "learning" function which receives the command to learn for your cable or satellite box. It cannot accomodate true IR receiving like the UIRT.