USB-UIRT will not control STB using HD-100

[rdefino]

I have just setup my server from scratch. Vista 32bit, sage 6.4.8., usd-uirt and 3 hd-100's. When I start sage on the server using sagetv.exe (not running in service mode) I can test the usb-uirt just fine. The stb changes to every number I press just fine. But if I try this from the hd-100, it won't change any of the numbers. So I cannot change the channels.

I tried this running sage service mode also.

any thoughts what it could be. I'm out of ideas and fried in the head also.

[rdefino]

anyone?

[Brent]

Originally Posted by rdefino

I have just setup my server from scratch. Vista 32bit, sage 6.4.8., usd-uirt and 3 hd-100's. When I start sage on the server using sagetv.exe (not running in service mode) I can test the usb-uirt just fine. The stb changes to every number I press just fine. But if I try this from the hd-100, it won't change any of the numbers. So I cannot change the channels.

I tried this running sage service mode also.

To be sure I'm understanding your setup, let me start by understanding what you're doing on the server HTPC. Ignore the extenders just for the moment here:
Server PC with USB-UIRT connected to that Server PC. This USB-UIRT is doing what? Is it used to receive IR commands from your remote control or is it to blast commands from your HTPC to your cable/satellite box?

[rdefino]

Thanks for the reply

The usb-urit is connect to the sage server, all this system does is record shows. The usb-urit is controlling a comcast STB. It is used to blast commands to the STB. When I start sagetv.exe on the server, the usb-urit controls the STB just fine. It will change channels every time correctly.

[Brent]

Originally Posted by rdefino

Thanks for the reply

The usb-urit is connect to the sage server, all this system does is record shows. The usb-urit is controlling a comcast STB. It is used to blast commands to the STB. When I start sagetv.exe on the server, the usb-urit controls the STB just fine. It will change channels every time correctly.

OK. So when you say "it changes channels correctly on the server" how are you changing the channels? Are you just using the guide and mouse for channel changing there or is a remote control involved somehow?

And moving on to the extender. You're using the HD100 remote control to change a channel on the extender right? For instance you're viewing the guide on the extender and you select a channel, but it doesn't change the cable box to the proper channel? That's a strange one. Let me think on it some more - hopefully someone on the forums will beat me to the answer and post a solution for you...

[rdefino]

Just using the program guide and the mouse.

Correct, I'm using the hd100 remote to change the channel.

I see the usb-urit flash when I pick a show out of the program guide, but the STB just sits there.

[Brent]

Originally Posted by rdefino

Just using the program guide and the mouse.

Correct, I'm using the hd100 remote to change the channel.

I see the usb-urit flash when I pick a show out of the program guide, but the STB just sits there.

How can you see the USB-UIRT flash if you're doing this on the extender? Is the extender in the same room as the server PC, CableBox and USB-UIRT for some reason?

[rdefino]

I can see through the doorway into the room that the server is in.

[Brent]

OK. I'm stumped for the moment. I'll come back to this but in the meantime lets hope someone else can help out.

[gplasky]

Try moving the USB-UIRT closer to the STB. So that is is physically touching it. Make sure the center of the USB-UIRT is directly over where the IR in your STB is. Comcast's is usually in the lower right of the LED window.

Gerry

[rdefino]

When you say "Try moving the USB-UIRT closer to the STB", do you mean move the small black box of the usb-uirt? The IR blaster is stuck right in front of the IR receiver on the STB.

When I start sage using sagetv.exe and go to the program guide, it changes the channels just fine.

But using the Hd-100 and sage in service mode it won't change the channels. Very weird. I tried another usb-uirt. Same results.

I sen the the debug logs to sage, we'll see what they say.

Any thoughts would be great...I stumped!

[gplasky]

When you start Sage in service mode, did you start the client on the server and configure the USB-UIRT with your STB remote? Also I only use the small black box of the USB-UIRT which has the first blaster built-in it. The USB-UIRT can actually handle up to 3 zones or IR blasters. One internal and two can be plugged in.

Gerry

[rdefino]

I tried it both ways. Configuring with the sage client, and configuring with the HD100.

So you're saying to put the black box facing the IR receiver of the STB?

[gplasky]

That is the main blaster as far as I know. And it is working for me. You don't need to attach a blaster. The jack in the USB-UIRT is a stereo mini jack and will support 2 individual IR blasters.

Gerry

[rdefino]

I don't think it has to do with the position of the blaster. If I run the IR blaster cable to the IR receiver on the STB and run the sageclient, it all works fine. It just when I try to change channels from the hd100 that it doesn't work. I just can't figure out what is broken in there.

[gplasky]

It's one extra thing to take out of the equation and easy to do. Mine works and yours doesn't and right now the only difference is you are using the blaster extension. I run mine on WHS and set up the blaster using the Sage client on the server.

Gerry

[rdefino]

I did try setting up everything using the client on the server and all works will. Just the hd100 won't change channels.

[rrhorer]

This is my first post ever, in any forum; so, have patience if I do it wrong. Anyway, this forum has been extremely helpful to me; and, I thought I would try to provide some help in return (if possible). I preface the following by noting that I did not see a answer to Brent's question regarding your use of a remote (see post #3).

My own problems with the USB-UIRT (remote and blaster) lead to the following search information (by searching on "failed setting infrared transmitter port" or just the last three words in that phrase):
- the USB-UIRT does not like being used by more than one program.
- the SageTV server is one program and can use the USB-UIRT for blasting (i.e., channel changing for up to three tuners).
- the SageTV Client, which can run with or without the Server on the Server PC, is another program and can use the USB-UIRT to receive ir commands from any remote.
- the USB-UIRT can channel change and receive remote ir commands if the Server is not in use; however, if the Server is running, the USB-UIRT can channel change for the Server or receive remote ir commands for the Client; but, it cannot do both since it involves two programs using the USB-UIRT.

I hope this helps.

[popechild]

I have the same problem. I've found a number of threads that mention this, I believe all of them reference Vista (which I am using also). It appears that when using Vista - only in service mode - it's not possible to both receive and send commands with the usb-uirt. I've filed a bug report on it. I'd encourage you to do the same. Maybe if enough people bring it up, something will happen on it.

[rdefino]

I did file a bug report. Sage has no clue why this is happening. I gave up with them. What I did do, is remove the IR emitter cable and use the small black box sitting in front on the STB. that changes the channels just fine. No problems at all.

I had the problem with 2003 server and vista.