I need a way to determine if a cable box is on?

[camshaft]

Is there a way to determine if a cable box is on when a favorite is recorded and turn it on if it was not already? I have run into problems with my box getting turned off when the power goes out then when it comes back on sage tries to record but just ends up getting a blank recording. This may be a feature request for any stv expert if possible, maybe just by somehow checking if the recording is blank and then isuing a custom remote command.

[Wheemer]

I do not think this is even possible really... I suffer from the same problem too though, but fortunately my power doesn't flicker much.

[jlabrue]

Ditto for me. I have created a batch file that sends the power command to my box if I need to toggle power. Unfortunately ths Sci-Atl does not use discreet codes for power so it is a true toggle. No way to tell while its running though.

One thing I did do to make it easier for me to turn it in (used to have to roll TV out from wall and crawl behind) was to create an admin area in Sage usind Dynamic Menus and made a entry pointing to each of my boxes power batch file so I can toggle power in Sage. Saves a ton of work for me but not automatic.

[kltye]

Get a UPS for your cable box

[src666]

Originally Posted by kltye

Get a UPS for your cable box

Doesn't help when the cable company forces a reset, which turns off the box.

I've got my cable box scheduled to turn on automatically at 6:30 PM every day, but it doesn't always seem to work. Haven't missed anything important yet, but it's a severe PITA.

[JasonJoel]

Would be nice if Sage was smart enough to detect an actual TV signal versus black screen when it goes to change channel or to record.

Then if it detects no TV signal, toggle power. From a technical standpoint it would certainly be possible...

Jason

[spike5884]

How about something like:
LED Detector Probe.

I have not used it, just passing on info.

[lovingHDTV]

Ouch $120 for the controller box.

You could get an X10 power recepticle, and turn off the power to the box, then hit the power button to turn it on.

[ben_95sl1]

How can they force the power off on your cable box?!!?!?! What if you're watching something???? That's crazy. In the least it should reboot. My satellite receiver has been on for like a year straight...and even when the power goes out, it will automatically power on when power is restored (and my pc is set up to do the same).

[PGPfan]

They can easily force a reboot. They do basically the following:

1) Send a firmware update to your reciever (wether or not you are watching, doesn't matter)
2) system will schedule a reboot for the next time it is in 'standby'. (like when you powered off using the remote control)
3) reboot (all this usually is set to happen VERY early morning, like 3am, which netorks call the "maintanence window")

-PGPfan

[Humanzee]

This only works with cable box's that have a switched power port on the back of the box.

Step one: get a Monkey.

Step two: look up and study "adverse conditioning"

Step three: set the monkey's cage with in reach of the cable box, close enough so s/he can reach the power button and see the light, but not eat it.

Step four: involves a 110V 5 pole relay and a couple of car batteries. Hook terminals 85 and 86 to the 110v power. Hook terminals 30 and 87a to the batteries and your choice negative reinforcement. When the cable box is turned on the monkey will be in "safe mode" When the cable box is off, the relay will connect the juice from the batteries to the monkey deterrent, encouraging him/her to quickly turn the cable box back on.

Step five: show monkey what happens when the little light on the cable box goes off. Monkeys learn quickly.

I've already got my monkey trained in TV/VCR repair.

Note: If you have extended power outages you may end up needing to get a replacement monkey.

That or the UPS idea. I have my computer and cable box plugged into my UPS. Mine only allows for a graceful shut down as for some reason when the power comes back the UPS doesn't restore power again until after you push its reset button. Fortunately, we rarely have outages longer than a few minutes, and our cable provider has yet to reboot our box remotely.

FWIW, My first suggestion is a joke. I don't participate in or endorse monkey punishment of any kind. Nor should you!!!

[ben_95sl1]

Originally Posted by PGPfan

They can easily force a reboot. They do basically the following:

1) Send a firmware update to your reciever (wether or not you are watching, doesn't matter)
2) system will schedule a reboot for the next time it is in 'standby'. (like when you powered off using the remote control)
3) reboot (all this usually is set to happen VERY early morning, like 3am, which netorks call the "maintanence window")

-PGPfan

how would the STB be put in standby mode? Wouldn't it always be on displaying a show? A reboot I guess could be tolerated if it atleast started up itself; but even people with VCRs could run into problems????

[PGPfan]

Most recievers nowadays don't have a 'true' power off mode unless the power cord is physically removed. When you 'turn off' the reciever you are effectively putting it in 'standby' by default. This is why a lot of time when you need to deal with tech support they will tell you to 'unplug the machine for xx amount of time', rather than just power it off. Standby will mute the video and audio output in such a way that to you, it seems off.

-PGPfan