Hardware setup help

[Watchmen]

Hello,

I am new to the PC PVR scene. I have just purchased a new laptop and would like to start using it as a PVR. I bought a Hauppuge USB 2.0 PVR and will use SageTV. I have digital cable and I am having a hard time wrapping my head around how to get the USB PVR to change channels on my Motorola STB to record programs while I am not around.

How do IR Blasters or serial conections hook up to the Hauppauge PVR? What other components do I need to buy to get this to work or should I get a different USB PVR? (Plextor...)

Please help me fill in the gaps so that I can record shows on different channels without having to manually hange them.

Thanks.

[stanger89]

Originally Posted by Watchmen

How do IR Blasters or serial conections hook up to the Hauppauge PVR?

They don't, they connect to your PC, the PC controls the IR blaster and the PVR together to record from your cable box.

[hemicuda]

Look into "Motorola DCT2000". serial connections are more reliable than IR blasters. DB9 cables (use straight, not null-modem) are a lot cheaper than the USB blasters. if you dont have a com port on your laptop, belkin makes a usb-serial adapter. I had very little trouble getting the exact same setup to work on this laptop. If your box doesn't have a DB9 on the back then you're probably stuck w/ a Blaster. There are several threads discussing them as well. I'll have firsthand experience w/ an IR if Comcast STB's don't do serial; about 3wks and counting.