Multiple cable boxes, revisited

[Opus4]

I am looking into the feasibility of breaking down and using a cable converter box, perhaps even multiple boxes... I've read all the threads I could find here regarding controlling multiple cable boxes (one for each tuner card), but most seem to indicate that multiple USB-UIRT devices would be needed (again, one per tuner/cable box combo), unless I'm misunderstanding something.

Then, I ran across this thread:
http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...&threadid=2216

TapeItAll Systems seems to have software to work with one particular device which can control 4 cable boxes at once. (Yes, I know... if they all use the same IR codes, you have to isolate them from each other.)

So... for those of you controlling more than one converter box, how are you accomplishing this? Are you still using the multiple IR transmistter setups, has anyone tried the TapeItAll solution, are there any other single-device solutions? If there is another solution using 1 device, I would prefer it to be USB rather than serial.

Thanks for your comments!

- Andy

[mikbro]

The key to using any one IR Blaster solution (such as ours) is that each cable box must be programmed to recognize a different set of IR signals. If that is not possible with your cable boxes then unfortunately you will need to purchase one IR blaster for each box and create an 'ir fort' around the ir blaster the the cable box, so the IR signals from one blaster to not accidentally change another cable box.

However, if your cable boxes can be setup to recognize different IR codes then our solution works perfectly and allows you to add one IR blaster and use only one serial port. We have a package that contains both the IR blaster, 2 extra IR leads, and the necessary software for $149 available for purchase on our website http://www.tapeitall.com/products.shtml.

If you do not see this "Remote Code Setup" option in your setup for your cable box, simply call your cable company and ask them how they deal with having multiple cable boxes in the same room (say for Picture in Picture), and how they keep one remote from changing the channels on both the boxes. Most tech support people are not going to know about PVR's and will probably just be confused if you start talking about them. PIP they should understand.

[Opus4]

Mike,

Thanks for your comments! A couple follow-up questions:

Originally posted by mikbro
The key to using any one IR Blaster solution (such as ours) is that each cable box must be programmed to recognize a different set of IR signals. If that is not possible with your cable boxes then unfortunately you will need to purchase one IR blaster for each box and create an 'ir fort' around the ir blaster the the cable box, so the IR signals from one blaster to not accidentally change another cable box.

I see... so I guess that means your solution cannot send identical IR signals to multiple units by only activating the transmitter lead assigned to the appropriate converter box? Our cable company went digital within the past year or 2, so I would hope their latest boxes are current enough to be configurable regarding which IR commands they recognize, so this may not matter. (I obviously still have to ask them, though.)

However, if your cable boxes can be setup to recognize different IR codes then our solution works perfectly and allows you to add one IR blaster and use only one serial port. We have a package that contains both the IR blaster, 2 extra IR leads, and the necessary software for $149 available for purchase on our website http://www.tapeitall.com/products.shtml.

"2 extra IR leads"... does that word "extra" mean it can control a total of 3 boxes, or just the 2 from those leads?

- Andy

[mikbro]

The IR Blaster we use has emitters builtin (just like the Actisys, and USB IRT). Unlike those solutions though, it also allows you to insert up to 3 additional leads (each with 2 emmiters) so that you can place the emitters in the appropriate place on the cable box (next to, or on top of the IR sensor for instance). This allows for better reliability and it is easier to create an 'ir fort' with a tiny emitter (the are about 1/2" by 1/4" is size).

However, when an IR signal is sent, the same signal is sent to all emitters (built in, and the leads). This is why it is critical that your cable boxes have the ability to recognize different 'remotes'.

[Opus4]

Originally posted by mikbro
However, when an IR signal is sent, the same signal is sent to all emitters (built in, and the leads). This is why it is critical that your cable boxes have the ability to recognize different 'remotes'.

Now I get it... obviously, those "IR forts" won't help much when they all send the same signals.

Thanks again for all the extra info.

- Andy

[mikbro]

No, but IR forts are still necessary for some people if their devices are susceptible to other types of interference (flourescent lights, other remote signals etc.).