Audio control

[willishf]

Using SageTV and HD PVR with Explorer 8300HD. The on screen volume does not control the volume. It could be because I am using optical audio. Cable box has volume controls so I would like to map the audio on screen to the remote control IR commands for audio if possible. The problem is that when watching DVD this would not be the correct command.

Any thoughts on audio issues with optical input. I really am trying not to experiment with different drivers for the HD-PVR because the first box I got HD video and audio was filled with problems

[steven017]

Hi willishf,

Well, I can think of a couple possibilities to control the audio for viewing (really one with two alternate implementations).

1. If you've got a programmable universal remote, program the codes in it for the audio playback device you are using -- your TV or sound system, for example.

2. If you've got a USB-UIRT, use EventGhost or something similar (Girder?) to do the same as above -- map the volume control on your remote to change the sound on your TV or sound system (this is what I'm doing with coaxial S/PDIF).

You could also try playing with the audio controls on your PC itself (Wave out, I think), but from what I've heard, that can distort the audio.

To control the audio on your stb, these same methods should be possible.

Best of luck,

Steven

[willishf]

The problem is dealing with the remote IR as the cable box, computer are in a rear closet for the home theater setup. I went with bluetooth mouse and keyboard which work great over distance and through walls.

So I can't use another remote unless I get up and adjust audio. Thanks for the reply

[steven017]

So, it sounds like your SageTV server is in the same closet as the STB. Is that right? And, it sounds like you are just running cable from the closet. Is that correct? That's why you are using a Bluetooth mouse and keyboard to control your server?

If that's the case, I imagine that the USB-UIRT and EventGhost could still help. You could make hotkeys to increase/decrease the volume. However, given your second post, I'm guessing you don't have a USB-UIRT.

Now, since I don't have an HD-PVR, I could be wrong, but looking at the manual, I don't think it's possible to send anything but 0-9, ON/OFF, and OK/Select via the blaster. Hopefully, someone else knows better, and it is possible. Otherwise, you might need to get something like the USB-UIRT to do this.

I have one other question though, and maybe it's just my poor understanding, but why not just control the volume on your TV using your TV remote (no TV remote? You have to get up to adjust the audio?)? I mean, if you're using a remote for your TV anyways AND a keyboard AND a mouse, it doesn't seem like you are too worried about having everything on one device.

One last perspective, but I'd even go as far as saying an extender or client might even be a good solution in the long run. It would enable you to eliminate a lot of these problems. Plus, with a good universal remote, you could control everything with one device instead of three. Just a thought.

Steve

[hockeyfan]

In my experience the IR blaster that comes with the HD-PVR is not very reliable. I've had to fiddle with it on many occasions to just get it to work after the computer was rebooted. It forced me to buy a USB-UIRT. And really this is the best thing that could have happened. I use it to control 4 satellite receivers. Using LM Remote KeyMap I can take receivers out of sleep mode and change a channel which is a huge benefit.

I should mention that I use extenders to watch TV and do not watch TV directly off the server. Main reason for this is HD. Too much horsepower req'd on the server, but using extenders you free up the server for other processing tasks.

[willishf]

I use a projector on the wall and audio comes from surround sound from audio system which is also in the closet. Being able to control the audio volume on the stereo system would also be a solution but I haven't figured that out either.

Regardless of the system that sends the IR commands the SageTV software needs the flexibility to map keyboard/mouse commands to IR commands.

[gplasky]

Originally Posted by willishf

I use a projector on the wall and audio comes from surround sound from audio system which is also in the closet. Being able to control the audio volume on the stereo system would also be a solution but I haven't figured that out either.

Regardless of the system that sends the IR commands the SageTV software needs the flexibility to map keyboard/mouse commands to IR commands.

Keyboard commands can be mapped in the Detailed Setup-Commands-Link Infrared/Keystroke to SageTV commands. You could also use a Harmony remote to control Sage and your stereo system. That's what I do.

Gerry