Help, can't get IR Blaster to work with SageTV.

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by davephan

I think we need to review your setup. To record video/audio content, you have a set top box, HD-PVR, a USB-UIRT, and the SageTV software. The SageTV software can switch the channels with the HD-PVR IR blaster, if you can get it to work, and the HD-PVR remains stable using the built-in HD-PVR IR blaster. If you cannot get the HD-PVR IR blaster to switch channels on the set top box or have HD-PVR stability problems, then the USB-UIRT can allow the computer to change the channels on the set top box and improve the HD-PVR stability.

How are you playing back the video/audio content on your TV? Are you using a video card in your computer, or a media extender like a HD-200 or MVP? If you have a media extender, then the video/audio signal will travel from the computer to the media extender. The media extender connects to the TV. The IR signal is received by the media extender and travels by Eithernet back to the computer.

I'm pretty sure I don't have a media extender, because I don't even know what that is.

If you don't have a media extender, and are using a video card in your computer, then you need a way control SageTV remotely.

When I first started using SageTV, I had one 350 card and a USB-UIRT. I placed the USB-UIRT where it could optically see the set top box, a few inches in front of the set top box, and positioned so the USB-UIRT could still receive the IR signal from my seating area with the Hauppauge remote control.

That sounds like what I have now, but I can't get SageTV to respond to the Hauppauge remote. I did check support for that during setup, though.

The computer would switch channels on the set top box with by sending a signal from the computer to the USB-UIRT. I could control SageTV by sending signals with my Hauppauge remote control from the seating area. The signal sent by the Hauppauge remote control was received by the USB-UIRT and traveled to the computer allowing remote control of SageTV.

Having that would sort of justify the expense of the UIRT, but again I can't get it to work with SageTV for some reason.

The easiest and best way to setup SageTV is to use tuner cards or the HD-PVR and have media extenders like the HD-200. The MVP media extenders will also work, but they have many disadvantages. The MVP audio and video is worse than the HD-200 and the MVP will only playback mpeg2 without transcoding by the computer. If the computer does not have enough CPU processing power, video stuttering will occur when it cannot transcode non-mpeg2 videos into the mpeg2 format. Meanwhile the HD-200 can playback various video formats without the need for the computer to transcode the video on the fly.

I hope that clears things up a bit for you.

Where's my smiley face? Playback seems to be OK for the stuff I'm doing, except when there's a lot of transverse action (<->). I might get that video extender thing to smooth out the playback, but the main thing is getting the Hauppauge remote to work at the moment. The manual says that I need to install the Hauppauge remote software first (before setting up SageTV?) but I don't think there is any remote software, though maybe it's hiding somewhere on the install disk and I didn't see it. I'm not even sure what software they're talking about.

Anyway, thanks for your help so far. I owe you a drink, or something...

[davephan]

Originally Posted by freewheeling

I'm pretty sure I don't have a media extender, because I don't even know what that is.

The media extender is simply a small set top box that connects to your home Eithernet network, and also connects to your TV. The video/audio flows from the computer to the media extender to the TV. The IR signal from your remote control flows from the remote control to the media extender through the Eithernet network to your computer.

The media extender can be installed anywhere in your house where you also have your home computer network cables. The HD-200 is small, looks good, video and audio quality is great, they draw only 7 watts, are totally silent, and can play a number of different formats without transcoding by your computer, which reduces your computer's CPU workload.

Here's a review of the HD-200 media extender:

http://www.geektonic.com/2009/01/sag...geektonic.html

Dave

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by davephan

The media extender is simply a small set top box that connects to your home Eithernet network, and also connects to your TV. The video/audio flows from the computer to the media extender to the TV. The IR signal from your remote control flows from the remote control to the media extender through the Eithernet network to your computer.

Dave:

It just occurred to me that I have a media extender, but just haven't set it up yet. I just bought a Samsung Blu-ray Player (BD-P4600) that can be networked (either ethernet or wirelessly) and can play the video files that SageTV produces (via PC-streaming) and you can even plug in a USB drive. I have it connected via ethernet, but am having some problems getting it networked for PC-streaming. It's probably a Win7 thing but even though it "sees" my computer it keeps returning the message "No shared PCs were found" or it complains that the username/password I entered were wrong (though they were right). Pretty new technology, so there aren't many people who can tell me what's wrong. Just have to keep trying stuff until it makes the connection for PC-streaming.

I'll check out the extender you linked just in case I can't get the BD-P4600 networked, but if I can it's pretty sweet.

Any ideas about why the Hauppauge remote won't work? Do I need to create an IR file for it?

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

To get the Hauppauge remote to work with Sagetv, you have to edit the irremote.ini file that gets installed in the Windows dir when you install the Hauppauge software. Out of the box, it's setup to work with the freeware that comes with the HD-PVR. However, you'll have to search on these forums for the answer on exactly how to do that (maybe Opus will help you). Just make sure the file is pointing at the correct directory where you installed Sage. I agree - it seems odd that SageTV and Hauppauge can't get on the phone and talk to each other about this, as it would be relatively simple for Hauppauge to write different versions for different recording software (Sage - Beyond TV etc), but those companies would have to show an interest in helping them. That doesn't seem to have happened here.

Thanks. Somehow I missed this message until now. At least that's a place to start. Still can't get the PC-streaming for the BD-P4600 to work, but it should be great when I do. Other users have said that setting up PC-streaming on the Samsung isn't very intuitive.

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

To get the Hauppauge remote to work with Sagetv, you have to edit the irremote.ini file that gets installed in the Windows dir when you install the Hauppauge software. Out of the box, it's setup to work with the freeware that comes with the HD-PVR. However, you'll have to search on these forums for the answer on exactly how to do that (maybe Opus will help you). Just make sure the file is pointing at the correct directory where you installed Sage. I agree - it seems odd that SageTV and Hauppauge can't get on the phone and talk to each other about this, as it would be relatively simple for Hauppauge to write different versions for different recording software (Sage - Beyond TV etc), but those companies would have to show an interest in helping them. That doesn't seem to have happened here.

There doesn't appear to be an irremote.ini file installed during Hauppage installation. The only one that I can find looks like it was installed by SageTV. Here it is:

[SageTV]
MENU={ctrl}{shift}h
RADIO={ctrl}{shift}r
GRNPOWER={ctrl}z
TV={ctrl}v
GO={ctrl}{shift}x
CHNLDOWN={ctrl}{alt}k
4=4
VOLDOWN={ctrl}{alt}e
1=1
3=3
REWIND={ctrl}a
TEXT={subtract}
MUTE={ctrl}{shift}m
0=0
STOP={ctrl}g
PAUSE={ctrl}s
FUNC={ctrl}i
9=9
NAVDOWN={down}
PLAY={ctrl}d
8=8
GUIDE={ctrl}x
GREEN={ctrl}k
SKIPREV={ctrl}{f5}
OK={enter}
NAVUP={up}
TVNEW={ctrl}v
VIDEOS={ctrl}{shift}v
NAVLEFT={left}
SUBCC={ctrl}{shift}c
SKIPFWD={ctrl}{f6}
REC={ctrl}y
CHNLPREV={ctrl}p
RED={ctrl}j
CHNLUP={ctrl}{alt}l
FULLSCREEN={ctrl}{shift}f
MUSIC={ctrl}{shift}j
FASTFWD={ctrl}f
5=5
NAVRIGHT={right}
BACK={alt}{ctrl}v
VOLUP={ctrl}{alt}r
YELLOW={ctrl}o
6=6
7=7
PICTURES={ctrl}{shift}p
2=2
BLUE={ctrl}w
[SageTV Recorder]
OK={enter}
TV={ctrl}r
CHNLDOWN={subtract}
GRNPOWER={ctrl}w
FULLSCREEN={ctrl}f
MINIMIZE={ctrl}w
2=2
7=7
8=8
9=9
VOLDOWN={down}
VOLUP={up}
MUTE={ctrl}m
BACK={decimal}
STOP={ctrl}s
PAUSE={ctrl}n
0=0
PLAY={ctrl}{space}
RESERVED={ctrl}{space}
SKIPREV={ctrl}{left}
SKIPFWD={ctrl}{right}
CHNLUP={add}
REC={ctrl}r
6=6
FASTFWD={ctrl}p
4=4
5=5
3=3
1=1
[SageTV Recorder Video]
3=3
TV={ctrl}r
CHNLDOWN={subtract}
FULLSCREEN={ctrl}f
2=2
MINIMIZE={ctrl}w
7=7
VOLUP={up}
5=5
BACK={decimal}
0=0
STOP={ctrl}s
OK={enter}
MUTE={ctrl}m
1=1
8=8
RESERVED={ctrl}{space}
GRNPOWER={ctrl}w
SKIPFWD={ctrl}{right}
CHNLUP={add}
VOLDOWN={down}
REC={ctrl}r
PAUSE={ctrl}n
4=4
6=6
9=9
FASTFWD={ctrl}p
PLAY={ctrl}{space}
SKIPREV={ctrl}{left}
[Applications]
SageTV=
SageTV Recorder Video=
SageTV Recorder=

That's all there is. I may have to find another way to create an ini file for the Hauppauge remote, or "borrow" one from someone.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by freewheeling

There doesn't appear to be an irremote.ini file installed during Hauppage installation. The only one that I can find looks like it was installed by SageTV. Here it is:



That's all there is. I may have to find another way to create an ini file for the Hauppauge remote, or "borrow" one from someone.

Check for posts by the administrator here, opus4. he had an article on this topic with links to the files needed. Or, if he happens to be reading this, which he usually seems to be, maybe he can send you the link. If you installed both all four apps that came with the HD-PVR disc, then irremote.ini file should be in the Windows dir. Try a search for it.

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

Check for posts by the administrator here, opus4. he had an article on this topic with links to the files needed. Or, if he happens to be reading this, which he usually seems to be, maybe he can send you the link. If you installed both all four apps that came with the HD-PVR disc, then irremote.ini file should be in the Windows dir. Try a search for it.

I think the PVR HD is relatively unique in that it only provides a remote in order to comply with some third party software, but isn't designed to work with a remote. It's a bit different from the cards, in other words, so there wasn't even an irremote.ini file installed by the PVR. I'll check the disk again though, just to make sure, but I think I installed everything that was available and thought it odd that the remote wasn't supported. Now that I have the UIRT device I think I can use it, if I can figure out how.

[sic0048]

This is a shot in the dark, but could be the issue. When you installed SageTV, did you make sure you checked the box to use the Hauppauge IR Remote (it lists some Hauppauge devices like the PVR-250 if I remember correctly). If you unchecked that box, you probably need to uninstall sage using the Program - Uninstall option, and then reinstall it immediately.

I'm a little over my head here because I've never tried to use Sage with another type of remote control. I've always had the advantage of using an extender and the OEM remote to interact with it.

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by sic0048

This is a shot in the dark, but could be the issue. When you installed SageTV, did you make sure you checked the box to use the Hauppauge IR Remote (it lists some Hauppauge devices like the PVR-250 if I remember correctly). If you unchecked that box, you probably need to uninstall sage using the Program - Uninstall option, and then reinstall it immediately.

I'm a little over my head here because I've never tried to use Sage with another type of remote control. I've always had the advantage of using an extender and the OEM remote to interact with it.

Well, the UIRT wasn't originally installed when I installed SageTV, but as soon as I did install it SageTV recognized it. In fact I did check the box to use the Hauppage 45-key remote. The problem was that at the time that remote had not been installed with the *Hauppauge* software, and it still isn't because I don't think the remote software even comes with the *PVR*. It comes with various internal tuner cards *BUT NOT WITH THE PVR*, even though they do include the actual physical remote.

Am I making myself clear, here? You understand that there's a fundamental difference between the PVR-HD unit and most Hauppauge internal tuner cards? The question is, how to I fix that *now* that I have the UIRT, which *is* communicating with the Hauppauage remote.

Sigh...

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by freewheeling

Well, the UIRT wasn't originally installed when I installed SageTV, but as soon as I did install it SageTV recognized it. In fact I did check the box to use the Hauppage 45-key remote. The problem was that at the time that remote had not been installed with the *Hauppauge* software, and it still isn't because I don't think the remote software even comes with the *PVR*. It comes with various internal tuner cards *BUT NOT WITH THE PVR*, even though they do include the actual physical remote.

Am I making myself clear, here? You understand that there's a fundamental difference between the PVR-HD unit and most Hauppauge internal tuner cards? The question is, how to I fix that *now* that I have the UIRT, which *is* communicating with the Hauppauage remote.

Sigh...

there are two boxes with the install package - install hd pvr ir blaster app and install infrared remote control app. I installed both, and can confirm that with Windows XP irremote.ini was where I said earlier, and that it does indeed control the HD-PVR. However, if you have an older Hauppauge analog tuner like a PVR150, if you install it and its software package, and the IR Blaster that came with it, it works flawlessly controlling both the HD-PVR and PVR at the same time.

[Opus4]

If that is all that's in the ini file, then you probably didn't install the Hauppauge IR software -- the HD-PVR does come with IR drivers/software that you have to install.

- Andy

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by Opus4

If that is all that's in the ini file, then you probably didn't install the Hauppauge IR software -- the HD-PVR does come with IR drivers/software that you have to install.

Thanks, Andy and Dave. I didn't realize the remote hadn't been installed because when I ran the Install CD (DVD?) that box insisted on being unchecked. I eventually got it to install by using the files from the Hauppauge support site. After installing I uninstalled SageTV and then re-installed it.

Alas, the Hauppauge remote still doesn't work, but at least there's a lot more in the ini file. In fact, I can't post it because it's too long.

I noticed that the app was for 32 bits. I wonder if that might be the problem, since I have a 64-bit system? I did download and install the latest drivers though, which are supposed to be for 64-bit systems.

[Update: Hold on, I forgot I have to edit the thing.]

[Opus4]

Now, try the FAQ:

How do I use the Hauppauge remote to control SageTV? When I press a button, nothing happens.

If it is a 32 bit vs 64 bit issues, someone else will need to comment.

- Andy

[freewheeling]

At least I have a substantial ini file now, but I still have no idea how to edit it in order to get the Hauppauge remote to work with SageTV. The files linked in Opus4's post are five years old, and they don't specifically mention "pointing" the device to SageTV. SageTV is listed as one of the apps in the ini file, altho it's toward the bottom of the list, but apart from moving it up to the top of the list I don't see what I'm supposed to do? I also don't know which remote I have or what system code it uses. Opus4's documentation mentions "silver" as opposed to "black" but the documentation in SageTV mentions a 34-button versus a 45-button remote, and nothing about color??

SageTV still doesn't respond to the remote.

[freewheeling]

I rebooted (after a couple of reboots) and it just started working all of a sudden. I guess the lesson here is that you can't be too rich, and you can't reboot too much.

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by freewheeling

I rebooted (after a couple of reboots) and it just started working all of a sudden. I guess the lesson here is that you can't be too rich, and you can't reboot too much.

So just to refresh in order, what were the steps to get a working Hauppauge remote with an HD-PVR? It would be a good reference entry for others

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

So just to refresh in order, what were the steps to get a working Hauppauge remote with an HD-PVR? It would be a good reference entry for others

First, I installed the latest version of the remote software. Next, just to make sure I had the latest drivers, I installed those. After that, I uninstalled, and re-installed, the SageTV software (after a reboot) making sure that I established support for the 45-button remote. Then I fiddled around with the Restart IR and Stop IR links in the program menu (under Hauppauge WinTV) until the "new program" shading went off. Finally, I rebooted... and, voila! I didn't actually have to edit the irremote.ini file.

[Update: I installed the USB-UIRT along with its driver prior to all of the above, of course.]

[tvmaster2]

Originally Posted by freewheeling

First, I installed the latest version of the remote software. Next, just to make sure I had the latest drivers, I installed those. After that, I uninstalled, and re-installed, the SageTV software (after a reboot) making sure that I established support for the 45-button remote. Then I fiddled around with the Restart IR and Stop IR links in the program menu (under Hauppauge WinTV) until the "new program" shading went off. Finally, I rebooted... and, voila! I didn't actually have to edit the irremote.ini file.

[Update: I installed the USB-UIRT along with its driver prior to all of the above, of course.]

so then you're not using the Hauppauge IR Blaster?

[freewheeling]

Originally Posted by tvmaster2

so then you're not using the Hauppauge IR Blaster?

Nope. I could though, I suppose. But since the UIRT is supposedly more stable I just located the transceiver so that it transmits to my STB and receives signals from the remote.

[freewheeling]

I checked out Opus4's post on this topic, but his ini file is now five years old and I just wonder if there's a more up-to-date version, or a way to easily modify my current irremote.ini file so that I can use the remote with SageTV even when it's not the focus? I tried pressing the green power button to see what it does when SageTV isn't the focus, and it awakens Windows Media Center. I don't want that! That's bad.