Channel changing on Motorola VIP1216

[Striker:WG]

Does anyone have any experience with the Motorola VIP1216?

I am changing cable providers in my area and the provider I am switching to uses the VIP1216. Based on the specs of the unit, it has a USB port. Is it possible to use this USB port for channel changing in a similar fashion to how I currently change channels over firewire on my Motoroloa DCT6200's?

If it is not possible to channel change over USB then I will need to use IR blasters (unless there is a third option i'm missing?). I am planning to have 4 STB's, two connected to my HDPVR's and two connected to some SD tuners. I use LM Remote and a Microsoft MCE IR Blaster/Reciever to channel change on the SD units. If I need to move to IR control for the HD STBs will Sage support using the IR Blasters on the HD PVR's? I thought I had read that Sage would only recognize one IR blaster on one HD PVR, that the second would be ignored. If I can't use the HD PVR blasters, does anyone have any recommendations for a 3rd party IR blaster that won't conflict with my existing unit?

Any suggestions would be appreciated!