DirecTV - changing channels with serial cable

jdbrown · #1 08-20-2004, 08:23 AM

Hi, new SageTV user. Just installed and have it running, but a couple problems.

I connected the RCA DirectTV receiver to the serial port on the computer using the RJ6 to DB9 cable I got at SS. Connected everything and then installed SageTV. Used wizard and configured to use s-video and picked RCA DirecTV and chose COM1.

Started to view, but realized within STV, cannot change the channels. Like the serial conenction is not working. I verified the serial port is on COM1.

I can change channel with the DirecTV remote still, but...

Did I miss something? RCA model is DRD430RG.

Second problem, is audio so I don't think it is related, but who knows. Audio is connected with RCA plugs from STB to PVR-250. Then from integrated digital coax on mobo to Onkyo receiver.

Problem is that sound does not always come thru - I have to change the channel several times (does not actually change the channel because of problem #1), but sound eventually kicks in.

I noticed the Onkyo displays "Digital" on it's display for awhile, but once audio finally does kick in the "Digital" on the Onkyo disappears. Not sure if that has anything to do with it, just mentioning it.

salsbst · #2 08-20-2004, 08:28 AM

A couple ideas...

Make sure you are using a recent version of the 250 drivers: http://www.shspvr.com/forum/viewforum.php?f=10

Also, make sure your onboard audio drivers are up to date.

jdbrown · #3 08-20-2004, 08:31 AM

This is for the audio problem or changing channels? I assume audio, since the serial cable changing channels would not have anything to do with the PVR-250?

salsbst · #4 08-20-2004, 08:43 AM

Right, the audio problem.

LowBrow · #5 08-20-2004, 12:17 PM

Close SageTV and then try DTVControl.

http://www.dtvcontrol.com/

kny3twalker · #6 08-20-2004, 02:04 PM

no try resetting the cable box
plug the power plug while it is on

and connected to the computer

unplug the card out while it is still on

I get rather frustrated with mine when this happens and as long as I get the box to reset

then the serial connection will work again

the sound issue is either the decoder you are using or the cable

jdbrown · #7 08-20-2004, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by kny3twalker
no try resetting the cable box
plug the power plug while it is on

and connected to the computer

plug the card out while it is still on

I get rather frustrated with mine when this happens and as long as I get the box to reset

then the serial connection will work again

the sound issue is either the decoder you are using or the cable

Sorry, you lost me here, "plug the card out while it is still on" what card are you referring too?

Are you saying I should unplug the STB while it is connected to the computer and both computer and STB are running, then do what? Sorry, for being dense ... Friday and all.

kny3twalker · #8 08-20-2004, 02:23 PM

sorry I edited that

I am referring to the card in the DirecTV box

pull it out

that should reset it

jdbrown · #9 08-20-2004, 02:31 PM

Ok, that little "keycard" or whatever they call it right? I'll try it when I get home. Thanks!

BTW - I'll also check the decoder being used. I think it is set to use the Sonic one, but I will verify and try to switch to see.

jdbrown · #10 08-23-2004, 07:32 AM

OK, tried re-setting the card in the STB, but no luck. Used the same cable to connect from my laptop and using DTVCON can work the RCA receiver just fine, so thet verifies the RCA receiver and the cable are working properly.

When I try DTVCON on the HTPC however, it does not work. So, I suspected the serial port on the HTPC was not working, but I verified with MODE COM1 that it was working and DTVCON does connect to COM1, it just times out on the commands.

I did get it working at one point, after leaving the machine off for a day, I turned it on and it worked! Quit working as soon as I had to reboot though. Very frustrating.

I have to think it has something to do with the serial port on the HTPC because I can just flip the cable to my laptop and DTVCON works immediately, every time.

I used PortMon to verify nothing else is running on the serial port and like I said DTVCON does connect on COM1. I intentionally tested it would not if the port was tied up by opening the port with HyperTerminal and then DTVCON had an error on the connection.

I'm at a loss, any ideas?

jdbrown · #11 08-23-2004, 08:11 AM

BTW, the good news is that the audio works - I changed the audio decoder per Walker's suggestion - Thanks.

kny3twalker · #12 08-23-2004, 04:17 PM

you try pulling the power cord on the cable box while it is on and connected to computer

jdbrown · #13 08-23-2004, 04:26 PM

Yes, I did. Also tried pulling the plug and the card as well. Have not tried throwing it against the wall, but that is my last test.

kny3twalker · #14 08-23-2004, 09:06 PM

yeah that was where I have been at before when mine messes up after a reinstall of windows or something

make sure sageTV is not running while you do those things
other than throwing it

jdbrown · #15 08-24-2004, 07:34 AM

Ok, it is clear the STB and the cable are working fine because I can connect with my laptop AND the COM1 on the HTPC is working because I can use Hyperterminal, but something is interfering with the communication from COM1 to the STB.

So, on a complete hunch, I disconnected my Logitech wirless MX mouse/keyboard and plugged in the old standards and rebooted. (Did not reboot the RCA STB). Works like a charm now. Rebooted 4 times just to make sure and works still. So, either a big coincidence or the Logitech was somehow causing the problems.

I don't see how it could cause the problems since it connects thru the PS/2 ports, but....

I will do some more experimenting tonight to ensure this was the cause as I am not 100% convinced since I see no relatoin between PS/2 ports and COM1.

kny3twalker · #16 08-24-2004, 11:15 AM

maybe there is IRQ sharing

can you check?

system information tool

jdbrown · #17 08-24-2004, 11:26 AM

Not sure how to check that exactly in XP. Any instructions and I will check tonight? That is probably it though.

kny3twalker · #18 08-24-2004, 11:55 AM

yeah start menu
system tools
system information

then there is IRQs section just click on it

jdbrown · #19 08-25-2004, 05:58 AM

Ok, I checked the IRQ and no conflicts. But, back to where I started because the serial connection no longer works. I had a feeling it was not going to last.

I'll mess with it a bit more, but probably try to get a an RMA on the STV bundle and get a Tivo. If it relies on something as flaky as the serial port to use properly, not ready for prime time IMHO. I do like the idea though but this is getting ridiculous time-wise. and no response from my official suport request from STV in days.

jdbrown · #20 08-25-2004, 03:55 PM

Still fighting this serial port thing, but think I am going to forget it and go the USB-UIRT route. This hobby is very similar to owning a boat huh?

Any advice or things I should be aware of going with the USB-UIRT? My most obvious question is where do most people put that thing so it can transmit to the STB and also receive from the couch (assuming IR remote)? or do you forget the IR remote and/or IR keyboard and have to go with RF so there are no conflicts?

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