More USB-UIRT Questions

[Datalux]

So I got the USB-UIRT set-up in SageTV and liked it well enough. But then I proceeded to set it up with Girder which IMHO probably works a little better (quicker response times) and more intuitive interface if you can beleive that. My questions are:

1. While the response within the SAGE interface is very fast, the actual sending of channel changes to my satellite receiver are very slow. From the time that I tell it (SageTV) to change channels, until the time I see the UIRT send the first command to the STB via the UIRT is a good 2-3 sec. Is there a way to speed this process?

2. There is a considerable delay between channel numbers when the UIRT sends something like 3-5-6 (maybe 500ms) to the satellite receiver. Again, Is there a way to speed this?

3. I have about a dozen remotes around here, however none of them allow all buttons to work at the same time. It seems that my 8-in-1 with an off-brand DVD code is the best so far, giving most button functions however some still don't work (Like GUIDE, CLEAR, SELECT, etc) But all Channel Volume, Arrows, Numbers and transport buttons do work. I guess I could use multiple devices for different functions like SAT for menu functions, DVD or VCR for watching recordings(transport buttons), TV for live TV and volume, and channel.... What is everyone else using to get as many functions as possible out of their remote(s)?

Any thoughts would be helpful....

[heffe2001]

The remote button thing I solved by copying buttons from other profiles. One-For-All remote allow you to do this, yours may as well. The other parts I can't help you with though (My digital cable box changes channels VERY slowly as well).

[Opus4]

Originally posted by Datalux
2. There is a considerable delay between channel numbers when the UIRT sends something like 3-5-6 (maybe 500ms) to the satellite receiver. Again, Is there a way to speed this?

Not sure about the other delay, but for this one, you can look into Setup -> Setup Wizard -> select your source -> click on Tuner Control -> select Remote Control Options. Ther are some delay settings there.

3. I have about a dozen remotes around here, however none of them allow all buttons to work at the same time. .... What is everyone else using to get as many functions as possible out of their remote(s)?

As was mentioned above, if you have a learning remote, you can teach codes to those non-used buttons. Or, depending on how much money you want to spend, you can use a programmable remote, such as one that is JP1 capable (fairly cheap), a Pronto, or something like an MX-500 or MX-700 (more expensive) -- and program the things on your computer.

- Andy

[Datalux]

Not sure about the other delay, but for this one, you can look into Setup -> Setup Wizard -> select your source -> click on Tuner Control -> select Remote Control Options. There are some delay settings there.

I saw someone else mention this in another thread and I do not have this option...?? Perhaps it is only available with the IRman and not the USB-UIRT?

I checked the 8-in-1 and it is not a learning remote <sigh> I have a Harmony SST-659, but just sent it in for repair on Monday. (my 4 yr old dropped it on the tile floor and broke the IR lens and USB connector) If it costs more than $75 to fix it, I think I will pick up an MX500 (NewEgg has a great deal right now) as you and a few others seem to recommend the MX line.

[Opus4]

Originally posted by Datalux
I saw someone else mention this in another thread and I do not have this option...?? Perhaps it is only available with the IRman and not the USB-UIRT?

What version are you running? I definitely have that option running 2.0.20 with a USB-UIRT. You configured that source to use the USB-UIRT when you went through the Setup Wizard, right? What is shown as your Input Type, RF Channel, and Tuner Control?

I think I will pick up an MX500 (NewEgg has a great deal right now) as you and a few others seem to recommend the MX line.

You can buy Windows software for that remote, but the cost of it + the remote is close to the cost of the "Open Box" version of the MX-700 at a place like BlueDo & the MX-700 comes with its own software. There is a difference in button layout between the 500 & 700, but I think the 700 is better. (my preference.) I bought the open box version.... it is new. I think they just call it "open" to get around mfr pricing limits for new products.

- Andy

[Datalux]

What version are you running? I definitely have that option running 2.0.20 with a USB-UIRT. You configured that source to use the USB-UIRT when you went through the Setup Wizard, right? What is shown as your Input Type, RF Channel, and Tuner Control?

Found it - I didn't realize you could click on the Tuner Control to access more options. Fixed my delay problems rather nicely. Defaults were 600ms and 800ms, now they are 100ms and 200ms. Big Improvement!

You can buy Windows software for that remote, but the cost of it + the remote is close to the cost of the "Open Box" version of the MX-700 at a place like BlueDo & the MX-700 comes with its own software.

BlueDo has he same price for the base MX500 as NewEgg. I see your point with the MX700, after looking at the user manual for it, the software looks alot more friendly then the stuff for the MX500. I just don't know if I want to spend that much again right now as my Harmony is less than a year old.

[Opus4]

I forgot to say that the button layout between the MX-500 & MX-700 is slightly different, so be aware of that if you are still considering either one of them. Example: There is no "record" button on the MX-700, but a) I almost never use it, and b) I put it on page 2 of the LCD buttons just in case I ever really need it.

- Andy