DirecTV HD and Sage

[Hector]

I have DirecTv working well with Sage and I am looking to upgrade to DirecTv HD. I understand of course that Sage is still only going to work on the SD side.

I am interested in how others are interfacing with Sage. I am just starting to dig into this but if I understand correctly the Samsung STB outputs S-vid simultaneously so you'd be able to use Sage to record the regular SD stuff. How are folks controlling this particular STB?

I guess what I am really trying to find out is what's the best way of working with Directv HD/Sage?

peace . . .

[kny3twalker]

just record from the HD channels instead of the SDTV channels
when you have the option
output both svideo to the pvr card and component/dVI to the TV
but understand when sageTV is using the sTB to record
then you will need to watch that channel or watch something prerecorded
and you should be able to using a serial cable for controlling the box

[Hector]

Cool thanks. It's good to know I'm on the right track.

Now I just need to find out if this box really does output both DVI and S-vid at the same time and if Sage can control it. My original Sony B3 works just about perfectly. The Samsung does have a serial port so I'm hoping its a non-issue.

peace . . .

Originally Posted by kny3twalker

just record from the HD channels instead of the SDTV channels
when you have the option
output both svideo to the pvr card and component/dVI to the TV
but understand when sageTV is using the sTB to record
then you will need to watch that channel or watch something prerecorded
and you should be able to using a serial cable for controlling the box

[LazyGun]

If you are getting the Samsung TS360 you will be out of luck.
The RS232 port does not support the same command set as other standard DTV boxes.
I have a TS360, and the port is for Crestron only.
According to a thread on the TivoCommunity forums, people have had mixed luck with the IR, but it is incredibly slow.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...0&pagenumber=2

If you find another solution I would be interested, as at the moment I have to remember to set the reminders twice Once in Sage and once on the DTV box itself.

As for hooking it up, I am using an S-Video output from the DTV box to the PVR350 I have. Although I have not tried to record HD yet (not actually found much to watch on the HD channels ).

[Hector]

Man thanks a lot for sharing. From the Tivo thread you sent I found the thread on AVS and there certainly are some unhappy campers. It seems like the Sony/Huges/LG model would be best for Sage or any other PVR as far as serial control goes.

So now the question is the s-vid active all the time on that model.

I think the DirecTv serial stuff is a plug in now so maybe it's possible that someone could write one for the Crestron protocol since it's been documented.

Thanks again.

peace . . .

Originally Posted by LazyGun

If you are getting the Samsung TS360 you will be out of luck.
The RS232 port does not support the same command set as other standard DTV boxes.
I have a TS360, and the port is for Crestron only.
According to a thread on the TivoCommunity forums, people have had mixed luck with the IR, but it is incredibly slow.
http://www.tivocommunity.com/tivo-vb...0&pagenumber=2

If you find another solution I would be interested, as at the moment I have to remember to set the reminders twice Once in Sage and once on the DTV box itself.

As for hooking it up, I am using an S-Video output from the DTV box to the PVR350 I have. Although I have not tried to record HD yet (not actually found much to watch on the HD channels ).

[LazyGun]

No probs...
I have not had any issues with the S-Vid port. I record on my PVR while I am watching the TV...I am not 100% certain that the S-Vid is independent of the DVI, but I am fairly sure

If you manage to find something about the Crestron protocol, ie. something that uses it...let me know

Where is it documented btw? I have looked and not seen it.

[Hector]

At least some commands are documented in the 'Master Samsung 360 topic' thread on AVS (search the thread for Crestron) and in the tivo thread you sent someone wrote-

" Message 21980 in the Yahoo! Crestron group has dialog from an individual who has reported success using Crestron's protocol...from a PC:"

I'm about to call DTV to see if I can weasel me one of those long term customer $250 credits on one of the Sony/Hughes/LG ones.

peace . . .

Originally Posted by LazyGun

No probs...
I have not had any issues with the S-Vid port. I record on my PVR while I am watching the TV...I am not 100% certain that the S-Vid is independent of the DVI, but I am fairly sure

If you manage to find something about the Crestron protocol, ie. something that uses it...let me know

Where is it documented btw? I have looked and not seen it.

[LazyGun]

I have just been trawling that thread on AVS, and it looks as though someone has had success using Girder.
So I may have a play with that over the holidays. Will let you know if I get it working

[LazyGun]

http://forums.freytechnologies.com/f...girder+control

Think we need to sync up

[LazyGun]

FYI: I have PMd someone in that AVS thread, who says they are using Girder to successfully control their TS360. If he is willing to send me his GML file I will give it a go through Sage and let you know how it goes

[Hector]

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I still haven't gotten my HD solution yet so the samsung is still a possibility.

If you had to do it over again would you still get the Samsung?

peace . . .

Originally Posted by LazyGun

FYI: I have PMd someone in that AVS thread, who says they are using Girder to successfully control their TS360. If he is willing to send me his GML file I will give it a go through Sage and let you know how it goes

[LazyGun]

Originally Posted by Hector

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I still haven't gotten my HD solution yet so the samsung is still a possibility.

If you had to do it over again would you still get the Samsung?

peace . . .

Other than the controlling of it being a pain, it seems to be a pretty good receiver. Not had any other issues with it so far. But then I am just your average satellite user. I change channels, use the guide, and set the odd reminder. That's it
The HD picture on my Samsung TV is excellent as well.

I am still waiting for the gml file. He did reply to me and said he was fine with sending it. So I assume it is just the holidays and all that. Once I get it I'll let you know how it goes and then send it to you if you do end up with the Samsung receiver.