Re: Set-Top Box and Windows Media Center Remote Control Problem
jardennis
I have the same problem. Did you every get it figured out?
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jardennis
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Jaime
to know what the problem was, that you have also.
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James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey!"), FL
"jardennis" <jardenni...@DoNotSpam.com> wrote in message
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S.Sengupta
regards,
S.Sengupta[MS-MVP]
mas6780
Miles;3495621 Wrote:
> Hello, I'm hoping someone can help. I have AT&T U-verse, my STB is a
> Motorola VIP-1200, and I’m using Windows Vista Home Premium with
> Media
> Center. I'm able to set up the STB to my TV-Card in my computer. I
> can see
> the TV through Media Center, the problem I'm having is the remote
> controls.
> I have both IR receiver and transmitter (blaster) cable hooked up, the
> RED on
> my STB the Black on the wall. I train media center 1 - 0 Channel up
> and
> Down. Then I use the media center remote, the IR receiver (black)
> picks up
> the signal and shows on the screen the new channel, however it does
> not
> change the channel on the STB, I've move the IR blaster to every spot
> on the
> STB. I have run the setup over and over again and fix. Do you think
> the
> Motorola VIP1200 has a proprietary signal? Help Thanks
I am having the same problem as you are. Did anyone figure out why his
is happening?
The remote does everything and I have completed the setup a few times
but I can not get the wmc remote to control the
stb!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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mas6780
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Jerrymoose
I just found this on Microsoft website but first I have comcast cable
and they just switched to their own digital signal and I lost 40% of my
channels on my pc tuner card however they are coming to install a
digital tuner card in my computer they said will work with media center,
I'm not sure if it's a pci card.
Thank you for visiting Microsoft Windows Vista answers forum.
You may follow the article link as below:
Troubleshoot problems with watching TV on your computer:
http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/d4dce2d3-0388-43b1-8880-7d6823d0eb9f1033.mspx#EPF
Check the following part in the link above:
Why can't Windows Media Center change channels?
If you receive your TV signal through a set-top box and Windows Media
Center cannot change channels or it changes channels incorrectly, check
the following:
� The infrared remote control cable, also known as an IR
blaster, might not be connected. If it is connected, it might be
positioned incorrectly on the front of the set-top box. If the IR
blaster is not connected or positioned correctly, Windows Media Center
cannot send a signal to the set-top box to change a channel.
If you are having trouble placing the IR blaster on the set-top box
correctly, try using a flashlight to locate the signal receiver on the
set-top box.
� If channels consistently change incorrectly, the IR control
codes might not have been configured correctly during TV signal setup.
To reconfigure your TV signal, on the start screen, scroll to Tasks,
click settings, click TV, and then click Set Up TV Signal.
Please let us know if it helps.
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Jerrymoose
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Barb Bowman
Digital Cable Tuner, they would come and install a cablecard (there
is a slot in these tuners). Comcast does not supply the ATI DCT.
They probably think you need a cable card.
If you have an analog tuner and were running without a set top box,
you need a digital tuner adapter. This may be what they are
installing. See
http://digitalmediaphile.com/index.php/tips-tricks-how-tos/comcast-dta-mce-setup-steps/
On Sat, 22 Aug 2009 00:50:15 +0530, Jerrymoose
<Jerrymoo...@DoNotSpam.com> wrote:
>I just found this on Microsoft website but first I have comcast cable
>and they just switched to their own digital signal and I lost 40% of my
>channels on my pc tuner card however they are coming to install a
>digital tuner card in my computer they said will work with media center,
>I'm not sure if it's a pci card.
Barb Bowman
MS-MVP
http://www.digitalmediaphile.com
http://digitalmediaphile.wordpress.com
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/expertzone/meetexperts/bowman.mspx
Douglas Tatelman
the XP version of Media Center.
My Comcast here in Renton is forcing us to switch next month.
I'm pretty computer savvy, but this digital thing has my head swimming!
Barb Bowman
smooth.
Douglas Tatelman
it's been years since I've had one of any sort.
Anyway, there still seems something intellectually wrong here. I'm
getting a digital signal from Comcast, converting it to analog so my
MCE machine can make a digital file.
Maybe I should just get a new digital tuner and skip a few of these
steps?
Jaime
news:a071c211-9320-4c1d...@v23g2000pro.googlegroups.com...
Unfortunately, there may still be some problems.
To receive digital directly, you can receive: Over-The-Air, Clear QAM
digital directly through the Comcast pipe, or use a Cable-Card Tuner in your
PC.
The problem with the first two options is how many stations you will
receive; OTA is limited by your area broadcasters, location, antenna, etc.
and Clear QAM is limited by what your local provider decides to send down
the pipe in an unencrypted format. So far in Orlando with Bright House (TW),
I receive all the same station as the standard analog plus about additional
10 channels in Clear QAM, but I have heard that some areas get less than
standard cable in unencrypted digital.
The problem with the Cable-Card option is that these can only be purchased
as part of purpose-built system -- they can not be added to an existing
system (unless it was originally designed for the CableCard) and you still
have to pay Comcast "rent" for the card.
Digital tuners are pretty cheap, so it might be worth the investment to see
what you will get for free to avoid the set top box.
--
James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey"), Florida
Curious
It would potentially make more sense to use the TV application that came
with or is available for tuner from the tuner card manufacturer to receive
clear QAM analog and digital from your cable company then to try and use
MediaCenter. Win 7 Media Center has built in support ClearQAM whereas
previous releases of MC do not.
"Douglas Tatelman" <dou...@pickteam.com> wrote in message
news:a071c211-9320-4c1d...@v23g2000pro.googlegroups.com...
Barb Bowman
If it were me and if I only wanted unencrypted Basic channels, I'd
go with Windows 7 and a QAM tuner if you have Comcast. At least for
now..
Douglas Tatelman
setup so Media Center can change the channels, etc.
If I could understand what we're trying to do with the remotes I could
then understand the instructions.
1. I'm putting the sticky receiver over the infrared window on the
cable box. Why? Is this to block the cable?
2. Then I put the plug at the end of the above receiver into opening 1
or 2 of the media center receiver? What does this do? Which way is
the communication going here?
3. Then I try to get Media Center to learn the Comcast remote codes.
Is this just so I can use the Media Center remote, or does Media
Center use this information to change channels for recording, etc?
Anyway, the learning is not working.
Thanks
CSM1
480e-b73b-2...@i4g2000prm.googlegroups.com:
> Hmm so far not working - I've got TV signal, but I'm trying to run the
> setup so Media Center can change the channels, etc.
>
> If I could understand what we're trying to do with the remotes I could
> then understand the instructions.
>
> 1. I'm putting the sticky receiver over the infrared window on the
> cable box. Why? Is this to block the cable?
The 'sticky' IR is the transmitter that transmitts the MCE (Media Center
Edition) commands to the settop box. Position on the STB is critical. It
allows MCE to change the channel on the settop box.
No, it does not block the cable or the remote that came with the STB.
> 2. Then I put the plug at the end of the above receiver into opening 1
> or 2 of the media center receiver? What does this do? Which way is
> the communication going here?
The jack 1 or 2, takes some experimenting to determine which jack is
correct. Communication is from MCE to the Settop box's IR receiver.
Start at jack 1 run the MCE setup, If the channel changes on the STB,
you have the correct jack. MCE has a choice in the Remote setup to try
the other jack.
> 3. Then I try to get Media Center to learn the Comcast remote codes.
> Is this just so I can use the Media Center remote, or does Media
> Center use this information to change channels for recording, etc?
The learning is to learn the correct codes to send for your Settop box.
MCE then should be able to send the correct code for changing the
channel on the stb to the selected channel.
If MCE can change the channel you can set up unattended recording.
>
> Anyway, the learning is not working.
>
> Thanks
How do you know the learning is not working? If the IR 'bug' on the
stb's IR receiver is flashing, then learning probably worked. Move the
IR bug around on the front of the STB. Find the "sweet" spot.
--
CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
--
Barb Bowman
is the same for a single box.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mce/expert/bowman_dualtuners.mspx
Douglas Tatelman
I'm still stuck. I've done the learning sequence several times and it
still can't change channels.
So, the IR bug, which is usually used to extend the reach of the
Comcast remote box, is now used the other way to transmit a signal to
the bug which is then picked up by the Comcast remote box?
I'm assuming that my only problem now is the "sweet spot". But this
is pretty easy, there is only one non opaque spot on the box, a little
window shared by the green led and a small receiving window.
Does the IR signal shoot out the back of the bug, through the masking
tape into the receiver on the set top box?
Again, thanks.
Jaime
kit, not one from the Comcast box?
I don't use the Blasters, but as I recall the double-stick didn't cover the
entire back side.
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James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey"), Florida
"Douglas Tatelman" <dou...@pickteam.com> wrote in message
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Douglas Tatelman
Ooops, I am using the Comcast IR bug!... Back to the attic to see if I
have one that came with either of my MCE boxes.
thanks
Jaime
sure
Although they are somewhat interchangeable, not all blasters are the same.
--
James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey!"), FL
"Douglas Tatelman" <dou...@pickteam.com> wrote in message
news:9ead1bc5-51a3-47d3...@o9g2000prg.googlegroups.com...
Gene E. Bloch
> I can't guarantee that is the issue, but probably worth a try just to make
> sure
> Although they are somewhat interchangeable, not all blasters are the same.
I have a couple of RF remote controls (not related to MCE) that use
blasters, and they are not interchangeable.
They use different plugs, but using adapters to mate them to the
receivers doesn't help.
I believe that I did verify via ohmmeter that the polarities matched
before I tried them, but it was several years ago, so I'm not sure...
Wait - I just remembered! The polarities didn't match, and for my tests
I made adapters to reverse them, but it didn't help.
--
Gene Bloch 650.366.4267 lettersatblochg.com
Douglas Tatelman
I've been going through all my boxes of stray cables, but I might just
buy one off Ebay.
I don't know if I got one in the past or not. I now know that I sure
have accumulated a lot of USB cables over the years!
It's is funny, I read Barb's articles, all the Microsoft stuff, and
even the Comcast instructions for MCE. I never understood that they
all meant the IR blaster that came with the MCE remote.
In the meantime... if I make sure I'm on the right channel before I go
to sleep, it will record the right program.
Gene E. Bloch
> Thanks Gene,
The hard part about USB cables (I have a rat's nest of them too) is
that the older ones are not usable in USB2, and it's hard to be sure
what you've got.
I now throw away or recycle all of the cables that don't explicitly say
USB2 or High-Speed USB.
Barb Bowman
On Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:04:58 -0700 (PDT), Douglas Tatelman
<dou...@pickteam.com> wrote:
>It's is funny, I read Barb's articles, all the Microsoft stuff, and
>even the Comcast instructions for MCE. I never understood that they
>all meant the IR blaster that came with the MCE remote.
Douglas Tatelman
this group after they arrive.
Thanks for asking.
I'm pretty sure I never got one with either of the HP MCE boxes,
unless I really put them away and forgot.
brent.cochran
Douglas,
I'm right up the street from you and also a Comcast user. I'd love to
hear what you finally came up with as a configuration and whether you're
happy with it. I have a single HD STB now and am waiting on a dual
digital tuner from Amazon (understanding that I won't truly get HD to
the PC...I don't think anyway). Once I figure out the config on one,
I'll probably have Comcast bring me 1 or 2 additional boxes.
I've been running on dual analogs and Comcast has now pushed me over
the edge with all the channels they're migrating over to digital (well,
not just digital but encrypted digital).
Anyway, would love to see a final post from you when you have a minute.
I'd be happy to relay my final results also if you're interested.
Thanks,
Brent
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brent.cochran
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Douglas Tatelman
I got two IR blasters on Ebay for less than $10 with shipping. The
whole learning process went fine... except my "1" key isn't working
correctly.
I can easily change to channel 35, but 41 delivers channel 4.
I guess I'll keep repositioning the little sticky thingy, and keep
doing the learning routine.
I also think I selected the wrong service for downloading the guide,
but I'll have a chance to redo that, also.
Douglas Tatelman
I ran through the learning process repeatedly and finally found that
the most important setting seems to be the speed.
By setting it to slow, things got much better. The slow speed can be
annoying, but it does work, except for certain combinations like 77.
So, I'm at 98% now, and will futz some more when I have time.
All in all, the Microsoft solution is a relatively elegant kludge.
Gene E. Bloch
Nice phrase, that last one :-)
--
Gene E. Bloch letters0x40blochg0x2Ecom
Boxerdogs3
I have been trying to figure this out for a week now can someone please
help greatly appreciated ? I have Dell Xps Gen 5 Desktop with built in
Emuzed Dual
Tv tuner and have been trying to figure out how to set it up To my Comcast
Box (Pace TDC577X Sd Dvr) (Only 1 Comcast box) no top box , I had the cable
hooked up from the
comcast box to my desktop and threw Media Center setup I saw Tv picture , but
when it comes to the option to change channels it Will not change the
channels threw the Media Center Xp Controller. I don't know what I'm doing
wrong any
answers greatley appreciated thank you .
Barb Bowman
DVR and Only 1 Comcast box, and then "no top box".
You have two tuner inputs. What exactly is connected to each.
Do you have an internal/external IR eHome receiver and a Media
Center remote control?
Gene
Z560 MCE running XP MCE 2005. It has dual tuners but only one coaxial-in
port so I'm just trying to get one of the Pace DTA's you show in your article
to work for now.
The entire process seems fine except controlling the channel changing. I
can't get the Media Center to recognize the remote codes automatically, nor
if I try each Pace model listed.
I read elsewhere that these new Pace boxes run off an XMP protocol which XP
MCE is not programmed for (and perhaps Microsoft never will provide that as
an update).
Can you tell me if you have tried or heard reported that the Pace DTA can be
controlled by an XP MCE? Any other tip for this old PC?
Thanks in advance
Barb Bowman
" works with taping the IR Blaster IR cable bulb directly to the ir receptor on
the PACE DTA Box. Also, make sure that the IR Extender bulb/ ir signal is facing
the IR port on the DTA device. Do not use the IR Extender cable provided wiht
the PACE Box. "
and the success rate has been pretty good.
mola_alex
I have just received a VIP1200 as well.
Can someone elaborate on the below initial comment?
"I have both IR receiver and transmitter (blaster) cable hooked up, the
RED on
my STB the Black on the wall"
What is RED and BLACK? My VIP1200 has no IR input that I know of so I
am not sure how to hook all this up. I would really like to control the
whole setup within Media Center but not sure how.
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Jaime
are asking about, not sure what those comments mean. However, if you just
need to know how to hook up Media Center with a set top box, the basics are:
- Plug the MC IR receiver into a free USB port on your computer
- Plug an IR emitters/blasters into the back of the IR receiver
- Stick the other end onto your set top box over the IR sensor
(you don't need an IR input port on the box)
You could read this article (it deals with dual boxes, but the concepts are
the same).
Also, here is an diagram of the basics:
http://www.microsoft.com/hk/windowsxp/mediacenter/using/setup/settop.mspx
--
James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey!"), FL
"mola_alex" <mola_ale...@DoNotSpam.com> wrote in message
news:mola_ale...@DoNotSpam.com...
ronfjr
My media center and blaster have had problems consistantaly changing
channels. It would work great, then other times if I enter say 52,
instead of 052 being received by the set top box 05 might be received
instead. Even this was inconsistant. So basically what ended up
happening was the channel I input using the media center remote did not
end up being the same channel that the set top box received.
After much experimentation, I think this is what was happening. The
right channel was always being output from the blaster, but not being
received correctly by the stb. BECAUSE: The diode inside the blaster
was not actually pointed directly at the stb. The shape of the ir
blaster housing was deceiving in that you can't really tell where the
tip of the diode is really facing inside. The position of the adhesive
that came attached to the blaster for attaching to the stb is misleading
also as to where the diode is facing. (AND WE "ASSUME" THE BLASTER
SHOULD BE ATTACHED TO THE STB) I could see the led flashing when
entering channels but even that was misleading as to what direction the
diode inside was actually pointed. Fortunately the bottom came off of
the blaster from all my messing around with it and I saw the diode. It
actually pointed out the end of the blaster, not the bottom or top of
the blaster housing. Just like a regular remote control diode is
mounted pointing out the end of a remote control. Once I pointed the
diode at the stb, no more problems. Instead of attaching the blaster on
the stb over the stb sensor, I positioned the blaster in front of the
stb with the diode tip facing the stb. This resulted in the blaster
being adhered to the same surface (my shelf) that the stb is sitting on.
It is working great now.
A comparison of what was happening is like pointing a remote control
sideways away from a tv when trying to change channels. I've read how
others complain about the media center not always changing the set top
box channel consistantly and this is probably why.
I also noticed when experimenting that when my hand was touching the
blaster it worked better than when not. Probably just my hand helping
reflect the ir signal. Of course this was before I discovered the
orientation of the diode.
I think maybe alot of ir blasters come with adhesive on them and we
assume that they should be stuck on the stb over the stb sensor. THIS
MAY NOT BE THE CASE. In my case anyway, the preattached adhesive was to
stick the remote on the shelf so the end of the blaster would face the
stb.
And believe me I tried sticking the blaster on the stb every which
direction and position with no success before figuring this out.
No instructions came with my blaster even though it was new in package.
Hope this brings other success. I am using my media center with a
Comcast DTA. I had to buy my blaster off the internet from a site that
actually said it was compatible with comcast dta. I never had any
original blaster that may have come with my media center transceiver.
The site was www.smklink.com, search for blaster. Maybe this link will
take you right there:
http://www.smklink.com/store/store/?action=dsp_store_detail&productID=8631
Jerrymoose;4580519 Wrote:
> I just found this on Microsoft website but first I have comcast cable
> and they just switched to their own digital signal and I lost 40% of my
> channels on my pc tuner card however they are coming to install a
> digital tuner card in my computer they said will work with media center,
> I'm not sure if it's a pci card.
>
> Thank you for visiting Microsoft Windows Vista answers forum.
>
> You may follow the article link as below:
>
> Troubleshoot problems with watching TV on your computer:
> http://windowshelp.microsoft.com/Windows/en-US/Help/d4dce2d3-0388-43b1-8880-7d6823d0eb9f1033.mspx#EPF
>
> Check the following part in the link above:
>
> Why can't Windows Media Center change channels?
>
> If you receive your TV signal through a set-top box and Windows Media
> Center cannot change channels or it changes channels incorrectly, check
> the following:
>
> · The infrared remote control cable, also known as an IR
> blaster, might not be connected. If it is connected, it might be
> positioned incorrectly on the front of the set-top box. If the IR
> blaster is not connected or positioned correctly, Windows Media Center
> cannot send a signal to the set-top box to change a channel.
>
> If you are having trouble placing the IR blaster on the set-top box
> correctly, try using a flashlight to locate the signal receiver on the
> set-top box.
>
> · If channels consistently change incorrectly, the IR control
> codes might not have been configured correctly during TV signal setup.
> To reconfigure your TV signal, on the start screen, scroll to Tasks,
> click settings, click TV, and then click Set Up TV Signal.
>
>
> Please let us know if it helps.
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