[mythtv-users] controlling cable box

[Scott Rowe]

I don't know about smarter, but I have a DCT2xxx cable box. I'd suggest just
trying it. Unpack dct2000serial.tar.gz and compile it. Hook up a cable, and
try running the 'channel' program that was created.. It'll look for the
cable box on any / all serial ports. 

-Scott 

-----Original Message-----
From: mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org
[mailto:mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org] On Behalf Of hoopes
Sent: Sunday, March 21, 2004 3:15 PM
To: mythtv-users at mythtv.org
Subject: [mythtv-users] controlling cable box

Dear people smarter than me,

I have a DCT-2224 with firmware version 7.54. I'm also using the TV-out from
the Hauppauge 350. My question is how to control this box. I've seen the
programs in the contrib directory, which use the serial port. 
Is there any way to see if the serial port is enabled without calling and
dealing with cable company people? Has anyone found a way to enable it
manually?

The other way I understand to control the cable box is to use an IR Blaster.
Does the IR receiver for the 350 also act as a IR sender? Or should i order
some sort of IR Blaster than connects to the serial port? 
(IR Blaster is a product, not a brand, right?) Are there any docs that deal
with this?

I apologize if this has been answered before, I have about 15 bookmarks
dealing with DCT cable boxes, but no definitive answer for these questions.

I really appreciate any responses, thanks in advance.

Matt Hoopes