[mythtv-users] Controlling multiple cable boxes

[Michael T. Dean]

Pete Stagman wrote:

> On 9/12/05, Gerald J. Berg <gjb at datafirst.com 
> <mailto:gjb at datafirst.com>> wrote:
>
>     I have a pvr-350 and a pvr-500 in my MythTV box.
>      
>     An IR Blaster would require multiple serial ports
>     to control the 3 cable boxes. These days, USB
>     ports are easier to come by than serial ports.
>      
>     Has anyone heard of a way to control multiple
>     cable boxes using one or more USB ports?
>
>
> You wouldn't need multiple serial ports if your cable boxes can be set 
> for different IR codes, like satellite receivers. I don't know if they 
> can or not, wouldn't hurt to ask your cable company.
>  
> Instructions here: www.lircsetup.com <http://www.lircsetup.com> 

And that is the difference between an IR *blaster* and an IR 
*transmitter*.  A transmitter doesn't have the range/angle of 
effectiveness to control multiple devices, but a blaster does.

Mike