[mythtv-users] Cable box always on

[Brian Wood]

On Mar 27, 2008, at 10:55 AM, Brad DerManouelian wrote:
> Brian Wood wrote:
>> Maybe, it's certainly an idea.
>>
>> Some boxes can mute the audio, so the box could be on and not putting
>> out audio (I know, you should use the mute function of Myth, not the
>> STB, but I'm just pointing out possible problems).
>
> Would you want to record if the audio was off, anyway? So the scenario
> is that the box is muted, you detect no audio and send a power command
> and the box turns off. During the next recording, it detects no audio
> and send the power command and turns the box back on - with audio.

Unless the box remembers the status of the mute function.

>
> So without the script, you end up with a bunch of recordings with no
> audio. With the script you record black for the first program and  
> audio
> and video for the rest. You're still better off in the end.

You probably wouldn't want to record without audio, but Murphy's Law  
says you will, if the system allows it.

>
>
> Aside from the fact that the odds of a box being on and muted for some
> reason are so slim it's barely worth discussing.

I disagree with that. "Mute" is probably the most used button on  
remotes. When an annoying commercial comes on people tend to grab for  
the closest available "Mute" button.

People also tend to leave something like CNN or the Weather Channel on  
with the sound muted (at least I do).

Obviously the best answer is to not use the STB's mute  control, but  
non-technical users will tend to do so, especially if that's what they  
are used to.

beww