[mythtv-users] question/set top box

[Jarod Wilson]

On 07/25/2009 11:51 AM, Michael T. Dean wrote:
> On 07/25/2009 11:44 AM, Srinivas Gowrisanker wrote:
>> THanks for the reply. Just to be clear that I understand this
>> correctly...
>>
>> 1. Wall to stb to pvr150
>> 2. have stb on ch 3
>
> No. Instead of using an RF modulated ("coax" cable with F-connector)
> output from the STB, use (in order of preference) S-Video or Composite
> output. If you do, the tuner of the PVR-150 is never used (so no need to
> set channel)--and, besides, I've heard rumors that the "Preset tuner to
> channel" setting doesn't work (and you need that setting to use RF
> modulated output that goes through the PVR-150's tuner to preset the
> channel to channel 3). I've never looked into it because I don't have
> any RF modulated sources.
>
> It is /critical/ that you do /not/ specify a value for "Preset tuner to
> channel" if using S-Video/Composite.
>
>> 3. get IR blaster. connect IR blaster to STB or to PVR150? I have a
>> remote that came with PVR150. Should I use that? I also have a USB IR
>> blaster that I can use. Now will this usb IR blaster go on stb or the
>> computer?
>
> The computer controls the IR blaster, which sends an IR signal to the STB.
>
> If you truly have an IR blaster, you can put it anywhere with a direct
> line of sight to the STB.
>
> If you have an IR transmitter that is /not/ an IR blaster***, you may
> need to affix the LED to the STB's IR receiver (or very close to it).
>
> ***All IR blasters are IR transmitters, but not all IR transmitters are
> IR blasters. An IR blaster "blasts" a strong IR signal--strong enough to
> cover long distances and, in many cases, to bounce of walls and "find"
> the STB's IR receiver. An IR transmitter may send a very weak signal
> that requires the transmitter's LED to be affixed to (or within inches
> of) the STB's IR receiver.
>
>> 4. I deleted everything and restarting. Right now I have set it with
>> schedules direct (wall/stb/pvr150 and stb is on ch3) and doing a
>> mythfilldatabase.
>>
>> Will keep post back as to how it goes.
>
> Again, you really don't want to use RF modulated output/"Preset tuner to
> channel" (channel 3)--as it probably doesn't work, but even if it does,
> the quality will be /significantly/ worse than if you use S-Video.

Also of importance: channel scanning should only be used for a digital 
capture card. No scanning is required when using an analog setup like 
this. Just set up your channel lineup, set up your channel-changer 
script, and all it has to do is send channel numbers to the cable box, 
and the capture card records whatever comes out of the cable box.

-- 
Jarod Wilson
jarod at wilsonet.com