[mythtv-users] Re: Considering a MythTV

[Joseph A. Caputo]

> -----Original Message-----
> From: mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org
> [mailto:mythtv-users-bounces at mythtv.org]On Behalf Of Jason Williams
> Sent: Monday, August 25, 2003 2:08 PM
> To: Discussion about mythtv
> Subject: Re: [mythtv-users] Re: Considering a MythTV
>
>
>
> > Look for info on the IRBlaster.
> >
> > > I could go straight to the wall in my sons room though.
> >
>
> The problem there is that in my Cable Box setup, it seems that it does not
> support IR Blasting.  There is a settings page with the following:  "IR
> Blast:  No".  This is not a setting that can be changed.  However on a
> previous screen there is this setting:  "IR Bypass:  Enabled" and
> there is a
> Female DB9 on the rear of the unit.  I think I saw a control
> cable for sale
> at Snapstreams website, any ideas on the software?  I'm at work right now,
> but if needed I can post the Software and Firmware revisions tonight.  I
> know this might sound humorous, but I wonder if the cable company
> would have
> any useful information or if their attitude is more of a "Hands off!"
> mentality?

A device doesn't need to 'support' IRBlaster... an IRBlaster is simply an
infrared-transmitter, hooked up to your Myth PC (usually the backend).  You
configure it (using LIRC) to send the exact same signals that your cable-box
remote normally sends.  To your cable box, the two are indistinguishable.

The 'IR Blast' setting on your cable box probably indicates that the
firmware supports an optional built-in IR transmitter, which your box
doesn't have.

-JAC