[mythtv-users] Myth w/Directv

[William]

> This is the part I'm stuck on understanding. I have to run a 
> serial line back to the receiver to change channels on the 
> receiver? Or am I running the serial line from the frontend 
> to the receiver, and the frontend is where the irblaster is as well?
> 
> See, this is why I was looking for a howto or faq, because I 
> am talking myself into a confused state.

Ok, here is a bit more detailed instruction. Take a look at the back of your
directv receiver and look to see if there are one or two places that look
like spots where you can plug the phone line. One will be narrower than the
other. If there are two, you have a receiver that can be control by a serial
connection. If only one then your only choice is to control it by a i/r
(infra-red) transmitter. This is similar to the way you would normally
control it with the remote.

If you have two, you will need to purchase or make a special serial cable
and run any of several channel change scripts on your myth box. 

If only one, you will need to make or purchase a i/r blaster and will need
to set up lirc to control the blaster. This is quite a bit more difficult
than the 2 connector option but it can be done. A search of the archives of
this list will provide you with a huge amount of material about both types
of setup.

If you only have one and lirc seems to be a bit more than you can manage,
there are alternatives but they will require you to purchase some relatively
cheap commercial hardware. Let me know if you want more info on that option.

Hopefully this has cleared up some of your confusion.

Bill

PS - I run 2 directv receivers in my setup, one is serial controlled and the
other by a ir blaster so I have had to figure both types out.