IR blaster

[PharmBoy]

Do any DVD recorders have an IR blaster or some way for them to change the channel on the cable or satellite box so they can receive the signal for "box" only channels. I guess I am thinking similar to a standalone Tivo that is connected to a satellite or cable box. If they don't, what good is a tv guide interface as I would guess the majority of people have some type of box.

Thanks

[garyjo]

The Pan DMR-EH55S for one.
But they are becoming hard to find.

Do any DVD recorders have an IR blaster or some way for them to change the channel on the cable or satellite box so they can receive the signal for "box" only channels. I guess I am thinking similar to a standalone Tivo that is connected to a satellite or cable box. If they don't, what good is a tv guide interface as I would guess the majority of people have some type of box.

Thanks

[PharmBoy]

I can't download their manual from their website to look at it.
I searched Amazon and as you said they are becoming harder to find.
Why doesn't Amazon mention anything about a blaster on their website in fact they only mention
What's in the Box
DVD recorder/hard drive, remote control (with batteries), AV cable, RF cable, power cord, one DVD-RAM disc, printed operating instructions

Am I missing something here, do they call it something else??
Is it an actual wire that comes from the recorder and sits infront of the IR receiver on the cable box??

[garyjo]

The "IR Blaster" is listed as an accessory on page 11, of the DMR-EH55 Operating Manual.
See link below. The manual is 84 pages long, 5.1mb. It takes a while to download, as their server seems busy much of the time.

http://service.us.panasonic.com/OPERMANPDF/DMREH55.pdf

I can't download their manual from their website to look at it.
I searched Amazon and as you said they are becoming harder to find.
Why doesn't Amazon mention anything about a blaster on their website in fact they only mention
What's in the Box
DVD recorder/hard drive, remote control (with batteries), AV cable, RF cable, power cord, one DVD-RAM disc, printed operating instructions

Am I missing something here, do they call it something else??
Is it an actual wire that comes from the recorder and sits infront of the IR receiver on the cable box??

[PharmBoy]

Many thanks

I guess you don't know of a pure recorder (w/o the Hard drive) do you?

I am kind of surprised that this isn't a bigger deal and more systems don't have it???

[next]

Any Toshiba with a HDD has an IR blaster. And my DKR2 non HDD model has one as well.

Here's the Toshiba manuals link:

http://tacpservice.toshiba.com/ConsumerProductSupport/Manuals/dvdr.asp

With Toshiba it is called G-Link

[LCSHG]

PharmBoy

Are you referring to a feature of say a satellite receiver that could be flagged to start a program and than send a signal to a unit such as a VCR that was set up record and start it. Or start the record on a set-up DVD recorder
Or a DVD recorder that was set up to start at a predetermined time and than start a Satellite receiver.

[edDV]

FWIW the newest Hauppauge PVR cards (even the 150) are/will be shipping with IR Blaster in the box. Only problem is you can't tell the old box (no IR Blaster) from the new box (with IR Blaster).

[PharmBoy]

Or a DVD recorder that was set up to start at a predetermined time and than start a Satellite receiver.

I believe it is this one. The idea being that if I want to record a show on a standalone DVD recorder (No Hard Drive) that it could change the channel on my satellite or cable box. It could then record it and then later in the day switch to a different channel if needed and record it to DVD as well.

And my DKR2 non HDD model has one as well.

I think this is what I am looking for. I wish the Panasonic would do this but if not this would should do the trick. Do you get problems with the noise levels as some have referenced?

[LCSHG]

PharmBoy

I am not sure of some cable systems but I do not feel that they would respond to such a function and if the do it will not be for long

As to a Satellite Receiver I have Dish Network [The Same Is For Directv]
Some time back I could do as I said in my previous post with a VCR unit that was turned on than off buy the satellite receiver and it worked fine.

For the satellite Rec. to start the DVD unit, would require the DVD to be set up to record and be on and than the sat recorder sending a signal for record to the DVD than another to stop [and than shut it off]

As you indicate and that would be the best way is to have the DVD recorder control the satellite receiver on and off. [Any control of the Channel selected would be best controled by the sat Receiver]

Both satellite and most Cable company’s and DVD mfg. do not and will not provide such a service [or IR code etc] as they want you to use their own PVR units and also for CP protection and a copy to a disk. [and possable legal issues]
I gave up on this issue over a year ago and flag my Dish Receiver for a selected program and set the timer on the recorder to record and stop the program. the sat receiver will stop at the end of the program

[next]

PharmBoy

I am not sure of some cable systems but I do not feel that they would respond to such a function and if the do it will not be for long

As to a Satellite Receiver I have Dish Network [The Same Is For Directv]
Some time back I could do as I said in my previous post with a VCR unit that was turned on than off buy the satellite receiver and it worked fine.

For the satellite Rec. to start the DVD unit, would require the DVD to be set up to record and be on and than the sat recorder sending a signal for record to the DVD than another to stop [and than shut it off]

As you indicate and that would be the best way is to have the DVD recorder control the satellite receiver on and off. [Any control of the Channel selected would be best controled by the sat Receiver]

Both satellite and most Cable company’s and DVD mfg. do not and will not provide such a service [or IR code etc] as they want you to use their own PVR units and also for CP protection and a copy to a disk. [and possable legal issues]
I gave up on this issue over a year ago and flag my Dish Receiver for a selected program and set the timer on the recorder to record and stop the program. the sat receiver will stop at the end of the program

You are approaching this backwards. It is the DVD recorder that is controlling the STB. Satellite or cable. Toshiba for example has over 350 codes that can control over 80 brands of STB's. All an IR blaster does is incorporate the remote control codes that are freely available. It then integrates these codes into the DVD recorder and allows the user to change the channels on the STB - using the remote control codes. The IR blaster mimics a remote control and is placed so the STB will respond to the IR. This can be used when scrolling through channels when using the DVD recorder or when setting up timer recordings. It is not rocket science and has been around for years. My old Hauppauge 250's circa about 2002 have IR blaster capabilities. Toshiba has been offering it for years on most models.

[LCSHG]

next

I think you may have misunderstood my post especially the 4th paragraph. Also the 2nd The complete control of the satellite receiver and not having to set the timer on a recorder. IS the key issue and that is not provided.

I know its not rocket science and fully understand the function of the IR signal. This subject has been discussed on many threads on this form and others as it relates, not only to a recorder but to a remote itself

Toshiba and others state that the blaster in there units will control the channel selection [ONLY] of the Satellite Receiver and only IF that Receiver is left ON and the Timer in the Recorder IS SET beforehand. They further state, this will only work if the satellite or cable box will accept a 3 digit code as is in the remote and also state that their units may not. The satellite providers say they will Not [but that could be debated]

Assuming that the code is there and works. What is the Difference between that and my quote on the operation of my or any unit. [With or Without Blaster] The timer in the recorder still must be set, satellite or cable

My Quote
“I gave up on this issue over a year ago and flag my Dish Receiver for a selected program and set the timer on the recorder to record and stop the program. the sat receiver will stop at the end of the program “

At least the sat receiver is turned off

If I have missed something and there is a better and easier way please ---[Post It]
Not how a Remote/IR signal works or mimics, rocket science etc,etc

[tgm4883]

next

I think you may have misunderstood my post especially the 4th paragraph. Also the 2nd The complete control of the satellite receiver and not having to set the timer on a recorder. IS the key issue and that is not provided.

I know its not rocket science and fully understand the function of the IR signal. This subject has been discussed on many threads on this form and others as it relates, not only to a recorder but to a remote itself

Toshiba and others state that the blaster in there units will control the channel selection [ONLY] of the Satellite Receiver and only IF that Receiver is left ON and the Timer in the Recorder IS SET beforehand. They further state, this will only work if the satellite or cable box will accept a 3 digit code as is in the remote and also state that their units may not. The satellite providers say they will Not [but that could be debated]

Assuming that the code is there and works. What is the Difference between that and my quote on the operation of my or any unit. [With or Without Blaster] The timer in the recorder still must be set, satellite or cable

My Quote
“I gave up on this issue over a year ago and flag my Dish Receiver for a selected program and set the timer on the recorder to record and stop the program. the sat receiver will stop at the end of the program “

At least the sat receiver is turned off

If I have missed something and there is a better and easier way please ---[Post It]
Not how a Remote/IR signal works or mimics, rocket science etc,etc

Maybe I am misunderstanding both your posts, but I have 2 devices that control my cable box using the IR blaster and it works fine. 1 being my TIVO, and the other being my mythtv box. Both of these units have preset schedules that they record to and will tune the cable box to the desired channel when necessary. The only thing the cable box knows about is that some remote control is changing the channel and it happily changes and passes the channel on. BTW, my tivo can tune both 3 digit and 2 digit cable boxes

[next]

I too have no idea what LCSHG is talking about in either of his two most recent posts. More confusing than helpful.

IR blaster technology has been around for a while and works great. It's perfect for timer recordings with a DVD recorder with a cable or satellite STB. It doesn't get any easier. And it works. You set up your timer recording in the DVD recorder and that's it. Is there something wrong with something this simple? I don't think so.

[LCSHG]

PharmBoy

Again this is for Satellite Service
Set the timer on the recorder to cover the selected channel and turn it Off
Flag the satellite receiver for a channel and it can turned off on any channel. It will come on and change the channel to that selected.
The recorder has come on [By the Timer] Records the program. Both shut off when the recording is Done
This process can be done with any recorder IR signal [Blaster] or Not when using Satellite.
To me this is the best way when using a satellite provider

I was just responding to your original post as to how I operate my system.
I did explain some issues that have been a problem and that one may face.
Apparently this confused some and it was not my intention to do so

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tom4883

I believe I qualified a cable box operation in my SECOND Post

Your post is to a cable Box
The Original Post was to a cable or Satellite
You indicate that you can only control the channel selection on the cable box not the recorder setup. It is preset. Who set it up and if its changed on regular bases Who/What does it. I should think the Operator Does and that’s OK it’s the way it is

According to Dish and Directv even changing the channel is not possible with satellite service [However I can see where this can be argued] But Why? I don’t have to set/change channels. The satellite receiver does this when flaged

Way back When I was using a VCR The Sarellite Receiver controlled the VCR Totally.
On/Off, Channel selection , Recording etc

This is not an option with DVD. I, like anyone must set/preset the timer on the DVD recorder

[next]

LCSHG - you are making this way too complicated. It is a very very very simple concept.

It doesn't matter if the STB is a cable or satellite box when using an IR blaster equipt DVD recorder. You set up your timer recordings in the DVD recorder and the DVD recorder via the IR blaster changes the cable or satellite box channel when it is time to start the recording. You designate which channel to record when setting up the timer recording in the DVD recorder. It doesn't get any easier.

It looks like you are setting up a timer recording in both the DVD recorder and the satellite box. Many people have to do this if their DVD recorder does not have an IR blaster. It is double entry and a hassle. And mistakes can be made. Add to this that many many STB's don't let you do this. You can't set it to play a certain channel at a later date and time. So it becomes impossible without an IR blaster.

[tgm4883]

PharmBoy
tom4883

I believe I qualified a cable box operation in my SECOND Post

Your post is to a cable Box
The Original Post was to a cable or Satellite
You indicate that you can only control the channel selection on the cable box not the recorder setup. It is preset. Who set it up and if its changed on regular bases Who/What does it. I should think the Operator Does and that’s OK it’s the way it is

According to Dish and Directv even changing the channel is not possible with satellite service [However I can see where this can be argued] But Why? I don’t have to set/change channels. The satellite receiver does this when flaged

Way back When I was using a VCR The Sarellite Receiver controlled the VCR Totally.
On/Off, Channel selection , Recording etc

This is not an option with DVD. I, like anyone must set/preset the timer on the DVD recorder

I can agree with what your saying, sort of. My setup will work with both satellite or cable. I guarentee it. The (insert here: cable box, satellite box, any other type of box that tunes tv channels and can be operated by a remote control using IR codes) box knows nothing. It is totally controlled by either my tivo or mythtv box. My tivo/mythtv sends an IR command to turn to channel (insert channel here), then starts recording until the end of the show. The tivo/mythtv knows when to change the channel, start recording and stop recording all on its own. This is done through something called season pass (on tivo, a similar feature is on mythtv although the name escapes me right now). With season pass it will automatically (any time the program is on any channel, any time the program is on a specific channel, every week in a certain timeslot, etc) record the show I want it to.

You wanted to know if what your doing is easier in any way, there it is, fully functional. You are making things harder on yourself. Heck, I can even set my tivo/mythtv to record programs that it thinks I might be interested in (in comparison to my previously reviewed shows, and provided that recording something doesn't interfere with my season passes). The system I have setup is far more advanced in function than what you have described, and is easier to setup and maintain.

[next]

Although not as sophisticated as TIVO or mythtv a similiar strategy can be set up with a DVD recorder. You can set it up to record every Tuesday night at 8:00pm for an hour on channel 311 for example. The DVD recorder will of course record at that time every Tuesday but will also tune the STB to channel 311 via the IR blaster. I also have a DVD recorder with TVGOS - again not as sophiisticated as TIVO or mythtv but I can set up any number of recordings using the guide and the DVD recorder will control changing the channel on the STB. I can't imagine doing this manually for every timer recording on the STB as well. Might as well be living in the Dark Ages.

This is really simple stuff.

edit - I should also add that one of my DVD recorders is the Toshiba RD-XS54. This recorder has networking capabilities and I have it incorporated into my home network. I can send the recorder email from anywhere on the planet to set up a timer recording. LCSHG - when doing this how am I supposed to be able to have the STB channel changed when the timer recording starts without IR blaster capabilities?

[PharmBoy]

Thanks all for the replies.
I am familiar with IR Blasters from my brother who has a Myth TV. Myth actually is part of the reason I want a cheeper burner without a HD as eventually I want to build my own mythtv but don't have the time to learn Linux just yet. My Tivo came with a IR blaster but I am wanting to put the DVD burner on a different TV.

So far the only non-Hard Drive DVD recorder I can find is a Toshiba Dkr2 which doesn't seem to be available anymore. It also doesn't upconvert to HD on the player nor does it have an HDMI output. Perhaps I am getting too picky.

next, do you like your Toshiba Dkr2? Quality okay? Not too loud? That is if I can find one....