Satellite capturing - changing channels

[GDOK]

ok. newbie here. been reading and searching and can't find a solution/answer. here we go.

I want to use my computer as a DVR capturing from DTV. The only thing I can't figure out a workaround for is how I could change channels. For example if i want to tape a show on ch 596 at 7:00 pm and then i want to tape a show on ch 597 at 10:00 pm... but I am not home.... how can I get the receiver to change channels? Are there any timing remote device out there? Or any other good solutions? Thanks!






-note...for other DTVers out there... kidding about the channels. Just thought those channels would make the post more interesting.

[andkiich]

My 2 suggestions:

1) You could always go into the DirecTV Guide and select all the programs that you want in the morning through the guide. I can do that and it puts a check mark next to each of the shows. When the time comes, the receiver will switch to that channel automatically.

2) Get a TIVO and just capture from that.

[lordsmurf]

My 2 suggestions:
1) You could always go into the DirecTV Guide and select all the programs that you want in the morning through the guide. I can do that and it puts a check mark next to each of the shows. When the time comes, the receiver will switch to that channel automatically.

That only works on a Hughes Silver/Gold recevier. Other units, like my RCA, require you to simply go into the MENU and set a timer, just like a VCR.

[GDOK]

AHH. The timer function. Thats sweet. Didn't realize that DTV receivers had that feature. Thanks for pointing out the obvious LS. Guess reading the directions would help...then again I am a man.

[andkiich]

Thanks for the info Lord Smurf. I've only ever had the Hughes receivers. I wasn't aware that the other receivers were that different.

[SHS]

The other option are SageTV, SnapStream and ShowShifter that support the Actisys ACT IR-200L or if your really lucky and you have the rigth DirecTV box with Low Speed Data Port then see this page http://www.pcmx.net/dtvcon/

[lordsmurf]

or if your really lucky and you have the rigth DirecTV box with Low Speed Data Port then see this page http://www.pcmx.net/dtvcon/

What can this do? All I see is a computer version of the remote.

[taz291819]

The "Low Speed Data" port on D* receivers is a serial port. Connect a serial cable to it and your pc, run the sfotware and it will change channels for you. Personally, I just use the built-in timer functions, no need to make something harder than it is.

[SHS]

lordsmurf some people like using this tool while watching TV becuase most don't have room for reg TV set so they use there Computer as a TV and becuase as we know we alway we all our miss placing the remote.
Also if you have SageTV, SnapStream with rigth hardware you can use the building scheduler to record days or even weeks ahead or just add the show to the favorites list then it rec all them.