dvr recording with Comcast Digital

[rdbierma]

Does anyone know of a way to record multiple, different channels with my new Comcast Digital. I totally don't like the digital but it is manditory. Before the digital conversion my DVR would record one channel at a prescribed time and another channel at a different time. I can't see how to record different channels without manually changing the DTA box from Comcast. Any suggestions?

[usually_quiet]

To change the channels on the DTA, you would need a new DVD recorder/DVR with an IR blaster. ...or a PC equipped with a TV capture/tuner device, plus an IR receiver that includes an IR blaster, and appropriate PVR software. The PC's TV tuner would need to accept composite video or be able to work with a composite to S-Video adapter

[rdbierma]

I have Pioneer HDD/DVR recorder DVR-55oH. I'm not familar with an IR blaster or how it operates. The HDD/DVR has an ASTI tuner. Is there something that I can add to the system to auto change the input channels?

[usually_quiet]

I have Pioneer HDD/DVR recorder DVR-55oH. I'm not familar with an IR blaster or how it operates. The HDD/DVR has an ASTI tuner. Is there something that I can add to the system to auto change the input channels?

First, let's straighten out your misunderstandings about the tuner. Your DVR-550H has an analog tuner (NTSC if it is a N. American model), not ASTI (whatever you believe that is) or ATSC/QAM (digital). As far as I can determine, the N. American model did not include an IR blaster feature, and unfortunately you can't add one to it.

Although it is not as good as your Pioneer, this is an example of a tunerless DVD recorder that has an IR blaster. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/585817-REG/Sony_RDRGX257_RDR_GX257_DVD_Recorder.html#features

You would insert the male end of the IR blaster into a special port on your DVD recorder, and stick the IR emitter (blaster) onto the transparent plastic in front of the IR receiver for your DTA. The emitter produces an IR pulse to change the channel. The DVD recorder must also be programmed with the codes for your DTA box to change the channels.

[Vidd]

If your Comcast box has a firewire port, you can change channels with the command line program channel.exe. You can run a macro program and create batch files to change channels while you are away from your desk. No need for an IR Blaster if you have a firewire cable.

Download:
http://home.comcast.net/~timmmoore/firewire/readme.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~exdeus/stbfirewire/

[edDV]

If your Comcast box has a firewire port, you can change channels with the command line program channel.exe. You can run a macro program and create batch files to change channels while you are away from your desk. No need for an IR Blaster if you have a firewire cable.

Download:
http://home.comcast.net/~timmmoore/firewire/readme.htm
http://home.comcast.net/~exdeus/stbfirewire/

He doesn't have the HD cable box, just the DTA which tunes digital and outputs RF analog. This is for basic service.

http://digitalnow.comcast.com/Contents/DTA_online_ver_2.pdf

[rdbierma]

If need be I could hook the Motorola DCH70 box to this set

[usually_quiet]

The Motorola DCH70 is an SD cable box, but I took a peek at the Motorola DCH70 manual at Motorola's website anyway. The user manual did not indicate it has a firewire port, so that solution is not available with the equipment you have.

[edDV]

If need be I could hook the Motorola DCH70 box to this set

You would need to use the IR control for either to change channels.

[rdbierma]

It appears that I can only change the channels with the remote. Second question,: Is there a device/remote that would automatically change the channel at secified times? IE, Channel 53 @ 8PM, channel 56 @ 10PM and channel 47 @11PM. Does such a device exist?

Thanks for all of your input.

[rdbierma]

Thanks

[edDV]

It appears that I can only change the channels with the remote. Second question,: Is there a device/remote that would automatically change the channel at secified times? IE, Channel 53 @ 8PM, channel 56 @ 10PM and channel 47 @11PM. Does such a device exist?

Thanks for all of your input.

A computer can do that using the IR blaster. Most PVR software is compatible with the IR blaster.

Also many high end VCRs and DVD recorders come with IR transmitters to change cable box channels when doing scheduled recording.

Also programmable remote controls like the Harmony can be programmmed to change channels to a schedule and cue a recorder.

Also some PDA's like the iTouch and Windows CE products can be programmed to function as smart remote controls so long as they have IR transmitters.