IR Blaster alternative

[reedmo]

Is it possible to make a cable that connects directly from the IR blaster output on the WMC PC to the IR receiver input on a Comcast DTA box? I keep having trouble with channels not changing properly using the IR blaster and it seems like it should be possible to replace the blaster/receiver combo with a single cable that plugs into both devices directly. Or if someone already sells one... where can I get them?

[Crash2009]

This might sound like a stupid answer, but, have you eliminated the troubleshooting steps in your manual?

[reedmo]

Yes I have. It works correctly sometimes and not others. Some channels seem to give it more trouble than others. Channel 11 for example. Watching the display I can see it enter a single "1" rather than two, so the result is it does not change the channel. Other times it skips the first digit of the channel number so 256 comes up as 56. I have gone through the set up signal process many times in order to reconfigure the remote control settings. I've tried every possible combination of fast/medium/slow with enter/wait and enter/press enter. And of course a lot of time physically repositioning the IR emitter and receiver.

[mdavej]

The IR is probably working fine in all cases. The problem is most likely timing and the random responsiveness of the DTA. Even a direct wired connection can't overcome that. When I had a similar problem with DirecTV, I sent a dummy command first (Enter, etc.) to sort of wake up the box, then channel numbers at the slowest possible rate.

Of course the best option is to get rid of your box and blaster altogether and replace with a cable card tuner. Last time I checked, you'd actually save money since the first card is free, plus you get a $2.50 credit for not having a box. I can't think of any good reason to use blasters and boxes anymore.

[slowbiscuit]

Yep, the answer on Comcast is always a Cablecard tuner. Messing around with IR Blasters is a kludgy waste of time.

[reedmo]

I've been looking at the cablecard option too, but I keep reading other people horror stories about getting Comcast to properly pair and activate the card, again resulting in lots of frustration and wasted time. And of course a Ceton card runs $200 while my current DTA's are free.

[mdavej]

I've been looking at the cablecard option too, but I keep reading other people horror stories about getting Comcast to properly pair and activate the card, again resulting in lots of frustration and wasted time. And of course a Ceton card runs $200 while my current DTA's are free.

Nowhere near the frustration and wasted time you've already had and will continue to have with IR blasters. At least once you're activated, you're home free.

No reason to pay that much. My last Ceton was about $100 used. A Prime is even cheaper.

[mcewinter]

^^ And you'll save a few bucks once you return the equipment MC will replace, with a CC setup.

[slowbiscuit]

I've been looking at the cablecard option too, but I keep reading other people horror stories about getting Comcast to properly pair and activate the card, again resulting in lots of frustration and wasted time. And of course a Ceton card runs $200 while my current DTA's are free.

The SD Prime tuner is regularly on sale for $99 or so, and is better anyway. But keep beating your head against the wall with unreliable blasting! You're not going to get a whole lot of help here with it given that the alternative is so much better.

[reedmo]

Ok, I bit the bullet and found a Ceton InfiniTV 6 ETH for $120. Next I guess it will be adventures with Comcast to get a Card and get it activated.

[Crash2009]

And the adventure begins! Ladies and gentlemen, Please fasten your seatbelts. We expect a little turbulence during the CableCard activation elevation, and just before landing there might be some turbulence at the network layer.

[mcewinter]

Call the Comcast number found here...

http://www.silicondust.com/forum2/viewt ... 2b318eaec5

[LuckyDay]

Is the trouble with activation just a Comcast thing? I have never had issues activating any with WOW or Time Warner.

[reedmo]

With Comcast it's always best to expect the worst, then you can be pleasantly surprised if it actually goes well or easily.

[mdavej]

IMO, Charter is the worst. Sometimes I can get activated in a couple of minutes, other times it can take a week. Very hit and miss. But they do eventually come through.

[DrSmith]

I've attempted 4 activations in the past year with Comcast. First 2 were flawless, next 2 cost me about 1/2 day each with multiple trips to the local office to either swap out or re-assign a card.