Serial - USB Control for HR-20

[vivek9856]

I know that it is possible to control the lower DTV receiver models (D10 and such) using a Serial - USB adapter. However, I could not find anywhere stating that an HR-20 could be controlled by a similar cable.

My reason for asking is as follows. If you have any suggestions, let me know:

I have an HTPC / Server sitting next to my HR-20. I want to be able to stream videos through Orb to my phone/over the internet. Also, I want to be able to record shows and watch them on computers on my home network. Also, I wanted to be able to watch TV through my computer (Windows Media Center through a tuner), but also directly from my receiver to my TV.

I originally planned on using an IR blaster that I had, but my receiver is in a cabinet, and I wanted to be able to use the RF remote. However, I can't use IR and RF at the same time. So. I thought I could use RF for the remote, and then use the Serial / USB for my comp.

How do I go about doing this?

 

[jdspencer]

Future updates to the HR20 may make it possible to do as you want. Currently, the HR20 can only receive content from a server.

DBSTalk has a lot of info about the HR20. This thread will help you with networking it.
Step-by-Step Router/Bridge/HR20 Network Configuration Doc - DBSTalk.Com

I just checked over there, and it seems you have been there a couple of times.

 

[vivek9856]

Future updates to the HR20 may make it possible to do as you want. Currently, the HR20 can only receive content from a server.

DBSTalk has a lot of info about the HR20. This thread will help you with networking it.
Step-by-Step Router/Bridge/HR20 Network Configuration Doc - DBSTalk.Com

I just checked over there, and it seems you have been there a couple of times.

I don't know if you understand what I am trying to get at exactly...

What do you mean that the HR20 can only pull content from a server? I am not sure what you mean by that. Do you mean the remote booking?

Basically, my goal is to use a serial to USB cable to control the HR20 in place of an IR blaster.

There is a program to do this: DirecTV Serial Control Utility

But, is there a way to integrate this into Media Center through some driver or something?

 

[jdspencer]

Peruse this forum on DBSTalk for info about Media Sharing.
HR20/21 Information Resources - DBSTalk.Com

I'm unfamiliar with that serial control program. Others here will have to remark about whether it will work with the HR20.

 

[samvonac]

Try Paterson Technology Home Page Is this what you are looking for? I am planning to use this to control a D11 attached to my HTPC running SageTV.

 

[vivek9856]

Exactly.

The USB translator cable is just a USB to serial cable which you can get off of Newegg for $15 bucks.

Just download their software, get the cable from newegg, and your set.

Thanks for the link!

 

[zeusage]

Exactly.

The USB translator cable is just a USB to serial cable which you can get off of Newegg for $15 bucks.

Just download their software, get the cable from newegg, and your set.

Thanks for the link!

Were you able to feed the RS232 codes from within Media Center?

Thanks,


Zeusage