Author Topic: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?  (Read 6120 times)

fearingsept

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Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« on: December 17, 2008, 03:28:46 pm »
Is anyone using a Microsoft IR Blaster? If so Could you point me in the right direction either on wiki or some step by step instructions on how to configure it for LMCE 7.10. I am getting ready to get a new tv and I want to integrate my tv and other AV equipment so I only have to use one remote. I have a Microsoft remote Version 2 (as described on the wiki) and it came with the Microsoft transmitter/receiver.

I haven't tried anything yet I just want to make sure I get a start in the right direction.
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totallymaxed

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #1 on: December 17, 2008, 03:42:25 pm »
Is anyone using a Microsoft IR Blaster? If so Could you point me in the right direction either on wiki or some step by step instructions on how to configure it for LMCE 7.10. I am getting ready to get a new tv and I want to integrate my tv and other AV equipment so I only have to use one remote. I have a Microsoft remote Version 2 (as described on the wiki) and it came with the Microsoft transmitter/receiver.

I haven't tried anything yet I just want to make sure I get a start in the right direction.

My recommendation would be to buy a new TV with an RS232 control port... you get better, more reliable and faster control that way. LG TV's all come with RS232 as standard by the way as far as I know.

All the best

Andrew
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tschak909

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #2 on: December 17, 2008, 04:08:03 pm »
I wouldn't use a microsoft IR blaster either. No learning capability. Which is what you would need to make a template for your TV, if we don't have an existing IR code group in our database.

But all the same, you can try to make a new IR template after plugging in the emitter.

-Thom

fearingsept

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #3 on: December 17, 2008, 04:31:26 pm »
I think I will just go the RS232 rout. Seems easier... So how would I tie in my stereo receiver?
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totallymaxed

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #4 on: December 17, 2008, 04:37:30 pm »
I think I will just go the RS232 rout. Seems easier... So how would I tie in my stereo receiver?

If your Stereo Receiver does not have RS232 then your back to IR blasting I'm afraid (as long as it has IR thats is ;-) )

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tschak909

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #5 on: December 17, 2008, 04:47:02 pm »
Right now, the fool proof setup is:

* Sharp Aquos LC-xxD64U
* Yamaha RX-Vxx00 where it would be 1500, 1700, 2700, etc.

There are a few other recievers that people have added, but these are the ones I have used, and the ones I know have all the features of each respective device implemented.

We're at an odd time in the history of automated A/V...

Right now, RS-232 is considered an old technology, and it's there in higher end units to allow integration to high priced home automation systems such as Crestron, AMX, Control4, etc.

IR is everywhere, and we do have an extensive set of PRONTO codes in our database for different manufacturers. A lot of them use the same remote control chips, and thus you could get by without doing IR learning, if one of those code groups for your manufacturer works.

HDMI-CEC has been a proposed standard for a few years now, but we haven't gotten to the point where most consumer electronics manufacturers are actually implementing it, and when they do, it typically only works with the same vendor. But if it does get accepted, we then have a way of sending audio, video, and control signals over very short distances over the same wire.. emphasis on very short distances.. HDMI doesn't attentuate very well over longer distances.

So, there is a lot of info on the wiki on how to add your own device templates for your devices if needed. We can help, as well. For IR devices, it literally is either picking the correct infra-red codes, or using a USB UIRT to learn the bits from a remote. For RS-232 devices, it's literally implementing what's on the protocol sheet. I pattern my code very much after the above devices I've mentioned and got very good results.

-Thom

seth

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #6 on: December 17, 2008, 05:10:06 pm »
 ;)
I use 3 of the MCE USB receiver/remote combos in my installation. One thing I noticed, you can send codes to the blaster on the web admin screen, but for whatever reason, the blasters will not work outside of this screen. So if you need IR blasting ability, I recommend the USB-UIRT. It will work with your MCE remote plug and play, and you can learn/blast codes with it as well.

3 MD's in my house use the MCE remote/USB combos (mce_usb2) and it is their primary control. They work flawlessly, no configuration required on your part. However, system control is all they do, no blasting, or learning abilities.  :(

But as remotes for a MD, they work well.

Regards,

Seth
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fearingsept

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #7 on: December 17, 2008, 05:53:49 pm »
Quote
3 MD's in my house use the MCE remote/USB combos (mce_usb2) and it is their primary control. They work flawlessly, no configuration required on your part. However, system control is all they do, no blasting, or learning abilities.  Sad

My Microsoft IR Receiver controls my MD just fine, What I am looking for is to tie in my other electronics in the most simple way I can without having to buy all new equipment.
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seth

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Re: Anyone Using a Microsoft IR blaster?
« Reply #8 on: December 17, 2008, 06:13:25 pm »
Well to be truthful, the blaster does work from the webadmin. But it does not work outside of that, not sure why. Perhaps someone with more abilities than myself can figure out why, I think there was a thread about it in the forums. It would be great to get them working. I know they work in MythButntu 8.04. I had a test system up, and they worked flawlessly, and both were independent from one another, I had port 1 doing 1 sat receiver, and port 2 doing another.

It is probably some little snigglet of code tht is not complete. But I do not have enough knowledge to figure it out :(

But after holiday, I will have 3 USB-UIRTS, and they can handle the job nicely.

Best of Luck,

Regards,

Seth
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