Addendum

Let me add something. Instead of an automatic setup, I believe I did a manual set up. Before I set up the remote, it asked me what channel I was using. Just on a lark, I chose '4' by switching the function on the back of the set top box, and then chose it when it was read by media center. THEN it asked me if my set top box had a remote, which I LIED when I said 'NO!' I believe the fact that I told a deliberate untruth is what finally turned the great key of hope for me into actual cable function. Just a religous insight, there. But seriously, that's what I remember I did which led to my success, and now I'm waching Comcast with most of the channels I get using my clear QAM tuner in my new Sony HD TV upstairs and my Panasonic DVD/VHS recorder w/ digital/QAM tuner in the living room. I am a little tired, having spent the whole night making sure I wouldn't miss any of tonight's fare. But good luck, if you need to you can e-mail me and I'll try to help.



Mark Church wrote:

Yes it can, dude.
01-Dec-09

Hey, I have a Sony VGC-LT35E, which I love. I realized after trying to get WinDVD BD for Sony working that Sony just didn't want to have anything to do with this machine anymore-- I was on my own. Like in this case: I have Comcast in Maryland, with a DTA box I set up last night, with Vista 32-bit Media Center. Sony will never help-- they won't even support Nvidia driver updates, which are needed for flash 10.1. Anyway-- let me tell you what I did. When I set it up, I did a fresh re-boot and set up TV all over again. I did an automatic set up, and told Meida Center that I was using a set top box. After finding the signal, I told it the set top box DID NOT have a remote. It gave me a list of boxes, of which I chose: COMCAST C1982 (the only one listed for comcast.) I said it had a max of three digits in its channel roster, that I didn't need to press 'ok' or 'enter.' It gave me the oportunity to test channel changing, and it could (channel '75' sci fi). I chose fast for response time, and concluded set up. As far as the Sony included IR blaster, I put the jack into the hole (first near the bottom), unspooled its length, and placed the other end using its sticky end over top of the DTA box right over the green light. I made sure the Comcast included IR blaster was unplugged, unused. My comcast remote continued to work even with the green light covered, but this time my Sony Media Center Remote worked. I don't know if this will work for your Motorola box (mine is the Pace DC50X Digital Transport Box)-- but now, both the Media Center and the Comcast on screen channel indication change , slowly, but in unison. If I change to channel '72' using Sony remote, a pause...then comcast on screen indication: '7'...'2'... [channel shift] and then Windows Media center reflects the change. I can use the program guide, and record, and everything. Don't lose heart-- keep at it. And if you haven't, buy WinDVD 9 plus Blu Ray and forget about Sony included software. You may have to experiment a little bit to g the same result, as I tried it almost 50 times between 12:30 am until about 7am the next morning in a thousand different ways using as many web citations of 'Comcast DTA Windows Media Center Vista', many of which were helpful but which all proved to be incomplete-- experimentation is inevitable. Computers are for gluttons for punishment anyhow. When I called Comcast, they said: "Comcast does not support Windows Media Center." In other words, 'my boss told me don't try to figue it out, just tell them it doesn't.' Good luck. Mark

Previous Posts In This Thread:


Submitted via EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
Developing a Log Provider and a Factory Class to facilitate easy switching between Logging Components
http://www.eggheadcafe.com/tutorials...-provider.aspx

Was having similar problems, I was placing the IR bug in the wrong place. Here is a link for DCT700 with the IR bug placed in the correct place

https://help.ubuntu.com/community/Mo..._Change_Script



Mark Church wrote:

Addendum
01-Dec-09

Let me add something. Instead of an automatic setup, I believe I did a manual set up. Before I set up the remote, it asked me what channel I was using. Just on a lark, I chose '4' by switching the function on the back of the set top box, and then chose it when it was read by media center. THEN it asked me if my set top box had a remote, which I LIED when I said 'NO!' I believe the fact that I told a deliberate untruth is what finally turned the great key of hope for me into actual cable function. Just a religous insight, there. But seriously, that's what I remember I did which led to my success, and now I'm waching Comcast with most of the channels I get using my clear QAM tuner in my new Sony HD TV upstairs and my Panasonic DVD/VHS recorder w/ digital/QAM tuner in the living room. I am a little tired, having spent the whole night making sure I wouldn't miss any of tonight's fare. But good luck, if you need to you can e-mail me and I'll try to help.

Previous Posts In This Thread:

On Sunday, September 09, 2007 3:04 PM
zo wrote:

Media Center Remote/Guide won't change Comcast Digital channels!
Hello

As things stand, I can watch TV on the snazzy Media Center, but I cannot
change the channels with the MC channel guide, or with the MC remote. Despite
wading through the set-up a bajillion times, in every possible permutation...
nope. Can't change the channels other than using the Comcast STB remote to
change the channels on the STB... that is, I use the Comcast remote and STB's
guide, and bypass the MC channel guide/remote entirely... which is a drag,
and not what I want to do, clearly. So the channel I'm watching, and the
channel the MC guide says I'm watching have nothing to do with each other. I
can change the MC guide to any channel, but it only displays the channel the
STB is actually set for

It doesn't seem to be an IR blaster issue 'cause even once "programmed" the
MC remote won't operate the STB at point-blank range

The STB is connected to my HP Pavillion via coax... should I switch to
component

Ummm, help?

On Sunday, September 09, 2007 5:22 PM
Doug Knox - [MS-MVP] wrote:

Nope, coax or component won't make a difference here.
Nope, coax or component won't make a difference here. See this article by
Barb Bowman on setting up dual STB's. It applies equally well to one

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...dualtuners.msp

I can guarantee Comcast boxes were used for her setup

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Securit
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixe
http://www.dougknox.co
-------------------------------
Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pr
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.ht
-------------------------------
Please reply only to the newsgroup so all may benefit
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered

"zod" <> wrote in message
news:58CD017C-E22A-455B-8F95-...

On Monday, September 10, 2007 12:45 AM
Nigel Barker wrote:

Re: Media Center Remote/Guide won't change Comcast Digital channels!
On Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:04:03 -0700, zod <> wrote

The Media Center remote will never change channels on the STB even at point-blank range. The M
remote needs to be pointed at the MC IR receiver. You should have an IR bug stuck on the front o
the STB over its IR receiver & the other end of the wire is plugged into the MC IR receiver. It'
the IR bug that sends the IR signals & changes channels
-

Cheer

Nigel Barke
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azu
MCE MVP

On Friday, September 14, 2007 8:24 PM
zo wrote:

Hello again!
Hello again

These instructions are just a play-by-play... there's no new info here

I have the IR bug (from IR outboard receiver staright to STB) on the STB,
but it still won't change the channels on the STB. The only way I get
audio/video on the MCE is if the MCE guide is on Channel 3, then I get
whatever channel the STB is set for. The MCE remote won't change the MCE
guide/cable channel to the same channel!

What else can I do?



"Doug Knox - [MS-MVP]" wrote:

On Saturday, September 15, 2007 7:31 AM
Barb Bowman wrote:

can you tell me what brand and model set top box you have?
can you tell me what brand and model set top box you have?

after you have verified with a flashlight that you have the IR bug
squarely over the IR receiver in the STB, can you position yourself
about 5 feet away and see if the page down/page up control on the
MCE remote while in the guide?

On Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:24:01 -0700, zod
<> wrote:

--

Barb Bowman
MS Windows-MVP
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx
http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/

On Monday, September 17, 2007 3:54 AM
Nigel Barker wrote:

Re: Media Center Remote/Guide won't change Comcast Digital channel
On Fri, 14 Sep 2007 17:24:01 -0700, zod <> wrote:


Try plugging the IR bug into the other socket on the IR receiver.

If you have never ever been able to change channel with the Media Center remote even intermittently
then I would suspect some hardware problem (IR receiver or IR bug).
--

Cheers

Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur
MCE MVP

On Monday, September 17, 2007 11:08 PM
John Forti wrote:

Re: Media Center Remote/Guide won't change Comcast Digital channel
"Barb Bowman" wrote:

On Monday, September 17, 2007 11:34 PM
JohnForti wrote:

Hi,I am having similar problems setting up my new Dell with Vista & Media
Hi,
I am having similar problems setting up my new Dell with Vista & Media
center (w/remote). I on satellite with a set-box.

The remote displays the guide, the channel info and displays all program
info as it should... except when it comes to actually changing the
channels... Nothing happens!
I've re-run the set-up with umpteen configurations and ajustments, have
started over from scratch several times and have called Dell support - to no
avail (!!!) I am still unable to use my MC remote. I CAN change with my
set-box remote, but this is not how I expected it to work...

Help!
John


"Barb Bowman" wrote:

On Tuesday, September 18, 2007 3:04 AM
Nigel Barker wrote:

Re: Media Center Remote/Guide won't change Comcast Digital channel
On Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:34:01 -0700, John Fortin <> wrote:


Look at this article by Barb Bowman on setting up dual STB's. It applies equally well to one.
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/u...ualtuners.mspx

Please confirm that you have the 1/8" plug of the IR bug plugged into the Media Center IR receiver &
the other end of the bug stuck over the IR receiver of the STB. Placement can be tricky with some
models but you should see some channel changing even if it is intermittent.
--

Cheers

Nigel Barker
Live from the sunny Cote d'Azur
MCE MVP

On Sunday, September 23, 2007 11:42 AM
nujoi190 wrote:

Re: Media Center Remote/Guide won't change Comcast Digital channel
Hello:

My Media Center software worked great on Window XP. Now that I have upgraded
to Vista, neither my keyboard nor Windows remote will change the TV channel.
Like others, my DirecTV remote will work. I have read the article by Ms.
Bowman and this did not solve the problem -in the TV setup wizard, the
channels won't change. I have to finish the setup without configuring the TV
signal. Is there a patch or fix available?

"Nigel Barker" wrote:

On Thursday, October 04, 2007 1:29 PM
malib wrote:

I also am still having the same problem.
I also am still having the same problem. I have been trying to get the Media
center remote to change the channels since I got this new PC in March. I have
worked with HP and they thought it was the remote sensor and sent me a new
sensor but that did not fix the issue. HP just keeps telling me to rerun the
Media Center setup which I have done a zillion times and it does not correct
the issue. I have to use the setop remote in order for the channels to
change. The problem with that is is you want to schedule a recording you need
to make sure you have it on the correct channel. Any help anyone can give
would be appreciated. I am so frustrated I feel like throwing the PC out the
window.

--
malibu


"zod" wrote:

On Thursday, October 04, 2007 3:26 PM
Jaime wrote:

You need to provide more info if you want help.
You need to provide more info if you want help.

Is the IR receiver plugged into the PC and detected?

Is the IR emitter plugged into the receiver and you are sure it is placed
over the sensor on your cable box?

Do the channels change when running the setup wizard?

Does everything else seem to run correctly during setup (finds your
provider, service, etc.)?
--
James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey"), Florida



"malibu" <> wrote in message
news:77308439-E502-416A-857D-...

On Thursday, October 04, 2007 4:00 PM
malib wrote:

The IR receiver is plugged into the PC and detected.
The IR receiver is plugged into the PC and detected.
I am sure it is placed over the sensor on the cable box.
The channels do not change when running the setup wizard. The only way I can
change the channels is to use the setup remote. Other than that everything
else is running correctly.
--
malibu


"Jaime" wrote:

On Thursday, October 04, 2007 6:13 PM
CSM1 wrote:

If the channels do not change during setup, you probably have the emitter in
If the channels do not change during setup, you probably have the emitter in
the wrong place on the set top box or you have the emitter plugged into the
wrong jack on the back of the IR box. (try the other jack).

--
CSM1
http://www.carlmcmillan.com
--
"malibu" <> wrote in message
news:8558AAD0-6618-411F-A68B-...

On Thursday, October 04, 2007 6:21 PM
Jaime wrote:

Just to verify, the IR emitter is stuck to the cable box over the sensor
Just to verify, the IR emitter is stuck to the cable box over the sensor
window, not the IR receiver (which plugs into the PC via USB)?
--
James
Orlando (Goofy says "Hey"), Florida

On Friday, October 05, 2007 8:31 AM
malib wrote:

Jaime,You are correct the IR emitter is stuck to the front of the set top box
Jaime,
You are correct the IR emitter is stuck to the front of the set top box and
the IR reciever is plugged into the PC via USB.

CSM1,
The emitter has been moved all over the front of the set top box I can see
the light thru the box it is in the right place. I have also tried both jacks
on the back of the IR box.

I have done everything that everyone has suggested several times nothing
changes the fact that I can not change channels with the Media Center Remote.



--
malibu


"Jaime" wrote:

On Friday, October 05, 2007 10:55 AM
CSM1 wrote:

Malibu,Did you ever tell us what brand of set top box you are using?
Malibu,
Did you ever tell us what brand of set top box you are using?

As to the emitter being in the right place, it is not until you actually get
a response from the STB with the MCE remote.

Are you sure that MCE is sending the right code to your STB?

Have you gone through the MCE "learning mode" with the STB's remote control.
MCE sometimes must 'learn' the STB's codes for MCE to talk to the STB.

Remember you must have the STB's remote within six inches of the MCE USB IR
Box. The STB remote control led must be facing the window of the USB IR box.

After you are sure that MCE is sending the correct codes for your STB, then
with MCE remote in hand, keep trying to change to a different channel and
moving the emitter all around the plastic front of the STB.

Watch the emitter flash, when it quits flashing, move to another spot, and
try a channel change with MCE remote control.

I think I kept using the Channel UP or Down button on the MCE remote until
the STB changed channels. I was watching the STB on the TV, not via MCE.
That way I knew immediately when the channel changed, not 3 seconds later as
it does via MCE Live TV

Somewhere you should get a response from the STB

The IR sensor on the STB is never where you think it is. Unless you have the
service manual for the STB :

--
CSM
http://www.carlmcmillan.co
-
"malibu" <> wrote in message
news:4141BAB6-8E28-4AB5-8D58-...

On Friday, October 05, 2007 11:19 AM
malib wrote:

CSM1,Believe me all of this has been done several times.
CSM1
Believe me all of this has been done several times. HP even sent me a new IR
emitter as they said that was the problem but it did not fix it.

The type of set top box is Motorola and I do have a manual for it


--
malib

"CSM1" wrote:

On Friday, October 05, 2007 1:27 PM
CSM1 wrote:

Does the emitter flash when changing channels with MCE remote?
Does the emitter flash when changing channels with MCE remote

Motorola STB and I woud guess the manual is the USER manual and not the
SERVICE manual
Service manuals have all of the repair info and technological info.
Including the schematic diagrams

It is not a Motorola 4DTV model DSR-922 is it

If it is a 4DTV DSR-922, we are all spinning our wheels. MCE can not change
the satellite on the DSR-922, MCE does not know how to change the satellite
and the transponder

What Model number Motorola is it? Motorola makes dozens of STBs
Is it a Cable Receiver
Can you change channels on the Motorola with just a three or four digit
number on the Motorola remote

What service are you using the Motorola STB for Cable TV, satellite or over
the air
Who is your TV service provider

--
CSM
http://www.carlmcmillan.co
-
"malibu" <> wrote in message
news:AD07057B-E918-4FBB-8533-...

On Friday, October 05, 2007 1:52 PM
malib wrote:

CSM1The emitter flashes when I use the MCE remote and the keyboard and the
CSM
The emitter flashes when I use the MCE remote and the keyboard and the
display says the channel changed but it does not physically change the
channel
The set top box is a Motorola DCT700. It is a digital cable box. My service
provider our local telephone and cable company here in NC
--
malib

"CSM1" wrote:

On Monday, September 08, 2008 10:23 PM
Authorized User wrote:

I can Help you !!!
I had this problem when i first got digital cable running into my media center.

it worked.. but half assed. I needed to use 2 remotes to watch tv.

I gave up on the problem..
but 2 months later (today) gave it another go.

the problem was that my IR sensor (coming out of the media center reciever, and sticking to the front of the cable box) wasn't positioned correctly.

I moved the little red sticky bugger to the spot on my set top box that said "remote"

thats where it takes in the IR signal from your real remote. I went through all the tv signal setup again. and after it learned the codes from my cable remote, IT WORKS.

MY MEDIA CENTER REMOTE CAN CHANGE THE CHANEL ON THE CABLE BOX NOW!!! also recording things while you're away is now functional

I hope this helped you man. no one offered any advice when I was stuck

ps. in that area where it ask's you if the channel changed. keep trying while moving around the little Ir bug around your cable box until you see the numbers change on it. then just stick it down, and the rest is automatic)

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On Sunday, November 16, 2008 3:30 PM
Jon Bonnelle wrote:

Windows Media Center Remote and Guide CAN NOT change Comcast Digital channels
Hi Barb,
I just got off the phone with SONY PC customer support for help with my Sony Vaio VGC-LT35E. They insisted that the Windows Media Center Remote and Guide CAN NOT change Comcast Digital channels. I should be happy that I have a Comcast box (by the way it is MOTOROLA # GI1417TDF947) that has its own remote and that the Comcast remote can change channels. So I asked why this computer has an infrared transmitter built into the Vaio system. They responded it is for older cable boxes ? those that do not come with their own remote. They said they have had numerous calls regarding this same problem and have been telling their customers that there is no problem it works as it should ? i.e. the WMC Remote and Guide is not suppose to be able to change Comcast Digital channels. What is your response to this statement? Are they simply untruthful because they have no solution to the problem? Or What?

P.S. It is funny because I called them once before and they said that if I had Windows XP installed that the Windows Media Center Remote and Guide would change Comcast Digital channels.

On Friday, November 06, 2009 8:59 AM
R C wrote:

Why Can't I Change Channels With My Keyboard???
My experience has been that the Comcast remote works well when the batteries are really strong, but as the charge went down, I would lose the ability to change channels quickly.

Here is my question though - I don't want to deal with ANY remote, whether Comcast's or the one that came with my Sony VAIO. Why can't my KEYBOARD change channels?? When I put the numbers in on the keyboard, they show up on the screen and the picture pauses - it just isn't making the switch to the other channel. I feel like there must just be an additional step to make this work, but I don't know what it is. Can anyone help?

On Saturday, November 07, 2009 8:19 AM
Curious wrote:

Do you have an MC MCE compatible IR receiver and an IR blaster installed
Do you have an MC MCE compatible IR receiver and an IR blaster installed to
emulates your Comcast remote to allow you to change the channel on your
Comcast tuner STB from your MC PC keyboard? If not what method are you
trying to use to tell the Comcast STB to change its channel which it
apparently is sending to your PC over channel 3 or 4.

On Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:33 PM
Mark Church wrote:

Yes it can, dude.
Hey, I have a Sony VGC-LT35E, which I love. I realized after trying to get WinDVD BD for Sony working that Sony just didn't want to have anything to do with this machine anymore-- I was on my own. Like in this case: I have Comcast in Maryland, with a DTA box I set up last night, with Vista 32-bit Media Center. Sony will never help-- they won't even support Nvidia driver updates, which are needed for flash 10.1. Anyway-- let me tell you what I did. When I set it up, I did a fresh re-boot and set up TV all over again. I did an automatic set up, and told Meida Center that I was using a set top box. After finding the signal, I told it the set top box DID NOT have a remote. It gave me a list of boxes, of which I chose: COMCAST C1982 (the only one listed for comcast.) I said it had a max of three digits in its channel roster, that I didn't need to press 'ok' or 'enter.' It gave me the oportunity to test channel changing, and it could (channel '75' sci fi). I chose fast for response time, and concluded set up. As far as the Sony included IR blaster, I put the jack into the hole (first near the bottom), unspooled its length, and placed the other end using its sticky end over top of the DTA box right over the green light. I made sure the Comcast included IR blaster was unplugged, unused. My comcast remote continued to work even with the green light covered, but this time my Sony Media Center Remote worked. I don't know if this will work for your Motorola box (mine is the Pace DC50X Digital Transport Box)-- but now, both the Media Center and the Comcast on screen channel indication change , slowly, but in unison. If I change to channel '72' using Sony remote, a pause...then comcast on screen indication: '7'...'2'... [channel shift] and then Windows Media center reflects the change. I can use the program guide, and record, and everything. Don't lose heart-- keep at it. And if you haven't, buy WinDVD 9 plus Blu Ray and forget about Sony included software. You may have to experiment a little bit to g the same result, as I tried it almost 50 times between 12:30 am until about 7am the next morning in a thousand different ways using as many web citations of 'Comcast DTA Windows Media Center Vista', many of which were helpful but which all proved to be incomplete-- experimentation is inevitable. Computers are for gluttons for punishment anyhow. When I called Comcast, they said: "Comcast does not support Windows Media Center." In other words, 'my boss told me don't try to figue it out, just tell them it doesn't.' Good luck. Mark

On Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:44 PM
Mark Church wrote:

Addendum
Let me add something. Instead of an automatic setup, I believe I did a manual set up. Before I set up the remote, it asked me what channel I was using. Just on a lark, I chose '4' by switching the function on the back of the set top box, and then chose it when it was read by media center. THEN it asked me if my set top box had a remote, which I LIED when I said 'NO!' I believe the fact that I told a deliberate untruth is what finally turned the great key of hope for me into actual cable function. Just a religous insight, there. But seriously, that's what I remember I did which led to my success, and now I'm waching Comcast with most of the channels I get using my clear QAM tuner in my new Sony HD TV upstairs and my Panasonic DVD/VHS recorder w/ digital/QAM tuner in the living room. I am a little tired, having spent the whole night making sure I wouldn't miss any of tonight's fare. But good luck, if you need to you can e-mail me and I'll try to help.

On Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:44 PM
Mark Church wrote:

Addendum
Let me add something. Instead of an automatic setup, I believe I did a manual set up. Before I set up the remote, it asked me what channel I was using. Just on a lark, I chose '4' by switching the function on the back of the set top box, and then chose it when it was read by media center. THEN it asked me if my set top box had a remote, which I LIED when I said 'NO!' I believe the fact that I told a deliberate untruth is what finally turned the great key of hope for me into actual cable function. Just a religous insight, there. But seriously, that's what I remember I did which led to my success, and now I'm waching Comcast with most of the channels I get using my clear QAM tuner in my new Sony HD TV upstairs and my Panasonic DVD/VHS recorder w/ digital/QAM tuner in the living room. I am a little tired, having spent the whole night making sure I wouldn't miss any of tonight's fare. But good luck, if you need to you can e-mail me and I'll try to help.

On Tuesday, December 01, 2009 12:44 PM
Mark Church wrote:

Addendum
Let me add something. Instead of an automatic setup, I believe I did a manual set up. Before I set up the remote, it asked me what channel I was using. Just on a lark, I chose '4' by switching the function on the back of the set top box, and then chose it when it was read by media center. THEN it asked me if my set top box had a remote, which I LIED when I said 'NO!' I believe the fact that I told a deliberate untruth is what finally turned the great key of hope for me into actual cable function. Just a religous insight, there. But seriously, that's what I remember I did which led to my success, and now I'm waching Comcast with most of the channels I get using my clear QAM tuner in my new Sony HD TV upstairs and my Panasonic DVD/VHS recorder w/ digital/QAM tuner in the living room. I am a little tired, having spent the whole night making sure I wouldn't miss any of tonight's fare. But good luck, if you need to you can e-mail me and I'll try to help.


Submitted via EggHeadCafe - Software Developer Portal of Choice
Standard Deviation in .NET ( STDEVPA )
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