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?

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...ualtuners.mspx

I can guarantee Comcast boxes were used for her setup.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
--------------------------------
Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
--------------------------------
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-...
> 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 Sun, 9 Sep 2007 12:04:03 -0700, zod <> wrote:

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

Cheers

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

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:

> 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...ualtuners.mspx
>
> I can guarantee Comcast boxes were used for her setup.
>
> --
> Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
> Display\Security
> Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
> http://www.dougknox.com
> --------------------------------
> Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
> --------------------------------
> 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-...
> > 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?
>

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:

>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:
>
>> 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...ualtuners.mspx
>>
>> I can guarantee Comcast boxes were used for her setup.
>>
>> --
>> Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
>> Display\Security
>> Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
>> http://www.dougknox.com
>> --------------------------------
>> Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
>> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
>> --------------------------------
>> 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-...
>> > 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?
>>
--

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

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

>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?

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

"Barb Bowman" wrote:

> 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:
>
> >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:
> >
> >> 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...ualtuners.mspx
> >>
> >> I can guarantee Comcast boxes were used for her setup.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
> >> Display\Security
> >> Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
> >> http://www.dougknox.com
> >> --------------------------------
> >> Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
> >> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
> >> --------------------------------
> >> 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-...
> >> > 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?
> >>
> --
>
> Barb Bowman
> MS Windows-MVP
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx
> http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
>

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:

> 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:
>
> >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:
> >
> >> 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...ualtuners.mspx
> >>
> >> I can guarantee Comcast boxes were used for her setup.
> >>
> >> --
> >> Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
> >> Display\Security
> >> Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
> >> http://www.dougknox.com
> >> --------------------------------
> >> Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
> >> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
> >> --------------------------------
> >> 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-...
> >> > 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?
> >>
> --
>
> Barb Bowman
> MS Windows-MVP
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/e...ts/bowman.mspx
> http://blogs.digitalmediaphile.com/barb/
>

On Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:34:01 -0700, John Fortin <> wrote:

>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

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

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 Mon, 17 Sep 2007 20:34:01 -0700, John Fortin <> wrote:
>
> >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
>
> 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
>