DirecTV HD DVR control via IP

[franky]

The current DirecTV HD DVRs have ethernet ports to support some features. Has anyone heard of any way to control these DVRs over IP through the ethernet port rather than IR? That sure would be nice for integration into home automation systems.

 

[wuench]

The current DirecTV HD DVRs have ethernet ports to support some features. Has anyone heard of any way to control these DVRs over IP through the ethernet port rather than IR? That sure would be nice for integration into home automation systems.

Nope only RS232 via the USB ports and it is still a painful protocol to use. The RS232 protocol freezes up just like when you use the IR remote, so it can sometimes take several seconds for it to respond to commands.

 

[DavidL]

I am wondering if like the Sony CX7000ES that the later DirecTV receivers do serial over TCP (UPnP). I know the DirecTV receivers are UPnP aware, just haven't seen the docs on how to talk to it via serial protocol (like via the USB <> RS232 dongles).

 

[franky]

Nope only RS232 via the USB ports and it is still a painful protocol to use. The RS232 protocol freezes up just like when you use the IR remote, so it can sometimes take several seconds for it to respond to commands.

I wasn't even aware of the serial protocol. Can you point me to some information about that? I assume this would be done through a USB-to-RS232 adapter plugged into the unit's USB port.

 

[wuench]

Nope only RS232 via the USB ports and it is still a painful protocol to use. The RS232 protocol freezes up just like when you use the IR remote, so it can sometimes take several seconds for it to respond to commands.

I wasn't even aware of the serial protocol. Can you point me to some information about that? I assume this would be done through a USB-to-RS232 adapter plugged into the unit's USB port.

DTVControl is a good resource.

 

[Desert_AIP]

Does the DirectTV2PC software give you the functions you want?

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/conte...ssetId=P4920044

Using an HTPC to interface between the DVR and TV?

- Stream recorded HD programming in full resolution from your DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR to your PC.
- Watch shows on your PC while live or recorded programming is being watched on your TV.
- Enjoy the same DIRECTV screen interface.

 

[AceCannon]

I wasn't even aware of the serial protocol. Can you point me to some information about that? I assume this would be done through a USB-to-RS232 adapter plugged into the unit's USB port.

There are threads on Charmed Quark's forums about this. Briefly:

I used the USB-serial dongle from Monoprice (plugs into the DirecTv box, NOT the PC), connect the dongle to the serial port of the PC using a null modem cable or adapter. CQC has a driver for the protocol, and it works. Mostly.

As mentioned above, the tuners are slow and sketchy whether controlled via IR or RS232. They will frequently hang, so the driver cannot send or receive updates for a few seconds. As best I can tell, no one had yet been able to correct this. The presumption is that it is a limitation of the tuner itself, not the com protocol.

 

[JohnWPB]

Does the DirectTV2PC software give you the functions you want?

http://www.directv.com/DTVAPP/global/conte...ssetId=P4920044

Using an HTPC to interface between the DVR and TV?

- Stream recorded HD programming in full resolution from your DIRECTV Plus® HD DVR to your PC.
- Watch shows on your PC while live or recorded programming is being watched on your TV.
- Enjoy the same DIRECTV screen interface.

I was not aware of this program, Nice!

Until......

I just downloaded and installed it, and it runs the system check to see if the computer can handle the playback. My computer failed, and will not let you even go any further to check it out.

The CPS specs the require are:
Pentium 4 541 3.2 GHz, Pentium D 840 3.2 GHz, Pentium D 930 3.0 GHz, 935 3.2GHz or 940 3.2 GHz, Core Duo T2400 1.83 GHz, Pentium M 755 2.0 GHz, Core 2 Duo E4300 1.8 GHz, or T5600 1.83 GHz

I am running a Pentium Dual Core 2.8Ghz CPU, and it says I need to upgrade, yet a dual core 1.8 Ghz, mentioned above, seems to be good enough!

Next, it says my GFX card is not good enough....

They require:
nVidia
GeForce 7800 GTX 512, GeForce 7900 GX2, GeForce 7900
GTX, GeForce 7950 GX2, GeForce 8400 series, GeForce 8500 series, GeForce
8600 series, GeForce 8800 series

I am running a GeForce 7900 (512 megs of ram on board), just not the "GTX", and it says I need to upgrade!

It has been quite a long time since I tried to run something and I do not have a "good enough" computer for it hahah!

 

[DavidL]

Hi John,
I too got an error that my ATI Radeon 1950 didn't have hardware accelleration. I updated to latest ATI driver (they considered the video card legacy) and still no go. DirecTV test app says they need the hardware accel for DRM...not sure what they do with that....
Anyway, I installed the DirecTV TV app, applied their license, and all works well. Go figure.

Give it a roll.

 

[Desert_AIP]

I'm planning on installing DirectTV soon, I'd be interested to know how the install goes for you. Also how well the software works.

 

[DrunkenLizard]

I need to look into this

A note on the directv2pc software:
I tried it out a few months back, wouldn't run on my laptop. I tried it on my desktop Q6600, 4gigs of ram, 9800gtx overclocked. Problem was the software wouldn't run if you had dual monitors

 

[DavidL]

I need to look into this

A note on the directv2pc software:
I tried it out a few months back, wouldn't run on my laptop. I tried it on my desktop Q6600, 4gigs of ram, 9800gtx overclocked. Problem was the software wouldn't run if you had dual monitors

I have dual monitors on my PC and the DirecTV2PC software runs fine on it. Might have been something else or some other dual monitor specific to your installation

 

[DrunkenLizard]

Ah I haven't tried it since it first went into beta, glad to know they changed that. I'll have to give it another try, need to watch doctor who, but the little lady is watching some tlc show.

 

[JohnWPB]

After the app says your system is not good enough, how did you go ahead and install the app to run it? It seems like almost some sort of "firewall" to get past, before you can even install the app.

 

[JohnWPB]

anyone???