View Full Version : Run 2 STB?
rhombus
10-17-2004, 04:25 PM
I have Rogers Cable (Toronto) and want to run both a HD STB and the regular STB into my TV so that I can use the TV's dual screen.
The problem that I'm having is that the each remote works both the STB's. I even tried to put one at the back of the room to have the signal not be going to the front but this does not work.
I looked to see what codes could be set for the STB and it looks like just one for both.
Does anyone have any ideas?
Mods Please move if in the wrong place. I looked and could not find a place
If you simply want PiP capability, the SA8000HD DVR has a PiP function, although the PiP is "small" it allows you so see what's on the other channel.
Also, a DVR changes the way you watch TV - everything can be recorded, there's no longer a need to channel surf, etc - you just watch what you want (either recorded or "paused live") and then watch another recording (the other game for example).
If you want to run two separate STB and have both "on", this is not possible with the SA STBs You would need to cover up a sensor on one box or the other. Some people who run two boxes (for recording, etc), have one come on, and the other go off when you hit the power button, but that's not what it appears you're after.
rhombus
10-17-2004, 09:32 PM
I ended up just setting the one STB to the game that I wanted to have on the other screen and then moved it so that it would not pick up the signal.
On Sundays I just want to be able to watch other games that are not in HD with the Sony's dual screen. I know about the PIP with the STB but it is to small and covers the main screen. With the dual screen and the resizing that it has (you can resize either screen and switch the sound) it makes it possible to watch two games at once. I guess I could record one game but I would not watch it after so I'm looking for a real time solution.
Having said that I do have to get in a different mind set for the ability to record stuff.
Having said that I do have to get in a different mind set for the ability to record stuff.
Since a "game" is usually an hour to watch, without commercials, etc and it's usually "on" for say 3 hours, here's what you can do.
It would be possible to record both games, start watching one at say the 2 hour mark and watch the other at end of the first one.
You could watch 2 complete games in 2 hours instead of 3 and you'd see it "properly" instead of "small or squeezed", since most sets don't do HD well in PoP, and you could pay full attention, instead of half.
I rarely watch anything live.
rudyusmc1980
11-05-2004, 02:05 AM
the philips tsu3000 remote, MSRP is $400 usd, can output in RF to a repeater that has Infrared blasters. You could set STB1 to regular infrared, and STB2 to the RF repeater. Programming is via computer, it is a touch screen remote, and you could make a screen with all the specific buttons you would need to use while watching two games, for example switching sound inputs on your reciever to listen to the playbyplay.
I have this remote, but the repeater is extra. the remote is awesome when properly programmed (you will need a computer to do this), but my friends still can't figure it all out without a lesson. I imagine that is not an issue (it's not for me either)
good luck
jigray3
11-05-2004, 01:51 PM
Is it possible Rogers might have a different brand STB available. If, for example, you were using an SA and Moto you should be okay.
Is it possible Rogers might have a different brand STB available. If, for example, you were using an SA and Moto you should be okay.
They don't do this. Each "head end" is only compatible with one STB manufacturer. Rogers have SA in Ontario and Mot in the Atlantic provinces.
jigray3
11-05-2004, 03:44 PM
Sorry, 57U, I wasn't aware this was the case. So if a cable co. climbs in bed with a hardware provider, it makes it hard to climb out, huh?
What I said was not totally true because I was basing it on Canadian Experience with Rogers to answer the original poster.
In the US some companies use a variety of STB - Pace, Pioneer, etc, but these have to be compatible with the Head End.
TheDreamer
11-06-2004, 03:37 PM
Even if they have different manufacturers of STBs...in making them compatible with their head-end they end up being the same.
I had a SciAtl box (which ran Pioneer software)....it died, so they exchanged it for a Pioneer box. Still uses the same remote codes.
I now have the SA8000HD DVR (which also takes similar codes)....but I have the Pioneer at the top of my rack (with a cardboard shroud around the IR sensor and the DVR at the bottom....so no issues for me.
The Dreamer.
