NEW-GUY: Sony Vaio - "Giga-Pocket"

[chadh]

I purchased a Sony Vaio PCV-V200G with Sony's resident "Giga-Pocket" PVR software. Not a bad system (from a neophyte's perspective anyway) but I'd really like the PC / software to have the ability to tune channels on my Direct-TV STB. Any IR-blaster-like (or other) options out there that might help me accomplish that? Thanks! Chad-Phoenix

[Promixis]

Chad,

You can use Girder to control an external tuner using an IR blaster or direct serial connection. IR options include the TIRA and USB UIRT.

[chadh]

Mike; Thanks for the reply. I ID'd myself as a newbie, so I hope I'm allowed at least one follow-up question? I've been reading up on Girder, but find 80% is over my head.

Most of what I've read seems to emphasize that Girder links input devices, like handheld remotes / keyboards, to control Windows programs or hardware devices; complete control over a computer, as opposed to a computer controling external devices, like the STB I asked about. Nor can I find any reference to compatibility (or lack of) with Sony's PVD tuner, or their Giga-Pocket software. Does your answer mean the hardware and software IS compatible, or that it can be made compatible?

Is there additinal third-party software / hardware (besides the USB-UIRT which originally directed me to the Girder forum) involved? Where's a good place to read-up on this in advance of doing something stupid. (An ability I have.)

Thanks Mike!!

[Promixis]

Chad,

I haven't used Sony's software so I do not know how it will work with Girder. Users of SnapStream's BeyondTV and other PVR products use Girder to both control the program, and to allow the program to control external tuners.

So for this to work with Sony's software, you will need to make sure that there is a way to get what channel you want to change to Girder.

If your level of computer expertise is low, then I would suggest looking at BeyondTV. They have a great forum for support and I know this will work with Girder.

[chadh]

Mike;

I looked at Beyond TV early-on, when Sony Tech support refused to discuss this issue (surprise, surprise). Neither my existing Video-Card, nor Tuner-card are on the compatible list.

What do you think of the odds of my simply trying Girder and the USB-UIRT Blaster with the existing configuration? Beyond the $-investment worst case results would (hopefully) not be irrevocable? My concern is I've read Girder can be a bit Intimidating to the under-qualified installer.


Chad

[Promixis]

With a little help we can get you going. My main concern is how to get the channel information from the Sony software to change the channel on the STB... That is going to be the main stumbling block....

[chadh]

There is no chance (in my opinion) Sony will provide the channel information for their proprietary Sony/Giga-Pocket software. I tried and tried to see if Giga-Pocket "might" be compatible with the USB-UIRT. I though, intially, (and naïvely) they might work with me due to the fact STB's are such a large percentage of the video reception market. I couldn't even get them to understand the question initially, but the final answer was "Sony does not support the capability you propose, nor do we provide compatibility information for after-market products or services". Too bad, as the Vaio & Giga-Pocket are kinda neat and user-friendly.

[chadh]

Mike; Is there anything I can do to facilitate working toward resolving the question(s) about the Sony software channel information and how it would control channels on the STB... ? Chad

[Promixis]

Well, on their side it is simple. They can simply call a program called event.exe in the Girder directory when the channel on the software changes. Girder can take of the rest.

If someone on their dev. team is interested, have them give me a call.

[chadh]

I certainly would have no way of reaching Sony's development team, so I'll assume the closure to my inquirey is I won't be able to employ Girder & USB-UIRT to tune a STB with Sony's Vaio video hardware and Giga-Pocket software. Thanks for advising me on this, Mike, even if the answer isn't what I'd hoped. - Chad