XP MCE Setup Issue / NTL Digital

Lukenary

Hello - I'm very new to the HTPC world, but I've looked everywhere and can't see where I'm going wrong. I've got XP MCE and a Hauppage TV tuner (don't remember which one), MS Remote, and NTL digital set top box.

During setup, I can't get Media Centre to recognize the remote codes to properly change the channels. I've tried automatic detection, manually teaching the IR sensor all the channels, and manually teaching the remote all the channels (by pointing the NTL remote at them, in the last two cases).

Every time it receives the codes properly (as far as I can tell), but it fails when it comes time to switch channels. Has anyone else had this problem? Is there more information I could provide?

Thanks for any help you can provide!

SouperComputer

So MCE does not knwo what remote you have?

A few things that might help if you havent tried already:

* Make sure your NTL remote has a new, good set of batteries in it.
* When it asks for you to press a button on the NTL remote, Hold it right up against the MCE receiver and cup it with you hand to ensure no other sources of light get in.
* Remove any other sources of IR from the room during the process.
* The placement of the IR bead on the NTL box is pretty finnekiny IME, try a couple of different spots before giving up on it.
HTH

Failing this, perhaps try a new/someone elses MCE remote?

Im assuming the MCE remote works fine?

Lukenary

Hmm.

The NTL remote works fine - it changes channels to the set top box without any problems.

It's a brand new MCE remote - just got it from Komplett.

Don't think there are other IR sources in the room. I'll give it a once-over to make sure.

I've definitely held them right up to each other.

The thing I haven't done is affixed the IR bead on top of the set top box. Would that really make such a difference?

SouperComputer

The NTL remote works fine - it changes channels to the set top box without any problems

Thats not always enough though. Somtimes they can be fussy.

The thing I haven't done is affixed the IR bead on top of the set top box. Would that really make such a difference?

Not in terms of MCE actually identifying the remote, no. but of course If MCE does not complain about not being able to recognise it, but is unable to change the channels on the STB then the location of the bead is important. The signal from the bead is not a strong as a traditional remote.

So what is happening, does MCE remark that it does not recognise the remote durint setup, or does the STB just not respond?

Lukenary

MCE does seem to recognise the NTL remote signals. It asks me to push each button on the NTL remote twice - once to learn and once to confirm. I go through all the buttons on the remote and we get to the point of it trying to change channels on the set top box on its own, and the channel doesn't change. It asks whether the channel changed, and I reply no and it tries to take me through the whole process again. No results either time.

I will try the bead tomorrow and report back.

stevejazzx

I've just been through this...the trick seems to be, very simply, plugging out ther ir sensor (the minijack from the remote sensor) and plugging it back in again after you've set up the setbox config, also remeber at first the ir speed is set to fast, you need to set it to slow becasue the ntl boxes cant t recieve fast inputs...keep with it you'll see it working
remeber the ir sensor has to be over the left hand side ceter of your 'pace' ntl digital set box - I use a bit of cellotape to hold in place there. If you see the ir sensor flashing after you've set up the mce remote and input then it's working...just a matter of slowing the ir speed and making sure the ir sensor is in the right place

steve