Using the Serial Control for channel changing is the preferred method over the IR Blaster Cable. The problem is that the Serial Connection is only available to DirecTV customers with a Satellite Box or Receiver that will accept commands from the ReplayTV. Users of Dish Satellite Service cannot use the Serial Control, Dish users must use the IR Blaster for channel changing.

Some Satellite Boxes have a jack that resembles a telephone jack; it is labeled Low Speed Data Port. In most cases you can use the ReplayTV supplied adapter and control channel changing on the Satellite Box.

Not all Satellite Boxes are supported; some Satellite Boxes have a Serial Port or Low Speed Data Port, but it is not functional or only for diagnostic purposes.

Refer to the article, Information - DirecTV Supported Satellite Boxes for a list of supported Satellite Boxes.

Troubleshooting directions follow.

DIRECTV D10 USERS

The DirecTV D10 model has been in production for several revisions. Because of this it has been manufactured by several different manufacturers each having specific features.

There is ONLY one model of D10 that is supported by ReplayTV, that model is the D10-100.  The other versions of the D10; the D10-200, D10-300, D10-400, etc. will not accept serial commands from the ReplayTV as the serial port has been disabled on the later models.

Furthermore the D10-100 is ONLY supported using the Serial APG [Advanced Programming Guide] command set. The Serial APG command set is ONLY available on the 5xxx models using the latest software version 5.1 build 144.

• Press MENU
• Select SETUP
• Select SYSTEM INFORMATION
• Select UNIT INFO
• Review SOFTWARE VERSION
• The version should be 530511440 or later.

The Serial APG command set is not available on 2xxx, 3xxx or 4xxx models. The D10-100 Satellite Box can ONLY be used with a 5xxx model. 

A company name Paterson Technology used to make a translator for converting Serial commands to Serial APG commands for the 2xxx, 3xxx or 4xxx models; however, they have ceased to manufacture that version.  They do manufacture a version to work with the DirecTV H20 and D11 Satellite Boxes which are currently shipping from DirecTV.

Additionally, there is not an IR Blaster code available for any of the D10 models.

DIRECTV D11 & H20 USERS

The DirecTV D11 & H20 models are the latest from DirecTV.  Unfortunately they are not supported using IR Blaster commands, but instead must use the serial connection.

Furthermore the D11 & H20 models are ONLY supported using the Serial APG [Advanced Programming Guide] command set. Although the Serial APG command set is available on the 5xxx models using the latest software version 5.1 build 144; the DirecTV D11 & H20 models no longer have a low speed data or serial port.  Instead they use a USB port for this communication, because of this reason a USB to Serial Adapter must be used.

A company name Paterson Technology makes a translator for converting Serial commands to Serial APG commands, it also is a USB to Serial Adapter.  Using this adapter allows the ReplayTV to control the Satellite Receiver.  Click the link below for more information; while users have reported success with the Paterson adapter, ReplayTV cannot guarantee its functionality.

Paterson Technology USB to Serial Adapter and Translator

Additionally, there are no IR Blaster codes available for any of the D11 or H20 models.

CHECK CONNECTIONS

Check the connections on both the back of the ReplayTV and the back of the Satellite Box.

CHANGE CONTROL SETTINGS

If the Satellite Box was working previously then change the command set on the ReplayTV unit to IR Blaster support and then back to Serial support. If you have a 5xxx model, try toggling between the different versions of Serial Control. If the Satellite Box is newer, it may require the Serial APG command set.

CHANGING CONTROL SETTINGS

• Press MENU
• Select SETUP
• Select NETWORK AND INPUT SETTINGS or DIALING AND INPUT SETTINGS
• Select the line input where the Satellite Box is configured
• Proceed to the SATELLITE RECEIVER CONTROL page
• Write down the current setting
• Select the IR and respond that it works, there is no need that it actually works.
• Select KEEP ALL SETTINGS
• Repeat the procedure to return to serial control setting.

HARD BOOT THE REPLAYTV

If the ReplayTV is recording, stop the recording and unplug the ReplayTV from AC power. Leave it disconnected for about 15 seconds; then reconnect to AC power.

CONTACT CUSTOMER CARE

If the Satellite Control issue persists, then it may be necessary to have the unit repaired. Please contact Customer Care for further assistance at (254) 299- 2705.

[keywords: DirecTV DTV D10 D10-100 D10-200 D10-300 D11 H20 D11-100 D11-300 D11-500 H20-100 H20-600 sat box satbox sattellite satlellite]