I just got a digital cable setup for my home. So now unlike the analog cable signal, everything must be tuned in using the dedicated cable box. The worst problem with this setup is that there are no programming features on this box. It will not turn itself on/off, change its own channel etc. So if I want to record a show while I'm not home I must leave the box on tuned to the correct channel and program my VCR to record at the proper time. To complicate matters, I live with a roomate who has the tendency to turn things off, change channels, remove videotapes and so on.

I'm wondering if anyone knows of a cheap remote that can turn the cable box on and off and switch channels while I'm out. I think that's all I really need.

I'd also like to be able to watch one show and tape another, but that is beyond the scope of this forum I believe.

Thanks for any help,
Ryan.

Since you posted in this forum, I would assume you are thinking that you could write timing macros with your pda to accomplish what you want. It is very simple to do. I have mine setup to turn on my stereo at seven in the morning and play soft music for an hour. I am sure you could do the same with your pda, if you have a place to put it where all the necessary equipment can recieve its IR signal.

An alternative would be to get some type of PVR, like a Tivo or Replay. These recorders have serial ports and IR controllers that can plug into or control your digital cable box. I would be surprised if a new digital cable box lacked any input features. If it does, then you would need to upgrade it to a more video recording friendly model.

Cheers,

Dale.

An alternative which costs money but works great is a vcr with built in remote capabilities. I just biught a Panasonic VP-VS4820 vcr. If you use a cable box, it will send out the appropriate signal at each recording time for a channel change on the cable box, just as if you were there doing it manually. Fantastic feature. I even used it to change channels for a second vcr when I knew first one would be out of tape when I went away.

The home producer 8 a remote will do this .
and once u sent it up you can leave the remote anyware
upstairs or outside if u like.