I'm not quite sure if this question is appropriate for this category, but it's the closest fit, so here goes... (I've already asked this in Tivo forums but to no avail)

I have a Tivo and for those who aren't familiar with the unit, Tivo controls your cable box with an IR Blaster that you mount on to your cable box which connects to the back of the Tivo unit. When you change the channel on your Tivo, it sends an IR command through the mounted device to change the channel on your cable box. In the Tivo setup, you choose your cable box manufacturer so the tivo sends the appropriate codes. My box is generic and not listed in the Tivo. My question is this: Is there a way that I can find out what the "frequencies" (I think this might be the wrong physics term) of my cable box remote are and try to match it up with a brand name that it listed on the tivo? I have a palm pilot and I use omniremote (if this can help).

Any help would be very much appreciated!!!
/Joshua Mohrer --- [email protected]

I don't know what are the features of the software which is available with the remote, but I would try the codes for most popular brands- like GI and SA. If some generic unit will somebody's codes, they are more likely to use, big brand. Or try brands like Wards, Sears others , who obviously don't produce, but rebadge.

You could analyze the IR signal from your cable box's original remote, and determine the device code it uses. This could be looked up in a table to determine the manufacturer.
I know of two ways to analyze the IR signal, short of using a digital storage oscilloscope. These are to use a Philips Pronto remote with ProntoEdit and CCF2EFC software, or to use a $30 Radio Shack remote with a homemade JP1 interface box and the software available at
[Link: groups.yahoo.com]
Otherwise, work on identifying the manufacturer of your cable box. Examine every sticker on the box and it's remote. Ask your cable company. Another great site for Tivo help is http://www.avsforum.com

Where can I get that table to try to match up the manufacturer?

/josh

The table is devices.xls in the files section at the JP1 site mentioned above. Josh mentioned in private e-mail that his box is Ranger brand. I advised Josh to check the Tivo Underground group at http://www.avsforum.com to see if anyone there knows how to add support for this box. I failed to mention simply trying Tivo customer support. If it's not supported yet, they'll at least count one vote toward adding it in the next software release.

I most certainly have tried the AVS forum. I started out there and actually found out about remotecentral there as well. This problem is so frustrating! :) I know thats its fixable...

As far as physical hardware pieces that I could buy that would convert the signal.. What do you all suggest? To clarify: something that would receive a certain signal (eg. the signal for a Radio Shack box) and convert it to the "Ranger" (my box) signal.

thanks,
/josh