Can't control cable box after upgrade

[Ehien]

I think it was a week or two ago when I received a message on my series 2 540 (upgraded to 250GB HD) saying the software has been upgraded with a couple new features. Great I thought, especially the quick delete and recycle bin. However, I soon found out that the same Tivo could no longer control the Adelphia (Motorola) digital cable box through serial cable. No matter how I tried (reboot, repeated set up), the serial link just didn't work. Now I'm forced to use the slower IR link to control cable box. At least it works.

Anyone knows of a fix or things I can try? What's going on?

Ehien

[Ehien]

Nobody has this problem with their Adelphia digital box?

I'm convinced that it's the 7.2.2 software that screws things up. The serial from Tivo to cable box worked from day one without a single hiccup. Then on the day of auto software upgrade, it died. :down: :down: :down: :down:

[Moebius]

There's the obvious chance that Adelphia pushed a firmware change that disabled it, granted that's a big coincidence.

So far, I don't recall seeing this problem crop up around here. However, I'm pretty sure it's not the 7.2 software. I have two different units (130 and 540 models) both on 7.2.2 and both controlling a Motorola cable box via serial.

One thing I'd recommend is to disconnect the serial, unplug the cable box for a good while, then try plugging in and reconnecting. If that doesn't work, you might try switching out your cable box.

[Ehien]

There's the obvious chance that Adelphia pushed a firmware change that disabled it, granted that's a big coincidence.

So far, I don't recall seeing this problem crop up around here. However, I'm pretty sure it's not the 7.2 software. I have two different units (130 and 540 models) both on 7.2.2 and both controlling a Motorola cable box via serial.

One thing I'd recommend is to disconnect the serial, unplug the cable box for a good while, then try plugging in and reconnecting. If that doesn't work, you might try switching out your cable box.

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them and see if problem is fixed.

If it's not the new s/w, it's a big coincidence. The serial link was gone at the same date and time when the upgrade happened. Hope resetting the cable box will fix it (reset Tivo box a couple times already).

I'll report back...

[dirtypacman]

You can always switch over to IR if your Seriel has become disabled.

[Moebius]

You can always switch over to IR if your Seriel has become disabled.

He already did that, said so in his first post. Don't you read? :p (just kidding)

[dirtypacman]

He already did that, said so in his first post. Don't you read? :p (just kidding)


:eek: Puts his glasses on and rubs his eyes :eek:

[Moebius]

Ehien, any luck power cycling the cable box? The only time I ever had serial stop working, that resolved it, so I'm curious.

[Ehien]

Ehien, any luck power cycling the cable box? The only time I ever had serial stop working, that resolved it, so I'm curious.

Hi Moebius, I don't mean to keep you waiting. But I'm overwhelmed by work this couple days and will leave for a family trip tonight. So I likely won't find time to try until Sunday night or next Monday. I'll definitely get back here once I try though.

[Ehien]

Ehien, any luck power cycling the cable box? The only time I ever had serial stop working, that resolved it, so I'm curious.

Moebius,

Sorry for taking so long to get back. But I finally found enough time that I can recycle power of cable box and if fail, go through the tedious IR setup procedure on Tivo. Well, guess what! That did it! Tivo regained control of cable box over serial link right after I power cycle the cable box.

This is indeed a big conincidence that something happened to the cable box the same day my Tivo was upgraded to 7.2.2.

Now everything is back to normal. Serial is so much faster than IR. I'm a happy camper again.

Thanks, so much, for your great advise!

Ehien