EyeTV Channel Changer

EyeTV Channel Changer

ChannelChanger allows you to change channel on a DirecTV STB (satellite box) or a FireWire STB (cable box).

DirecTV STBs :


The D11/H20 (and compatible),D10/RCA DRD4xxxx (new protocol) and RCA DRD2xxxx (old protocol) as well as the Samsung SIR TS-360 are supported.
These are known to work as I have access to them and tested the software on these.
You need a USB to serial adapter (Keyspan, Ftdi, Prolific...) for the Mac and one for the STB (see bellow).
The sofware can control up to 4 STBs (planning for the futur as EyeTV only support one device at a time for now).
First step is to configure a Set Top Box in EyeTV : EyeTV FAQ on how to configure a Set Top Box
The name you give in the EyeTV Set Top Box configuration will have to be the same one you'll give in the ChannelChanger EyeTV Name field (seen screen shot above).

D11/H20 and other DirecTV STB with a USB port
    For these you will need a USB to serial adapter that is based on a Prolific PL2303.
    Here are the cable known to work with the D11 and H20 (and the mac) :
    So pick the least expensive one and buy 2 as they also work on the mac.
    For the mac you'll need to install the driver.
    Here is the URL for the driver :
    For the db9 female to db9 female (null modem) it's easy to find online or to build it yourself.

    If all goes well you'll be start the program, configure the STB name, type and port and enable it.
    Then in EyeTV, change to one of the cannel configured for this STB and you should see it change channel.
    I haven't been able to test other STB of this type but it's probable that it will also work with the D11 series.

D10/RCA DirecTV STB with a 'low speed data' or 'home control' port (4P4C connector)
    For these STBs, you need a DB9 to 4P4C connector adapter for the STB (You can find some pre-made one here : DTV Control : Cables) and a usb to serial adapter for the Mac (see above in the D11/H20 section).
    If you are using an RCA receiver with a "Home Control" port, be sure it is set to "Low Speed Data" and not "Home Control".
    If your port is a 'low speed data' you don't need to do anything.
    I haven't been able to test other STB of this type besides mine (RCA DRD435RH) but it's probable that it will also work with the D10 series. For the usb to serial adapter on the mac look at the list of adapter for the D11/H20 above.

DirecTV Samsung SIR TS-360
    The TS-360 has a RS232 port on the back so all you need is a DB9 male to DB9 female serial cable (same as for a modem) and one usb to serial adapter on the Mac (see adapters above in the D11/H20 section).

FireWire STB :


For these you will need a simple firewire cable to connect your cable box to your mac.
First step is to configure a Set Top Box in EyeTV : EyeTV FAQ on how to configure a Set Top Box
The name you give in the EyeTV Set Top Box configuration will have to be the same one you'll give in the ChannelChanger EyeTV Name field (seen screen shot above).
The software will auto detect the connected box and set it in the Port section as the bottom.
You need to select the firewire mode that works with your STB (Firewire keypad with or without key release or Firewire direct). Some STB support both, some only one mode.
Click on 'Enable' and save your preferences. From now on , when a recording starts (or you change channel on the live window), your cable box will change to the right channel.

Support and request :

  • If your STB works send me an email so that I can build a list of tested device.
  • If you'd like me to add a device, I need the protocol documentation and a ssh access
    to a box where the STB is connected via a serial port (USB to serial).

Download :

    ChannelChanger version 1.8 (universal binary)(390 KB zip file)

    Any feedback and comment are welcome via email : pineau at rti-zone dot org

    you want to support the development of this program :

Tested STB :

  • H20
  • H21 (using H20/D11 settings)
  • HR20 (using H20/D11 settings)
  • D11-100 (using H20/D11 settings)
  • RCA DRD435RH (using RCA New protocol)
  • R15+ (using H20/D11 settings)
  • RCA DRD222RD (using RCA Old protocol)
  • Pace/Comcast RNG 110 (firewire keypad)
  • Motorola DCH-3200 (firewire direct, or set it to 3 digits channel and firewire keypad mode)

EyeTV is a registered Trademarks of Elgato Systems.