Popcorn Hour A-110 on SlingBox Pro - Now no custom bins?

[GSlade]

I'm aware that there have already been some bin files created for the Popcorn Hour. However, the instructions no longer work for the new SlingPlayer software.

The instructions are thus:


"Put the files into your C:\Program Files\Sling Media\Slingplayer\SBAV\ folder.

Mac version:
------------
Put the files into your /Applications/SlingPlayer/Contents/Slingbox Setup Assistant/Contents/Resources/SBAV/ (Note that The Contents dirs won't show up unless you do a "Right-Click -> Show Package Contents" when navigating into an app's "Contents" directory.)

Now go into Slingplayer and run Setup Assistant and 'Configure Video Sources'. Work through the screens Making sure you select 'Standalone DVR ' as the device type.

This time use 'Other' as the Manufacturer and the Model and in the next screen scroll to the bottom of the Code numbers, select 'Custom' and then type V2010 (NOT v2010, the code is case-sensitive) in the newly appeared Custom Code window. Then complete the setup as normal. Note that some devices (Comcast DTA for example) do not support Power On/Off so will faile the power test. Just ignore it and carry on."

Here's the problem:

When you select "Standalone DVR", you are forced to input a zipcode, then choose a specific media provider for your area.

Even if you choose a fake zipcode, they still force you to pick a cable or satellite company.

When you get to the end, the files will not work. It just errors out saying, "Custom remote code not found. Please try a different code.".

I've tried downgrading to an older version of Slingplayer that doesn't ask for a zipcode but it didn't work.

Does anyone have any ideas? I used this guide 6 months ago and it worked fine, but this new zipcode thing has thrown a monkey wrench in the whole process.

Any help would be greatly appreciated[/b][/i]

[alanrichey]

The instructions are fine, the questions about the ZIP Code/Provider are irrelevant to the Remote, they are used for the Program Guide, so you can ignore them as far as this exercise is concerned.

The error message tells you that the Slingbox cannot see the correct BIN file in the \SBAV\ folder. So either:

1. The files are in the wrong place.
2. The wrong file is there. (I normally put both the RV & PL files in)
3. You are typing the wrong code number.
4. As discussed in the README file you might be using lower case.
5. Corrupt BIN files ?
6. Your Slingbox was one of the VERY original batch of Classic boxes

How about any of those ?

A;

[GSlade]

I have used the custom bins in the past to get the custom remote for the slingbox/popcorn hour.

I tried to use it again and it is not working. It asks for a zip code and then forces me to choose my TV programing provider. There is nothing in the readme about that. I think it's a new "upgrade" to the slingbox software for windows.

I tried to download the file from multiple sources, multiple times. I even tried an older version that used to work for me. None of this worked.

I even tried putting the files (all of them contained in the zip file) in every folder, including the windows appdata folder, just to make sure that the newer software doesn't look for the bin files in a different place than the SBAV folder. That didn't work either.

I really think it has to do with the zip code thing. I tried picking every device it lists as an option, that didn't work either.

I even tried using the "Other controllable device" option (Since it doesn't ask for a zip code.). That didn't work either.

I would say that my problem is the 6th option you listed, but it used to work before the slingbox software upgrade, and it worked precisely how the directions said it should.

I understand that the syntax is case sensitive, and I even copy/pasted the name of the file verbatim - No luck.

Any other ideas?

[alanrichey]

I can only repeat that the ZIP code thing has ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with your problem. That was simply an additional setup routine Sling added when they built in a Program Guide in SP2.0. Your problem is very simple, the Slingplayer is NOT seeing the BIN file required for your device.

What is your IR Blaster version ? From the Slingbox directory select 'Edit' then the 'Information' Tab. If it is 1 then you are stuck, as we never managed to get a remote to work with that box.

Have you tried resetting the Slingbox ?

[GSlade]

I'm using windows 7. When I navigate to the slingbox directory, what file am I looking to select "edit" and view it's information tab?

I did try to reset the slingbox via unplugging the power cord, and plugging it back in. Is there another way to reset it?

[GSlade]

As I said before, my slingbox used to work with my popcorn hour using a custom bin (It was a series of files called Y1227_**.bin files).

However, those no longer work either. I have a feeling my slingbox was updated via firmware update or software update, and is no longer allowing me to use custom bin files. Is there an older firmware I could install to see if this is the problem?

[alanrichey]

I'm using windows 7. When I navigate to the slingbox directory, what file am I looking to select "edit" and view it's information tab?

Sorry, by 'Slingbox Directory' I meant inside Slingplayer, the box that pops up when you start the program. That shows the IR Blaster version.

BTW, I had assumed you were using the standalone version of Slingplayer ? You cannot enter Custom codes using the Web-based version.

I did try to reset the slingbox via unplugging the power cord, and plugging it back in. Is there another way to reset it?

Pressing the Reset button on the back of the box

However, those no longer work either. I have a feeling my slingbox was updated via firmware update or software update, and is no longer allowing me to use custom bin files. Is there an older firmware I could install to see if this is the problem?

I am beginning to despair of this. You asked for expert help here and yet however many times I tell you what your problem is (Slingplayer is not seeing the BIN files), you keep insist it is something else. IT IS NOTHING TO DO WITH FIRMWARE UPDATES EITHER !!!!

[GSlade]

I appreciate the help alanrichey. Sorry I keep beating the dead horse (software/firmware being the problem). It's just hard for me to understand why it used to work perfectly, but stopped doing so after awhile.

I did do a hard reset, I held the reset button down long enough to restore it to factory settings. I went through the entire setup process from scratch. Unfortunately, that didn't work either.

I am using the Windows 7 version of Slingplayer. The IR Blaster version is 10.

Is there another folder I could possibly place the *.bin files other than the SBAV directory?

Thanks again for your help. I appreciate your replies.

[alanrichey]

OK, that is interesting as to my knowledge Sling have never used an IR Version 10, they only ever used 1-5. So that might explain why the files are not being seen, as the RV file covers 4 and the PL covers 2 & 5. 3 was never used in production and 1 was the very original JU version we can't get to work. You must have a unique box built in a laboratory somewhere.

All I can suggest is that you let me have a try. Send me your account details to alan@rmrsoft.com and I will try.

[alanrichey]

Right, I have learned something, in that the Solo uses IR Blaster Version 10 I assume it must be PL-compatible though as we haven't seen a problem with Solos before.

I have found the problem, although you aren't going to like it. One crucial piece of information you omitted was that when you selected the Manufacturer drop down list it was empty. That is normally a sign of a broken box. I do recommend a reset, which occasionally fixes it, but you have already done that. So nothing more I can do I'm afraid. You can continue to watch the stream but I doubt you will ever be able to control the Popcorn.

Sorry

Al

BTW, if my Slingboxes have appeared in your Account simply remove them.

[GSlade]

Thanks Alan. I appreciate all of your help.

I guess I'll start looking for another slingbox.