Latest applications and driver updates

Note: This driver/application download contains all the drivers and applications necessary to reinstall the
WinTV-HVR-1600.

Note: to use the WinTV-HVR-1600 with Windows Media Center application, you only need the WinTV-HVR driver.

WinTV v7 for use with the WinTV-HVR-1600

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WinTV v7 version 2.1A

This download is a complete installation package, including drivers for supported WinTV products plus the WinTV v7 application and utilities.

Installation note:

A valid WinTV application CDROM will be needed to install this WinTV v7 version. Any WinTV v6 or WinTV 7 application CD can be used during the install. If you do not have your original WinTV CD-ROM but would like to update to WinTV v7, you can purchase a new CD on the Hauppauge webstore for $9.95

Supported WinTV products:

This version of WinTV v7 is for digital TV, both QAM and ATSC, plus analog cable TV. It can be used with the following WinTV products:

• USB-Live2
• WinTV-HVR-850
• WinTV-HVR-950
• WinTV-HVR-950Q
• WinTV-HVR-1150
• WinTV-HVR-1250
• WinTV-HVR-1500
• WinTV-HVR-1600
• WinTV-HVR-1800/1850
• WinTV-HVR-1950
• WinTV-HVR-2250

In addition, WinTV v7 can be used with the European equivalents of the above models (for example, the WinTV-HVR-2200).

Release notes for WinTV v7:

This version now supports FM radio (on those products with built-in FM radio). Listen, pause and record FM radio.

• Game mode is now supported. Game mode allows "live" video to be displayed without any video encoding delay. Game mode can be found in Configuration in the Advanced tab.
• You can also use the WinTV v7 Scheduler to schedule a recording of your favorite FM radio program on a once only, daily or weekly basis.
• Analog recording options have been added, allowing Good/Better/Best/Fair video qualities.
• Scheduling options have been added to allow shutdown/standby/hibernate at recording completion.
• This version fixes some QAM channel detection problems found in earlier versions of WinTV v7.
• This version supports the TitanTV Electronic Program Guide in the U.S.
  
• Any existing version of WinTV v6 will be deleted after installing WinTV v7.

File name: wintv7_cd_2.1a.exe
File size: 73MB
Date: 7/26/2010

To install the latest driver:

Leave your WinTV-HVR-1600 plugged into your PC. Follow the following steps:

• Download the WinTV-HVR-1600 driver update: 18drv_28021
• Unzip this file to a directory you will remember, such as WINTV. It will create a new folder. To install, open the folder.
• Run HCWDRIVERINSTALL.EXE.
• This will install the WinTV-HVR-1600 base driver. At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated successfully.

Name: 18drv_28021.zip
Size: 1.3 MB
Updated: 1/21/2010

Latest Windows Media Center updates

NOTE:  If WinTV v7 is currently installed and operating, the WinTV Windows Media Center driver is already installed and therefore you do not need to run this installer. For Windows Media Center setup information, see the instructions at the bottom of this page "Setting up your TV tuner in Windows 7 Media Center".

MCEKit_Setup

Name: 27306
Size: 27MB
Updated: 11/2/2009

Driver support for the WinTV and Windows Media Center under Windows 7, Windows Vista and Windows XP. This installer will install the WinTV driver and SoftMCE support (model specific) for use in Windows Media Center.

Windows Media Center driver installation
Step 1 Please click on the Download link above. You will be given an option to Run or Save the file. Click Run to start the installation procedure. Once the file has finished downloading, the self extracting wizard will begin.
Step 2 Click Next then select a path where you wish to extract the files (we recommend leaving this at its default setting). The WinTV drivers will be extracted automatically and installed to your Windows computer.
Step 3 When finished you will be prompted to reboot. Once you reboot, the WinTV driver will be installed and ready for use by Windows Media Center.

 

Setting up your TV tuner in Windows 7 Media Center

Here is a screen by screen view of the setup of Windows Media Center. It was based on the WinTV-HVR-1600, but the setup with other WinTV-HVR products will be similar.

Bug fixes for the Windows Media Center "Low bit rate" error message

Microsoft has released Windows Media Center patches for the "Low bit rate" error message.

Click to view the information from Microsoft.

Remapping clear QAM channels in Windows 7 Media Center

Here are some instructions from HDTVTUNERINFO.COM on remapping clear QAM TV channels in Windows Media Center.

Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-1600

WinTV Digital Signal Strength Indicator

Signal Strength Indicator version 26311

The WinTV Digital Signal Strength indicator displays information about the quality of the digital TV channel you are watching. This application is used with the WinTV v6 and WinTV v7 applications.

Click here for instructions on using this application.

Name: wintv_sigmon.exe
Size: 968 KB
Updated: November 6, 2008

IR Remote control application

IR Remote control version 27244

Remote control applet. After you run this applet, an icon will appear in your Windows device tray showing that the Hauppauge remote control is active..

Name: ir32_27244.exe
Size: 430KB
Updated: September 2, /2009

IR blaster configuration program

irblast_28025

This program configures the IR blaster for use with the WinTV v7 application. Included is the selection of the set top box and the learn mode.

Name: irblast_28025.exe
Size: 414KB
Updated: 2/3/2010

WinTV-Scheduler update for WinTV version 6

TV Scheduler version 25_26071.exe

This TV program scheduler for WinTV version 6 allows 'background recording' on dual tuner WinTV products.

Name: sched25_26071.exe
Size: 3.8 MB
Updated: March 11, 2008

 

Beta software

None at this time.

3rd Party Applications

SageTV: Intelligent PVR Software :
SageTV is personal video recording software with an integrated EPG for use with your WinTV-HVR-950, WinTV-HVR-1600, WinTV-HVR-1800, WinTV-PVR-150, WinTV-PVR-USB2 and WinTV-PVR-500 (plus the WinTV-PVR-250 and350). With SageTV, you can pause live TV, rewind and fast forward, and conveniently record your shows. SageTV also provides an Integrated Programming Guide with no subscription fees listing all upcoming programs for the next 14 days based on your cable or satellite provider. SageTV is the only PVR application for the PC that introduces Intelligent Recording and Scheduling based on your past viewing habits. SageTV interacts with your WinTV-PVR to provide you with the ultimate 24/7 PVR application for your PC. SageTV also support the use of multiple WinTV-PVR's, recording multiple channels at once!

SnapStream Beyond TV™ 4 :

• Supports the latest Hauppauge TV tuners: Supports the WinTV-HVR-950, WinTV-HVR-1600, WinTV-PVR-150, WinTV-PVR-USB2 and dual tuner WinTV-PVR-500 with remote control and more. It also supports the WinTV-PVR-250 and 350.
• Record more than one show at the same time or watch one while recording another with multi-tuner support
• Record an entire TV series Record one show, every episodes, or only new episodes of your favorite show
• Enjoy the full screen interface Choose shows and setup recordings from the comfort of your couch
• Easily find shows using the integrated Electronic Program Guide (EPG)
• Record and watch HDTV shows with over-the-air HD support on the WinTV-HVR-950
• Skip commercials with SmartSkip™
• Find shows faster with the new browse by category feature, or search by title or keyword
• No subscription fees
• Schedule recordings away from home via the Internet or a web-ready phone
• Download FREE 21-day trial today

 

Linux support for the WinTV-HVR-1600
Linux support for the WinTV-HVR-1600 is in the upcoming kernel 2.6.26 release.

Also, there is WinTV-HVR-1600 Linux support for both the analog TV tuner and the digital TV tuner available at LinuxTV.ORG in the "cx18" section.

WinTV-HVR-1600 installation guides

WinTV-HVR-1600 QuickInstall Guide- English

WinTV-HVR-1600 Media Center Kit QuickInstall Guide- English

WinTV v7 users guide

WinTV v7 users manual
Updated:March. 13, 2010

IR Blaster QuickInstall- English
Updated: November 2009

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-1600?

System Requirements

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1600 with Media Center?

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1600 with Linux?

What type of channels will I receive?

Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-1600 through my Cable or Satellite box?

What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-1600?

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-1600?

How do I add an S-Video or composite video source in the WinTV application?

WinTV is displaying garbled video with a shifted image on an ATSC channel on a system with an NVidia graphics card?

WinTV or Media Center is displaying a green screen instead of video?

Will my remote control work with Windows Media Center?

Error: 'WinTV Initialization Error! Missing hcwTVWnd.dll... A required component (hcwTVWnd.dll) is missing.' When attempting to run WinTV?

Error: 'Hcwutl32.dll' is missing when attempting to run WinTV?

Error: 'Hcwpnp32.dll' not found during installation of Hauppauge decoders?

Error: 'Compatible hardware not found' during driver installation?

When I scan for channels, the scan ends very quickly and indicates 0 channels found for analog, and 0 services found for digital?

WinTV crashes on Dell Vostro desktop

My Set Top Box is not listed in the configuration utility to set up the IR Blaster?

My set top box is in the list and the blaster flashes during setup but does not control the box?

Problems installing under Vista

I receive a "Low bit rate" error message when using Windows Media Center in Windows 7.

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What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-1600?

• Microsoft Windows 7 -32 and 64 bit
• Windows Vista (all versions), 32-bit and 64-bit
• Windows XP, XP Pro or Windows XP Media Center Edition, with Service Pack 2.

System Requirements

• Minimum processor recommended: 2.2 GHz P4 or 1.8 GHz Centrino or equivalent (minimum).
• Graphics display adapter with 64MB of memory (minimum).
• Available PCI slot.
• Sound Card
• CD-ROM drive (for Software installation).
• DVD or CD burner for burning (optional).

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1600 with Linux?

Yes, you can find the latest Linux drivers here: http://linuxtv.org/hg/v4l-dvb/

Additional information about Linux can be found here: http://linuxtv.org/v4lwiki/index.php/Main_Page

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1600 with Media Center?

The WinTV-HVR-1600 will work with Windows Vista or Windows 7 Media Center. Just use the driver provided on the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR Installation CD. Since the WinTV-HVR-1600 is dual tuner, you will be able to watch and record analog cable TV channels and ATSC digital TV channels at the same time. Windows 7 supports clear QAM digital TV, but Vista Media Center does not currently support clear QAM digital cable TV.

The WinTV WinTV-HVR-1600 can be made to work within the Windows XP Media Center application provided you have the latest updates (roll-up 2) for MCE installed. This update provides support for digital (ATSC) tuning and will allow MCE to recognize the WinTV-HVR-1600 as a tuner in its configuration. Without the latest updates MCE will give the error message “No tuner hardware found”.

Under Vista, there would not be any additional updates required for the WinTV HVR -1600 to operate in Media Center.

What type of channels will I receive with the WinTV-HVR-1600?

NTSC Analog Cable TV. You can use your Cable from the wall to connect to the HVR1600 and receive all of your basic Cable TV channels.

ATSC over-the-air digital TV channels. Supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format!

Clear QAM* channels are digital cable TV channels available from your local cable TV provider. Clear QAM channels can be resolutions from standard definition up to high definition.

NOTE: A rooftop/outdoor antenna is recommended for optimal results/signal strength for ATSC.

NOTE: To save your WinTV channel list, you may save the file HcwChanDB_5.mdb (which is located in the C:/users/public/wintv:for vista/windows 7 or C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Documents\WinTV: for XP) into a temporary folder, and copy this file back into the WinTV directory after any re-installation to preserve your channel list.

* Certain older models (namely the 74551 and 74031) of this product do not support Clear QAM.

Can I receive high definition digital TV with the WinTV-HVR-1600 through Cable or Satellite?

The answer is 'maybe' for digital cable TV but currently 'no' for satellite TV.

If you are using digital cable TV which broadcast "clear QAM", or if your local cable operator re-broadcasts the local ATSC channels, you can receive these digital TV channels with the new WinTV v6 application.

Note: currently Windows Media Center cannot be used to watch clear QAM digital TV channels.

Note: not all cable TV networks send clear QAM channels

What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-1600?

With the WinTV-HVR-1600, you can record from an analog cable TV source (or through the S-Video or composite video inputs) in an MPEG2 format using the built on hardware encoder.

You can also record from either ATSC digital TV or clear QAM (on some models) in MPEG-2, but these recordings are typically high definition MPEG-2 recordings, but may also be standard definition depending on the broadcaster.

Note: Recordings made from high definition ATSC are not compliant for DVD burning. DVD burning can currently only be used from standard definition recordings.

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-1600?

Yes, as long as one channel is digital and the other is analog, you may record one while viewing the other, or even record both simultaneously. In the WinTV Scheduler, you need to click the "Record in background" button. While recording a digital TV channel, you can be watching an analog TV channel.

Once you set "Record in background", WinTV Scheduler will use this as the default for all future recordings. If you use TitanTV.com as your Electronic Program Guide, once you set "Record in background", recordings scheduled through TitanTV will also be done in background.

How do I add an S-Video or Composite video source in the WinTV application?

In the WinTV application, click on the Menu button, then click Suite Manager. Choose Sources, and click on Composite source (or S-Video source). In the Channel Name box, type in a name for your video source and click the Save button.

This will create a composite video channel (or S-Video channel) in your channel suite manager.

WinTV is displaying garbled video with a shifted image on an ATSC channel on a system with an NVidia graphics card?

Try setting the primary application (start/programs/Hauppauge WinTV/Primary) to "VMR 9" or "Allow Overlay" to correct the problem.

WinTV or Media Center is displaying a green screen instead of video?

This is generally related to the graphics drivers or settings for the graphics card. Try updating the VGA drivers to correct the problem.

For WinTV, you can also try the different modes available in the Primary program (Start/Programs/Hauppauge WinTV/Primary).

Note: If you are running Vista 64 bit and have 4GB of memory or higher installed in the system, you will need to download and install the latest drivers here.

Will my remote control work with Windows Media Center?

No, the Hauppauge remote control that is included with the HVR -1600 only supports the WinTV application. For Media Center, you will need to use the Microsoft ehome infrared receiver. This optional remote is available through the Hauppauge webstore.

Error: 'WinTV Initialization error! Missing HcwTVWnd.dll missing... A required component (hcwTVWnd.dll) is missing' when attempting to run WinTV?

This error message indicates that the WinTV middleware/channel manager is missing. Reinstall the HcwChanDB.exe (located in the PVR folder) from your WinTV CD ROM.

Error: 'Hcwutl32.dll' is missing when attempting to run WinTV?

This error is indicating that the WinTV drivers have not been successfully installed. Reinstall the WinTV drivers to correct this problem.

Error: 'Hcwpnp32.dll' is not found error during installation of Hauppauge decoders?

This error may occur during the Hauppauge decoder installation if the WinTV's middleware has not been properly installed. Reinstall the WinTV's middleware (HcwchanDB.exe, which is located in the PVR folder on your WinTV CD ROM) and then you will be able to properly install the decoders.

Error: 'Compatible Hardware not found" during driver installation?

This error may occur if you are attempting to install the incorrect drivers for the product in question, or attempting to install a non-Hauppauge product with the Hauppauge drivers.

If you are installing the correct drivers for your Hauppauge product, try reseating the WinTV board into a different PCI slot. If the problem persists, please contact Hauppauge Technical Support.

When I scan for channels, the scan ends very quickly and indicates 0 channels found for analog, and 0 services found for digital?

Be sure that you have installed the latest software available by following the procedure in the WinTV-HVR-1600 software updates section.

Be sure that the Hauppauge decoders are properly installed.

Be sure the audio card drivers are installed and functioning.

To check for the decoder installation, look in the C:\Windows\System32\Hauppauge folder and there should be a folder name SMD07 in it. If there is not, you will need to reinstall the decoders.

To reinstall the decoders, install the HCWSMD07.EXE from your WinTV CD ROM.

If you have Sigmatel audio hardware in your system, be sure to have the very latest available audio drivers installed for it, as this issue may also result due to older audio drivers. The latest Sigmatel audio drivers available for most Dell Dimension systems may be found here. To search the main Dell downloads page for drivers for your particular model, please look here.

WinTV crashes on a Dell Vostro desktop

If you experience a crash on the WinTV application when running on a Dell Vostro computer, check to make sure the speakers are plugged in. If speakers are not plugged in, the Dell Vostro disables the internal sound card. The WinTV application requires a sound card to be enabled to operate correctly.

My Set Top Box is not listed in the configuration utility to set up the IR Blaster?

If your set top box is not listed try the “Test All” button. This button will go through all of the codes in our database. After clicking “Test All”, watch your set top box. If it goes on or off, immediately click stop test. You have found the correct code for your set top box. If your set top box does not turn on or off even after going through all the codes, then either the IR transmitter is not position correctly or your box is not supported.

My set top box is in the list and the blaster flashes during setup but does not control the box?

Check the positioning of the IR blaster on the Set Top Box. It must be directly over the sensor, if it is off just a little this can cause it not to function. The IR blaster only works over a 2 inch distance so you need to make sure it is placed over the remote sensor in your set top box. Some set top boxes have the position of the remote sensor indicated on the plastic front of the box. With others, you might need to look carefully at the front of the box for what looks like a round or square area underneath the plastic front panel. There is doubled sided tape on the back of the IR Transmitter to hold it in place.

Problems installing under Vista

If you are experiencing problems after installing the hardware and software for the HVR 1600 under Vista such as no channels found after scanning or no live video or audio, it could be due to a failed or incomplete software install. The following is a suggestion for reinstall:

Disable “User Access Control” 

Go to Control panel and click on “User Accounts”.  Choose your user account and open.  At the bottom you will see
“Turn user account control on or off” click on this and uncheck the box that states “use user account control” then
Reboot your computer and rerun setup from the HVR installation CD.  To run setup, browse the installation CD and right click on Setup and choose “run as administrator”.  After reinstall you can turn user account control
back on if desired.

I receive a "Low bit rate" error message when using Windows Media Center in Windows 7.

Microsoft has released Windows Media Center patches for the "Low bit rate" error message.
Click to view the information from Microsoft.