Latest applications and driver updates

Note: the operation of WinTV-HVR-2250 requires two pieces: a WinTV driver/utilities and WinTV applications. We recommend you update both the driver and the application at the same time.

Note: If you have run HCWCLEAR, you must reboot your PC and leave the WinTV-HVR-2250 installed. After a reboot you will see the Found New Hardware Wizard installation message, hit Cancel. then continue below.

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 update:

• Download the WinTV-HVR-2250 driver and utilities file to your computer: WinTV-HVR-2250
• Unzip this file to a directory you will remember, such as WINTV
• Run Setup.exe, from the unzipped directory.
• Click Step 1. Install Drivers. This will install the WinTV-HVR-2250 base driver. At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated sucessfully.
• Click Step 2. Install WinTV. This will install the WinTV applications, 'middleware', decoders, TV services and other necessary files.

This will complete the driver and application installation for the WinTV-HVR-2250.

Note to Media Center users:
If you want to use WinTV-HVR-2250 to watch and record analog cable TV with Microsoft's Media Center application under Windows XP or Windows Vista, do the following:

When you run Media Center, go to Tasks / Settings / TV / Set Up TV signal
At 'Set Up your TV signal', click Next
At "Regional settings', make sure your region is correct and click Next
At 'Download TV options', click Next.
At "TV Signal', click 'I will configure my TV signal manually' and click Next
You will then see: Cable / Satellite / Antenna. Chose the source of your TV signal (Cable for use with analog cable TV) and click Next.
Click through the rest of the settings, set up your Guide listings and click Finish. Then return to the main menu.

Go to TV + Movies and then live TV to watch and record TV.

Note: To enable your IR to work in Media Center, click here.

 

The latest WinTV-HVR-2250 Windows driver, which can be used with Windows Media Center and other third party TV applications:

Leave your WinTV-HVR-2250 plugged into your PC. Follow the following steps:

• Download the WinTV-HVR-2250 driver update: 22xx_7.9.1.28162.exe
• The file is self extracting just click to install.
• This will install the WinTV-HVR-2250 base driver.
•  At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated successfully.

Name: 22xx_7.9.1.28162.exe
Size: 8 MB
Updated: 6/11/2010

 

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-2250

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

WinTV Radio application for use with WinTV version 6

WinTV Radio32 application version 1.54

Notes:

• this application runs with WinTV version 6 on WinTV boards equipped with FM radio
• WinTV v7 has a built-in FM radio application

To install, download to a temporary directory and run RADIO32.EXE
New features include 30 presets and local/distance reception. Also, name radio stations by creating a preset and then clicking on the freq display and typing in the string you want.
Click here to see instructions on using the new WinTV Radio32 application.

Name: radio32_154_26154.exe
Version: 1.54
Size: 340 KB
Updated: June 3, 2008

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

IR Remote control application

IR Remote control version 28015

Remote control applet for use with WinTV 7. After you run this applet, an icon will appear in your Windows device tray showing that the Hauppauge remote control is active.

Name: ir32_28015.exe
Name: 442KB
Name: 2/3/2010

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

Windows Media Center remote control receiver/blaster configuration utility

HcwCIRConfig_tool_27268

Use this utility to enable or disable the built-in IR receiver/blaster hardware on the WinTV-HVR-1850 and WinTV-HVR-2250 for use with Windows Media Center.

Name: HcwCIRConfig_tool_27268.exe
Name: 332KB
Name: 9/29/2009

Beta versions

None at this time.

3rd Party Applications

SageTV Media Center for Windows Version 6.6

PVR, online video & Media Center, PC-based software and subscription free EPG service (U.S. & Canadian Listings Only, Europe requires tvtv service subscription) providing up to a 14-day Integrated Programming Guide, One-touch Recording, acces to Google Video, Favorites Manager, Search, Music, Photos, DVD Playback and much more. Turn your PC into a networked home media center by using SageTV and the SageTV Placeshifter or SageTV Client together to stream Live TV and access all your media from anywhere in the house. See the SageTV Features list for all the available functionality for version 6. User Guide Included. Also supports Windows Home Server.

WinTV-HVR-2250 installation guides

New! WinTV-HVR-2250 Quick Install guide - with the new onboard remote control feature

WinTV-HVR-2250 Media Center Kit Quick Install guide

 

WinTV v7 users manual

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-2250?

System Requirements

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-2250 with Media Center?

What type of channels will I receive with the WinTV-HVR-2250?

Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-2250 through my Cable or Satellite box?

What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-2250?

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-2250?

Black video window or choppy video when watching a digital TV channel

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

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-2250 with Linux?

I’m receiving a flickering video image using my WinTV product installed on a Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P motherboard?

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

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-2250?

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

System Requirements

• Processor Requirements (minimum):
• 2.2 GHz Intel P4 or equivalent
• Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack 2.
  WinTV-HVR-2250 is Windows Vista Premium certified*
• Available PCI Express X1 or X16 slot
• Graphics with 64MB memory (or greater)
• Sound card

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-2250 with Media Center?

Yes, the WinTV-HVR-2250 can be used with Windows Media Center. Simply download and install the latest drivers from the Hauppauge website.

NOTE: You must set up an analog TV tuner in Media Center first before you can proceed to set up a digital tuner.

What type of channels will I receive with the WinTV-HVR-2250?

NTSC Analog CableTV or over-the-air analog TV: You can use your cable TV from the wall to connect to the WinTV-HVR-2250 and receive all of your basic Cable TV channels. You can also use a roof top antenna to receive "over-the-air" TV.

ATSC over-the-air digital TV: Supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format!
Note: For ATSC digital TV, a rooftop/out door antenna is recommended for optimal results/signal strength.

ClearQAM cable TV Channels: Clear QAM are unencrypted digital cable TV channels.
Note: for clear QAM digital TV channels, you will need to be using the WinTV v7 application, or Windows Media Center with TV Pack 2008 or Windows 7.

Note: not all cable operators broadcast clear QAM digital TV. Contact your local cable operator to check if they provide clear QAM digital channels.

Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-2250 through my Cable or Satellite box?

No. The WinTV-HVR-2250 has a clear QAM and ATSC over-the-air digital TV tuner built-in and supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format . The WinTV-HVR-2250 will support ATSC broadcasts that are currently being transmitted over-the-air. It will not be able to decode HD broadcasts that come through your cable or satellite box.

If you have an HD cable TV or satellite box and want to record HD TV, you can use Hauppauge's HD PVR.

The WinTV-HVR-2250 also will support clear QAM cable TV channels through your direct cable TV line if available from your cable TV provider.

Note: for clear QAM digital TV channels, you will need to be using the WinTV v7 application, or Windows Media Center with TV Pack 2008 or Windows 7.

Note: not all cable operators broadcast clear QAM digital TV. Contact your local cable operator to check if they provide clear QAM digital channels.

What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-2250?

With the WinTV-HVR-2250, you can record both analog and digital TV into the MPEG-2 format.

For ATSC and Clear QAM  digital TV recordings, the recording format and bit rate is exactly the same as the broadcast format (i.e. ATSC 1080i is recorded at 1080i).

For NTSC analog cable Tv recordings create MPEG-2 files

Note: Recordings made with ATSC or ClearQAM signals are not DVD compliant.

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-2250?

Yes. The WinTV-HVR-2250 has dual NTSC and ATSC/QAM tuners. IF using Wintv6 application you will need to use the scheduler to record 2 programs in the background, or 1 program in the background and then open wintv to watch or record another.

You can also use Windows Media Center to record one program and watch (or record) another program.

Black video window or choppy video when watching a digital TV channel

If you are watching a digital TV channel and you see choppy video, no audio or a black screen, then it is possible your PC is not fast enough to decode and play the digital TV channel you are watching.

Digital TV, especially ATSC high definition digital TV, is very CPU intensive. Many graphics cards have special built-in hardware to speed up decoding of high definition TV channels.

On graphics cards without special video decoding features, you can often improve the playback performance by using the Primary.EXE program (this program is installed during the installation of the WinTV driver and can be found in the Hauppauge WinTV group).

Close the WinTV application. The run Primary. Select Allow Overlay. Close Primary and run the WinTV application. Tune to the channel which you were having problems with and see if the video display has improved. (Note: in Primary mode, you cannot use the Snapshot function in the WinTV application).

If not, try the VMR7 setting. Close the WinTV application. The run Primary. Select VMR7. Close Primary and run the WinTV application and see if the video display has improved.

If not, try the VMR9 setting. Close the WinTV application. The run Primary. Select VMR9. Close Primary and run the WinTV application and see if the video display has improved.

You should be able to use one of these modes on most NVidea, ATI and Intel based graphics adapters for high definition digital TV channels.

If you still get choppy video or a black screen, then there is no graphics mode which will work with all high definition programs. You still will be able to watch standard definition digital TV programs.

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

You can bring video into the WinTV from an external audio/video source such as a cable TV or satellite set top box.

In the WinTV v7 application, click the Setup menu (Gear button in the lower left corner of WinTV v7).

Then click on the Devices tab.

In the Device Setup Wizard, select External Inputs (S-Video/composite) and click Next.

You will be presented with the option to add a Composite and an S-Video Input. Please select your country (if not correct) and click Next.

If you wish to connect a source not normally designed for operation in your country, you can configure the Video Format manually from the drop down list. Change the value from “AUTO”.
Note: Pal BGHIDK is the commonly used format in Europe. NTSC is the broadcast format used in North America.

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-2250 with Linux?

Information regarding a 3rd party Linux driver is available here: http://www.kernellabs.com/blog/?page_id=17

I’m receiving a flickering video image using my WinTV product installed on a Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P motherboard?

To correct the flickering video issue, from the BIOS, disable the "C1E Support” option and restart the system.

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

You can bring video into the WinTV from an external audio/video source such as a cable TV or satellite set top box.
You will need to connect the A/V breakout cable included with your HVR-2250.

In the WinTV v7 application, click the Setup menu (Gear button in the lower left corner of WinTV v7).

Then click on the Devices tab.

In the Device Setup Wizard, select External Inputs (S-Video/composite) and click Next.

You will be presented with the option to add a Composite and an S-Video Input. Please select your country (if not correct) and click Next.

If you wish to connect a source not normally designed for operation in your country, you can configure the Video Format manually from the drop down list. Change the value from “AUTO”.

Note: Pal BGHIDK is the commonly used format in Europe. NTSC is the broadcast format used in North America.

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.