Support: WinTV-HVR-850

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Latest applications and driver updates

Note: If you have run HCWCLEAR, you must reboot your PC and leave the WinTV-HVR-850 installed. After a reboot you will see the Found New Hardware Wizard installation message, hit Cancel. then continue below.

Note: to use the WinTV-HVR-850 with the Windows Media Center application, click the Windows Media Center install tab above.

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 plugged into your PC. Follow the following steps:

  • Download the WinTV-HVR driver update: evx_153.113.127.zip
  • 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 base driver. At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated sucessfully.

Name: evx_153.113.127.zip
Size: 3.2 MB
Updated: 5/28/2010

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

DownloadHere 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

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

Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-850

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


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


Soft MCE driver

Soft MCE

This file is required for analog TV in Windows Media Center.

Name: softmce_setup.exe
Size: 2.2 MB
Updated: 4/14/2010

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-850, WinTV-PVR-150 or WinTV-PVR-500. 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 : "Proving that a PC can rival TIVO" !

  • Supports the latest Hauppauge TV tuners: Supports the WinTV-HVR-850, WinTV-PVR-150, WinTV-PVR-150MCE and dual tuner WinTV-PVR-500 with remote control and more.
  • 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-850
  • 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

WinTV-HVR-850 QuickInstall Guide

WinTV version 6 users manual

WinTV version 6 users manual
Updated: October 15, 2007

Frequently Asked Questions

What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-850?

System Requirements

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-850 with Media Center?

What type of channels will I receive?

Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-850 through my Cable or Satellite box?

What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-850?

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-850?

'Stream DShowError: 'Create Filters CLSID_MainConceptMPEGEncoder Class Not Registered (0x80040154)' error when attempting to record?

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

Audio volume bar always shows 0

Where can I find the optional AV cable?

WinTV crashes on a Dell Vostro desktop

How do I enable my remote control so it will work with the WinTV-HVR-850?

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

WinTV application locks or stops responding during analog scan under Windows 7.



What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-850?

  • 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).
  • 2.8 GHz processor for analog TV recording with MPEG-2 (minimum).
  • Graphics display adapter with 64MB of memory (minimum).
  • Sound card or system.
  • USB 2.0 port (will not work with USB 1.1).
  • CD-ROM drive (for Software installation).

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-850 with Media Center?

Yes, the WinTV-HVR-850 can be used in Windows 7 Media Center (32/64 bit), XP or Vista Media Center.
Simply download and install the latest drivers from the Hauppauge website, which will install the necessary "Hauppauge MCE Soft Encoder".

Please note: you will only be able to configure WinTV-HVR-850 as either an Digital tuner or an Analog tuner. You will not be able to switch between Digital and Analog channels.

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-850?

NTSC Analog CableTV or over-the-air analog TV: You can use your cable TV from the wall to connect to the WinTV-HVR-850 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.

Analog channels are MONO audio only.

Digital channels are STEREO.

If you travel to Europe, the WinTV-HVR-850 can also receive analog PAL TV which is used in Europe. To configure for PAL TV on the WinTV application, click Menu / Channel Manager. Set the region to the country you are in and click Scan.

NOTE: To save your WinTV channel list, you may save the file HcwChanDB_4.mdb (which is located in the C:\Program Files\WinTV directory) into a temporary folder, and copy this file back into the WinTV directory after any re-installation to preserve your channel list.


Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-850 through my Cable or Satellite box?

No. The WinTV-HVR-850 has an ATSC over-the-air digital TV tuner built-in and supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format . The WinTV-HVR-850 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. QAM is currently not supported.


What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-850?

With the WinTV-HVR-850, you can record both analog and digital TV into the MPEG-2 format.

For ATSC 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, our SoftPVR is used to create MPEG-2 files

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

Note: The recording formats supported by the HVR 850 are MPEG2-SVCD and DVD -6MB.


Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-850?

No. The WinTV-HVR-850 will only be able to record the program that is being viewed using the supplied software.

You will not be able to watch a digital channel and record an analog channel simultaneously or vice versa due to the fact there is only a single tuner on the WinTV-HVR-850.


Stream DShowError: 'Create Filters CLSID_MainConceptMPEGEncoder Class Not Registered (0x80040154)' error when attempting to record?

This indicates that the 'Soft PVR' is not installed. To verify Soft PVR installation, look under control panel/add remove programs and you will see the Hauppauge WinTV Soft PVR. To reinstall SoftPVR, install the SoftPVRUpdate.exe from your WinTV CD ROM (located in the SoftPVR folder).

(Note: If a hardware encoder model WinTV is already installed on your system, this will prevent the SoftPVR from installing properly. In order to install SoftPVR in this case, go to device manager and temporarily disable the drivers for the WinTV hardware encoder product. Install the SoftPVR and once completed, you may re-enable the hardware encoder in the device manager.


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 NVidia, 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.


Audio volume bar always shows 0

If you try to adjust the audio volume on the WinTV application but the volume always shows '0', the audio decoder required to play audio from the WinTV is not installed correctly.

Use the WinTV Installation CD-ROM, look in the SMD directory, and run SMD07. This will re-install the audio and video decoders. Close and re-open WinTV and you should now see the audio volume move from 0 to 100%.


Where can I find the optional AV cable?

The optional AV cable will be available through our Sales dept . Please contact sales@hauppauge.com or look on our WEB store for more information on purchasing this optional cable.


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.


How do I enable my remote control so it will work with the WinTV-HVR-850?

Browse your WinTV CD ROM and open the IR32 folder. Double click on the IR32.EXE to install the remote software and restart the computer. This will enable the remote control to work with the WinTV application.


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.


WinTV application locks or stops responding during analog scan under Windows 7.

In order to fix this issue, please check that your Power Options setting is not set to ‘Power Saver’. Please change it to ‘Balance’ or ‘High Performance’.

To change these settings on Windows 7, please do the following.

Click on Start and then Control Panel.

If Control Panel is set to View by: Category then click on ‘System and Security’ and then ‘Power Options’.

If Control Panel is set to View by: Large or Small icons then click on ‘Power Options’.

Once you make the change please restart your system. When the system restarts please rescan again for channels.