Latest applications and driver updates

WinTV version 7 application and driver

Note: If you have run HCWCLEAR, you must reboot your PC and leave the WinTV-HVR-1950 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-1950 with Microsoft's Windows Media Center application in Windows Vista or Windows 7, you only need the WinTV-HVR driver.

WinTV v7 application and TV tuner driver download package

Note: A valid WinTV application CD-ROM (WinTV v6 or WinTV v7) will be needed to install this WinTV v7 version

Any 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 or WinTV v8, you can purchase a new CD on the Hauppauge webstore for $9.95

To install the WinTV v7 application update

• Download the WinTV v7 installation package to your PC. After downloading this file, the file is normally saved in the Download directory on your PC
• Insert your original valid WinTV CD in your CD-ROM drive
• Run wintv7_cd from the Download directory on your PC

Download:

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

To install WinTV v7 on a PC or laptop without a CD-ROM drive

If your PC or laptop does not have a CD-ROM drive, do the following:

• at the conclusion of the installation a dialog box will pop up saying "Activation required"
• Click Enter Product Code
• You will find the Product code on your WinTV v7 Installation CD
• Enter the Product code including dashes and dots

Release notes for WinTV v7 version 3.9G:

• Update to the WinTV-HVR-955Q driver to fix problems seen when switching channels quickly
• Fixed an error "You do not have access to make the required system configuration modifications..."
• Increased Pause Buffer bar size
• Fixed TitanTV tvpi file association bug
• New WinTV-NOVA-HD-USB 2 driver to fix issues in Turkey and other countries with low symbol rates
• New WinTV-HVR-1975 driver to fix issues with 6875 Symbol rate
• Fixed no Extend tab showing on upgrade installation

Note to Windows Media Center users:

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.

Windows driver

Name: Driver73_3_2_34313
Version: 3.2.34313
Size: 4.4 MB
Updated: 07/12/2017

To install the latest Windows driver only:

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

• Download the Windows driver above.
• Double click the downloaded driver. This will install the WinTV-HVR-19xx Windows driver.
• At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated successfully.
• At this point, the Windows driver will be installed.

Windows Media Center

Note to Windows Media Center users:

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.

Setting up your TV tuner in Windows 7 Media Center

Windows Media Center remote control receiver/blaster configuration utility

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. You would disable the built-in IR receiver/blaster if you are using an external USB attached Windows Media Center remote control.

To use this tool:

• Download, unzip and install the Hcwcirconfig tool
• After installing the Hcwcirconfig tool, run the program. The tool will be located in Start / All Programs / Hauppauge WinTV / HCWCIRConfig Tool
• To configure as a Windows Media Center remote control, put a check in the box labeled Hauppauge Consumer Infrared Receiver click OK – Save Changes. 
• Your computer must be restarted for the changes to take effect.

Name: hcw_circonfig_tool_1.2.28165.zip
Name: 322KB
Name: 6/16/2010

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

Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-1950

WinTV Digital Signal Strength Indicator

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 v7 and WinTV v8 applications.

Click here for instructions on using this application.

IR Remote control application

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: 2.71.33113_IR32.exe
Size: 450KB
Updated: April /2015

IR Blaster Configuration program

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

IR Remote/Blaster Hardware Installation Guide

WinTV-Scheduler update for WinTV version 6

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

WinTV Radio application for use with WinTV version 6

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

Prodinfo: get information on your Hauppauge TV tuner

Prodinfo.exe is a program you can run which will extract information about the WinTV product you have installed such as model and serial number, MAC address, revision, and features which can be used to identify the exact model of your product. The driver for the device must be installed in order to run Prodinfo.exe

HCWClear: remove all driver and files that were installed

HCWCLEAR.exe is a program you run to remove all driver and files that were installed with the installation of the WinTV application.

IR Blaster installation and configuration

IR Blaster Configuration program

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

IR Remote/Blaster Hardware Installation Guide

IR Remote control application

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

None at this time.

3rd Party Applications

NextPVR

Is a free Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and Media Centre application for Microsoft Windows.

WinTV-HVR-1950 installation guides

Making a TV connection to your WinTV

Making connections to your WinTV

Here is a chart which shows some of the things you need to know about each type of connection.

Here are some common models (please order by model number or product code):

	Antenna	Cable or satellite TV set top box RF output	Cable or satellite TV set top box A/V output	Cable TV wire from the wall
Which type of TV can this connection be used with?	Over-the-air TV	Cable or satellite TV box	Cable or satellite TV box	Cable TV
What types of video do I select when scanning for channels in the WinTV application (Device Setup Wizard)?	Digital ATSC	Analog TV	External inputs (S-Video or Composite video)	Digital QAM plus Analog TV (if available in your WinTV tuner)
What remote control do I use to change channels?	WinTV remote control	Remote control from your set top box	Remote control from your set top box	WinTV remote control
Notes	You can use a roof top antenna for best reception.	Most set top boxes allow you to switch to Channel 3 or 4. When you scan with WinTV, it will pick up the TV signal on the correct channel. Some satellite receivers use channels 60, 70 or 73. But when you scan for Analog TV channels, WinTV will pick up whatever channel is being used by your set top box.	Most set top boxes have A/V connections on the back, which can go into the WinTV's A/V input.	Some cable TV networks transmit analog TV channels, so we recommend scanning for both Clear QAM and analog TV. Not all cable TV networks transmit clear QAM. Check with your local cable TV operator for the availability of clear QAM in your area.

WinTV v7 error messages and what they mean

First time installation of Wintv 7 or reinstall: “WinTV board not found” or “No TV tuner available”

Step 1: Check the status of the drivers in Device Manager

• Click Windows Start, click on Control Panel and click on Device Manager In Device Manager, click on Sound, video game Controllers
• You should see your Hauppauge product
• If the Hauppauge device has a yellow exclamation mark, click on the device to open it
• If you see the following: "Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the drivers required for this device. A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source. (Code 52)" This appears to be a bug in windows 64 bit OS. The Hauppauge drivers are signed.
  The following is probably the easiest fix to Error Code 52 on Windows 7 or Windows 8 64bit.
  • In Device Manager, right click the Hauppauge product under Sound Video and Game Controllers with the exclamation mark and select Uninstall. If you have a USB product you might see multiple listings, please right click the first one on the list. (For this example we will use the WinTV-HVR-950Q. )
  • On the Confirm window please check the box for “Delete the driver software for this device” and click OK
  • Repeat the uninstall for the other two WinTV-HVR-950Q entries. (note you won’t be asked to ‘confirm device uninstall’ again)
  • Once the drivers are removed, right click on Sound, Video, Game controllers and click Scan for Hardware Changes
  • Windows should now look online automatically for the 950Q drivers
  • Take a look after a few minutes if the drivers are installed automatically properly under Sound Video and Game Controllers.
  • If they still come back as “unsigned” try the procedure again

ERRORS when running WinTV 7: “TVserver cannot Start” or “.NET framework errors

This can be caused by a corrupt WinTV v7 Channel DatabaseM. You will need to uninstall and reinstall the WinTV v7 application to fix this.<

Click Windows Start, click on All Programs -> Hauppauge WinTV and in that folder run Uninstall Wintv7 (or remove Wintv7 using control panel "add/remove programs) then you need to remove the backup channel database.

• Windows Vista, 7 and 8 go to C:\program data ( this folder is a hidden folder so if you do not see it you need to “show hidden folders “ in your search Options) once you can get to this folder you will see a folder label “Hauppauge” delete this folder.
• Windows XP go to C:\documents and settings\all users\shared documents\application data ( this folder is a hidden folder so if you do not see it you need to “show hidden folders “ in your search Options) once you can get to this folder you will see a folder label “Hauppauge” delete this folder. Then download the latest version of Wintv7 located in the support section of the website and reinstall (note: you must have your original CD to validate the download.)

  Settings.xml file is corrupt or missing”

  

Uninstall WinTV v7 using control panel Add/remove programs under programs and features and then reinstall WinTV 7

FAQ

What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-1950?

• Microsoft Windows 8 and 7 -32 and 64 bit
• Windows Vista (all versions), 32 and 64-bit
• Windows® XP, XP Pro or Windows XP Media Center Edition, with Service Pack 2 (or greater)

System Requirements

• Processor Requirements (minimum):
• 1.0 GHz Intel P4 or equivalent (for cable TV)
• 2.2 GHz Intel P4 or equivalent (for ATSC digital TV)
• Microsoft® Windows 7®, Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack 2.
• WinTV-HVR-1950 is Windows Vista Premium certified*
• Available USB 2.0 port  (does not work with a USB 1.1 port)
• Graphics with 64MB memory (or greater)
• Sound card for TV audio

Specifications of the WinTV-HVR-1950

• Antenna input for analog cable TV, over-the-air ATSC digital TV and clear QAM digital cable TV
• FM radio input
• Audio/Video inputs:
• S-Video, composite video
• Left and right audio via RCA jacks
• MPEG-2 hardware encoder: Conexant -417 chip
• Size: 10cm wide x 10.4 cm deep x 2.8cm high
• Power: 5V to 12V at 2 amps
• Weight: 6.5 oz

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1950 with Media Center?

Yes, the WinTV-HVR-1950 can be used in Windows 7, Windows XP or Vista Media Center.
Please note: you will only be able to configure WinTV-HVR-1950 as either a Digital tuner or an Analog tuner. You will not be able to switch between Digital and Analog channels.

What type of channels will I receive with the WinTV-HVR-1950?

NTSC Analog CableTV or over-the-air analog TV: You can use your cable TV from the wall to connect to the WinTV-HVR-1950 and receive all of your basic Cable TV channels. You can also use a roof top antenna to receive "over-the-air" TV.

Note: After June 2009, most areas in the United States no longer broadcast over-the-air analog signals.

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 digital cable TV channels are unencrypted digital cable TV channels. Clear QAM allows users to watch unencrypted digital TV channels from their cable TV provider without a set-top box.
Note: WinTV v7, WinTV v6, Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows TV Pack 2008 for Vista are required for clear QAM reception
Note: Check your local cable TV provider for clear QAM reception over your cable TV network

Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-1950 through my Cable or Satellite box?

No. The WinTV-HVR-1950 has an ATSC over-the-air digital TV receiver built-in and supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format . The WinTV-HVR-1950 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. The WinTV-HVR-1950 also will support clear QAM cable TV channels through your direct cable TV line if available from your cable TV provider.

What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-1950?

Using the WinTV 7 application the WinTV-HVR-1950 will record in a transport stream (TS)
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, our HardPVR is used to create Transport Stream files (TS)

Note: TS files can be converted to MPEG files using options in the WinTV 7 configuration menu.

Note: The WinTV 6 application recording are in MPEG format for both digital and analog.

Note: Not all recordings made with ATSC/QAM signals are DVD compliant.

Can I Record One Channel while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-1950?

No, the HVR-1950 is a single combo-tuner, so it will only record and allow you to view one channel at a time.

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. Please verify that your system meets the minimum requirements for using the HVR-1950

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 Video Renderer settings located in the settings menu of WinTV 7. To open the setting menu click on the “gear” button located in the lower left of the WinTV 7 screen.

The default mode is EVR. The other modes are VMR9, VMR7 and Overlay. Each mode uses a different process to render video. Try each mode and use the one which gives you the best results. To use hardware acceleration put a check in the box “use hardware acceleration when possible. This will allow your graphics system to use hardware acceleration for video decode. Note: graphics hardware acceleration does not work on all systems. After making a change in video rendering settings Wintv must be restarted to take effect.

If you are using WinTV 6 then the render options are part of a separate program called Primary.  Changes in the Primary applet must be made with the WinTV application closed.  Open the Primary program by going to Start – All Programs – Hauppauge WinTV – Primary.  After making changes close the Primary applet and open the WinTV application.

Connector overview for the WinTV-HVR-1950

Click to enlarge.

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.

What file size will the recorded videos be?

Digital Broadcasts (ATSC or QAM)

The file size of a digital signal capture depends on the bitrate of the digital signal.  The bitrate is set by the broadcaster and cannot be user configured.  Bitrates for digital signals can range anywhere from about 1.2 Mbits/sec up to 19.3 Mbits/sec.  Most of the time these bitrates are variable and not constant.  Capture sizes for ATSC & QAM recordings are approximately 1.7 Gigabytes per hour up to 8.3 Gigabytes per hour.

Analog Broadcast.

The WinTV application has to convert analog signals to digital in order to record. There are four recording profiles. The following list shows recording file sizes for burning to 4.3Gb DVD:

Best - Approx 1 Hour+
Better - Approx 1 1/2 Hours
Good - Approx 2 Hours
Fair - Approx 3 Hours

WinTV v7 does not open or opens and then disappears?

This can be caused by a corrupt Channel database so you will need to uninstall and reinstall.  First you need to go to start, all programs, Hauppauge Wintv and in that folder run
“uninstall Wintv7” (or remove Wintv7 using control panel "add/remove programs) then you need to remove the backup channel database.

Windows Vista, 7 and 8 go to C:\program data ( this folder is a hidden folder so if you do not see it you need to “show hidden folders “ in your search
Options)  once you can get to this folder you will see a folder label “Hauppauge”  delete this folder.

Windows XP go to C:\documents and settings\all users\shared documents\application data ( this folder is a hidden folder so if you do not see it you need to “show hidden folders “ in your search Options)  once you can get to this folder you will see a folder label “Hauppauge”  delete this folder.

Then download the latest version of Wintv7 located in the support section of the website and reinstall (note: you must have your original CD to validate the download.)