Support: WinTV-HVR-2250 and WinTV-HVR-2200
- Installation
- Windows driver
- Beta
- Windows Media Center
- Accessories
- 3rd Party
- Manuals
- FAQ
- Remote Control
- Utilities
Complete WinTV-HVR-2250 software installer
Note: the operation of WinTV-HVR-2250 requires two pieces: a WinTV-HVR-2250 driver and the WinTV applications. The WinTV application can only be installed if you have a WinTV CD-ROM (see below for more information). 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 v8.5 application and Windows driver package
This download is a complete WinTV v8.5 application, including Windows drivers for supported WinTV products plus utilities.
Installation notes for WinTV v8.5:
A WinTV v8.5 Activation Code will be needed to install this WinTV v8.5 version.
You must use WinTV v8 if you have a Hauppauge WinTV-HVR-930C (16xxx), the original Colossus, HD PVR model 1212, WinTV-HVR-1100, WinTV-HVR-1300, WinTV-HVR-1400, WinTV-HVR-3000, WinTV-HVR-4000 or WinTV-NOVA-HD-S2. WinTV v8.5 does not support these products.
If you do not have an Activation Code, but you have a WinTV v7 CD, you can install the WinTV v8 application.
If you have neither a WinTV Activation Code or your original WinTV v7 CD-ROM, you can purchase a new WinTV Activation Code on the Hauppauge webstore. This can then be used to activate WinTV v8.5 or WinTV v8.
If you have an Activation Code for WinTV Extend, the latest version of WinTV v8.5 with Extend will be installed.
WinTV v8.5 installer
For Windows 10, 8, and 7
File name: wintv85setup_37352.exe | File size: 101 MB | Date: Dec 27, 2019 Release notes | Backup download site | Previous version
To install the WinTV v8.5 application
- Step 1: Download the WinTV v8.5 installer by clicking the download button above. The WinTV v8.5 Installer is normally saved in the Download folder on your PC
- Step 2: Run wintv85setup from the Download folder on your PC. Halfway through the installation, a message will pop up asking for you to enter the Activation Code.
- Step 3: At the Activation required screen, click on Enter Activation code and enter the activation code which was emailed to you, is printed on the WinTV v8 activation card or printed on your WinTV v8 CD. You do not need to enter the dashes, and you can use upper or lower case characters.
- Step 4: When the installation is complete, you will find the WinTV icon on your Windows desktop. Double click on this icon and the WinTV application will run. On the first run of WinTV, it will automatically go through the TV source selection and will scan for channels.
WinTV-HVR-2250 Windows driver
Name: Driver89_7_9_1_34216.exe
Size: 19.4 MB
Updated: 7/27/2016
To install the latest Windows driver only:
Leave your WinTV-HVR plugged into your PC. Follow the following steps:
- Download the WinTV-HVR-2200 Windows driver above.
- Double click the downloaded driver. This will install the WinTV-HVR-22xx 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.
WinTV-HVR-2200/2250 and Windows Media Center
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.
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.
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.
Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-2250
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.
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
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
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
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
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
None at this time.
3rd Party Applications
Is a free Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and Media Centre application for Microsoft Windows.
SnapStream Beyond TV™ 4 : "Proving that a PC can rival TIVO" !
- Supports the latest Hauppauge TV tuners.
- 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-1250
- 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-2250 installation guides
WinTV v8 manuals
WinTV v7 manuals
Making a TV connection to your WinTV
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 (all versions), 32-bit and 64-bit
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-1600 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-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?
Using the WinTV 7 application the WinTV-HVR-2250, 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 show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-2250?
Yes. The WinTV-HVR-2250 has dual NTSC and ATSC/QAM tuners you may record one while viewing the other, or even record both simultaneously. While recording a digital TV channel, you can be watching an analog TV channel or visa versa.
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. 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.
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?
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.
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
Windows Media Center buttonsMedia Center remote control is optional |
WinTV v7 controlsMedia Center remote control is optional |
 |
 |
| click to enlarge | click to enlarge |
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.