Support: WinTV-HVR-1250
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Latest applications and driver updates
Note: to use the WinTV-HVR-1250 with the Windows Media Center application, click the Windows Media Center install tab above.
Note: If you have run HCWCLEAR, you must reboot your PC and leave the WinTV-HVR-1250 installed. After a reboot you will see the Found New Hardware Wizard installation message, hit Cancel. then continue below.
WinTV version 7 application and driver
WinTV v7 installation package, version 2.8a for Windows 8, 7, Vista and XP
File name: wintv7_cd_2.8a.exe
File size: 143 Mb
Date: 6/10/2013
This download is a complete installation package, including drivers for supported WinTV products plus the WinTV v7 application and utilities.
Installation notes:
A valid WinTV application CD-ROM 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
If you have a WinTV v7.2 CD-ROM with Extend, then the latest version of WinTV Extend will also be installed.
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
- Run Setup.exe from the Download directory on your PC
- Click Step 1. Install Drivers. This will install the WinTV Windows 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 v7 application, 'middleware', TV services and other necessary files.
This will complete the driver and application installation for your WinTV.
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-Aero-m
- 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
- Colossus
- HD PVR (all models)
- HD PVR 2 (all models)
- WinTV-DCR-2650 digital CableCARD receiver
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:
- Moved application to use .NET 4.0 rather than .NET 2.0. This allows seamless installation on Windows 8, without the need to install .NET 3.5 from Windows Update.
- Fix issue with database connection (ODBC) being corrupted, causing TVServer not to start on Windows 8. (or other OS's)
- Fixed some issues with certain audio inputs on Colossus.
- Fixed problem with secondary audio program becoming default instead of primary on digital channels.
To install the Windows driver only:
Leave your WinTV-HVR plugged into your PC. Follow the following steps:
- Download the WinTV-HVR driver update: 85drv_1_50_31098_whql.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 successfully.
Name: 85drv_1_50_31098_whql.zip
Size: 5.2 MB
Updated: 4/10/2013
Latest Windows Media Center updates
Windows Media Center driver installation package
Name: 28322
Size: 29MB
Updated: 11/18/2010
Windows 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.
Click here for instructions on installing the Windows Media Center driver package.
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".
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 on remapping clear QAM TV channels in Windows Media Center.
Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-1250
WinTV Digital Signal Strength Indicator
Signal Strength Indicator version 28026
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: hcwsigmonsetup.exe
Size: 994 KB
Updated: January 26, 2010
IR Remote control application
IR Remote control version 30339
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_68_30339_IR32.exe
Size: 443KB
Updated: Oct/ 7 /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
Soft MCE driver
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
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-1250 QuickInstall Guides
WinTV-HVR-1250 QuickInstall version 1.2
Updated: January 25, 2008
WinTV-HVR-1250 Media Center Kit Quick Install guide
Making a TV connection to your WinTV
WinTV version 6 users manual
WinTV version 6 users manual
Updated: October 15, 2007
What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-1250?
- Microsoft® Windows® XP, XP Pro or Windows XP Media Center Edition, with Service Pack 2 (or greater)
- Windows Vista (all versions), 32-bit and 64-bit
- Windows 7 both 32 and 64 bit versions
System Requirements
- Processor Requirements (minimum):
- 2.2 GHz Intel P4 or equivalent
- Microsoft Windows 7, Windows Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack 2.
WinTV-HVR-1250 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-1250 with Media Center?
Yes, the WinTV-HVR-1250 can be used in Windows XP MCE 2005, Vista Media Center or WIndows 7 Media Center.. Simply download and install the latest MCE Kit from the Hauppauge website, which will install the driver and necessary "Hauppauge MCE Soft Encoder". Under Windows 7 only the driver is required, the Soft Encoder is included with the OS.
Here is the link: http://hauppauge.lightpath.net/software/mce/mcekit_setup.exe
Please note: you will only be able to configure WinTV-HVR-1250 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-1250?
NTSC Analog CableTV or over-the-air analog TV: You can use your cable TV from the wall to connect to the WinTV-HVR-1250 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-1150 through my Cable or Satellite box?
Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-1250 through my Cable or Satellite box?
What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-1250?
Using the WinTV 7 application the WinTV-HVR-1250, 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 SoftPVR 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-1250?
No. The WinTV-HVR-1250 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-1250.
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 WinTV-HVR-1250
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.
How do I enable my remote control so it will work with the WinTV-HVR-1250?
Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1250 with Linux?
I’m receiving a flickering video image using my WinTV product installed on a Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P motherboard?
I receive a "Low bit rate" error message when using Windows Media Center in Windows 7.
Click to view the information from Microsoft.
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.)
WinTV v7 Controls
click to enlarge
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.exe is a program you run to remove all driver and files that were installed with the installation of the Wintv program.