Support: Software for WinTV-HVR-1850 and WinTV-HVR-1800

Note: the WinTV-HVR-1800 and WinTV-HVR-1850 are identical, except that the WinTV-HVR-1850 includes an on-board Windows Media Center compatible IR receiver/blaster. All software for the WinTV-HVR-1800 will run on the WinTV-HVR-1850.

Latest applications and driver updates

Note: This driver/application download contains all the drivers and applications necessary to reinstall the
WinTV-HVR-1800/WinTV-HVR-1850.

Note: to use the WinTV-HVR-1800/1850 with Windows Media Center application, you only need the WinTV-HVR driver.

WinTV v7 for use with the WinTV-HVR-1850 or WinTV-HVR-1800

WinTV v7 installation package, version 2.6d for Windows 8, 7, Vista and XP

File name: wintv7_cd_2.6d.exe
File size: 87 Mb
Date: 12/13/2012

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.

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
  • HD PVR 2
  • 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:

  • Fixes an issue where sometimes in progress recordings wouldn't start in the LiveTV window
  • Fixes an issue with no audio on Radio channels
  • Fixes an issue with duplicate identical ClearQAM channels ending up on the same channel number
  • Fixes an issue with DVB-C duplicate channels sending up on the same channel number
  • Fixed an issue where a cancelled schedule would not allow another schedule to be added in it's place.
  • New Features
  • Supports SPDIF output for AC3 Audio
  • Supports multiple HVR-1900/1950

 

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_29272
  • 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_29272.zip
Size: 5.12 MB
Updated: 9/29/2011

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

Download

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

Download

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

Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-1800 and WinTV-HVR-1850

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


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


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


IR Remote control application

downloadIR 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

downloadHcwcirconfig_tool_1.2.28165.exe

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_1.2.28165.exe
Name: 322KB
Name: 6/16/2010

None at this time.

3rd Party Applications

NextPVR

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

Linux support for the WinTV-HVR-1800 and 1850
http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/Talk:Hauppauge_WinTV-HVR-1800

 

WinTV-HVR-1800/1850 QuickInstall Guides

WinTV-HVR-1850 QuickInstall Guide- English

WinTV-HVR-1850 Media Center Kit QuickInstall Guide- English

Download WinTV v7 users manual

IR Blaster QuickInstall- English
Updated: November 2009

Configuring the WinTV-HVR-1850 and WinTV-HVR-2250 built-in IR blaster for use with WinTV v7

Download The IR Configuration Utility is used to configure the WinTV-HVR-2250 and WinTV-HVR-1850’s built-in remote control IR blaster for use with either WinTV v7 or Windows Media Center. These instructions also show how the Hauppauge IR blaster can "learn" your set top box remote control.

WinTV version 6 users manual

Download WinTV version 6 users manual
Updated: October 15, 2007

IR blaster configuration guide for WinTV v6

IR Blaster QuickInstall- English

FAQ for the WinTV-HVR-1850 and WinTV-HVR-1800

What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-1850?

  • Windows 7 and Windows Vista, both 32-bit and 64-bit versions
  • Windows XP Home, Pro or Media Center Edition

System Requirements

  • Processor requirements:
    2.2 GHz P4 or equivalent (minimum) required for displaying ATSC high definition TV. on your PC screen
  • Graphics display adapter with 64MB of memory (minimum)
  • Available PCIe 1X or 8X slot
  • Sound Card
  • CD-ROM drive (for Software installation)
  • DVD or CD burner for burning (optional)

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1850 with Linux?

Yes, you can find the latest Linux drivers here: http://linuxtv.org/hg/v4l-dvb/

Additional information about Linux can be found here:
http://www.linuxtv.org/wiki/index.php/Talk:Hauppauge_WinTV-HVR-1800

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1850 with Media Center?

The WinTV-HVR-1800/1850 will work with Windows 7 or Windows Vista Media Center. Just use the driver provided on the Hauppauge WinTV-HVR Installation CD. Since the WinTV-HVR-1800 is dual tuner, you will be able to watch and record analog cable TV channels and ATSC digital TV channels at the same time. Vista Media Center does not currently support clear QAM digital cable TV.

The WinTV-HVR-1800 can be made to work within the Windows XP Media Center application provided you have the latest updates (roll-up 2) for MCE installed. This update provides support for digital (ATSC) tuning and will allow MCE to recognize the WinTV-HVR-1800 as a tuner in its configuration. Without the latest updates MCE will give the error message “No tuner hardware found”.

Under Vista, there would not be any additional updates required for the WinTV-HVR-1800 to operate in Media Center.

What type of channels will I receive with the WinTV-HVR-1850?

NTSC Analog CableTV or over-the-air analog TV: You can use your cable TV from the wall to connect to the WinTV-HVR-1800 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 receive high definition digital TV with the WinTV-HVR-1800 through Cable or Satellite Box?

No. The WinTV-HVR-1800 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-1600 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 HVR 1800 also will support clear QAM cable TV channels through your direct cable TV line if available from your cable TV provider.

Can I listen to FM radio with WinTV-HVR-1850?

Yes, the WinTV-HVR-1850 has a built-in FM radio receiver. You will need to add an FM antenna, which needs to be lugged into the NTSC connector on the back of the WinTV-HVR-1850 board.

What type of recordings can I make with the WinTV-HVR-1800?

Using the WinTV 7 application the WinTV-HVR-1800, 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-1800?

Yes, as long as one channel is digital and the other is analog, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Windows Media Center buttons

Media Center remote control is optional

WinTV v7 controls

Media Center remote control is optional
example1 example1
click to enlarge click to enlarge

downloadProdinfo

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

downloadHCW Clear

HCWCLEAR.exe is a program which will remove all driver and files that were installed with the installation of the WinTV program.