Support: HD PVR

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Latest HD PVR driver

HD PVR version 1.5.6

Note: This beta release fixes A/V sync issues with some Dish Network and FIOS set top boxes. This release also fixes IR receive issues with third party applications. In addition, this release includes changes to fix flash memory corruption problems.

Note: This version includes a record format which can be immediately played back on a Sony Playstation3. This is the .M2TS format.

Note: This driver supports 32/64 bit Vista WHQL signed.

To install, download and unzip the file and run “hcwdriverinstall.exe”.  

File name: hdpvr_1.5.6.0.zip
Date: May 15, 2009
File size: 4 MB

None at this time.

3rd Party Applications

Arcsoft Total Media Extreme:
updates to the Acrsoft TME applications are distributed by Arcsoft directly. The latest version of Total Media Extreme adds direct record support for the Sony Playstation 3 and the XBox360.
SageTV for HD PVR:
please contact SageTV at www.sagetv.com for information on SageTV for HD PVR.
Elgato EyeTV 3.1 for Macs:

EyeTV 3.1, with support for HD PVR, is available immediately from Elgato's Online Shop (www.elgato.com) at a price of USD $79,95 (EUR 79,95). The update is free for existing users of EyeTV 3.

DVB Link for HD PVR
Use the HD PVR as the video recorder for Windows Media Center with DV Blink.
Here's a link to a 30 day trial version

QuickInstall Guide

HD PVR QuickInstall

Frequently Asked Questions

What Operating Systems are supported by HD PVR?

Do I need a PC to use HD PVR?

System Requirements

Can I use the HD PVR with Microsoft's Windows Media Center application?

Can I use HD PVR with Linux?

Can I record high definition TV with HD PVR through a Cable or Satellite box?

What type of recordings can I make with the HD PVR?

What type of audio encoding is made with the HD PVR?

Can I output files I’ve recorded with my HD PVR or other content from my PC back to an external TV monitor through the component video outputs?

How can I use my remote control with the HD PVR?

Can my PC go into hibernate or sleep mode when using HD PVR?

A Scheduled recording fails to start with the error “ Can’t launch TME”

When opening the Arcsoft capture module I only see a Channel button?

Video is jerky or broken up while capturing?

I get a black screen in the capture window when using the component input?

Audio pass through does not work

Does the captured transport stream contain closed caption data?

“No IR Blaster hardware found” when opening “Blaster config” program.

I heard that the REV E1 HD PVR will correct all of the problems with AC3 audio?




What Operating Systems are supported by the HD PVR?

Microsoft Windows Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later.
Windows Media Center is NOT supported at this time.


Do I need a PC to use HD PVR?

Yes, a PC or laptop is required to use HD PVR. The PC is used to both run the HD PVR application plus is the place where HD PVR recordings are stored.

HD PVR connects to a PC or laptop computer through a USB 2.0 port. The compressed audio and video from HD PVR is stored on the PC's disk drive.


System Requirements

The playback of high definition H.264 requires a fast CPU and at least 256MB of graphics memory

Processor Requirements (minimum):

  • Dual core CPU 2.0Ghz or faster
  • Graphics with 256MB memory (or greater)
  • Sound card
  • USB 2.0 Port

Can I use the HD PVR with Microsoft's Windows Media Center application?

HD PVR captures video streams in a compressed H.264 format. Current versions of Media Center do not support this video compression format so currently, the HD PVR will not function within the Media Center application.

For Windows 7, there is currently no ETA available regarding Media Center support at this time.

Can I use the HD PVR with Linux?

Currently, there are no drivers available for Linux. But there is a beta version of MythTV which supports HD PVR:. http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Hauppauge_HD-PVR


Can I record high definition TV from a Cable TV or Satellite box?

Yes.

By connecting the Component video output from your high definiton cable TV or satellite TV set top box to the component video inputs of the HD PVR, you will be able to record the TV programs coming from your set top box to the hard disk. Component video connections are normally the Red/Green/Blue connectors on the back of a set top box. Sometimes they are also called YPrPb or YCrCb connectors.


What type of recordings can I make with the HD PVR?

HD PVR encodes in real time directly to the hard disk in an H.264 format with AAC or AC-3 audio.

There are three formats which you can choose when recording a video:

  • .TS which is a generic 'transport stream' compatible with many digital media players
  • .M2TS which is compatible with the Sony Playstation3
  • . MP4 which is compatible with the XBox360

All recording file types can be used to burn AVCHD Blu-ray compatible disk recordings.

The HD PVR files can also be burned onto a standard DVD+R or DVD+RW disk for playback in a Blu-ray disk player using the included Arcsoft TME Disk Create application.

The included TME Media Converter program may also be used to convert the .TS file to other formats compatible for playback on an iPhone and Ipod.


What type of audio encoding is made with the HD PVR?

The HD PVR supports AC-3 (5.1) or 2 channel AAC audio capture. AAC 2 channel is received using RCA audio inputs, or SPDIF when set to PCM.  If using SPDIF with bit stream audio, you will get 5.1 AC-3 Dolby Digital.  DTS audio is currently not supported.

Currently, the Arcsoft TME application will only support editing from the beginning or the end of a clip to preserve 5.1 audio. Any editing or cuts made in the middle segments of a clip will result in the audio being transcoded back to 2.0


Can I output files I’ve recorded with my HD PVR or other content from my PC back to an external TV monitor through the component video outputs?

No, the HD PVR does not have the ability to play back recorded videos to an external monitor. The component video outputs act as a pass through for live video streaming from your video source through the HD PVR back to your TV monitor. The power of the HD PVR must remain in the on position in order to pass the video through to the external TV.


How can I use my remote control with the HD PVR?

The included remote control is not used with the TME software for the HD PVR. It is provided for the convenience of using 3rd party software applications such as SageTV or GB-PVR with the HD PVR.


Can my PC go into hibernate or sleep mode when using HD PVR?

The current driver for HD PVR does not allow your PC to go into Hybernate or Standby mode when it is either recording or previewing video.


A Scheduled recording fails to start with the error “ Can’t launch TME”

 This will occur if the Total Media Extreme software is not installed in the default destination directory.


When opening the Arcsoft capture module I only see a Channel button?

If you have a TV tuner card installed the ArcSoft Capture Module may attach to this or any other capture device installed.  If you see a Channel button on the Capture Module window go to the Source drop down menu at the top and select the Hauppauge HD PVR Capture Device.


Video is jerky or broken up while capturing?

Most of the time this is caused by the display adapter, make sure your video card meets the minimum requirements.
Also try updating to the latest drivers supplied by the manufacturer.


I get a black screen in the capture window when using the component input?

Some set top boxes will disable or turn off the component output if the HDMI or DVI output is being used. Check to see how you have your Television connected to your set top box.


Audio pass through does not work

In order for the audio pass through to operate correctly you need to configure the settings in the Total Media Extreme application. To do this follow the installation guide to install the HD PVR drivers and the Arc Soft Total Media Extreme software. When finished power on the HD PVR and open the Total Media Extreme software and click on the  “record video” Icon, this will open the Capture module. Choose the audio input from the drop down menu ( RCA, SPDIF), once configured the HD PVR will retain these settings. Note: the HD PVR must be powered on for the pass through to operate.


Does the captured transport stream contain closed caption data?

No, currently none of the VBI is captured in the stream. This feature will be added some time in the future.


“No IR Blaster hardware found” when opening “Blaster config” program.

 This error can happen in Vista operating systems. Please download the latest version of the blaster config Program here.


I heard that the REV E1 HD PVR will correct all of the problems with AC3 audio?

This information has been spread on user forums, however, Revision C3, D2, and E1 revisions are all functionally equivalent, and will address the same issues.