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 version 2.1A

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

Installation note:

A valid WinTV application CDROM 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

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-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

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:

This version now supports FM radio (on those products with built-in FM radio). Listen, pause and record FM radio.

• Game mode is now supported. Game mode allows "live" video to be displayed without any video encoding delay. Game mode can be found in Configuration in the Advanced tab. Note: Game mode is not available on the WinTV-HVR-2250.
• You can also use the WinTV v7 Scheduler to schedule a recording of your favorite FM radio program on a once only, daily or weekly basis.
• Analog recording options have been added, allowing Good/Better/Best/Fair video qualities.
• Scheduling options have been added to allow shutdown/standby/hibernate at recording completion.
• This version fixes some QAM channel detection problems found in earlier versions of WinTV v7.
• This version supports the TitanTV Electronic Program Guide in the U.S.
  
• Any existing version of WinTV v6 will be deleted after installing WinTV v7.

File name: wintv7_cd_2.1a.exe
File size: 73MB
Date: 7/26/2010

To install the latest driver:

WinTV-HVR-1950 driver version 27238

Note: this driver can be used to run the WinTV-HVR-1950 with Windows Media Center,

Leave your WinTV-HVR-1950 plugged into your PC. Follow the following steps:

• Download the WinTV-HVR-1950 driver update
• Unzip this file to a directory you will remember, such as WINTV. It will create a new folder.
• Run HCWDRIVERINSTALL.EXE from this folder.
• This will install the WinTV-HVR-1950 base driver. At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated sucessfully.

Name: 73drv_27238.zip
Size: 1.2 MB
Updated: 8/26/2009

Note to Windows Media Center users:

If you want to use WinTV-HVR-1950 to watch and record analog cable TV with Microsoft's Media Center application, 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.

 

Latest Windows Media Center updates

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".

MCEKit_Setup

Name: 27306
Size: 27MB
Updated: 11/2/2009

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.

Windows Media Center driver installation
Step 1 Please click on the Download link above. You will be given an option to Run or Save the file. Click Run to start the installation procedure. Once the file has finished downloading, the self extracting wizard will begin.
Step 2 Click Next then select a path where you wish to extract the files (we recommend leaving this at its default setting). The WinTV drivers will be extracted automatically and installed to your Windows computer.
Step 3 When finished you will be prompted to reboot. Once you reboot, the WinTV driver will be installed and ready for use by Windows 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 from HDTVTUNERINFO.COM on remapping clear QAM TV channels in Windows Media Center.

Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-1950

WinTV Digital Signal Strength Indicator

Signal Strength Indicator version 26311

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: wintv_sigmon.exe
Size: 968 KB
Updated: November 6, 2008

IR Remote control application

IR Remote control version 27244

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: ir32_27244.exe
Size: 430KB
Updated: September 2, /2009

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

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

Beta test version

None at this time.

3rd Party Applications

SageTV: Intelligent PVR Software : SageTV is personal video recording software with an integrated EPG for use with your WinTV-HVR-1950, WinTV-PVR-150 or WinTV-PVR-500. With SageTV, you can pause live TV, rewind and fast forward, and conveniently record your shows. SageTV also provides an Integrated Programming Guide with no subscription fees listing all upcoming programs for the next 14 days based on your cable or satellite provider. SageTV is the only PVR application for the PC that introduces Intelligent Recording and Scheduling based on your past viewing habits. SageTV interacts with your WinTV-PVR to provide you with the ultimate 24/7 PVR application for your PC. SageTV also support the use of multiple WinTV-PVR's, recording multiple channels at once!

SnapStream Beyond TV™ 4 : "Proving that a PC can rival TIVO" !

• Supports the latest Hauppauge TV tuners: Supports the WinTV-HVR-1950, WinTV-PVR-150, WinTV-PVR-150MCE and dual tuner WinTV-PVR-500 with remote control and more.
• 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-1950
• 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-1950 installation guides

WinTV-HVR-1950 QuickInstall version 3
Updated: August, 2009

WinTV v7 users manual
Updated:March. 13, 2010

IR Blaster QuickInstall- English
Updated: November 2009

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

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

System Requirements

Specifications of the WinTV-HVR-1950

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

What type of channels will I receive?

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

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

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-1950?

Black video window or choppy video when watching a digital TV channel

How do I add an S-Video or composite video source in the WinTV application?

Connector overview for the WinTV-HVR-1950

I receive a "Low bit rate" error message when using Windows Media Center in Windows 7.

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

• Microsoft® Windows® XP, XP Pro or Windows XP Media Center Edition, with Service Pack 2
• Windows Vista (32 bit)
• Windows Vista (64 bit) for use with Microsoft Windows Media Center application only
• Windows 7

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® 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.

ATSC over-the-air digital TV: Supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format!

ClearQAM cable TV Channels: Clear QAM are unencrypted digital cable TV channels.

NOTE: For ATSC digital TV, a rooftop/out door antenna is recommended for optimal results/signal strength.
NOTE: To save your WinTV channel list, you may save the file HcwChanDB_5.mdb (which is located in the C:\Program Files\WinTV directory) into a temporary folder, and copy this file back into the WinTV directory after any re-installation to preserve your channel list.

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?

With the WinTV-HVR-1950, you can record both analog and digital TV into the MPEG-2 format.

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, the hardware encoder on the device will encode into the MPEG2 format/bit rate specified in the WinTV applications MPEG settings.

Note: Recordings made with ATSC or ClearQAM signals are not 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.

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 Primary.EXE program (this program is installed during the installation of the WinTV driver and can be found in the Hauppauge WinTV group).

Close the WinTV application. The run Primary. Select Allow Overlay. Close Primary and run the WinTV application. Tune to the channel which you were having problems with and see if the video display has improved. (Note: in Primary mode, you cannot use the Snapshot function in the WinTV application).

If not, try the VMR7 setting. Close the WinTV application. The run Primary. Select VMR7. Close Primary and run the WinTV application and see if the video display has improved.

If not, try the VMR9 setting. Close the WinTV application. The run Primary. Select VMR9. Close Primary and run the WinTV application and see if the video display has improved.

You should be able to use one of these modes on most NVidea, ATI and Intel based graphics adapters for high definition digital TV channels.

If you still get choppy video or a black screen, then there is no graphics mode which will work with all high definition programs. You still will be able to watch standard definition digital TV programs.

 How do I add an S-Video or Composite video source in the WinTV application?

In the WinTV application, click on the Menu button, then click Suite Manager. Choose Sources, and click on Composite source (or S-Video source). In the Channel Name box, type in a name for your video source and click the Save button.
This will create a composite video channel (or S-Video channel) in your channel suite manager.

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.