Support: HD PVR
- Driver & application
- Accessories
- Beta
- 3rd Party
- Manuals
- FAQ
- For Windows Media Center
- For Xbox 360
- For PS3
HD PVR application and Windows driver
HD PVR driver version 1.5.7.0
This driver now supports Windows 7 Media Center. Your HD PVR can now be used in Windows Media Center as a TV recorder for cable TV and satellite set top boxes. Note: the installation for Windows 7 Media Center requires two parts: this driver plus the updates described under the "For Windows Media Center" tab above. First install this driver, then click on the "For Windows Media Center" tab above for instructions.
Notes:
This is a Windows driver only for Windows 7 and Vista (32 and 64-bit versions) plus Windows XP (32-bit only). For the Arcsoft Total Media Extreme application for HD PVR, you need your original CD. Updates to the TME application are available through Arcsoft Connect which can be found in Total Media Extreme (see below "Latest HD PVR application").
This driver 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.
This driver fixes a problem with loss of video sync (which shows up as a "glitch" in the video) when the video source switches from NTSC to PAL or from HD to SD while recording. This problem only occurs when recording from a cable TV or satellite set top box, when the broadcaster changes video formats in the middle of a broadcast. This problem does not affect recordings made from an XBox360 or Playstation3.
This driver also fixes video flicker problem on European Sony Playstation3 and also addresses reliability problems returning from Sleep mode.
This version includes a record format which can be immediately played back on a Sony Playstation3. This is the .M2TS format.
This driver supports 32/64 bit Windows 7, Vista and Windows 7 Media Center, plus Windows XP.
To install:
Download and unzip the file and run “hcwdriverinstall.exe”.
File name: hdpvr_1.5.7.0.zip
Date: July 1, 2010
File size: 4 MB
Latest HD PVR application
HD PVR CD version 2.4:
Includes Arcsoft TME version 1.0.9.9 and HD PVR driver version 1.5.6.1
Here are some of the latest features and additions to the TME application:
- Windows signed driver for Windows 7
- Added "full screen" mode to the capture modules
- Added hardware acceleration support to the capture modules for all Windows platforms
- Added 5.1 audio playback support to the capture modules
- Added a checkbox to enable/disable HW acceleration to the capture modules. It's located by the "Show Preview" checkbox.
- Added 5.1 audio playback support to the Theater application
- Added AHCI support
Accessory software for the HD PVR
WinTV TV Scheduler program
Program name: HDPVR_sched.exe
IR blaster configuration program
irblast_27327Name: irblast_27327.exe
Size: 414KB
Updated: 11/24/2009
IR remote control applet
Program name: IR32.exe
Beta HD PVR driver
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.HD PVR for the Mac:
Click here for information on HD PVR Capture, which provides HD PVR support for all Apple Macs:
www.hdpvrcapture.com
Windows Media Center support from DVB Link
Use the HD PVR as the video recorder for Windows Media Center with DVB Link.Here's a link to a 30 day trial version
MythTV for the HD PVR
For Linux users, there is a version of MythTV which supports HD PVR. Please click here to get more information:http://www.mythtv.org/wiki/index.php/Hauppauge_HD-PVR
Frequently Asked Questions
What Operating Systems are supported by HD PVR?
Can I use the HD PVR with Microsoft's Windows Media Center application?
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?
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?
HD PVR may lockup and require a power cycle
HD PVR currently supports Dolby Digital (AC-3) and PCM
A/V sync issues (using optical audio in) with an AT&T Uverse set top box
What resolutions and bit rates are supported using the HD PVR?
What file formats are created by recording with the HD PVR?
How much disk space will it take up when recording?
Where can I record the files to using the HD PVR and can I use it independently?
Can I use a longer USB cable with my HD PVR?
Can I burn a Blu-ray disk with my HD PVR?
Can I use the HD PVR on a Macintosh system?
If I record my game play can I uploaded it to the internet?
What are the power supply specifications for the power adapter that is included with the HD PVR?
What Operating Systems are supported by the HD PVR?
Microsoft Windows 7 (32 or 64-bit), Windows Vista or Windows XP with Service Pack 2 or later.
If you are using Windows Media Center, the latest HD PVR driver allows Windows 7 Media Center to use the HD PVR as a TV recorder. The recording is done in high definition and with H.264.
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 does not have any internal disk storage.
HD PVR connects to a PC or laptop computer through a USB 2.0 port. The HD PVR recordings are stored on the PC's disk drive.
Can I use HD PVR with a Mac?
There are several third party applications which support HD PVR on a Mac. These applications are sold separately. One of them can be found at:
www.hdpvrcapture.com.
System Requirements
When you playback an HD PVR recording on your PC screen, you need 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
Using extended or inferior usb cables can lead to lockups and poor performance.
Can I use the HD PVR with Microsoft's Windows Media Center application?
Yes. With the latest HD PVR driver (available here), HD PVR can be used as a video recorder for cable TV and satellite set top boxes in Windows 7 Media Center. Your Windows Media Center recordings will be made in high definition using H.264. The Windows Media Center electronic program guide operates as normal with supported set top boxes.
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
Also, VDR, a Linux based project, now supports HD PVR. Drop a note to dvb@flensrocker.de for more information.
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.
Note: Some older models of Blu-ray DVD players cannot play AVCHD files on either DVD-R or DVD+R discs. Check your owner's manual to see if your Blu-ray player is compatible. If it is not, check with the manufacturer to see if a firmware update is available
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
AC3 -5.1 audio is preserved if you are creating an AVCHD DVD. If you are creating a standard DVD the audio will be transcoded to 2 channel. Creating MP4 files will also result in 2 channel audio.
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 on the HD PVR?
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 Configuration program (click 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.
HD PVR may lockup and require a power cycle
If IR learning is performed with the audio mode set to SPDIF. Launch TME and set the audio mode to “RCA back or front” before attempting to learn IR codes using the supplied “BlastCfg.exe” tool.
HD PVR currently supports Dolby Digital (AC-3) and PCM
Audio capture is via SPDIF (optical audio input). DTS audio is not supported at this time.
A/V sync issues (using optical audio in) with an AT&T Uverse set top box
A recent update by AT&T results in an A/V sync issue using optical audio input to the HD PVR. We are currently working with AT&T on a solution, in the meantime, you can use RCA audio in which will work correctly.
What resolutions and bit rates are supported using the HD PVR?
- Record high definition video at up to 1080i resolution, 720p or VGA/D1
- Record at datarates from 1Mbs to 13.5Mbs, constant and Variable Bit Rate
- Make Blu-ray format AVCHD recordings, so you can burn your TV recordings onto a standard DVD disk (up to 2 hours of video at 5MBits/sec) and playback on Blu-ray DVD players
What file formats are created by recording with the HD PVR?
The default formats you can record in are: .TS (transport stream for AVCHD), .M2TS (for PS3), and .MP4 (for XBOX 360).
The Arcsoft Media Converter will also allow you to convert your files to the following formats: .MP4 (for Sony PSP, PS3, Ipod, AppleTV),.WMV (for Xbox 360, Zune, Philips PMC 7230), .MOV (for Sandisk SANSA E200)
How much disk space will it take up when recording?
Approximately 2 GB per hour at 5Mb/s setting. Approximately 4GB per hour at 9Mb/s setting, and 6 GB per hour at 13.5 Mb/s setting.
Where can I record the files to using the HD PVR and can I use it independently?
The HD PVR requires a PC (see minimum system requirements under product specifications) to operate. You may then record to any of the hard disk drives installed or connected to the PC, including external drives.
Can I use a longer USB cable with my HD PVR?
It is not recommended to use a different USB cable other than the cable provided with the device.
Can I burn a Blu-ray disk with my HD PVR?
No, you cannot burn a Blu-ray Disk, however you can burn a standard DVD that will be Blu-ray compatible (when making AVCHD recordings), and play on a blu ray player.
Can I use the HD PVR on a Macintosh system?
The HD PVR may be installed on a Mac, using El Gato’s Eye TV 3.1 software (www.elgato.com) .
Further information for troubleshooting and support may be found at this forum link: http://forums.elgato.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=4182
I get a black screen in the TME capture module and no output to my TV when I connect my Xbox 360, PS3 to the HD PVR.
Make sure you’re gaming system is not set to 1080p. The HD PVR does not understand this format. Please set the output resolution to 1080i or 720p. Please see the appropriate setup instructions for your game console:
PlayStation 3 setup instructions
If I record my game play can I uploaded it to the internet?
Yes. Video sites such as YouTube may require a certain format such as MPEG, .AVI, MPEG4, so be sure to convert the file to the appropriate format in such cases. If you are editing the file using the Total Media Extreme applications built in editor, this allows you to create a project file that can be burned to a blu ray compatible DVD. Once on DVD, you would then need to rip the DVD back to hard disk and use a third party editor to convert it to the proper format for sites such as YouTube. (or simply use a 3rd party editor to edit the original file).
What are the power supply specifications for the power adapter that is included with the HD PVR?
The power adapter is 5V 2 amps.
HD PVR support for Windows Media Center
The HD PVR support for Windows Media Center allows you to use the HD PVR to watch, pause and record high definition TV under Windows 7 Media Center from a cable TV or satellite set top box. It operates in a similar way as other Hauppauge TV tuners for Windows Media Center, but the HD PVR records in high definition using H.264 encoding.
Release and installation notes
Click here for the installation and release notes.
Installation package
Click here to download the complete installation package.
Size: 12 MB
Date: July 21, 2010
Recording HD PVR video from an Xbox 360
Note: Before connecting your Xbox 360 to the HD PVR, connect it to your HD TV set to make the HD PVR settings. By default, the Xbox 360 will be set to 1080p and the HD-PVR will not work with this resolution. You will need to change your Xbox 360 to 480p, 720p, or 1080i.
First, turn on your Xbox 360 and navigate to the main menu.
Navigate to the last menu on the right and go into System Settings.
Go into Console Settings
Go into Display.
Go into the HDTV Settings.
Now select the resolution you want.
The HD PVR will only work with 480p, 720p, and 1080i. If your system is currently set to 1080p. change it to 1080i.
When you select the new resolution, you will be asked if you want to keep the new settings. Please select Yes, keep these settings.
You are now done. Please turn off on your Xbox 360 and connect it back to your HD PVR using component cables.
Recording HD PVR video from an Playstation3
Before connecting your PS3 to the HD-PVR, you must set the proper PS3 video output. These are instructions on how to do this.
First, navigate to the Settings column on the PS3 main screen.
Scroll down to Display Settings
Select Video Output Settings.
Note: You should have your component cables attached to your TV. If not, please take a moment to attach the component cables to the TV.
Select Component/D-terminal. You will then be given a confirmation and after proceeding, you need to change your TV to the component video.
Next you will receive a screen were you will select the desired input resolution.
The HD-PVR can accept up to 1080i so select 1080i. You can also select 480p and 720p.
After selecting 1080i, hit X Enter to go to the next step.
Confirm that you have selected 1080i by clicking X Enter.
Next you will be prompted to set up the Audio Output Settings and then click X Enter.
Here you will select either audio input connector or optical digital (cable sold separately). Chose the way audio will be connected to the HD PVR .
You will be shown the audio settings. Click X Enter to continue.
If you select Audio input connector you will be prompted to finalize the setup.
If you have selected optical you must select the compatible formats either PCM 2ch or Dolby 5.1.
After you confirm your audio settings, you may now power down the PS3 and connect it to your HD-PVR.
When you open the Arcsoft capture module, select YPrPb for you video input and either RCA back (if you selected audio input connector) or S/PDIF (if you chose digital optical) for your input audio.
Then capture some high definition video!