Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1800 manual Troubleshooting, Some notes on system compatibility

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Troubleshooting

Some notes on system compatibility

Decoding high definition ATSC TV is very CPU intensive. A graphics card with at least 64MBytes of memory and the latest graphics driver from the manufacturer makes the decoding task easier. Typically a 2.2 GHz Pentium 4 processor or equivalent with a graphics card having 64MBytes of memory is required to proper- ly decode ATSC digital TV on your PC. A 1.6GHz AMD Sempro laptop computer tested in the Hauppauge lab used 50% of the CPU for playing ATSC 640i format, and 90% of the CPU when playing ATSC 1080i, the highest definition ATSC for- mat.

In some cases, either a faster processor or more graphics memory might be required. Slow or jerky video and a noisy TV picture indicate system performance problems.

Jerky video with live ATSC or QAM digital TV

Jerky or distorted video can be caused by two things in your PC or laptop: a slow CPU which cannot decode the ATSC TV signal fast enough, and a graphics sys- tem which cannot keep up with the high datarates of digital TV.

Many times, improving the performance of the graphics display will fix the jerky video display of ATSC digital TV. Here are some tips on improving graphics per- formance:

-Use the latest graphics driver: graphics drivers are often ‘tweaked’ to improve performance, especially the built-in graphics on laptops. Check the Microsoft Windows update site to download the latest graphics driver for your computer. For Dell computers, check the Dell website for the latest graphics driver.

-Use WinTV v7 Video Renderer settings to optimize graphics performance: The Video Renderer is found in the General tab of WinTV v7, and is used to change the display mode of a graphics card for TV watching. This setting does not affect any other Windows program.

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 graphics acceleration, put a check in the tick box Use hard- ware acceleration when possible. This will allow your graphics system to use hardware acceleration for video decode. Note: graphics hardware acceleration

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Contents Installing the WinTV driver and WinTV V7 application For Windows XP installationsInstall the WinTV driver For all versions of WindowsInstall the WinTV applications Running WinTV for the first timeIf your TV source is Atsc digital over-the-air TV If your TV source is Clear QAM Digital Cable TVDevice Setup Wizard, select External Inputs If your TV source is Analog cable TVExternal audio/video sources Rescanning TV channels or adding an external A/V sourceUsing the WinTV v7 application Options menuTo watch TV, click the Watch TV button Name and numberWatch, Pause and Record TV Most important TV control functionsAlways on icon at the top of the channel list To turn on Close captions, click on Show CaptionsRecording your TV shows If you want to pause a TV show you are watchingIf you want to record a TV show you are watching Configuration menu MPG file type and Game mode here WinTV v7 TV SchedulerSelecting FM radio programs IR blaster in WinTVItems that need to be set for each event are WinTV v7 keyboard shortcuts Audio format of the TVTroubleshooting Some notes on system compatibilityJerky video with live Atsc or QAM digital TV Black window when selecting an Atsc channel Only some channels are found during Atsc channel scanHauppauge Remote Control Optional on some models Uninstalling the WinTV driver and applicationsRemote control buttons Skip back button skip Go button Start WinTV Menu button opensRed button at bottom Titles on / offPage Setting up the IR Blaster for use with WinTV This utilityIR Blaster Configuration program WinTV-HVR’s IR blaster function consists of two componentsLearning remote control codes for your set top box To set up the IR Blaster, see the guideIRRemoteBlaster Quick Installation Guide for WinTV IR receiver and learn sensor

WinTV HVR-1800 specifications

The Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1800 is a versatile television and video capture card designed primarily for Windows PCs, enabling users to watch, record, and edit television directly on their computers. As part of Hauppauge's storied lineage in TV tuners, the HVR-1800 caters to both standard and high-definition content, making it an ideal choice for media enthusiasts.

One of the standout features of the HVR-1800 is its dual functionality. This card includes both an analog TV tuner for watching standard cable channels as well as an ATSC digital tuner for high-definition broadcast television. This dual capability allows users to seamlessly transition between analog and digital signals, providing greater flexibility in content consumption.

The HVR-1800 also features hardware MPEG-2 encoding. This technology enables the card to convert video data into a compressed format in real-time, significantly reducing the strain on the CPU. This means users can enjoy smoother video playback and recording, even during resource-intensive tasks. The card supports resolutions up to 1080i for high-definition broadcasts, ensuring that users experience crystal-clear images and vibrant colors.

Another noteworthy characteristic is the included WinTV software, which offers an intuitive interface for managing TV functions. This software allows users to schedule recordings, pause live TV, and create a personalized TV guide. With features like a time-shifting capability, users can easily rewind live broadcasts, ensuring they never miss a critical moment of their favorite shows.

The HVR-1800 also comes equipped with an IR remote control, enhancing the user experience by allowing for convenient operation from across the room. This remote can be programmed to work with various media center applications, further integrating the TV functionality into the user’s overall media experience.

Connectivity is another strong point for the HVR-1800, as it includes numerous input options, such as a coaxial cable connector for cable TV and composite inputs for external devices like camcorders. This versatility lets users expand their media options significantly.

In summary, the Hauppauge WinTV HVR-1800 is a feature-rich TV tuner card that supports both analog and digital TV signals. With its hardware MPEG-2 encoding, user-friendly software, and robust connectivity options, it offers an excellent solution for users looking to enhance their home entertainment systems by integrating TV capabilities into their PCs. Whether for live viewing, recording, or editing, the HVR-1800 provides a comprehensive and high-quality experience.
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