Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner

"dpic" <dpic DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:80FCA88F-E7AB-4CF4-9E86-686DCDF9380B@microsoft.com...
>I would use ATI's software, but they don't have software for vista yet.
>I'd
> get a 13" tv, but I don't want a 13' tv (please cross post this answer on
> the
> 13" tv forum). I want the equipment I have to right correctly. I just
> received my ATI remote with an IR receiver. It doesn't work.

The equipment you have works correctly.

With what you have, you can use TV fine - ANALOG TV, without a cable box or
satellite decoder, etc.

If you want MCE to use an external box to tune, then it needs control of
that box.

Why not use the ATI program that you got with the tuner in the first place?
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

My advice is to return the product (Vista) for a Refund. Explaining that you
met the specified system requirements but, even so, the Thing just won't
work as described in the Documentation... sounds reasonable and logical, but
usually falls on deaf ears... taking a principled stand seldom achieves a
happy outcome... assert your Basic Rights to a Refund... no questions asked!
These days, a lot of Documentation is so shallow as to verge on the
misleading.

Don't throw good money after bad, to try and get over this first hurdle.
There are plenty more hurdles around the corner....

"Noozer" <dont.spam.TakeThisOut@me.here> wrote in message
news:Oywml8RYHHA.2448@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...
>
> "dpic" <dpic.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:80FCA88F-E7AB-4CF4-9E86-686DCDF9380B@microsoft.com...
>>I would use ATI's software, but they don't have software for vista yet.
>>I'd
>> get a 13" tv, but I don't want a 13' tv (please cross post this answer on
>> the
>> 13" tv forum). I want the equipment I have to right correctly. I just
>> received my ATI remote with an IR receiver. It doesn't work.
>
> The equipment you have works correctly.
>
> With what you have, you can use TV fine - ANALOG TV, without a cable box
> or satellite decoder, etc.
>
> If you want MCE to use an external box to tune, then it needs control of
> that box.
>
> Why not use the ATI program that you got with the tuner in the first
> place?
>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

Angelfood MacSpade wrote:
> Yes, the true hardware requirements should have been listed. To be
> accurate, Microsoft should also state that only their particular "IR
> Hardware" is going to work with Vista Ultimate. Perhaps something else
> will work but I know that my otherwise very capable USB_UIRT is
> useless for WMC.

The key is "compatible remote". Any remote that is logo certified
should have support for (IIRC) two IR transmitters built into the same
box as its receiver.

> On Tue, 6 Mar 2007 16:55:04 -0500, "Jaime" <jaimelobo DeleteThis @hotmail.com>
> wrote:
>
>> On this page
>> http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/mediacenter/tvandmovies.mspx
>>
>> I does state: " ...If you have a set-top box, Windows Media Center
>> walks you through the steps to set it up, including tweaking the
>> infrared (IR) blaster that controls your set-top box."
>>
>> But you are right, it is vague, probably because Media Center used
>> to only come as a pre-install (and MS assumed the PC maker would
>> include the remote) or as an OEM version (again, it was assume the
>> builder knew what was needed). Now that the MC features are in a
>> retail version, a MCE Remote Kit probably should be listed as a
>> requirement if using a Set Top Box and not a direct analog
>> connection.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

"dpic" wrote:

> I have a ATI TV Wonder 650 pci card. The card worked fine with Xp with ATI's
> software, but when I try to setup Media Center under Vista it will not allow
> me to set up the card. I have the card connected via the composite
> connections of the 650 card. During set-up I get to the place where I get an
> message that "IR Hardware not detected" and the installation will no longer
> continue. I can see a picture in the set-up window. But the setup program
> will not let continue past this point. I have tried different setup
> configurations, but none allow me to use the composite connection from the
> ATI card without having the "IR hardware."
>
> Any help would greatly appreciated.
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

It's not just an ATI problem. I have a Hauppagge 1600 TV tuner card and I am
getting the same response. It will not allow me to set the card up even with
the appropriate IR hardware installed. I can see the input for the TV during
the setup but when I get to the IR hardware check it fails. At that point I
can not continue with the TV tuner setup. I have the correct IR hardware
installed and tested to control the set top box but Media Center does not
recognize it. It definitely is a Media Center problem. I am running Ultimate.

"dpic" wrote:

> I have a ATI TV Wonder 650 pci card. The card worked fine with Xp with ATI's
> software, but when I try to setup Media Center under Vista it will not allow
> me to set up the card. I have the card connected via the composite
> connections of the 650 card. During set-up I get to the place where I get an
> message that "IR Hardware not detected" and the installation will no longer
> continue. I can see a picture in the set-up window. But the setup program
> will not let continue past this point. I have tried different setup
> configurations, but none allow me to use the composite connection from the
> ATI card without having the "IR hardware."
>
> Any help would greatly appreciated.
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

I have the correct IR hardware configured and I am experiencing the same
problem. I am trying to run Ultimate with a Hauppagge 1600 TV tuner card and
I meet all of the hardware reqs of Vista.

"Jaime" wrote:

> I'm using MCE 2005, but it is probably the same in Vista.
>
> You need to have the IR receiver/Blaster devices plugged in so Media Center
> can control your Set Top Box (STB) whether that STB is for a satellite
> system or cable. Without the IR hardware, you would not be able to do
> unattended recording.
>
> The fix is to get a MCE remote/receiver combo or use analog cable where the
> tuner card is directly controlling the channels.
> --
> James
> Orlando (Goofy says "Hey!"), Florida
>
> "dpic" <dpic.TakeThisOut@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
> news:48970F22-4571-45FF-AD5C-85826F98F6C4@microsoft.com...
> >I have a ATI TV Wonder 650 pci card. The card worked fine with Xp with
> >ATI's
> > software, but when I try to setup Media Center under Vista it will not
> > allow
> > me to set up the card. I have the card connected via the composite
> > connections of the 650 card. During set-up I get to the place where I get
> > an
> > message that "IR Hardware not detected" and the installation will no
> > longer
> > continue. I can see a picture in the set-up window. But the setup
> > program
> > will not let continue past this point. I have tried different setup
> > configurations, but none allow me to use the composite connection from the
> > ATI card without having the "IR hardware."
> >
> > Any help would greatly appreciated.
>
>
>
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

I thought I was the onlyl one having this problem and I have spent quite some
time trying to fix it. I could find no information on this problem anyway as
well. Once again I do not have an ATI card, I have a Hauppagge card so I
figure it is a Vista Media Center problem.

"dpic" wrote:

> Again, Jason, I purchased Vista Home Premium with the idea that I only
> needed a TV tuner card--not other hardware. I have met the MCE requirements
> stated by Microsoft to run Media Center. Even the Vista hardware
> compatibility adviser said nothing about needing IR Blasters. Now, I'm told
> I can't run the app without more hardware.
>
> This is very frustrating. The first time I knew I had an issue was when I
> tried to set-up MCE for the first time and got the "IR hardware not
> detected." There was no other information to guide me to what I needed to
> do. Since I met all the stated requirements to run Vista I had no idea what
> the problem was. I've been searching the internet for a couple of days now
> and this is the first place I've found with any answers. Even Knowledge Base
> was useless about "IR hardware not detected."
>
> I simply don't understand why I can't run Media Center without IR hardware.
> Your position seems to be because I won't have all the cool benefits. Alas,
> I don't have any of the benefits, now.
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

dpic wrote:
> I think many of you missed the point. I merely want to watch TV
> while I work at the computer. I have an IR remote for my Sat.
> receiver that I can change channels with, so I don't have to go to
> another room to change channels. So, Doug--thanks for responding,
> but I have a way on controlling a set-top box. Also, I seldom record.
> When I do, I set the channel and leave the computer. It does its
> thing. I'm happy.
>
> Next, I have no idea of exactly what "IR hardware" I need. It is not
> listed when Vista refuses to setup my TV card. Do I need a remote
> with an IR receiver? I've read about blasters--do I need Microsoft
> blasters? Where is it listed exactly what type of hardware I really
> need to run Media Center?

This is the device you need.
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16880100851

There's a new version of it due out shortly--doesn't do anything
different that I'm aware of but some people think it looks better.

Other MCE/Vista logo (note that word "logo"--means that they are marked
on the box with the MCE or Vista logo and don't just say in fine print
that they are compatible) remotes should be fine, but I think that
Microsoft's is the only one you can find easily as a separate product
for a reasonable price. Phillips used to have them available--was the
same remote as Microsoft's IIRC--but that appears to no longer be the
case. Gyration has one available for about $150 but I'm not clear on
what it does that the Microsoft doesn't other than look prettier and
work through walls.

There are more coming, some with other features, such as the one at
http://www.ricavision.net/ (warning, godawful huge Flash site), but not
cheap.

ATI seems to be suffering from "Not Invented Here" with regard to
remotes--instead of bundling an MCE compatible remote with their tuners
like Hauppauge does, they expect you to get your own.

The infrared transmitters are bundled with the remote--it includes two
of them, that plug into connectors in the receiver.

This is necessary though only if you want to use the S-video or
composite inputs on the board.

It would be nice if they had included a facility "play whatever is
coming over the s-video or composite without regard to tuning" but they
didn't and the system has to at least _think_ that it is capable of
tuning the source.

The alternative, as someone else pointed out, is to use the RF input.

>
> Lastly, the TV card works fine. I can see it in the preview window
> when setting it with Media Center--until Media Center refuses to
> continue. I have all the hardware "I" need. I have all the hardware
> "the computer" needs. I don't have the hardware Media Center thinks
> I need.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

Rick H wrote:
> I thought I was the onlyl one having this problem and I have spent
> quite some time trying to fix it. I could find no information on this
> problem anyway as well. Once again I do not have an ATI card, I have
> a Hauppagge card so I figure it is a Vista Media Center problem.

Has nothing to do with the brand of board you have.

Happauge makes for most of their tuner boards several packages. One of
them is "MCE Kit" (different from "MCE" without the "kit" part) that
includes a Media Center remote.

> "dpic" wrote:
>
>> Again, Jason, I purchased Vista Home Premium with the idea that I
>> only needed a TV tuner card--not other hardware. I have met the MCE
>> requirements stated by Microsoft to run Media Center. Even the
>> Vista hardware compatibility adviser said nothing about needing IR
>> Blasters. Now, I'm told I can't run the app without more hardware.
>>
>> This is very frustrating. The first time I knew I had an issue was
>> when I tried to set-up MCE for the first time and got the "IR
>> hardware not detected." There was no other information to guide me
>> to what I needed to do. Since I met all the stated requirements to
>> run Vista I had no idea what the problem was. I've been searching
>> the internet for a couple of days now and this is the first place
>> I've found with any answers. Even Knowledge Base was useless about
>> "IR hardware not detected."
>>
>> I simply don't understand why I can't run Media Center without IR
>> hardware. Your position seems to be because I won't have all the
>> cool benefits. Alas, I don't have any of the benefits, now.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

Rick H wrote:
> I have the correct IR hardware configured and I am experiencing the
> same problem. I am trying to run Ultimate with a Hauppagge 1600 TV
> tuner card and I meet all of the hardware reqs of Vista.

From the Hauppauge site:
"Note: the enclosed remote control is not MCE certified and does not
replace Media Center remote control."

> "Jaime" wrote:
>
>> I'm using MCE 2005, but it is probably the same in Vista.
>>
>> You need to have the IR receiver/Blaster devices plugged in so Media
>> Center can control your Set Top Box (STB) whether that STB is for a
>> satellite system or cable. Without the IR hardware, you would not be
>> able to do unattended recording.
>>
>> The fix is to get a MCE remote/receiver combo or use analog cable
>> where the tuner card is directly controlling the channels.
>> --
>> James
>> Orlando (Goofy says "Hey!"), Florida
>>
>> "dpic" <dpic RemoveThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:48970F22-4571-45FF-AD5C-85826F98F6C4@microsoft.com...
>>> I have a ATI TV Wonder 650 pci card. The card worked fine with Xp
>>> with ATI's
>>> software, but when I try to setup Media Center under Vista it will
>>> not allow
>>> me to set up the card. I have the card connected via the composite
>>> connections of the 650 card. During set-up I get to the place
>>> where I get an
>>> message that "IR Hardware not detected" and the installation will no
>>> longer
>>> continue. I can see a picture in the set-up window. But the setup
>>> program
>>> will not let continue past this point. I have tried different setup
>>> configurations, but none allow me to use the composite connection
>>> from the ATI card without having the "IR hardware."
>>>
>>> Any help would greatly appreciated.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

Rick H wrote:
> It's not just an ATI problem. I have a Hauppagge 1600 TV tuner card
> and I am getting the same response. It will not allow me to set the
> card up even with the appropriate IR hardware installed. I can see
> the input for the TV during the setup but when I get to the IR
> hardware check it fails. At that point I can not continue with the TV
> tuner setup. I have the correct IR hardware installed and tested to
> control the set top box but Media Center does not recognize it. It
> definitely is a Media Center problem. I am running Ultimate.

When you say "correct IR hardware" do you mean that you have a Microsoft
brand IR remote control or other that is MCE certified? The one that
comes with the 1600 is not.

> "dpic" wrote:
>
>> I have a ATI TV Wonder 650 pci card. The card worked fine with Xp
>> with ATI's software, but when I try to setup Media Center under
>> Vista it will not allow me to set up the card. I have the card
>> connected via the composite connections of the 650 card. During
>> set-up I get to the place where I get an message that "IR Hardware
>> not detected" and the installation will no longer continue. I can
>> see a picture in the set-up window. But the setup program will not
>> let continue past this point. I have tried different setup
>> configurations, but none allow me to use the composite connection
>> from the ATI card without having the "IR hardware."
>>
>> Any help would greatly appreciated.

--
--
--John
to email, dial "usenet" and validate
(was jclarke at eye bee em dot net)
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

Why not make the remote an option? I've got the same problem, (but with
Dishnetwork), and the receiver remote works just fine. The thing is the MC
set-up might be great for the recording issue, but i don't record shows. I
just want to watch TV on the computer while I work (yes, I can do both!). I
just want to choose the S-Video connection, but alas I can't. MS, in their
infinite wisdom, has decided I have to do it their way, and make me pay them
to do it. What's the harm in letting me choose my input? Why should MS care?
It's my my computer, my satellite subscription...I just want to watch TV...
Daniel C.


"dpic" wrote:

> I think many of you missed the point. I merely want to watch TV while I work
> at the computer. I have an IR remote for my Sat. receiver that I can change
> channels with, so I don't have to go to another room to change channels. So,
> Doug--thanks for responding, but I have a way on controlling a set-top box.
> Also, I seldom record. When I do, I set the channel and leave the computer.
> It does its thing. I'm happy.
>
> Next, I have no idea of exactly what "IR hardware" I need. It is not listed
> when Vista refuses to setup my TV card. Do I need a remote with an IR
> receiver? I've read about blasters--do I need Microsoft blasters? Where is
> it listed exactly what type of hardware I really need to run Media Center?
>
> Lastly, the TV card works fine. I can see it in the preview window when
> setting it with Media Center--until Media Center refuses to continue. I
> have all the hardware "I" need. I have all the hardware "the computer"
> needs. I don't have the hardware Media Center thinks I need.
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner 

I can't speak why they specifically didn't make it an option, but as with
any other PVR, the R stands for Recording and I can only assume they thought
the majority of purchasers would use it for that functionality. I'm
seriously suprised that the OEM's don't include the remote/receiver in any
MCE capable package, even if you don't order the tuner.

--
Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
Display\Security
Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
http://www.dougknox.com
--------------------------------
Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
--------------------------------
Please reply only to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.

"gubus" <gubus DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:9EA74440-DA48-449D-9ED4-AE537CF6DF6C@microsoft.com...
> Why not make it an option? I've got the same problem, (but with
> Dishnetwork),
> and the receiver remote works just fine. The thing is the MC set-up might
> be
> great for the recording issue, but i don't record shows. I just want to
> watch
> TV on the computer while I work (yes, I can do both!). I just want to
> choose
> the S-Video connection, but alas I can't. MS, in their infinite wisdom,
> has
> decided I have to do it their way, and make me pay them to do it. What's
> the
> harm in letting me choose my input? Why should MS care? It's my my
> computer,
> my satellite subscription...I just want to watch TV...
> Daniel C.
>
> "Doug Knox - [MS-MVP]" wrote:
>
>> Because, if you're connecting via a set top box, you must have some way
>> to
>> control it. The IR receiver/blaster is how this is done. Otherwise, you
>> will have no way to tell the set top box to change channels for scheduled
>> recordings. Now, if you want to make sure you get up at 3:28 AM to go
>> downstairs and change the channel, that's up to you.
>>
>> --
>> Doug Knox, MS-MVP Windows Media Center\Windows Powered Smart
>> Display\Security
>> Win 95/98/Me/XP Tweaks and Fixes
>> http://www.dougknox.com
>> --------------------------------
>> Per user Group Policy Restrictions for XP Home and XP Pro
>> http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_securityconsole.htm
>> --------------------------------
>> Please reply only to the newsgroup so all may benefit.
>> Unsolicited e-mail is not answered.
>>
>> "dpic" <dpic DeleteThis @discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
>> news:3DBC9841-8048-4035-841B-BFC6499E88F0@microsoft.com...
>> > Again, Jason, I purchased Vista Home Premium with the idea that I only
>> > needed a TV tuner card--not other hardware. I have met the MCE
>> > requirements
>> > stated by Microsoft to run Media Center. Even the Vista hardware
>> > compatibility adviser said nothing about needing IR Blasters. Now, I'm
>> > told
>> > I can't run the app without more hardware.
>> >
>> > This is very frustrating. The first time I knew I had an issue was
>> > when I
>> > tried to set-up MCE for the first time and got the "IR hardware not
>> > detected." There was no other information to guide me to what I needed
>> > to
>> > do. Since I met all the stated requirements to run Vista I had no idea
>> > what
>> > the problem was. I've been searching the internet for a couple of days
>> > now
>> > and this is the first place I've found with any answers. Even
>> > Knowledge
>> > Base
>> > was useless about "IR hardware not detected."
>> >
>> > I simply don't understand why I can't run Media Center without IR
>> > hardware.
>> > Your position seems to be because I won't have all the cool benefits.
>> > Alas,
>> > I don't have any of the benefits, now.
>>
 >> Stay informed about: Vista Media Center will not allow me to set up TV tuner