Support: WinTV-HVR-1265, WinTV-HVR-1250 and WinTV-HVR-1260

WinTV application for the WinTV-quadHD

With support for four tuner picture-in-picture

Installation notes for WinTV v10:

If you do not have a WinTV v10 Activation Code, you can purchase a new WinTV v10 Activation Code on the Hauppauge webstore.

If you have purchased an Activation Code for WinTV v10 with Extend from the Hauppauge Webstore, the latest version of WinTV v10 with Extend will be installed.

Installation on multiple computers: the WinTV application can be installed on as many PCs as needed as long as you use the same Hauppauge device. We link the serial number of your TV tuner (sometimes it's the MAC address) with the Activation code. So as long as you use the same Hauppauge device, you can install the WinTV application on more than one computer.

WinTV v10

This download is a complete WinTV v10 application, including Windows drivers for supported WinTV products plus utilities.

WinTV v10 installer
For Windows 11 and 10 (with limited support for Windows 8 and 7)
Version: 42031 | File size: 165 MB | Date: Feb 1, 2024
Release notes | Backup download site | Previous version 41041

New feature:

Record to network drive (NAS drive). When you enable this option, WinTV v10 will automatically move your recordings to a network drive after the recordings are complete, freeing up disk space on your PC.

*Please note: due to changes in Microsoft's code signing policy for Windows 7 and 8, new drivers cannot be signed for the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and 8. The WinTV v10 application will work, but the drivers will not install without warning messages.

WinTV v10 installation instructions

The WinTV v10 installer will install Windows drivers before installing the WinTV v10 application. It will also remove any pieces of a previous WinTV version before installing the new version.

  • Step 1: Download the WinTV v10 installer by clicking the download button above. The WinTV v10 installer is normally saved in the Download folder on your PC
  • Step 2: Run wintv10setup from the Download folder on your PC. If you see the message "Windows Protected Your PC, Windows Smartscreen prevented an unrecognized app ...", click 'More info' and 'Run anyway'. Windows Smartscreen is a new 'feature' in Windows 10 to prevent new updates from being installed automatically.
  • Step 3: Halfway through the installation, a message will pop up asking for you to enter the Activation Code.
  • Step 4: At the Activation required screen, click on Enter Activation code and enter the activation code which was emailed to you or is printed on the WinTV v10 activation card. You do not need to enter the dashes, and you can use upper or lower case characters.
  • Step 5: When the installation is complete, you will find the WinTV icon on your Windows desktop. Double click on this icon and the WinTV application will run. On the first run of WinTV, it will automatically go through the TV source selection and will scan for channels.

WinTV-HVR-1250/HVR-1265 Windows driver

WinTV-HVR-1265, WinTV-HVR-1250, WinTV-HVR-1260, ImpactVCBe
Driver version 41164
Note: For both old and new models
Combo driver for Win10/11 and Win7/8

To install the latest Windows driver only:

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

  • Download the Windows driver above.
  • Double click the downloaded driver. This will install the WinTV-HVR Windows driver.
  • At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated successfully.
  • At this point, the Windows driver will be installed.

Windows Media Center

SoftMCE Setup

File name: SoftMCE_setup.exe
File size: 2.3 Mb
Date: 4/14/2010

Setting up your TV tuner in Windows 7 Media Center

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

Accessory software for the WinTV-HVR-1250

WinTV Digital Signal Strength Indicator

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 v10, 8 and v7 applications.

The WinTV Digital Signal Strength must be used with one of the Hauppauge WinTV applications. It cannot be used stand alone.

Click here for instructions on using this application.

IR Remote control application

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: 2.71.33113_IR32.exe
Size: 450KB
Updated: April /2015

WinTV-Scheduler update for WinTV version 6

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


Soft MCE driver

This file is required for analog TV in Windows Media Center.

Name: softmce_setup.exe
Size: 2.2 MB
Updated: 4/14/2010

3rd Party Applications

NextPVR

Is a free Personal Video Recorder (PVR) and Media Centre application for Microsoft Windows.

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

  • Supports the latest Hauppauge TV tuners.
  • 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-1250
  • 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-1265 Videos

WinTV v10 Introduction
click to play video
Scheduled recording with the built-in EPG
in WinTV v10
click to play video
Wipe out your channel database and
rescan for channels
click to play video
WinTV v10 scheduling recordings with TitanTV
click to play video
How to setup an analog video source
Click to play video
How to setup an analog video source (channel 3)
Click to play video
How to scan for FM radio stations in WinTV
click to play video
How to change the battery in a
Hauppauge -005 remote control
click to play video

Making connections to your WinTV-HVR

Here is a chart which shows some of the things you need to know about each type of connection

Connecting to an over-the-air antenna

Cable or satellite TV set top box
using the RF output from the box

Cable or satellite TV set top box
using the A/V output from the box

Connecting to a cable TV wire from the wall (Digital QAM)

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

click to enlarge

click to enlarge
Which type of TV can this connection be used with? Over-the-air digital TV Cable or satellite TV
set top box
Cable or satellite TV
set top box
Cable TV direct connection
What types of video do I select when scanning for channels in the WinTV application (Device Setup Wizard)? Digital ATSC Analog TV (cable/antenna) External inputs
(S-Video or Composite video)
Digital QAM or
Analog TV (if available in your WinTV tuner)
What remote control do I use to change channels? WinTV remote control Remote control from your set top box Remote control from your
set top box
WinTV remote control
Notes You can use a roof top antenna for best reception.

Most set top boxes allow you to switch to Channel 3 or 4. When you scan with WinTV, it will pick up the TV signal on the correct channel.

Some satellite receivers use channels 60, 70 or 73. But when you scan for Analog TV channels, WinTV will pick up whatever channel is being used by your set top box.

Most set top boxes have A/V connections on the back, which can go into the WinTV's A/V input.

Some cable TV networks transmit analog TV channels, so we recommend scanning for both Clear QAM and analog TV.

Not all cable TV networks transmit clear QAM. Check with your local cable TV operator for the availability of clear QAM in your area.

Frequently asked questions

What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-HVR-1250?

  • Microsoft® Windows® 11, 8 and 7 both 32 and 64 bit versions

System Requirements

  • Processor Requirements (minimum):
    • Intel i3 or faster or equivalent
  • Microsoft Windows 11, 8 and 7
    WinTV-HVR-1250 is Windows Vista Premium certified*
  • Available PCI Express X1 or X16 slot

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1250 with Media Center?

Yes, the WinTV-HVR-1250 can be used in Windows XP MCE 2005, Vista Media Center or WIndows 7 Media Center.. Simply download and install the latest MCE Kit from the Hauppauge website, which will install the driver and necessary "Hauppauge MCE Soft Encoder".  Under Windows 7 only the driver is required, the Soft Encoder is included with the OS.

Here is the link: mcekit_setup.exe

Please note: you will only be able to configure WinTV-HVR-1250 as either an Digital tuner or an Analog tuner. You will not be able to switch between Digital and Analog channels.

NOTE: You must set up an analog TV tuner in Media Center first before you can proceed to set up a digital tuner.

What type of channels will I receive with the WinTV-HVR-1250?

NTSC Analog CableTV or over-the-air analog TV: You can use your cable TV from the wall to connect to the WinTV-HVR-1250 and receive all of your basic Cable TV channels. You can also use a roof top antenna to receive "over-the-air" TV.

Note: After June 2009, most areas in the United States no longer broadcast over-the-air analog signals.

ATSC over-the-air digital TV: Supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format!
Note: For ATSC digital TV, a rooftop/out door antenna is recommended for optimal results/signal strength.

ClearQAM cable TV Channels: Clear QAM digital cable TV channels are unencrypted digital cable TV channels. Clear QAM allows users to watch unencrypted digital TV channels from their cable TV provider without a set-top box.
Note: WinTV v7, WinTV v6, Microsoft Windows 7 or Windows TV Pack 2008 for Vista are required for clear QAM reception
Note: Check your local cable TV provider for clear QAM reception over your cable TV network.

Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-1150 through my Cable or Satellite box?

No. The WinTV-HVR-1150 has an ATSC over-the-air digital TV tuner built-in and supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format . The WinTV-HVR-1150 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 HVR 1250 also will support clear QAM cable TV channels through your direct cable TV line if available from your cable TV provider.

Can I get HD with the WinTV-HVR-1250 through my Cable or Satellite box?

No. The WinTV-HVR-1250 has an ATSC over-the-air digital TV tuner built-in and supports all ATSC formats, up to the high definition 1080i format . The WinTV-HVR-1250 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 HVR 1250 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-1250?

Using the WinTV 7 application the WinTV-HVR-1250, will record in a transport stream (TS)
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, our SoftPVR is used to create Transport Stream files (TS)

Note: TS files can be converted to MPEG files using options in the WinTV 7 configuration menu.

Note: The WinTV 6 application recording are in MPEG format for both digital and analog.

Note: Not all recordings made with ATSC/QAM signals are DVD compliant.

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-HVR-1250?

No. The WinTV-HVR-1250 will only be able to record the program that is being viewed using the supplied software.

You will not be able to watch a digital channel and record an analog channel simultaneously or vice versa due to the fact there is only a single tuner on the WinTV-HVR-1250.

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. Please verify that your system meets the minimum requirements for using the WinTV-HVR-1250

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 Video Renderer settings located in the settings menu of WinTV 7. To open the setting menu click on the “gear” button located in the lower left of the WinTV 7 screen.

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 acceleration put a check in the box “use hardware acceleration when possible. This will allow your graphics system to use hardware acceleration for video decode. Note: graphics hardware acceleration does not work on all systems. After making a change in video rendering settings Wintv must be restarted to take effect.

If you are using WinTV 6 then the render options are part of a separate program called Primary.  Changes in the Primary applet must be made with the WinTV application closed.  Open the Primary program by going to Start – All Programs – Hauppauge WinTV – Primary.  After making changes close the Primary applet and open the WinTV application.

How do I enable my remote control so it will work with the WinTV-HVR-1250?

The IR software should be installed by default. To check look for a small remote control icon in the Windows task bar on the lower right. If it is not present you can reinstall Wintv from the installation CDROM or download IR32.EXE from our support web site. The remote control must also have “line of sight” with the WinTV-HVR-1250 IR sensor. Be sure that the IR cable is connected to the IR port on the back of the WinTV-HVR-1250 board (available on certain models only).

Can I use the WinTV-HVR-1250 with Linux?

Preliminary support for the HVR1250 in ATSC mode only is available from http://linuxtv.org/hg/v4l-dvb

I’m receiving a flickering video image using my WinTV product installed on a Gigabyte GA-MA790X-UD4P motherboard?

To correct the flickering video issue, from the BIOS, disable the "C1E Support” option and restart the system.

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.

WinTV v7 does not open or opens and then disappears?

This can be caused by a corrupt Channel database so you will need to uninstall and reinstall.  First you need to go to start, all programs, Hauppauge Wintv and in that folder run
“uninstall Wintv7” (or remove Wintv7 using control panel "add/remove programs) then you need to remove the backup channel database.

Windows Vista, 7 and 8 go to C:\program data ( this folder is a hidden folder so if you do not see it you need to “show hidden folders “ in your search
Options)  once you can get to this folder you will see a folder label “Hauppauge”  delete this folder.

Windows XP go to C:\documents and settings\all users\shared documents\application data ( this folder is a hidden folder so if you do not see it you need to “show hidden folders “ in your search Options)  once you can get to this folder you will see a folder label “Hauppauge”  delete this folder.

Then download the latest version of Wintv7 located in the support section of the website and reinstall (note: you must have your original CD to validate the download.)

Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the drivers required for this device error code 52?

This appears to be a bug in windows 64 bit OS. Our drivers are signed.

"Windows cannot verify the digital signature for the drivers required for this device. A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source. (Code 52)"

The following is probably the easiest fix to Error Code 52 on Windows 7 or Windows 8 64bit.

In device manager right click the Hauppauge product under Sound Video and Game Controllers with the exclamation mark and select Uninstall.

On the Confirm window please check the box for "Delete the driver software for this device" and click OK.

Once the drivers are gone on the top of Device Manager click on "Scan for Hardware Changes".

Windows should now look online automatically for drivers.

Take a look after a few minutes if the drivers are installed automatically properly under Sound Video and Game Controllers.

If they still come back as "unsigned" try the procedure again.

WinTV-HVR-1265 Troubleshooting

The reception of TV channels in the WinTV application is dependent upon two things:

  • you need to have a strong enough TV signal for the Hauppauge TV tuner to achieve 'signal lock'. Once a TV channel has a signal strong enough to 'lock', it will appear in the Channel List during the channel scan. This often means that your antenna needs to be in the "line of sight" from the transmitter. If there is a building blocking the TV signal coming from the transmitter, you might not be able to achieve 'signal lock'.
  • once the TV channel appears in the Channel List, it also needs a signal strong enough so that the WinTV application can display a clear TV picture. We sometimes hear that there are channels which appear in the TV channel list but cannot be watched (frozen image, black screen or an image with lots of defects). This is due to the TV channel having just enough 'strength' to achieve signal lock, but not strong enough for a good TV image to be displayed.

Good reception - roof and window

Good reception - roof and window

Good reception roof, bad reception window

Good reception roof, bad reception window

Bad reception roof and window

Bad reception roof and window

The signal strength is related to the size (and quality) of the antenna, and the 'line of sight' to the transmitter. If you have a large antenna but it is not pointed toward the TV transmitter, the TV signal will be weak and may not be received.

In addition, please check the antenna connections to the Hauppauge TV tuner. If the connector is not securely plugged in, then signal loss will occur and you will not get an optimal TV picture.

When TV channels cannot be received or if the TV quality is poor, here are a couple of things you can try:

Using the Hauppauge 'stick' antenna

The Hauppauge stick antenna will work up to roughly 10 miles from the transmitter, and needs an unobstructed line of sight to the transmitter. Otherwise a larger antenna will provide better results.

Symptoms of needing a larger (better quality) antenna include scanning for channels in WinTV works, but when trying to watch a channel, they may achieve tuning 'lock' but the TV signal breaks up heavily.

If you cannot use an outdoor antenna, you might need an indoor antenna with a booster.

Receiving TV in an apartment

You can use either 'stick' antennas or flat antennas when you are in an apartment. In general, you will get good reception as long as your antenna is 'pointing' toward the TV transmitter.

  • place your antenna in a window, as high from the floor as possible
  • if possible, place the antenna facing the direction of the broadcast towers. Over-the-air TV is most effective when it achieves "line of sight" to the transmitters. TV reception will still work without line-of-sight, but then you are dependant upon the TV signal bouncing off of a building or other structure
  • a TV signal booster can sometimes help bring in some of the weaker TV channels.

We recommend the purchase of a portable amplified antenna for indoor or outdoor use to be connected to the WinTV product to ensure correct reception of the TV channels.

Receiving TV at a home

When you are using a Hauppauge TV tuner to watch TV at home, most times you are further from the TV transmitter and a larger TV antenna is needed.

  • outdoor antennas will perform better than indoor antennas.
  • if possible, use an outside antenna located as high from the ground as possible
  • if using an indoor antenna place it near a window or wall facing the direction of the broadcast towers.
  • a TV signal booster can sometimes help bring in some of the weaker TV channels.

If you are in the US, there is a website where you can enter your ZIP code and see from which direction a channel’s signal is coming and what type of antenna is needed to receive that signal.