Support: WinTV-PVR-250 & WinTV-PVR-350

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Latest applications and driver updates for the WinTV-PVR-250 & WinTV-PVR-350

All software listed on this page is for both the WinTV-PVR-250 and WinTV-PVR-350. The only difference between the 250 and 350 is that the WinTV-PVR-350 includes a hardware MPEG video decoder for outputing video recordings to a TV set or video monitor.

WinTV-PVR-250 driver version 1.18 and middleware version 2.3

Note: the operation of WinTV-PVR-250 requires two pieces: a WinTV driver and WinTV applications. We recommend you update both the driver and the application at the same time.

Note: If you have run HCWCLEAR, you must reboot your PC. After a reboot you will see the Found New Hardware Wizard installation message, hit Cancel. then continue below.

To install the driver:
Leave your WinTV-PVR-250 installed in your PC. Follow the following steps:

  • Download two files to your computer:
    WinTV-PVR-250 base driver: pvr250_driver_118_23257.zip
    WinTV-PVR-250 driver update and middleware: pvr250_middleware_23_24111.exe
  • Unzip the WinTV-PVR-250 Base Drive Run HCWDriverInstall.exe from this directory..
  • At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated sucessfully.
  • After Windows has loaded the base driver, run the WinTV-PVR-250 driver update and middleware

Name: pvr250_driver_118_23257.zip
Size: 2.2MB
Updated: Sept 27, 2005


WinTV-PVR-350 driver version 1.18 and middleware version 2.2

Note: If you have run HCWCLEAR, you must reboot your PC. After a reboot you will see the Found New Hardware Wizard installation message, hit Cancel. then continue below.

To install the driver:

Leave your WinTV-PVR-350 installed in your PC. Follow the following steps:

  • Download two files to your computer:
    WinTV-PVR-350 base driver: pvr250_driver_118_23257.zip
    WinTV-PVR-350 driver update and middleware: pvr250_middleware_22_23070.exe
  • Unzip the WinTV-PVR-350 Base Drive Run HCWDriverInstall.exe from this directory..
  • At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated sucessfully..
  • After Windows has loaded the base driver, run the WinTV-PVR-350 driver update and middleware

This will complete the driver installation for the WinTV-PVR-350.

You will also need to install the latest WinTV2000 Application, the latest Hauppauge Video decoders, the latest Hauppauge remote control application and the WinTV Scheduler .

Name: pvr250_driver_118_23257.zip
Size: 2.2MB
Updated: Sept 27, 2005


WinTV2000 application update

WinTV2000 application version 4.13

To install, copy this file to a temporary directory on your local disk. Then run wintv2k_413_24088.exe, which will install the new WinTV2000 application.
This WinTV2000 version now supports Wing, the TV recorder for Apple's video iPod and the Sony PSP. Click here for information on Wing.

Name: wintv2k_413_24088.exe
Size: 2.5 Mb
Updated: Mar. 29, 2006


WinTV video decoder update

Hauppauge Video Decoder version 5

This is the latest Hauppauge MPEG Video decoder for the WinTV-PVR-150. It has better compatibility with the Intervideo WinDVD player, which many computers have preinstalled. This version also supports some graphics cards in Primary mode (use Primary.exe, found in the WinTV directory, to set Primary mode). For performance reasons, it is always preferable to use "Allow VMR" or "Allow Overlay" in the Primary.exe program.

To install this new video decoder, first remove the old Hauppauge decoder by going into Control Panel and then Add/Remove Programs. Remove Intervideo Filter SDK
Then, download and run this file.

Name: hcwsmd05_23290.exe
Version: 5.0_23290
Size: 1996K
Updated: Oct. 17, 2005

Accessory software for the WinTV-PVR-250 & WinTV-PVR-350

IR Remote control application

IR Remote control version 2.57

Latest version the IR remote control software for the new model Hauppauge remote control. The Hauppauge remote control is an option to the WinTV-HVR-950.

Name: ir32_257_26021.exe
Vesion: 2.57
Updated: Jan. 20, 2008


WinTV-Scheduler update

TV Scheduler version 25_26071.exe

This version allows 'background recording' on dual tuner WinTV products.

This version also supports Hauppauges' Wing, for creating iPod and Sony PSP videos from your standard definition MPEG-2 recordings (note: Wing requires the purchase of a license. For more information, go to http://www.hauppauge.com/site/wing/).

Name: sched25_26071.exe
Size: 3.8Mb
Updated: March 11, 2008


WinTV-Editor

MPEG Editor for the WinTV-PVR version 2.2.0

New version features:

  • Fast editing: uses a new technique to speed up the editing process.
  • Standard support for large files: this version was developed under WindowsXP, and can edit unlimited size MPEG files.
  • Separate functions to remultiplex VCD and SVCD files: new menu options are available to create "burnable" VCD and SVCD files from "raw" files created by the WinTV-PVR.

A button has been added to play the file which has just been edited.

This is a "cuts only" editor for use with WinTV-PVR. You can remove commercials, rearrange video sequences or trim the ends of your video files. The WinTV MPEG Editor preserves the quality of the original recording by not requiring a re-encoding after editing, so you get "first generation" quality video. It does this by cutting only on the MPEG I frames.

The WinTV-PVR Editor works with the MPEG formats (MPEG-1 and MPEG-2) created with the PVR. If you are editing MPEG-1 (or VCD) files, the output created by the WinTV-Editor is in a recordable VCD format.

How to use the MPEG editor: Click here for instructions on using the MPEG editor.

New! beta version of the WinTV Editor is now available, version 2.3.1. Click here to download this new version. This beta version has smoother cuts and fixed a bug where the "Remux" option doesn't appear in WinME or Win98.

Name: wintv_editor220.exe
Vesion: 2.2.0
Updated: August 23, 2002


WinTV Radio application

WinTV Radio32 application version 1.53

Note: this application runs on WinTV boards equipped with FM radio.

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_153_22033.exe
Version: 1.53
Size: 324K
Updated: Feb. 4, 2004


Ulead DVD MovieFactory application update

The latest updates to MovieFactory can be found at: http://www.ulead.com/tech/dmf/dmf_ftp.htm
A fix for a hang when burning VCD's is now available.

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-950, 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!


Linux support for the WinTV-PVR-250 and WinTV-PVR-350 has been made available by the ivtv project in form of kernel modules to be built against your running kernel. Downloads and documentation are available at http://ivtv.sourceforge.net/


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

  • Supports the latest Hauppauge TV tuners: Supports the WinTV-HVR-950, 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-950
  • 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-PVR-250 & WinTV-PVR-350 Manual

WinTV-PVR-250 & WinTV-PVR-350 Manual

Frequently Asked Questions

What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

For previous WinTV owners before installing the WinTV-PVR-250/350

Error Code 10: This device cannot start

Black screen issues

Does the WinTV-PVR-250/350 do MPEG decoding as well as encoding?

Random lockups with Dual CPU or Hyperthreaded systems

WinTV works fine until I restart my computer

Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

What is the difference between the WinTV-PVR-250 and 350 models?

Can I view Closed Captioning with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

Can I connect Video game systems to the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

Data Invalid error when installing the driver on Windows XP

Data Invalid error when installing the driver on Windows 2000

Failed to create TV window. hTV=0xd6a950 Err=1

"There is no common media type between these pins" HCWSnapshot, Video Renderer

"WinTV Initialization Error.hTV=10" when trying to open the WinTV program

Error in MSVCRT.DLL when trying to open the WinTV program

DVD MovieFactory: "Error: cannot read from file" when creating VCD

DVD MovieFactory: "Failed to initialize capture driver"

Third party capture applications not supported

Hibernate other Power Management options not supported

Can I edit the captured Videos created with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

Approximate file sizes captured with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

Windows Media Center



What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

The WinTV PVR 250/350 will function under Windows98SE (Second Edition), WindowsME, Windows2000, and Windows XP.

It will not function under Windows95, NT 4.0, Windows XP64 or Embedded and is not currently supported under Windows Server2003, or Linux.


For previous WinTV owners before installing the WinTV-PVR-250/350

If a different WinTV device was previously installed on the system, it is recommended to run the HCWCLEAR utility first before installing the WinTV-PVR-250/350. This will ensure that all left over files from the older model are no longer on the system. Run the HCWCLEAR program from your WinTV-PVR-250/350 CD and choose 'Total removal' as well as putting a checkmark in the box to 'Search all INF files for conflicting hardware' and click ok. Once complete, proceed with the installation as normal.


Error Code 10: This device cannot start

Try moving the WinTV card to a different PCI slot in the system. If there are any resource issues with the WinTV card and any other device in the system, this would reassign the resources for the WinTV.

Open the Control Panel - System - Advanced. In the Performance section click on the Settings button, then the Advanced tab. In the Memory Usage section located here, choose Programs instead of System Cache.

Make sure that the latest drivers for your VGA card are installed as well.


Black screen issues

The main causes for black screen are "Decoder Issues", no sound card installed in the system, and video cards that do not support "Overlay". 

The following information is ONLY a workaround for video cards that do not support Overlay.

Symptoms of non-overlay support:
  • Black screens when channels have been scanned
  • Lockups after channel scan or adding a channel
  • Errors when changing MPEG quality level
  • Can only display video in MPEG1 setting

You can set the WinTV to run in Primary display mode to get the video in the WinTV2000. You must have the latest version of the Hauppauge Software decoders and version 1.6 or higher of the WinTV-PVR-250/350 drivers.

Open the Primary applet located in the Start - Programs - Hauppauge WinTV program group. Select Force Primary and close the Primary program out. Open WinTV and try adding a channel and see if the video and audio play. Also verify that you can change the MPEG quality settings in the Pref - Movies - MPEG settings.

Remember, this is just a workaround; the PVR 250/350 is designed and meant to work in Overlay. You may need to upgrade the video card drivers or change your video.

Also make sure that the Hauppauge Software decoders have been installed. These will be listed as Intervideo Filter SDK for Hauppauge in the Add Remove Programs section of Control Panel. If they are not listed here, please reinstall from the SMD folder of the WinTV Installation CD.

The drivers for your Sound card should also be updated and installed properly.

Also, you can try recording a short MPEG1 VCD file and play it back to see if the decoder is working properly. If you can record and playback a VCD file, then the problem would indicate a Conflict with pre-installed decoders.


Does the WinTV-PVR-250/350 do MPEG decoding as well as encoding?

The WinTV PVR 250 has MPEG encoding hardware only. It will use software decoding for the playback and pause functions.

The WinTV PVR 350 has Hardware decoding only on the video output. Local playback (on the PC monitor) is still software decoding.


Random lockups with Dual CPU or Hyperthreaded systems

As a workaround, setting Affinity for the WinTV2k application to use only one CPU will sometimes work. To do this, while the WinTV application is open, Press CTRL+ALT+Delete on your keyboard to open the Windows Task Manager. In here click on the Processes tab and look for the WinTV2K.EXE listing under Image Name. Right click on it and choose Set Affinity. In here it will list the active CPUs. Uncheck the highest number CPU. If they are numbered CPU 0 and CPU 1, uncheck CPU 1. This will make CPU 0 the only one the WinTV will work on.

Microsoft is aware of these types of issues with capture devices. If you would like to read the Microsoft Knowledge base article concerning the hyper-threading fix you can click the following link. There should be a fix for this in Service Pack2:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;817589&Product=winxp

Disabling Hyper Threading in the Bios should also allow the PVR250/350 to function properly. This should only be tried as a last resort.


WinTV works fine until I restart my computer

Initial installation went in fine without any problems. WinTV and all of its functions work fine until the system is rebooted. When windows comes up again, it recognizes the card as a new device and must be reinstalled in order to work again.

Under XP, a possible workaround would be to delete all the Prefetch files located in the "C:\Windows\Prefetch" This could also be caused by resource conflicts. Try moving the WinTV card to a different PCI slot. Windows will redetect the card when you reboot and should reassign the resources for it.


Can I record one show while watching another with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

No, the WinTV PVR 250/350 will only be able to record the program that is being viewed using the supplied software. If you use SageTV with the PVR250/350 you can use 2 cards in the system which will then give you the ability to watch one channel while recording another. No, the WinTV PVR 250/350 will only be able to record the program that is being viewed.


What is the difference between the WinTV-PVR-250 and 350 models?

Both models will have the same capture and TV functionality. The PVR 350 adds FM radio, as well as a video output(S-video/Composite video), so you can output captured MPEG videos to an external monitor of VCR.

Video out is only S-Video or Composite, there is no RF output.

When Video Out is enabled, turning off the local playback will lower CPU usage considerably. To access that option, click and hold right mouse button then go down to video out and uncheck Local Playback. You can also turn off Video Out in the same menu selection.


Can I view Closed Captioning with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

Not currently, however, this feature is planned for a future update.


Can I connect Video game systems to the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

No. The PVR-250/350 may not display game system video properly.


Data Invalid error when installing the driver on Windows XP

Donload PDF HERE.


Data Invalid error when installing the driver on Windows 2000.

Donload PDF HERE.


Failed to create TV window. hTV=0xd6a950 Err=1

Stop the Windows Media Center services from running to eliminate this issue. In order to stop the MCE services go to your task manager and to processes and end the following tasks if they are running: Ehrecvr , Ehsmas, Ehsched, and Ehtray.


"There is no common media type between these pins" HCWSnapshot, Video Renderer

This error will occur if Overlay is not working properly on your system. Your VGA card MUST support Overlay in order for the WinTV-PVR-250/350 to work. Make sure your graphics card supports Overlay. Also make sure that there are no other programs running that require overlay. ie. Windows Media Player. These programs will take over the Overlay surface and prevent the WinTV PVR 250/350 from working.

This error may also come up if the Software Decoders have not been installed. Reinstall the software codecs.

Also, be sure that the VGA cards hardware acceleration settings are on Full. (control panel/display/settings/advanced).


"WinTV Initialization Error.hTV=10" when trying to open the WinTV program

This error will only come up if the VFW drivers have been installed on the system. For example, if you had a different model WinTV installed that requires VFW drivers and installed the PVR 250/350 software over it, you may get this error. You may also get this error if you have downloaded and installed the PVR PCI updated drivers mistakenly. 

The WinTV PVR 250/350 DOES NOT USE VFW drivers. To correct this error, run the PVR48xxx.exe file from the PVR folder on the WinTV-PVR-250/350 installation CD. 

Also, if this error is seen during the driver installation procedure, try reseating or moving the WinTV board into another PCI slot(s), making sure that it is firmly in place.


Error in MSVCRT.DLL when trying to open the WinTV program

If you get an error in MSVCRT.DLL  please try updating to the latest version of the software.


DVD MovieFactory: "Error: cannot read from file" when creating VCD

ULead DVD MovieFactory application update

The latest updates to MovieFactory can be found at: www.ulead.com/tech/dmf/dmf_ftp.htm
A fix for a hang when burning VCD's is now available.


DVD MovieFactory: "Failed to initialize capture driver"

DVD MovieFactory is provided as an editing and authoring program only. It cannot capture the video directly. You must capture the MPEG video files using the WinTV2000 application and then import them into DVD MovieFactory to edit them.


Third party capture applications not supported

The WinTV-PVR-250/350 records directly to MPEG using onboard Hardware encoders. Most third party capture applications are looking to attach to a card or driver that supports uncompressed video recordings. Like AVI files. These programs cannot capture video directly using the PVR-250/350.


Hibernate other Power Management options not supported

When the WinTV is running, any Power Management routines configured on the computer will not run. Including Hibernate.


Can I edit the captured Videos created with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

Yes, you can edit the MPEG files with Ulead's Movie Factory (included). Please refer to Ulead's User Manual for instructions. This is located in the Ulead DVD Movie Factory program group. Click on Start - Programs - Ulead DVD Movie Factory

An MPEG editor called Nano Editor is available directly from Hauppauge. This will allow you to cut out commercials. This is a "cut only" editor, and may be downloaded here.


Approximate file sizes captured with the WinTV-PVR-250/350?

The WinTV-PVR-250 will be able to capture MPEG1 up to 352 X 480(NTSC), 352 X 576(PAL/SECAM) and MPEG2 up to 720 X 480(NTSC), 704 X 576(PAL/SECAM).

Approximate file sizes per minute of capture, depending on the format chosen:

Capture Format Length Approximate File Size Bit Rate

MPEG-1 VCD

 1 Hour 650-700 Megabytes 1.15 Mbits/sec
SVCD Long Play 1 Hour 1 Gigabyte 1.6 - 2 Mbits/sec
SVCD Standard Play 1 Hour 1.2 Gigabytes 2 - 2.25 Mbits/sec
MPEG2 2Mbits/sec 1 Hour 1.4 Gigabytes 1.6 - 2 Mbits/sec
MPEG2 2Mbits/sec HalfD1 1 Hour 1.4 Gigabytes

1.6 - 2 Mbits/sec
DVD Extra Long Play 1 Hour 1.8 Gigabytes

 3 - 4.44 Mbits/sec
DVD Long Play 1 Hour 2.5 Gigabytes  4.8 - 6.2 Mbits/sec
DVD Standard Play 1 Hour

3.25 Gigabytes

 6.4 - 8 Mbits/sec
MPEG-2 12Mbits/Sec 1 Hour

5.2 Gigabytes

 9.6 - 12 Mbits/sec
MPEG-2 12Mbits/sec CBR 1 Hour 5.6 Gigabytes  12 Mbits/sec

All Bit Rates are VBR (Variable Bit Rate) unless otherwise noted. 

 


Windows Media Center

The WinTV-PVR-250/350 is compatible with Windows media Center for Windows XP. For support on media center, contact the providing OEM or Microsoft. For further info on the PVR-250/350 and Media Center click here. Microsoft does not currently support video out with the PVR-350 on its Media Center OS.