Support: WinTV-PVR-USB2

Latest applications and driver updates

Note: The WinTV-PVR-USB2 model 29XXX is only supported under 32-bit versions of Windows.  Model information can be found on the sticker located on the underside of the WinTV-PVR-USB2.

Installation note:

A valid WinTV application CDROM will be needed to install this WinTV v6 version. Any WinTV-NOVA version 4x, WinTV-PVR, WinTV version 6 or WinTV v7 application CD can be used during the install. If you do not have your original WinTV CD-ROM but would like to update to this WinTV v6 version, you can purchase a new CD on the Hauppauge webstore.

Installation CD, with WinTV v6 application

Note: This is a single file which includes the driver, the driver update, middleware, video decoder and WinTV v6 applications and all accessories. This file is larger than the individual pieces, but should be easier to install since it is in one file.
Note: this package is for Windows XP, Windows XP Media Center Edition, and Windows Vista.

WinTV driver only

In order to download the correct driver please check the 5 digit model number on the white sticker on the bottom of the WinTV-PVR-USB2 unit, it will be one of these models 24XXX or 29XXX.

  • Download the driver update
  • Unzip this file to a directory you will remember, such as WINTV. It will create a new folder.
  • Run HCWDRIVERINSTALL.EXE from this folder.
  • This will install the base driver. At the completion of the driver install, you should see a message which says Drivers have been updated successfully.

PVR-USB2-24XXX_25191.zip for Microsoft Windows 7/Vista/XP 32/64bit

Name: pvr-usb2-24xxx_25191.zip
Size: 854 KB
Date: 8/31/2007

PVR-USB2-29XXX_25022.zip for Microsoft Windows 7/Vista/XP 32bit

Name: pvr-usb2-29xxx_25022.zip
Size: 651 KB
Date: 11/7/2007

Accessory software for the WinTV-PVR-USB2

Accessories included on CD download.

None at this time.

3rd Party Applications

WinTV-PVR-150 Manual and QuickInstall

What Operating Systems are supported by the WinTV-PVR-USB2?

The WinTV PVRUSB2 model can be installed on Windows 98SE, ME, 2000, and XP operating systems. A Pentium II 500Mhz minimum is required.

WinTV initialization error: "Failed to Create TV Window, another application may be using the driver"

Make sure that the device is plugged in directly to the PC and not a HUB. Also, Make sure that the HCWSMD MPEG codecs are installed on the system.

Check in Device Manager to see if the device is listed properly in the “Sound, video, and game controllers”.

  • If it is, unplug the power from the unit and restart the computer. Upon reboot, plug it in again and try WinTV again.
  • If it is not listed properly, unplug the unit, restart the PC and uninstall the drivers and software using HCWCLEAR. After running the HCWCLEAR program, plug the unit back in and reinstall the drivers/applications. Here is where to find HCWClear:

    HCWClear

    HCWCLEAR.exe is a program you run to remove all driver and files that were installed with the installation of the WinTV program.

  • If error continues to come up, try it in another USB port.
  • If error still continues, it may be a defective unit and would require a replacement.

WinTV initialization error: hTV=0 error after WinTV drivers have been installed.

This error message can indicate a problem with the Driver installation or a hardware malfunction. Look in the Device Manager under the "Sound, video and game controllers" to see if the Hauppauge WinTV PVR-USB2 is listed.

If it is listed and there is a Yellow mark on it, this would indicate that the drivers would need to be reinstalled. Please refer to "Latest drivers and installation procedures" above.

If it is not listed, this would normally indicate that the hardware was not recognized by the system and the drivers were unable to install. try disconnecting the Power supply from the PVR-USB2. Wait a few moments and reconnect the power.

  • If the Hardware Wizard detects the device, continue the installation of the drivers using the supplied installation CD Rom.
  • If the hardware wizard does not detect the device, there may be a problem with the hardware. Try moving it to a different USB2 port on the PC. If you get the same problem, the hardware may be defective and require repair. Contact Tech Support for more information.

Lockups when scanning channels

Please make sure you have the latest version driver. Try inserting the channels manually to see if the video comes up. - If no video shows, try changing the MPEG settings in the Preferences. Click on PREF in the WinTV2000 application and go to Capture – Mpeg and change the Quality Level and click OK. - If still no video shows, device may be defective. Also refer to Intervideo Conflicts.  If video does show up, the device is good.

Any time the Program locks up

The device must be reset in order to get it to work again. Unlike the PCI cards, rebooting the machine will NOT reset the unit. The only way to reset the device is to recycle the power to it by unplugging the unit from the power cable for a few seconds then re-plugging it. It is usually a good idea to unplug the USB cable also.

Black screen after scanning channels

If the channels are scanned in properly, they should be listed in the Suite Manager.

If you get a Black screen after scanning for channels, but you can hear the audio, try closing and reopening the program. If this doesn't work, try changing the MPEG settings in the Preferences. Click on Pref in the WinTV2000 application and go to Movies - Mpeg and change the Quality Level then click OK. This should get the video to display.

If you do not hear the audio, there may be a problem with the video decoders. If you look in the Control Panel - Add/Remove programs, you should have a listing for "Intervideo Filter SDK for Hauppauge". If this is not listed, you will need to install the MPEG decoders. You can install the decoders from the SMD folder on the WinTV Installation CD or download them from here.

If you get a Black Screen or a Splash screen with a still image in the WinTV window, try changing the display setting in the Primary program. This is installed with the WinTV software and you can find it in the Hauppauge WinTV Program group. (Start - Programs - Hauppauge WinTV) Make sure the WinTV application is shut down when changing the settings in the Primary program otherwise the change will not take affect. After you change the setting, close the Primary program and try the WinTV application again.

iVac driver not found

iVac is the chip used in the device. Usually unplugging and reconnecting both the Power and USB cable from the USB unit should get rid of this error. Bypass the error before reconnecting. After reconnecting the device, try installing the application. You will need to reboot the system during installation. Once installation finishes, you should be able to use the program.

AVI video capture and Video Conferencing is not supported by the WinTV-PVR-USB2

The WinTV PVRUSB2 does not have a Brooktree/Conexant chipset on it. It uses a hardware MPEG encoder to compress the video so it does not support AVI video captures. Also, the device does not use Video for Windows drivers. Therefore, Microsoft's NetMeeting, or any other videoconferencing program, will not work with the WinTV-PVRUSB2.

Driver installation problem with Error: "Error Code 31"

Go to the the registry into HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\Class\{4D36E965-E325 -11CE-BFC1-08002BE10318} and remove the entries Upperfilters and Lowerfilters and reboot.

IR Remote control does not work

First make sure that the IR Remote software is installed and running in the system tray. There should be a small black remote control icon listed in the System Tray. If you click on it you should be able to open the WinTV programs. Is this installed and does it function properly?

If it is not installed, you can install it from the IR32 folder on the WinTV Installation CD Rom.

If the software is installed but you are unable to open or control the WinTV software with the remote control, the device may need to be reset. Recycle the power to it by unplugging the unit from the power cable for a few seconds then re-plugging it.

If you are still unable to use the remote control, this may be a hardware problem and would require repair of the device. Please contact our Tech Support Dept at techsupport@hauppauge.com for information on repairing your device. 

Third party capture applications are not supported

The WinTV-PVR-USB2 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-USB2.

Prodinfo: get information on your Hauppauge TV tuner

Prodinfo.exe is a program you can run which will extract information about the WinTV product you have installed such as model and serial number, MAC address, revision, and features which can be used to identify the exact model of your product. The driver for the device must be installed in order to run Prodinfo.exe

HCWClear

HCWCLEAR.exe is a program you run to remove all driver and files that were installed with the installation of the WinTV program.