PVR- MCE vs non-MCE versions.

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bupkus

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2000
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Being a subscriber to the Microsoft Action Pack I have a current copy of MS Windows XP MCE. Clearly, everyone has their personal preferences of the software they prefer to use with their PVR.
I'm looking to build a HTPC but still keep the cost down. That's why I'm looking at the Hauppauge PVR-150. I like the fact that it comes with a remote. I really don't understand why the MCE version of the PVR-150 doesn't. I would prefer to just use the MS MCE since I already have it. If I buy the Hauppauge PVR-150 can I use it with MCE? Will the remote work? Will I have the TV listings that come with MCE?

Anything about the VisionTek Xtasy Theatre 550 Pro PVR?
 
jpeyton

jpeyton

Moderator in SFF, Notebooks, Pre-Built/Barebones
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Aug 23, 2003
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The MCE version comes with no remote because you're supposed to use the MCE remote with it. If you don't have the MCE remote, you can purchase a clone of it online. Or just buy the non-MCE card.

A good place to browse this stuff is PCAlchemy.
 
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bupkus

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2000
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So, besides the lack of a remote with the MCE version of the 150, they are the same?
 
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FlyingPenguin

Golden Member
Nov 1, 2000
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The MCE version comes with no remote and no software. It's identical to the PVR 150 except it's missing those items.

The PVR 150 MCE works fine. I have one I use with Media Center. I didn't need a remote because I chose to buy a Niveus RF remote with built-in 4-in-1 universal IR remote (so nice using ONE remote for ALL my devices: MCE, TV, DVD, Cable box).

The PVR 150 works fine BUT let me warn you of one potential pitfall. Many people (including me) have had issues using ANY Hauppauge PVR card in conjunction with ANY NVidia video card. There's a very long thread here on the subject of which I have several posts at the end using the same nick as here: http://www.thegreenbutton.com/community...essage.aspx?ForumID=47&MessageID=74556

I, like most people in that thread who had the problem (MCE locking up in black screen either while watching live TV or during TV recording) could only fix the problem by replacing the NVidia card I was using with an ATI card. I was using a Geforce FX5200 and then switched to a Radeon 9800 Pro for testing which worked fine and then ordered and installed a Radeon 9550 (it was a waste to use a 9800 in an MCE system). 9550 is working solid with no problems.

The problem is not a fault with NVidia cards, but some compatibility issue with certain combinations of Hauppauge and NVidia cards on certain mobos.
 
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amheck

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Oct 14, 2000
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So if you buy the retail version of the 150 which includes the remote, can you use that with MCE, or do you really have to get the "MCE" remote for everything to work?
 
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bupkus

Diamond Member
Nov 25, 2000
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Originally posted by: amheck
So if you buy the retail version of the 150 which includes the remote, can you use that with MCE, or do you really have to get the "MCE" remote for everything to work?
Click to expand...

I don't know the answer to your question but...
If the PVR 150 card is the same in both units then the difference is the remote and the IR receiver pair. I like getting the non-MCE cause I get a card and remote at a great price and in addition I can finally install MCE with a card that even without the MS approved remote should still give me full functionality just without a remote controller. If I decide I like MCE I can stick with that and eventually get a compatible remote. If I don't like MCE I can get a trial version of BeyondTV or some other software package and see if I prefer that.
In the end I get to try out both implementations to make an informed choice.
 
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SilentRunning

Golden Member
Aug 8, 2001
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Originally posted by: bupkus
Originally posted by: SilentRunning
Originally posted by: amheck
So if you buy the retail version of the 150 which includes the remote, can you use that with MCE, or do you really have to get the "MCE" remote for everything to work?
Click to expand...


Link lifted from thread at the big F & W
Click to expand...

What does "PVR250 with Girder" mean?
Click to expand...

WinTV PVR 250 is the model above the the WinTV PVR 150
Girder is a remote control application

Ignore that part an just pay attention to the part about changing the Irremote.ini file to make the remote work with MCE
 
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