Adaptec AVC-3610 Dual TV Tuner - NEED HELP!

[kookie2000]

Hello,

I have the fore mentioned device (stand alone, not bundled with some sort of complete PC or Laptop purchase, it is an external device sold seperately retail) and do not have the drivers. I purchased it second hand about a year or two ago. I had it in storage from a move and I recently tried to install it. I have been working on the install for almost a week now and I, for the life of me, can't seem to find a driver set for the darn thing. Adaptec is useless and the only info or driver I have found was for the internal "HP PVR AVC-3610" version. I actually can only manage to find a very small trace of the things existance. If it weren't for people like myself, no one would know it did exist.

In the "List: Capture Cards" section of this site,

"taikamiya" wrote, from United States on June 18, 2008:

"Takes a bit of effort to find the drivers, but works as advertised. FM radio, both coax TV tuners plus recording all work for me."

https://www.videohelp.com/capturecards?CaptureCard=adaptec+dual+tv+tuner&Submit=Search&...&Search=Search

taikamiya, where are you, I need you!

Any info on where to look, what to do or how to make the HP driver work, would be most appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[Bjs]

I'll help direct you to the 20mb package which was provided by adaptec

1: Signup for a free account at www.driverguide.com
2: If they use account activation by email, wait for it to arrive then activate by link supplied
3: Search only for AVC-3610
3: Only one package will appear "Submitted Oct 2, 2007 by honk muffin"

And read what they have to say

Note:

If you have the same issue I had and your computer will not automatically install the drivers for your AVC-3610 and it asks you for a non-existent CD containing avcuwil2.sys like it did with me, extract the contents of this archive to a folder and point device manager that extracted folder via the Install from a specific location (advanced) option.

Enjoy

[kookie2000]

Thank you so much, I will try it. You know the inf file you refer to comes with the HP version. Shouldn't that be enough or am I getting ahead of myself. I will try it your way and tell you what happened. Either way, thanks for responding you are the first person I have spoke to who knew.

[kookie2000]

BJ,

I finally got the driver!!!

I will try it now.

Will report back...

and thanks... again!

[kookie2000]

Hi BJ,

I hope you're still there.

I have all the drivers installed and working properly, can use the remote control and most features in Media Center. I'm stuck on one thing... Media center recognizes nothing but the remote for the avc-3610... No TV, no recording and no FM. I have done everything precisely as instructed by Media Center and Adaptec. There is one thing though... I have the video and Audio hook-up with my ATI (AMD) HD 4350 via HDMI. I have read the very short list of compatible video cards and they all are ancient, even for 2005 they're quite obsolete. When I go through the Media Center setup, I have to stop, because there is no option for connecting the TV with an HDMI cable... could this be it? I have done my best to find literature on this subject and to my surprise, Nothing.

Also in the Setup video, Media Center says, "plasma tv is an option" (mine is actually a 42" LCD HDTV, but I'm not going to split hairs... Plasma would be fine.), but there is no option for Plasma tv. The only options are: Standard tv, Flat panel monitor, rear projection or front projection...wussup widat?

Have anymore ideas?

Also, what did you mean about "If you have the same issue I had and your computer will not automatically install the drivers for your AVC-3610 and it asks you for a non-existent CD containing avcuwil2.sys"? .. now this file does exist, but XP MCE 2005 wants to look for an inf file ie. "avcuwfl2.inf" and (at least as my logic goes) more likely; "avcuwil2_mce.inf"... * 'mce'.inf - *Media Center Edition.information file... I always thought only printout devices such as, laser printers or monitors used "sys"tem files.

Anywho, ... any thoughts?

P.S. It's strange, but now looking at the inf files for the HP disk compared to th Adaptec disk... they're identical! But XP would only recognize the avc-3210 for the HP and both 3210 and 3610 from the Adaptec disk. And of course the Adaptec disk has no loader or executable of any kind, just an autorun and the HP does... Probably loaded with crapware.

[Bjs]

You talking about this video card yes

Somehow I think hdmi was before time for this device when they developed the software so hdmi isn't an option ... use the s-video out to connect to tv ... then go into display properties settings ... make sure tv is on and set to s-video input ... then back in the display settings confirm tv found ... there should be a button you can click if the tv wasnt automatically picked up and another for changing between dvi / svideo.

Once the tv is up and running and you can see your desktop ... return to device manager

----

You will need to confirm the device drivers are indeed installed under mce in hardware manager correctly , same for xp

Once done reboot the system.

----

You should be able to continue through the media center's setup > tv = svideo (or standard tv)

Tuners, could be next issue but mostly if they do get missed during the initial setup you should be able to enter the configuration setup and select manually the device from a list

You might even try GB-PVR which some have reported as working well with the device

----

Note: Monitor is an output device.

Sys files include instructions for hardware ... depending on the sys file's instruction and developer ... the host os would be oblivious without it.

Note: Logic ? Lollllllll

Nothing is logical when it comes to microsoft operting systems and "other" devices not provided by microsoft ... your pretty well on your own to sort out the problems once the devices warranty expires ... apart from support forums and even then its a lot of digging and possibly a dead end ... most just go buy something else to save time and frustration.

----

So thats hp software for MCE only and adaptecs for XP ... even if either recognizes the other files ... they may not work at all.

[kookie2000]

My hard drive crashed!!! Oh crap, reload time.

I had a faulty SATA power connector and it wiped out my hard drive. I was able to save the hard drive, just not the data on it.

I'm starting over, reinstalling MCE again, but I believe I now know why it did not work... Wrong codecs/Mpeg2 decoders and a bad install of them as well. I checked it with MCE Diagnostic tool and it said the tuner was operating properly, but the Mpeg2 was no good.

Me fixy now.

Also, I think I figured out a way to use the HP driver and I can install and use on all XP platforms as well as 98b and ME.

Also GB-PVR costs and I don't want to pay to watch cable tv when I already pay for it... The software is free, but when you have it try to recognize channels, it makes you pay to have it do so as it adds a guide channel of some sort.

[Bjs]

K, good to see it's working and a pity the drive went haywire .

I haven't updated GP-PVR is some time ... I'll have to check those features again

[kookie2000]

r u the creator?

Because man do I have a million questions...

So, I have to choose xmltv for a free guide, but it does not work.

I downloaded the mc2xml.exe file and followed their directions... sort of... their directions do not make any sense;

I make my folder EPG and move the mc2xml.exe file there, but their directions for the same options go two ways:

1.) just simply double click on the mc2xml.exe file and (I choose TitanTV... and I verified it still exists) and I fill in the blanks and choose "options" : -U: UTF8, - u: UTC, - F: chan name first, - A *live, - a *new. I have no idea what any of this means other than guessing and I'm sure my guesses will be close (or some) at best. I have tried all combinations of checking off these options and it returns the same error: "error HL: - y" and then the CLI (DOS) disappears... so no go there. I was told in their guide/setup page that 1st) it would prompt me to choose a lineup(this never happens) 2nd) it would yield (in return) a "mc2xml.dat" file to the "EPG" folder that I created, but that did not happen.

2.) On the same guide/setup page the say if you are using GB-PVR that you should create an updateEPG.bat file and the user (ie. me: kookie2000) should put some sort of information in it (I'm guessing... they don't exactly say... no, correction, they don't say at all!) and double click on it and it will open up the mc2xml.exe file in the EPG folder and from there, if I could actually get this to happen, I don't see how this would yield a different result

...as if you need a *.bat file to open an executable in Windows XP... hold on let me get my dos 5.0 book out and reteach myself some obsolete commands for a no longer used file from an obsolete OS... come on now.?!

I'm not certain, but I believe that I'm supposed to add some sort of syntax to the commands in the bat file... Top of page ( http://mc2xml.110mb.com/ ) , but they really seem to skip around and you can never be sure what directions(at any give point) are for which OS or for which PVR and which guide (ie. TitanTV)... nor can I be sure which version or if it even matters, because they give some sort of linear guide, starting with an older version on the same setup/guide web page

http://mc2xml.110mb.com/

... all I know is that I downloaded version 1.0, it does not work and therefore I can not use GB-PVR.

Maybe I'm a lot dumber than I thought myself to be, but I am sooo lost.

Also is GB-PVR assuming you (the user) are connecting from a cable box? I'm not fully understanding this:

-GB-PVR Configuration
- Create Capture Source
- My Source name: Direct Recording Configuration ( this is the "settings" button next to "Recording source"... I have chosen: "Analogue Recording Plugin". .. assuming this is meant to describe my tv tuner... it does not say in the PDF.

I am assuming this should have been automated as my device is not HD or DTV and the program should know this... I have connected coax line to both TV1 andTV2 from a splitter ... No cable box, just basic cable.

Is this "Composite 2, External source"?

I have so many other questions it's rediculous... the PDF's only cover specific situations with a specific type of tuner card so I am lost on the GB-PVR end as well, as this does not tell me much for me and mine.

Don't blame you if you don't respond, but I have yet to have any program work yet for my tuner card.

[SHS]

For plasma tv just used Flat panel monitor after all there one in same.
If you have a ATI Video card is setup via HDMI be sure to setup the Audio with ATI HDMI Audio as Default sound device and not you Sound Card if want used the TV spk.

I always thought only printout devices such as, laser printers or monitors used "sys"tem files

Not ture even under dos or window3x/9x it same just there called .sys, .vxd, .drv, or even .386

Bear in mind that CD rip package you may need burn them in to CD in order for them to work rigth
Also bear in mind if your device is if it from HP aka OEM device AVC-3210 which made by Adaptec even know it look like AVC-3610 the Hardware ID may not be the same as store bougth one.

Is this "Composite 2, External source"?

Yes same a Composite or = Composite 1
After all the device is a Dual Tuner.

[Bjs]

No, thankfully I'm not it's developer

There is a bda.ini in the main directory which includes predefined capture devices ... mine's a winfast leadtek dtv2000h ... after the dvt1000t died from a mouse mishap ... well its not dead I just haven't repaired the circuit as yet near the tuner chipset

The bda.ini is where you can add the device ... takes a bit of know how , but not difficult

From what I can see the device you have can be connected to digital or satellite box's via svideo / rca jacks or any other video source via those connections ... which means your input is analog

In your case you would choose the analog plugin, then click settings, then from drop down list choose the device ... if not listed you need to add it to the bda.ini ... but only if the device has been installed and working under the current os

Epg, I'm fairly certain is not supported by analog input devices

DVB tuners support epg ... even then the epg programing is so unreliable here I wouldn't use it for setting up time recordings.

GB-PVR v1.4.7 here ... I see no "pay" option ... though that's possible if using actual satellite cards ... but I don't have either a subscription nor the card to verify.

Mc2xml ... what I could recall is it's supposedly used to both convert and update the epg file to a more accessible format for use with GB-PVR when listing programs ... though the original epg file wont be available until atleast the first channel scan list is completed ... I'll give it another run later today and see what happens

Composite 1 or 2 ... your device has 2 and each should be identified in the manual ... so this will tell you if the external source has been connected to 1 or 2 analog input.

We'll check back later

[kookie2000]

BJ,

Thank you for clarifying about the settings.

I'm still a little cnfused though... wah wah wah.

In the configuration setup, it recognizes my tv tuner just fine and like you said only as "Analogue Recording Plugin". I just chose "only recognize devices attached to my machine" and voila!
(although my tuner card is not listed in the dba.ini file!) How did it recognize it, does it reference the "Device Manager" and the Device Driver installed?

Then I chose "Composite 2, External Source" - (external Adaptec avc-3610 Dual TV Tuner with coaxial 75ohm cable connected via cable splitter to both "TV1" and "TV2" of the box (no set top box, just "basic cable television")

I'm a little confused about the "Quality Profile Settings". Is this in reference to my TV capabilities or as it pertains to my PVR signal to the TV. My PVR is analogue and the way I have it set up is the only way I can do it without having to buy a new one or setting up a digital converter, because if that matters: The U.S. has gone fully digital, with this 1 (and only) exception to the rule... My cable provider acts as the digital converter. While I may be receiving digital signals over the cable line, I am also receiving it in analogue over the same line.

ie. Ch 2:

2 is analogue
2.1 is the digital channel 2 and so on...

At this point I bypass the "TV Guide" setup" and just manually punch in the channels I know I will actually get a signal for.

I then went and filled out the rest of the setup, ie. Temp folders, decoder choices(I have Cyberlink PowerDVD 8 ultra and DivX 7 Pro).

So from there I assumed that I would be okay to go, but now it's slowing my computer down when it is turned on and I still get no TV

The best outcome I have had so far is being able to view a screen of undefined channel listings(expected), but when I try to chose one it does nothing(unexpected) and when I try to choose "Watch Live TV" it does nothing I just get a (you've just pressed a button attempting to open a field) tone... most of the time the GB-PVR just crashes if I try to "Edit my "Capture Source" and I have to "End Task" to close the program. I also can view the available radio stations, but haven't got 1 to work yet... Nice GUI though...

So now I am assuming that you must chose a guide channel or "EPG Source" for the program to complete setup properly and work... to me this makes no sense as all I want to do is watch TV and be able to record "Fringe" when I am away... I've done all I need to do, to accomplish that.

I do have a DVR in my bedroom, but I never watch TV in there (I DVR my shows anyway and haven't checked it in a while... I wonder how full the hard drive is?). Plus I have 42" LCD in the living room (which is where I am now) with my PCES (Personal Computer Entertainment system) and just a DVR with 26" LCD in the bedroom... that reminds me, I still haven't hooked up the DVD player in the bedroom(the old lady's been pissed about that for a while now)

... hey, remember WebTV wah wah wah!!!

So, in summation, I believe my problem lies in here:

I have to, some how, link my computer/PVR(AVC-3610)/GB-PVR with TitanTV (I have joined as a member of TitanTV and attempted to bypass having to use the mc2xml.exe file, by entering in the URL for my specs on TitanTV). The thing is... there is a PVR tab at the web site and it says,

"If you have a Personal Video Recorder (PVR) device installed in your computer with software that supports TitanTV, you can use TitanTV to control the PVR. Please consult your PVR device/software manufacturer to determine which types of TitanTV integration your device supports."


http://titantv.com/profile/pvr.aspx


While this may not be relevant to the topic, it does let me know that the onus is on GB-PVR and thusly me... No help from them.




I have no idea how to set up the communication between GB-PVR and Titan TV for the TV guide listings, as this has not been automated and setup leaves you with a guessing game with an old school program file, namely, EPG - XMLTV Plugin: mc2xml.exe (not written by GB-PVR, but utilized) and I can not find a worthy guide on either end (XMLTV or GB-PVR) that helps. Everything I have read about this leaves me scratching my head and wondering when I am going to read something that clues me in on the actual command line (in the batch file) that is to be expected (not just a specific example for a specific situation or whim). I have found multiple contradictions on what to do whether I am reading from a GB-PVR guide, mc2xml.exe guide or from GB PVR's forum (or one just refers you to the other and even provides a link to the page that gave you a link to that page)...... What a runaround!



I also don't believe, when the developers put this together, they never expect someone to use a high def LCD TV with an analogue "dual" TV tuner with both tuners hooked up via coaxial cable to a "basic cable" setup(No set top box, just cable from wall to splitter to tuner... TV is "Default Display Device" and is hooked up via HDMI from my ATI HD 4350 and I am using their"Catalyst software with "Avivo" codecs).



This seems to be very unique and unexpected.

I have yet to read any truly useful information on my unique setup.


Oh by the way, I gave up on MCE 2005... It was a throw-in anyway... I'm back to using XP Pro SP3 and also, I am using the new ver. 1.4.7 GB-PVR (though if you right click and check properties it says file ver. 1.0... I guess that's specific to the PVRX2.EXE file).

[kookie2000]

I give up.


Thanks anyways guys.

[Bjs]

Just incase you swing by:

Im pretty sure EPG can be ruled out because it's only carried via digital signal , even if the device connected to cable has both digital and analog sources the EPG is lost when using analog output as the captured source ... especially when that device is analog capture only.

You need to replace the device with one that supports digital / cable and includes EPG support ... check out avermedia ... I use their products often and never had problems with installs or using them as expected.

(external Adaptec avc-3610 Dual TV Tuner with coaxial 75ohm cable connected via cable splitter to both "TV1" and "TV2" of the box (no set top box, just "basic cable television")

Think that might be a problem ... generally speaking , most tuner devices pass a few ohms to the antenna and rf switch prevents muxing of signals which can cause interference between tuning devices ... Ive been given shocks a few times ... this may prevent the tuners from locking onto the signal frequency accurately ... thats for using it as a dual tuner.

If you follow the manual you will see when they setup dual tuners there is a device between this unit and the wall socket ... this is a dual rf switch (more a splitter than a switch)

That also brings another question ... generally Id setup the tuners using the software supplied with the device before any other application is setup. The second part is the device selected in gb-pvr is of course analog ... but is there reference to the tuners themselves. I see in your last comments "composite" however you aren't connected via these ... rf is not composite so you cannot chose them in gp-pvr ... well you can but nothing will show.

So this cable comes in and goes straight into the tv ... no box involved ?

And Im wondering why as to divx6 being installed ... to encode on the fly takes a powerful rig not to get bogged down