Prolink PlayTV PVR & WinDVR not working

[Socko]

I just got the Prolink PlayTV PVR card that has the new 10bit chip. The quality is great over my old ATI. THe problem is, it only works with the program it came with (which sucks) and Cyberlink PowerVCR, which I dont like too much. I want to use Intervideo WinDVR, but it doesnt work, it takes a long time to load and i get just a blue screen.

Does anyone know how I can get it to work with WinDVR? thanks

[Muffzilla]

I emailed Prolink with a few questions about that card as I was considering purchasing it. They got back to me and said that it works with most third party programs, WinDVR being on of them. Apparantly, there is some kind of problem with Showshifter, but I don't use that anyways. Try using the latest WDM Drivers. That's all I can really say for now. I did end up purchasing it, but it won't arrive until Friday. If you'd like, when I get the card, I really have no intention of using the Cyberlink Power VCR(which can't even capture in avi format and doesn't have a button to such between s-video and tv-tuner), so if I do get it working with a different program I would be more than happy to post instructions.

[Socko]

I emailed Prolink asking for instructions. If you get it working please let me know, PowerVCR drops frames (actually freezes video for a few seconds) for no apparent reason. When you get your card, if the sound is messed up, uninstall Norton Anti-Virus. I had that problem, and solved it and emailed them (its on their FAQ section now)

[Muffzilla]

Well, I got my card. I'm afraid I am having some trouble with it though. I've been able to use it to a limited extent in third party programs. I can use the composite in. I am unable to do anything with the software they provided. It hangs whenever I attempt to open it. I am also unable to listen to the radio with it. I have the newest drivers. I messed around earlier and was able to get the radio working, but I have not once been able to get the tuner working and now the radio isn't either. I'm really hoping maybe you could tell me how you got it working. This is my third card (I didn't like the Hauppauge PVR-250 and the Leadtek 2000 XP gave me BSOD even trying to install the drivers). I have formatted after removing each of them so I don't believe it would be due to any old drivers on my system. It's just a big disappointment. I am sure if I could get everything on the card working, I would be able to help you figure out how to use it with third party products because I was able to do that to a limited extent (no tuner, only composite it - the tuner won't work on anything). Please help me if you can. I'd really appreciate it.

Thank you.

[Fozzee]

I really have no intention of using the Cyberlink Power VCR(which can't even capture in avi format and doesn't have a button to such between s-video and tv-tuner), so if I do get it working with a different program I would be more than happy to post instructions.

I have PowerVCR2 and IT DOES have an option to switch between s-video, tv tuner and composite (if you have that connector)

People keep saying PowerVCR is this WINDVR is that.
The simple thing is they are both good pieces of software.
On one system PowerVCR will work better.
On another WinDVR will be champ.
If you are looking for an avi capture program.
Cyberlink do a program called PowerDirector Pro 2.5 which I use to capture in avi (divx ,huffy etc). It's also an editing, authoring and burning program.

Cheers

Fozzee

[Muffzilla]

PowerVCR is made by Cyberlink. WinDVR is made by Intervideo. Thanks for the suggestion to try the other Cyberlink program though. I didn't think of that. I have been able to make it work with third party software but when I choose the TV Tuner input all I get is a blue window and it says signal not found when I attampt to scan for channel. The cables are connected properly, and the composite seems to work just fine. It seems I am having difficulty with the tv tuner and the radio tuner.

[Muffzilla]

Oh - what I meant before about no button to switch between the programs: Yes I know about the option to change between inputs. Pretty much any capturing program has that. I think it's actually a common control for Windows installed by the drivers. What I meant is that there is no up front button to click on to switch between inputs. In my opinion, any decent pvr software would provide such a feature. I have seen several good programs that do have it.

[Socko]

I got the card to work with Intervideo WinDVR. Not the cable TV tuner part, but with S-Video (Im home for spring break and we have digital cable box here) so Im happy now, but it still would be nice to get it to work with regular cable tv tuner.

[Muffzilla]

Ok, after a little messing around and a format/reinstall Windows, I have got the TV tuner to work in almost any third party app! Showshifter still has problems but they have purchased a card to do some testing with. So, as promised, I will post inctructions pertaining to what I did to make the tv work.

First download the newest beta drivers at http://mywebpages.comcast.net/jeff.barnett/pvrdriver/DrvXP20030317.zip - you could email prolink like I did but they took a long time to reply. They were also difficult to understand on the phone. Different story though.

I had to do a format to rid myself of the pre-existing Prolink drivers. You can try, as I did, to manually search and delete the drivers files, then update the drivers, which will work. But something else gets messed up and nothing worked with the card until I formatted/reinstalled. So I believe this is the best way.

Once the drivers are downloaded extract them to a folder on your desktop (not necessary but conveniant place).

Next, if you have cable unplug your ethernet cord. You have to disable your internet connection. This is important. During the driver update process Windows will otherwise attempt to look online and incorrectly identify the Crossbar component as an AverMedia device. So do whatever it takes to diable your internet connection. The easiest way is to unplug your ethernet cord, or if you connect via dial-up, unplug the phone line from the modem.

When Windows find the new device, it will go through the Hardware Update Wizard.Click on Install from a list or specific location, it's the bottom choice. You can uncheck the box for Search Removable Media. Do not insert the Prolink CD. Where is says Include this location in the search, press browse. Browse to the folder on your desktop where you extracted the files you previously downloaded and press ok. The drivers are not signed, so Windows will warn you. You must press continue to install them. Repeat this process for the other prolink/conexant devices.

Now that the beta drivers are installed, install WinDVR or any other program you want to use (Showshifter still has problems because it doesn't understand the new chipset). WinDVR will identify the channels as mono and not stero if you set it to automode, but you can adjust manually and choose stereo.

It is important you do not install the Prolink software. The setup program will change the driver files and cause problems. The FM tuner will not work. So now that I've figured it out, I hope this will helps.

PS I had to move my sound card to the pci slot next the my video card because the sound was funny. If you have anymore problems feel free to post them here. This post is getting a little long.