overlay is not available

[bhandari]

Hi all,

I have a Gemini TV Box
WinXP SP2
128MB Ram
P4 1.5GHz

When i start InterVideo WinDVR, an error message comes saying
"Overlay is not available.Please close application and lower resolution,colour depth and/or refresh rate".

I am unable to find the reason for this error. I have tried different resolution 640*480, 600*800
refresh rates i have tried 60Hz,75Hz,80Hz

Kindly help me out.

[guns1inger]

I would try updating both DirectX and the graphics drivers.

[bhandari]

I have DirectX9.0C

and regarding graphic drivers,i don't have much idea. I have installed drivers for my LG StudioWorks 563N. Do i need something other than those drivers?

I have heard of software named 3DAnalyze which can emulate graphics cards to play games. Can it work in my case?

Replies are welcome.

Regards

[kamaleon]

You need to know what your graphics card is, and find the right drivers for it. Usually ati or nvidia, and in some cases, if the gpu is integrated to the motherboard, intel, sis and so on.

In order to make sure no other software is using your overlay, keep the applications your running to a strict minimum. Software like msn messenger, webcams plugged in and stuff can make that message appear.

[bhandari]

Silly but,how can I know if i am using any graphics card. Quite a time, i have forgotten if i have dedicated graphics card or not.

[TJohns]

Look where the monitor connects to your PC - down next to the keyboard/mouse/USB sockets (onboard video) or over on one of the add-in cards like TV tuner (separate video card)

TRev

[kamaleon]

trust me mate, you are using a graphics "card"

whether it's dedicated or not, it's still a gpu

anyway try using some software that can tell what your system is, like sandra or everest home edition.

[bhandari]

Oh by the way the motherboard is VIA VT 8233.
And something i can get after scanning is S3 Graphics ProSavage. Its integrated graphics.
Is it the hardware for which i need to install drivers or windows has already installed drivers for it. Where can I find the drivers for VIA VT8233 South Bridge.
What should i do?
Please help.

[kamaleon]

on the constructors web site usually

[Bjs]

Well that depend's who built the system ... you might not have the motherboard cd ... so you need to visit the motherboard manufacturer's website , track down the motherboard model , and spend time downloading ALL driver's for you current os ... so you have them as a backup .

Normally this show's in the boot screen prior to xp showing it's startup logo (upper left corner - manufacturer's name) .

This tool will give you hardware info : http://www.cpuid.org/download/pcw2006_v171.exe

If the motherboard is listed as unspecified , it's locked out in the bios , then you'll need to :

If desktop , remove top cover .
If midi / tower , remove left panel .

Most have the manufacturer's name printed on them , that's the place to go for correct drivers ... as searching for id strings can result in anything , and the incorrect drivers .

-----------------

Xp dose include drivers for the s3 prosavage , but you need the genuine install package from the manufacturer which will allow to onboard graphics to function properly ... xp's work , but crapola ...

[kamaleon]

"Manufacturer" is what i meant by "constructor" actually

[bhandari]

Thanks for ur feedback.
I have installed the latest drivers for S3 ProSavage DDR. But still the same problem of overlay not available. Video memory i am reported as is 32MB.

When i go to display settings and check for s3overlay. It says that can't convert from RGB to YUC.

Do i need a hardware upgrade or is there any way out by which i can increase my video memory. I have already selected 32MB in BIOS and that's the maximum i can share as Video memory.
I mean what are the ways by which I can increase my video memory?
Kindly help.