WMC Won't Recognize Cable Provider

[mityman50]

A few days ago I was having problems with Windows Media Center but I got some answers. I was so sure I knew what I was doing when I started trying to set up my new tuner card today, but it still won't work.


WMC recognizes the card just fine. I go to setup my TV signal, it searches, but doesn't find anything. I go to manual, select my cable provider (Charter, it was just set up today), it searches for channels, but still comes up with nothing. I've got the cable box plugged in to the card. It is supposed to go through the cable box, right?


Aside from that, I don't have any clue why it wouldn't work. Anybody think they can help

 

[derekimo]

Have you tried it without the cable box?

 

[mityman50]

Yeah, I just got a bunch of over the air (that would be ATSC, right... sorry I'm new to this whole thing) HD channels. With it, though, it says that I need to check to make sure my hardware is properly connected to my computer. Which it is, I've checked it multiple times.

 

[derekimo]

I mean just the cable to the card without the cable box, See what that does.

 

[mityman50]

Oh yeah that's what I meant. I guess the post was a little confusing.

Yeah I've tried both with the box and without (cable straight from the wall to the back of the computer).

 

[derekimo]

O.K. So mediacenter wont recognize your cable box?

 

[mityman50]

Correct. Just the box, not the card. It sees the card just fine.

 

[derekimo]

Your Charter support page looks alot like Comcast (Mine) Which is Vague to say the least. The Only thing I can suggest is to search a few different terms on the web, that's how I ended up finding a solution to my cable box and media center woes.
Or see if they can help you on their support page, they have a chat feature to talk to one of their reps. I'm Sorry I can't be more help, But it does sound like it's something with the box and not necessarily with media center.

 

[mityman50]

Thanks, it never even crossed my mind to visit the Charter website. Duh...

 

[derekimo]

Thanks, it never even crossed my mind to visit the Charter website. Duh...

That's alright, you want the link,
Cable TV, Digital Cable Support -- Charter Communications#
Hope you get fixed, And I'd like to know how you do it when you do.

By the way,
Welcome to the forum.

 

[AngelProcesser]

If your STB output works when connected directly to your TV, then you should be able to get WMC to recognize your STB, either automatically or manually in the TV setup process. Try getting a newer better box from your cable provider.

Also check all your connections to your TV Tuner from the STB and from your video card to your display/TV. This card has multiple inputs - make sure your using the right one. Also, could just be a bad cable or connector.

http://www.hauppauge.com/pics/hvr1600mckit_board-b.jpg

WinTV-HVR-1600 Media Center Kit product description

 

[mityman50]

Alright I think I know what I need now. I've searched around and I think I need one of these three cards. Can anyone check that?

I have digital cable by the way.

 

[AngelProcesser]

Many ATI TV Wonder cards have issues bith with WMC and W7. I suggest one of these:

Hauppauge Computer Works : WinTV for Media Center

 

[mityman50]

I'm pretty sure I need one that can view digital TV, not just analog. I don't think any of those could view digital TV.

 

[derekimo]

I'm pretty sure I need one that can view digital TV, not just analog. I don't think any of those could view digital TV.

I've got this one here WinTV-HVR-1600 Product overview
And It's capable of viewing digital TV.

Or this one if you need PCIe http://www.hauppauge.com/site/products/data_hvr2250.html

 

[mityman50]

I think those will just do what my current card does. They won't be able to get me all my channels. With my current card, I can find somewhere over 300 frequencies, but about 200 of them are scrambled. I thought I needed a cableCARD in order to watch those channels.

However, it looks like those cards aren't very compatible with Windows 7. It looks as though I just need to wait until better hardware becomes available.

I keep seeing cards that can show ATSC, clearQAM, and unencrypted channels. What I need, I think, is something that has all that plus the ability to read encrypted channels.

I think I'm rambling though. I don't know if I'm making any sense.

 

[AngelProcesser]

Might I suggest reading?

 

[derekimo]

However, it looks like those cards aren't very compatible with Windows 7

Have a look here,
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/compatibility/windows-7/en-us/Details.aspx?type=Hardware&p=Hauppauge%20WinTV-HVR-2250%20TV%20Tuner%20Card&v=Hauppauge&uid=1229&pf=0&pi=0&c=TV%20Devices&sc=TV%20Tuners&os=64-bit

And here's a whole list to look through,

Windows 7 Compatibility Center hardware browse results - TV Devices - TV Tuners

 

[mityman50]

Sorry, I didn't mean the cards you recommended, I meant the cableCARDS I was talking about in the paragraph before. That wasn't very clear, my bad.

 

[derekimo]

Sorry, I didn't mean the cards you recommended, I meant the cableCARDS I was talking about in the paragraph before. That wasn't very clear, my bad.

If you are getting tv on your card I don't think you need a new one.
You should get your cable company to tell you how to make that box work or give you one that does, it could be as simple as a splitter or a whole different box.

Try some searches on google with your cable provider, that brand of box, media center, tv setup, your bound to find at least something similar.
That's how I ended up finding detailed instructions to hook mine up.
Good Luck and let us know how it turns out.