PVR-350 and OSD (On Screen Display) & X-Card vs. MVP

[Zork]

OK I bought the PVR-350 thinking it was the best choice.

Now I find there are issues using the on-board hardware playback decoding and getting OSD at the same time. Basically you can't. You have to have the PC monitor to see GBPVR and the menus. You can output fairly high quality video to the TV, but no menus, no OSD. I don't want to keep the PC monitor around, so this is an issue for me.

I have been able to make it work using software decoding, but the video is less quality than the hardware.

I've pretty much decided that the 350 won't do OSD. Not sure why it's not supported.

I have some questions:

1) Should I dump the 350 and get a 250 or 150? Do these cards have the same issue or does the 250 work fine with OSD? I believe there is no hardware playback feature on the lower models.

2) Should I buy an Sigma X-Card for hardware playback or just get an MVP?

It seems if I can put the PC near the TV, then the X-card is the best answer for quality. But if I want the PC in another room then the MVP is the best choice? Is this correct? Can anyone help on the decision to go MVP or X-Card....thoughts....experiences?

Thanks!

[sub]

Now I find there are issues using the on-board hardware playback decoding and getting OSD at the same time. Basically you can't. You have to have the PC monitor to see GBPVR and the menus. You can output fairly high quality video to the TV, but no menus, no OSD. I don't want to keep the PC monitor around, so this is an issue for me.

I dont recommend a PVR350, but what you've written isnt correct. You do see the video, menus and OSD all on the PVR350 tv out. Did you apply the patch from the 0.97.7 survival guide thread?

2) Should I buy an Sigma X-Card

No, crappy. It produces a pretty good video picture, but is way too limited, and has a shitty 256 colour graphics limitation (OSD and menus). There isnt one skin that looks good with this device.

[Zork]

First of all, thanks for the help.

No I haven't tried that fix. I'm not sure where the thread is you mentioned (sorry - too many threads).

I'm a newbie (just got my card 2 days ago). Can you tell me if there is a list of the patches/Fixes somewhere?

I also tried a comskip patch, but the zip file said it was corrupted. I'm having problems with comskip, but can't find the post from you with the link. Any help here would be appreciated also.

Thanks again, and this forum is great!

[sub]

Its the sticky thread at the top of the support forum. http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php?t=16130

Can you tell me if there is a list of the patches/Fixes somewhere?

The thread I mention above lists the key ones. There probably be a maintenace release in a few days which will include all the patches posted here plus a few other minor fixes.

I also tried a comskip patch, but the zip file said it was corrupted. I'm having problems with comskip, but can't find the post from you with the link. Any help here would be appreciated also.

Some Internet Explorer users have problems downloading zip file attachments from this forum. Not sure exactly why.

[Zork]

I did find the patches, but apparently I have the explorer issue with corrupted zips. Can I use Firefox or what is the work around to get the patches?

Thanks.

[sub]

Can I use Firefox...

Yes.

[Zork]

The patch did it. Everything is HappY with the Hauppage PVR-350!

Thanks very much. I had to use Firefox to get the zip file.

I still can't get the comskip executable however. When I use IE, I get the corrupted message. When I use firefox, it tries to execute the .exe file but then crashes.

[HtV]

You might want to read this thread: http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...=corrupted