gbpvr and windows xp

[delussional77]

I have been searching many forums now and have decided that I want to use gbpvr as my media player and pvr. I have been thrilled reading how much detail and work has gone into this software. I considered going with a pre-packaged software combination like SageTV or BeyondTV but I have always been a fan of the community software (and of free software as well). I have a few questions about what I plan on doing and hopefully you guys can be of some help.

I plan on using my computer to record tv shows (sometimes multiple shows at once) and as a living room media player to play my DVD's in a convenient format. I have decided on a case and already have an old computer that will be used for internal (AMD 3200, 1 gig of ram, 430w PS, etc). I plan on purchasing the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-500MCE as my pvr tuner card.

My main concern comes from using Windows XP pro w/ SP2. I have an extra disc that I can use and would rather not purchase Windows XP MCE2005.

Am I going to run into problems using GBpvr with XP Pro w/ SP2?

Am I going to run into problems using the Hauppauge WinTV-PVR-500MCE with XP Pro w/ SP2?

I appreciate all your help and can't wait to get working on this project!!

[David]

Windows XP seems to be the preferred OS, but you should be able to get GBPVR to run on any version of Windows that does .net 2.0.

MCE is not required.

[gEd]

welcome to the forum!

you have a good hardware spec there, just remember to get the biggest hard disk(s) that you can. Ideally 1 smaller disk for OS and a jumbo disk for recordings but this is not critical.

Whilst the PVR500-MCE is not specifically listed on the wiki here
http://gbpvr.com/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Hardw...reCardList

This thread confirms that it uses the same drivers as the 150mce and so will work.

http://forums.nextpvr.com/showthread.php...ght=500mce

Make sure you read the contents and installation sections on the wiki. Some of the guys here have added a huge amount of detailed info that will help you get gbpvr up and running. (it is pretty easy).

Also read the sticky on the support forum regarding reporting problems.

Have fun!

[madcat]

Am I going to run into problems using GBpvr with XP Pro w/ SP2?

Not at all. Exactly what I'm using (and on a laptop!), and I think a big percentage of users here too.

[delussional77]

Great news!! I am really excited to get this project up and running!!

Going to install XP Pro w/ SP2 and order my Hauppauge 500MCE right now!!

Last question, is there a good remote to purchase right now? I know Hauppauge has one, is it reliable? Would you recommend it for this system?

[gEd]

Last question, is there a good remote to purchase right now? I know Hauppauge has one, is it reliable? Would you recommend it for this system?

Reliable? - not for me.

The layout is good but when I press OK, it frequently sends UP OK . Sometimes when I press VOL UP/DOWN it skips back. These problems are which is a big pain and seriously affect using gbpvr well.

Hauppauge kindly sent me another remote but this has exactly the same problem. At least one of guy here has also seen this problem.

I would have to conclude that Hauppauge have a manufacturing problem or a bug in their IR software. My attempts to engage them to help identify the root cause have come to nothing.

(So I would also be interested to hear of alternative recommendations that work well with gbpvr).

Mind the older 34(?) button one worked fine...

[madcat]

Same here... similar problems with the Hauppauge remote.
I'm running their "ir.exe" in a "Above Normal" process priority, it seems to improve somewhat. Far from perfect.

I have a Hauppauge WinTV PVR USB2, but it's the same remote. I doubt there is difference in the remote/IR system between the different Hauppauge products.

However, very happy with the Hauppauge tuner and TV quality (and for 150CAD, tuner, input connections, and remote, I can't complain).

[sub]

I'm using this remote: http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.ph...cts_id/130. Well, not quite that remote. I'm using the version that also has the four color buttons across the buttom.

It works very well for me.

[delussional77]

I'm using this remote: http://www.pcalchemy.com/product_info.ph...cts_id/130. Well, not quite that remote. I'm using the version that also has the four color buttons across the buttom.

It works very well for me.

I thought about using that remote but I will not be using XP MCE2005, will that be a problem?

Anymore input on the remote before I order one?

[sub]

I'm using it on XP Pro.

I do suggest getting the version with the coloured buttons if you can though. Quite a few things in GB-PVR use them.