HP TV Tuner Card QD174AV

[jhr]

I just purchased a h8-1160t desktop system that included a TV Tuner card with remote.  I can not find a manual on line nor can the several HP reps I talked to able to answer my question to my satisfaction.

It appears the remote control is useless without a way to send the signal to the card or computer. Two IR receivers were also provided with the package with audio type jacks. It appears I may need a set-top box of some sort to use this. With no manual and no help from HP maybe someone else has the information.

I also have an older laptop configured with a TV tuner and remote. That laptop can be controlled fine with the controller.

John 

[maxpower757]

I think the card itself is made by Hauppauge, you could try one of their manuals if you can get a hold of one.

[RandyM · Accepted solution]

I had the same issue.  I finally found the solution.  There is a red jack labeled "IR IN"  -- the red plug on the IR sensor plugs into this jack.  On my machine this jack was at the bottom of the back of the computer.  The IR sensor isblack about 1 3/4" x 7/8" x  1/2"

Note that there are also two other jacks next to it labeled "IR OUT 1" and "IR OUT 2"

[jhr]

Randy,

I never noticed the jacks when I installed the computer against a wall. I just now moved the computer and yes, the jacks were there.

Now why wasn't there any manual or even a flyer noting this? I did an extensive Internet search with no luck followed by phone conversations with several HP techs and NO ONE could provide me any information.

Thank you for taking the time to respond and shame on HP!

Hopefully when I hook it up it will work.

John 

[jhr]

Sorry I didn't respond to you sooner. Before I posted here my thoughts were this was HP purchased this product so I researched the Internet for any TV Tuner cards and nothing I could find matched the card interface panel.

The IR jacks noted by Randy were not part of the card but part of the HP chasis so that had to be an add on by HP.

Thanks for your response,

John 

[dorieb]

had a tech. change my video card and now everything is in large made

[Eleanorpractice]

I only have one cable a red jack lead which fits into the red hole at the bottom of the back of the computer - there does not appear to be another cable or hole (i.e. not as mentioned above).  

Just a couple of questions:

1.  It's still not clear from the above, can you confirm whether or not it will be necessary to purchase a freeview box to pick up TV channels in my area or will the video card and the red cable be enough?  If we do need to connect a freeview box, what cables will I need to have with the unit (forementioned lack of black cable)?

2. I tried to run the TV set up (rather stupidly) with the red cable plugged into the incorrect hole.  How do you rerun the set up, i.e. clear what's there already in order to run the set up again?

I appreciate any comments.

[jhr]

I posted my original question while testing all functions of my new computer to ensure everything worked. I haven't used the TV card since. All I did was connect my cable to the card RF jack and, after running the software setup, I was able to see the TV guide and select channels. It worked fine but I didn't connect the IR receiver so I selected channels manually.

If you don't have a cable connection then you need to connect an extermal antenna to the card RF jack to pick up local transmissions. The tuner card should be ready to accept any received transmissions. I'm not sure what a freeview box is and doubt you need anything other than your TV card along with a signal source.

As far as running the setup again, since I didn't have to do it I can't tell you directly. I suggest you look for some software options, an uninstall, or possibly doing a registry restore to an earlier time.   

John 

[CorHaak]

I've had identical problems with my TV card. Anyway, with the IR remote cord with mini receiver plugged in and a coaxial (75 Ohm) FM antenna plugged in too, I was able to run the TV setup program in Windows Media Center. And - lucky me - it all worked with the remote control unit. With the FM antenna positioned behind the window on the first floor of my house, the TV card recognized 4 free to air TV channels and 6 Radio channels. Reception was very poor though. After that I connected the settop box extension cable of my TV cable provider and tried the setup program again. No results. By consulting HP support I found out that the TV card only receives digital signals and my cable company only provides digital singals for one TV with the standard settop box. Reception of TV and Radio signals for a second TV will only be analog. Now I understand why they agressively advertise for a rental second settop box and necessary antenna amplifier 'for digital TV in your entire house". I'll have to live without TV in my office room. Cor - the Neterlands - Rotterdam area  

[Bill97]

My h8-1241 computer had the 27 page Manual for the TV Card on the hard drive. It can be accessed under All Programs/HP Help & Support/HP User Manuals/Watching and Recording TV.

The manual includes Chapters on connecting the TV signal and use of the remote.