TV Tuner Not Installed Error message

[smdnahnks]

I am running Windows Vista Home Premium on an HP Pavilion Slimline S3220N machine that comes with a built-in TV Tuner (it shows as ViXS PureTV -U 48a3 in the Device Manater).  I have watched TV on the computer several times, but last week I disconnected the external antenna for a day and then reconnected it.  After reconnecting it, I tried to watch TV again through Windows Media Center and receive an error message that says:

"Tuner Not Installed

Video cannot be displayed because no tuner hardware has been detected.

Please check that your tuner hardware is properly installed and plugged in."

I chatted online 3 times with tech support reps and did everything they told me, from uninstalling and reinstalling the drivers, running the "update drivers" option, disabling and re-enabling the tuner (it has ALWAYS showed up as functioning properly in Device Manager), rebooting several times and even doing a system restore back to the date that the TV tuner was recognized and working.  I am at wits end and can't figure out what else to do.  Any tips would be GREATLY appreciated.

[CorMit]

have you tried running through the setup of the programming again?

In Windows Media Center > Tasks > Settings > TV > Set-up a TV Signal

and then allow it to redownload all the channels again ..

[smdnahnks]

Thanks for the recent posting. I have run through the setup several times.  The issue seems to be either that the tuner card which was functioning properly previously has now stopped working, in spite of what device manager says, or Windows Vista has malfunctioned and can't see the tuner card - it would be nice to know which of these is the actual situation.  Unfortunately, HP Tech support thinks it is a Vista issue but can't resolve it.  Personally, I think it is the card, but don't want to buy another one just to find out the new one is not recognized.

[CorMit]

Honestly, the only way to be 100% that it is the Card and not Vista would be to run a full RECOVERY (F11 on boot)... because after the recovery and then installing the TV Tuner if still not working then it would be the card unless you can test it in another computer ... have you checked for any updated TVTuner Card Drivers from the Vendor's Site? i would try that too, or see if you can "Roll back" the driver .. let me know what you choose and how it works !

[smdnahnks]

Thanks for the second response and suggestion.  I have only done a "system restore" from a date when the tv tuner still worked without success.  I assume that a "recovery" from F11 requires me to reinstall ALL other programs, right?  I'm not sure if I am ready to do that at this point - too bad the problem happened within 3 weeks of the warranty running out.  I have also tried a rollback of the driver.  I will try to see if there is a website for the card manufacturer. Thanks again.

[CorMit]

Yes the Recovery would require you to REINSTALL EVERYTHING ... also let us know how you make you with the vendors site for the drivers .. and try other software instead of Windows Media Center ..

Like Sage TV, 

http://www.sagetv.com/sagetv.html    [ www.sagetv.com/sagetv.html ]

Thanks to CherylG for that url

I haven't used that program and not sure how it works but CherylG posted as software that works ... so its worth a shot!

[JenC]

I am having the exact same issue.  I spent lots of time chatting with HP, and the agent finally suggested a recovery.  I also was not yet ready to take that step, so I began chatting with Microsoft.  They couldn't help me resolve the issue either, and finally also suggested a recovery.  I did the recovery, and it still did not make a difference.  I also tried to get the tuner recognized through other software.  I went through AMD, and got ORB and it also did not recognize the tuner.  I am at the same place you are.  I believe that the problem is that something has happened to the tuner, even though the device manager says it is working properly.  I am debating spending the money for a new tuner, but like you, hate to do it when I am not completely certain. 

[CorMit]

Before spending money on a new card ... try the old one in a different computer to make sure it is accually the card .. and when you done the recovery was the tuner in the computer throughout the recovery? if so that could messup the installation .. you should not have anything in the computer during a recovery except the power cord and battery!

[smdnahnks]

Thanks to everyone for the suggestions.  For now I am going to just live without the tuner as I don't have the time to do a system restore and reinstall all my programs.  I have NOT tried any other software yet, but if I do, I will post the results.  Thanks again for the tips!

[jester48]

I have an HP Pavilion Elite 9060 and i have the same issue, the ViXS PureTV-U 48BO tv tuner card will not function. I have run test after test, installed, re-installed, disabled, enabled upgraded and the tuner card WILL NOT be detected by Windows Media Center. I believe its an OS/CARD issue, neither is compatible with the other.