Previously, I had tried to configure my HTPC with MCE 2005, and failed because of the IR Hardware Not Detected problem. Now, I've upgraded to Vista Ultimate, and replaced the cable set top box, hoping those changes would fix the problem. So far they haven't helped.

I have a homebuilt HTPC with a Happauge 500MCE, outputting HDMI via onboard NVIDIA GeForce 7100/nForce 630i to a 42" Panasonic HDTV. I am using the Windows MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable. I have Comcast HD Digital cable with a Motorola DHC3200 set top box. I have been trying to setup MCE to record, and view TV. MCE picks up the signal from the set top box, as it finds channel 3, and displays the signal. However, MCE then shows the error "IR Hardware Not Detected." I have the USB MCE IR Receiver connected to the computer, and the IR blaster plugged into plug #1, and taped onto the IR eye. I took the front cover off the STB to make sure I had the blaster positioned correctly. The MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable is recognized and installed in the Device Manager, so I believe it's working correctly.

I know that I can skip the STB setup, and choose antenna, but my understanding is that then MCE can't change the channels, and I won't have Comcast guide listings, which is how I choose what to record.

Is there any way around this problem?

Thanks

doylnea:

Previously, I had tried to configure my HTPC with MCE 2005, and failed because of the IR Hardware Not Detected problem. Now, I've upgraded to Vista Ultimate, and replaced the cable set top box, hoping those changes would fix the problem. So far they haven't helped. I have a homebuilt HTPC with a Happauge 500MCE, outputting HDMI via onboard NVIDIA GeForce 7100/nForce 630i to a 42" Panasonic HDTV. I am using the Windows MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable. I have Comcast HD Digital cable with a Motorola DHC3200 set top box. I have been trying to setup MCE to record, and view TV. MCE picks up the signal from the set top box, as it finds channel 3, and displays the signal. However, MCE then shows the error "IR Hardware Not Detected." I have the USB MCE IR Receiver connected to the computer, and the IR blaster plugged into plug #1, and taped onto the IR eye. I took the front cover off the STB to make sure I had the blaster positioned correctly. The MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable is recognized and installed in the Device Manager, so I believe it's working correctly. I know that I can skip the STB setup, and choose antenna, but my understanding is that then MCE can't change the channels, and I won't have Comcast guide listings, which is how I choose what to record. Is there any way around this problem? Thanks

Are you using S-Video cable from the set top box to the TV tuner?

doylnea:

Previously, I had tried to configure my HTPC with MCE 2005, and failed because of the IR Hardware Not Detected problem. Now, I've upgraded to Vista Ultimate, and replaced the cable set top box, hoping those changes would fix the problem. So far they haven't helped. I have a homebuilt HTPC with a Happauge 500MCE, outputting HDMI via onboard NVIDIA GeForce 7100/nForce 630i to a 42" Panasonic HDTV. I am using the Windows MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable. I have Comcast HD Digital cable with a Motorola DHC3200 set top box. I have been trying to setup MCE to record, and view TV. MCE picks up the signal from the set top box, as it finds channel 3, and displays the signal. However, MCE then shows the error "IR Hardware Not Detected." I have the USB MCE IR Receiver connected to the computer, and the IR blaster plugged into plug #1, and taped onto the IR eye. I took the front cover off the STB to make sure I had the blaster positioned correctly. The MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable is recognized and installed in the Device Manager, so I believe it's working correctly. I know that I can skip the STB setup, and choose antenna, but my understanding is that then MCE can't change the channels, and I won't have Comcast guide listings, which is how I choose what to record. Is there any way around this problem? Thanks

Are you using S-Video cable from the set top box to the TV tuner?

Richard A Miller:

doylnea:

Previously, I had tried to configure my HTPC with MCE 2005, and failed because of the IR Hardware Not Detected problem. Now, I've upgraded to Vista Ultimate, and replaced the cable set top box, hoping those changes would fix the problem. So far they haven't helped. I have a homebuilt HTPC with a Happauge 500MCE, outputting HDMI via onboard NVIDIA GeForce 7100/nForce 630i to a 42" Panasonic HDTV. I am using the Windows MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable. I have Comcast HD Digital cable with a Motorola DHC3200 set top box. I have been trying to setup MCE to record, and view TV. MCE picks up the signal from the set top box, as it finds channel 3, and displays the signal. However, MCE then shows the error "IR Hardware Not Detected." I have the USB MCE IR Receiver connected to the computer, and the IR blaster plugged into plug #1, and taped onto the IR eye. I took the front cover off the STB to make sure I had the blaster positioned correctly. The MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster cable is recognized and installed in the Device Manager, so I believe it's working correctly. I know that I can skip the STB setup, and choose antenna, but my understanding is that then MCE can't change the channels, and I won't have Comcast guide listings, which is how I choose what to record. Is there any way around this problem? Thanks

Are you using S-Video cable from the set top box to the TV tuner?

Thanks for the fast response! I'm using HDMI from the STB to the TV directly. I have the cable signal split before the STB to go to the HTPC and the STB. Wait, duh, of course it's not working, I need to connect the STB to the HTPC. Hrm, what would be the highest quality connection possible between the STB and the HTPC?

I just looked at some images of the 500MCE - it has an SVideo in port, and the STB has an SVideo in, so I presume that's the best connection to use? I presume I'll need to use the audio-in ports as well for sound?

Use S-Video cable from the set top box to the TV tuner, it should fix the problem with IR Hardware Not Detected

Thanks Richard - I can't wait to get home to try it out!

It will work, you may have to re-run Media Center setup for the TV tuner.

Richard A Miller:

It will work, you may have to re-run Media Center setup for the TV tuner.

I just connected the STB to the TV Tuner card using an SVideo cable and re-ran the setup. The TV signal was found on S-Video 1, and looks clear. However, when I click next, the same IR Hardware Not Detected error pops up. I tried a manual configuration, using Antenna as the choice of signal, but when I view any channel from the guide listing it's scrambled.

Below is my current setup:
PC with Vista Ultimate connected via HDMI to TV
Motorola STB fed Comcast digital cable signal connected to TV via HDMI AND connected to Hauppauge 500MCE using SVideo
Windows MCE IR Receiver and IR blaster/emiitter taped over eye of STB

I've run both automatic, and manual configurations many times, and always am stumped by the IR Hardware Not Detected error. There must be some simple step I'm missing here; does anyone see something that I'm missing?

Any other cables plugged into the Hauppauge 500MCE besides the S-Video and the two audio cables (Red and White)?

Is the Device Manager still showing its working?

Try unplugging the USB IR Receiver and re-connecting it to another USB port.

There's nothing else connected to the 500MCE. The device manager shows that the USB IR Receiver is working, and I've tried it in several different USB ports. The device is always recognized and the red light is lit in the Receiver.

I tried again several times last night, and finally got everything setup. Without your help, I wouldn't have kept trying - thanks so much!

Now, to find a dual tuner HDTV card...