I currently have ntl broadband together with a tv package. I have now bought a computer with MCE and am able to use broadband by having a cable running from the set top box to the computer.

When I try setting up mce for a tv signal I get a mssage saying that IR hardware is not detected. Is there some extra equipment I need to be able to watch the tv on the computer using MCE? Thank you.

[HiZ]

Im assuming you also have a capture card with video or s-video inputs and you have connected the scart on the ntl box to this capture card.

Reading your post, its seems you are trying to get tv through your broadband connection. This won't work cos its broadband only and has nothing to do with the tv pictures. Your broadband modem is simply built inside the ntl box for simplicity.

As for the error message, MCE is tryng to send infrared commands to the ntl box and you haven't got one of the IRsender USB gizmo's.

I'd suggest you buy one of these as is has the infrared receiver for the Microsoft remote, as well as two senders on little wires to glue to the front of your ntl box to simulate the ntl remote. http://www.microdirect.co.uk/Product...8268&GroupID=0

But you still need a video/audio capture card if your MediaCentre hasn't got one.....

[WheresMyArtisan]

Hello and welcome.

As said previously, you do need a TV input of some sort on your computer.

Media Center needs to be able to control the NTL box as the NTL remote does, to change channels when required etc.

To do this, you need a media center remote control. This includes a USB receiver and, critically, an "eye" that you stick on the front of your cable / satellite box that blasts it with infra red.

You will have problems if you have certain models of Pace NTL box (not all of them). They use IRDA instead of standard IR protocol, so you need some kind of translater. It all then gets a bit messy.

If you have a Pace box then get the number off the sticker on the bottom. If you have a newer box (I think they use Samsung now), then I think you'll be OK.

I do have a remote included with the package, but it doesn't seem to do anything. The red light on the top at the front lights up when I push different buttons, but nothing seems to happen on screen. I can't find any particular set up options for the remote, so I don't know what I am doing wrong.

I now have the remote control working, but still can't get tv reception. The items I am using are a pc with mce connected to broadband through a set top box, an ir remote control, an ir receiver and an aerial plugged into the back of the pc. I've tried setting up mce to receive signals from the set top box and then from the aerial but neither have worked. I'm at a loss as to what to do next.

[JonMace]

Do you have an analog or digital TV capture card?

I don't know. The whole system came as a complete package.

[JonMace]

Have you got a link to the system you brought?

I'm sorry. I don't understand what sort of link you mean. I have a medion system but can't find anything on their website. I can watch dvds on my pc, it only seems to be the tv reception that is a problem.

[JonMace]

What is the make and modle and I we see what I can find out

Thanks for your help. It's a Medion model PCMT6 Type MED MD 272.

[JonMace]

OK could not find anything, so we shall try another method

click start, right click my computer, click properties, click the hardware tab, click device manager, expand Sound Video and games controllers.

Let me know what it says in there.

It says Hauppauge WinTV PCR PCI II (26xxx). It has other things too, but that is the only one with TV in it.

[JonMace]

OK it appears to be an analogue card (which is what you need)

Try using a scart -> phono cable, that how mine is connected.

It will also give a slight picture improvment.

Also you need to connect the IR blasters.

Sorry, do you mean connect a scart cable to the PC from the NTL box, or something else? Also what is the IR blaster?

[JonMace]

Yes scart out from NTL STB 3 phono (Yellow = Video, Rd + White = Stereo Audio)

When you press a button on your MCE remote it just sends a signal to MCE, if the button pressed was to change channel the MCE needs to send a signal to the STB this is done though a cable that is plugged into the back of the PC or the Remote sensor depending on your modle

[WheresMyArtisan]

Do you have a user manual?

Anyone know if there's a beginners guide somewhere?

[HiZ]

Originally Posted by WheresMyArtisan

Do you have a user manual?

Anyone know if there's a beginners guide somewhere?

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/m...connecttv.mspx
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/m...p/default.mspx
http://threesixty.cc/archives/2005/0..._mce/index.php

I have a problem connecting the set top box to the pc as the set top box is downstairs with the tv and the pc is upstairs.

[JonMace]

Well that would be your problem then basically the pc and STB have to be together, I do wish that you had pointed this out earlier

[Westindieman]

JonMace, when you say phono to scart which TV card are you using as I have been tying to find one with good input connectivity as I'm not convinced sweetspots are good value? I have found they mostly have svideo inputs. Does your phono connection give you a better connection than svideo?

[JonMace]

NO SVideo is better than compersite. And sweetspot does not work with in MCE

[WheresMyArtisan]

So, is MCE user-friendly enough to be sold in Tesco yet?!