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**RalfG[_3_]** · May 28th 09, 04:03 PM posted to microsoft.public.windows.vista.hardware_devices

"Clive in " cliverholdenremove wrote in message
...
Hi guys,

When I upgraded to Vista from XP I was very disappointed that it wouldn't
recognize the TV tuner on my ATI X800 All-in-Wonder graphics card. Even
more ****ed when I saw that ATI had no intention of issuing any Vista
drivers to support the TV capability on the card. However I accepted it
and have learnt to live without the TV tuner.

Had a pleasant surprise this week when I installed the Nero 8 Home
Essentials software suite that came with my new DVD writer. The TV
software on here recognised the both the analogue and digital TV tuners on
the ATI card and managed to tune in to all available stations. However
when I tried to view a ny station I get a message saying that I need to
purchase the Nero DVD-Video plug-in to view mpeg format!

Just need advice that if I spend the 18 GBP for this plug-in then I will
be able to view from the TV tuner without any other driver needed??

TIA

Clive in Kent (GB)

The release notes for the Catalyst 9.3 drivers (last updated Vista version
for so-called "legacy" cards) says that although Vista's Media Center cannot
use the TV capture of the X800 you could use Snapstream's BeyondTV 4.6 for
Windows Vista and possibly other 3rd party TV capture software. If you want
to replicate Media Center like functionality you could try (freeware)
"MediaPortal" as an alternative. It has its own TV card support which might
work for you. MediaPortal is more configurable and IMO is an all-round
better app for the purpose than Media Center--- provided of course it can do
what YOU want it to. With the proper support files and configuration the
the MCE remote control can even switch between audio and subtitle tracks in
MKV and OGM videos played in MediaPortal. That works in both XP and Vista
but MediaPortal's MCE remote control functionality does not work properly in
Windows 7... yet. Moot points if you don't have a remote control for the
computer. ;-)

Vista has its own MPEG2 CODEC and you could also download FFDSHOW (freeware)
as a source for another one. It's possible that the Nero software is set up
to only use their own CODEC. Being frugal I'd be inclined to search for
other freeware alternatives before spending money on a limited use
proprietary CODEC. You could possibly find an entire capture software suite
for the same or little more money.