Alternative to Kram Drivers

Alternative to Kram Drivers for MCE & ATI HDTV Wonder

For those who are concerned about using the Kram code “hack” to get digital/HDTV in MCE without a separate analog TV card, there is an alternative, all vendor (as in ATI) code solution. The down side to this install is:

1) You cannot tune any analog channels with the HDTV Wonder, only digital channels.

2) This method is supported by ATI and Microsoft just like the Kram Drivers, read that zilch.

If you want to install the Kram Drivers instead, go here. Before we start, here's the usual disclaimer: "This routine is provided for informational purposes only. This site cannot be held liable for any problems created by installing said routine. In other words, install at your own risk."

THE INSTALL

First, install MCE rollup 2, if not installed already. If you are unsure if you have MCE Rollup 2, Open MCE, go to Settings, then General, then About Media Center. Under the Version number, you’ll see Update Rollup 2 if it’s installed. If not, go online to Microsoft Update, choose the custom option and download Rollup 2 (KB900325).

Next download the current ATI HDTV Wonder drivers for MCE. Go to ati.com click on “Drivers & Software” (on the top Banner), then select

Click on the green "go" button, then download "HDTV Wonder Driver" and install.

Next, power down your PC and install the HDTV Wonder card in an open PCI slot.
Boot, Windows should detect the card and install the drivers.

Next, install decoders. The HDTV Wonder install CD comes with Cyberlink Audio and Video decoders, which work fine for me. If you decide to use them, I suggest getting the latest ones from ATI (they’re free).
To get them, you'll need to insert your HDTV Wonder installation CD in a drive (they won’t download the decoders without verification)
Then,go back to ati.com
Click on the banner “Drivers & Software”, then select

and click the green "go" button.

Next select "ATI Multimedia Software"

First install "DVD/DTV Decoder", 2 of 4 (see Below) if you want the Cyberlink Decoders.

Now download and install "Encoder Package", 3 of 4 (see Below). This is a required download for this install to work. NOTE: The HDTV Wonder install CD is not required for this download.

Reboot.

Congratulations you should now be able to use your HDTV Wonder in MCE for digital/HDTV!
Open the Media Center application, go to Settings and begin TV setup.

NOTE: When you first go into My TV, you will probably be in the analog stations. If so you will see the following message after a delay:

This is normal for this install on analog channels (as you remember, they don't work). You'll need to channel back to your HDTV stations which normally are in the 1000-2000 range.

If you do the install, please take a couple of minutes to provide feedback on your experience, good or bad. It could help others. Feedback form is located here.

To install your ATI Wonder Remote for MCE, go here.