Windows Media Center IR Hardware not detected

Anonymous
2009-07-06T09:33:04+00:00

Hi,  I'm getting stuck at the "IR Hardward not detected" when trying to set up TV.

I'm in Australia and have a wireless component receiving my digital signal from another room.  www.cocoonsystems.com.au  I'm running a Haupaggue (spell?) TV tuner.  The TV tuner can view the signal coming from my cocoon via their product called WinTV.  It is viewed on the Composite connection.  (PC is a new Dell desktop with Vista loaded)

So, when I go to set up Media Center to see the signal also I conduct the following:

1.  Set up TV Signals

2.  Region Australia

3.  Choose Antenna

4.  Select Digital Terrestrial

5.  Select Yes (to view through a set top box, because the other option doesn't find my signal)

6.  It finds picture and sound playing through Composite 1, so I select this

7.  IR Hardware not detected.

Media Center will not let me by-pass step 7 if I don't have an IR connection.  I don't need my PC to change channels because I use the digital tv remote to change channels through the cocoon system.

Is there any way anyone knows that I can by-pass this annoying question of IR Hardware not detected?  I can only assume if I had my Video Camera connected through the Composite connection I would have the same problem also, as that doesn't have a remote either.

Anything I can do?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Devices and drivers

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

0 comments
Answer accepted by question author
Anonymous
2009-07-06T19:06:30+00:00

Balibooblue,

Thank you for visiting the Microsoft Answers community forum.

The only way I know to get around the need for an IR hardware device during the setup of Media Center for TV viewing is to use a "virtual" IR device.  There is one called "Vista MCE IR Blaster" that is a file you download from the Internet that simulates an IR device.  You will have to do a search for it.  Or you can buy the hardware that Media Center is asking for relatively inexpensively online, about $20 USD.

Using Third Party Software, including hardware drivers can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Third Party Software can be solved. Using Third Party Software is at your own risk.

Let us know if this information was helpful or if you need additional help.

Thank you,

Gloria

Microsoft Answers Support Engineer

Visit our Microsoft Answers Feedback Forum and let us know what you think.

Was this answer helpful?

1 person found this answer helpful.
0 comments

48 additional answers

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2011-09-11T19:11:31+00:00

    I'm having the same problem, only I have cable and I do in fact have an IR blaster. I plugged it into the set-up box and nothing... I plug it into the computer and the remote that came with the computer stops working. What the ****?

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  2. Anonymous
    2011-06-24T00:21:09+00:00

    Thank you Maddogcr! Finally a solution that worked! I've been fooling around with the Windows Media Center set-up for days now.  I should have tried your solution first.  I saw it, but it sounded so implausible I tried some other suggestions first.  After I got the signal all I had to do was program my Comcast (cable provider's) remote and I'm in business.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  3. Anonymous
    2011-05-17T16:29:15+00:00

    But why does Windows require this totally unrelated piece of hardware in the first place?

    And when will this useless requirement be removed from Windows Media Center?

    i agree completely with this comment. as i too have the same issue.  I simply want to be able to archive material every now and again.  i can see the signal in media center but it won't let me use it because i have no ir signal detected. and maddogcr's solution doesn't work for me.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments
  4. Anonymous
    2011-04-08T21:51:47+00:00

    Are you connecting to Cable tv, like Comcast, or satellite, like Dish Network or Direct TV?

    I am so exasperated.

    Was this answer helpful?

    0 comments