XP Media Center Decoder Problems

Question

I just bought a inspiron XPS with the Angel external usb tv tuner. I reformatted the hard drive and reinstalled the OS. Now everytime I try to watch live cable tv, I get the following error:   The video decoder has either malfuctioned or not installed. You may need to restart Media Center and/or the OS.     I was told that I need WINDVD to fix this problem. Has anyone encountered this problem before? Can anyone provide any helpful advice on what I need to do next?   Thanks,

bacillus · Answer

when you reinstalled, did you also install the hardware specific drivers for your system?

amrogers3 · Answer

Yes, I sure did. The system came with 3 CDs: Resource, Sonic MyDvD, OS. Not sure what the problem is. TV doesn't work in media center but it did before I resintalled the OS. Any other suggestions?

bacillus · Answer

did you install your supplied cd of powerdvd or windvd?

amrogers3 · Answer

No, my system never came with that software. Dell is sending me the WinDVD but I am not convinced that this will fix the problem. I was hoping someone had encountered this before and fixed it.     Will installing WinDVD correct the decoder problem? Thanks.

davidcjordan · Answer

EXACT same problem here.  Spent 45 minutes on the phone with Dell Tech Sppt.   WE determined the system is MISSING the DVD decoder (so your post was correct).   I found it hard to believe (found the solution by google at a different site).  Downloaded NVidia TRIAL DVD decoder and it solved the problem.  Now have 30 days for Dell to get me the PowerDVD disk they said would fix the problem - should have been in the box with my system.   Just recorded 30 minutes off of cable TV and worked fine.

amrogers3 · Answer

Thanks for the reply. So Dell hasn't sent you the PowerDVD yet? I have been waiting a week for the DVD to ship out. I am so !@*!!*$ frustrated with Dell I want to scream. Anyway, they said that would fix my problem also although I don't have much confidence in what Dell tech support tells me.   Can you tell me where I can find this nVidia decoder?   Thanks for the help!

davidcjordan · Answer

Sorry - must have missed email that you posted a response.

Called Dell Thurs. 10/27 - received PowerDVD disc on Saturday.

Nvidia DVD decoder demo: http://www.nvidia.com/object/dvd_decoder_1.02-150-trial.html

36thebus · Answer

I get the same error message. I tried reinstalling CyberLink PowerDVD from the CD Dell provided, but that didn't help. Any other suggestions out there?

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