MCE TV Signal Setup Problems

Question

When I attempt to set up my TV signal through Media Center I get the message, "A TV signal was not detected. Please make sure a live TV signal is connected to the computer and try again".

I have checked several times and the connection is firmly in place. I am connected directly to the wall (No cable box), and I know the problem is within my computer because when I hook up a traditional TV to the cable I get reception just fine. The TV Tuner card should be fine because it is a brand new computer. Are there drivers anywhere that I need to download, or anything like that?

Does anyone have any insight as to what the problem might be?

dlaine · Answer

That's my exact problem!!  Dell Media Center support suggested I get a set up box, but my cable company said it isn't necessary which brings me right back to where I started from.  The PC is brand new as well.  If you are able to sort out the problem, please let me know how you went about it.  I am so frustrated.    Regards, TD

skatergirl · Answer

I cannot get the remote to work.  I just installed the ATI Theater Pro 550 in my 8400, running the cable straight from the wall.  Any suggestions?

DongerL · Answer

I had same problem with my Dishnetwork set-top box to my 5100.

The fix is using a better splitter from Radio Shack and a thicker coax cable supplied by Dish from the box to PC. It seems I was loosing signal strength even though it plays fine on a regular TV, the tuner card couldn't lock on the signal with my old splitter and cable.

trimble700 · Answer

Let me ask you something, i have the dvr receiver from dish network, its installed in one room and i am trying to connect the 2nd tv lead to my 5100 mce in another room, but experiencing the same problem.  will your suggesting help out in this situation.  thanks.

DongerL · Answer

My dish dvr 501 is in the basement providing signal to my 5100, kitchen and bedroom.  The 4-way splitter is from Radio Shack RCA something, I started with the cheapest one, non-dc passing and it worked otherwise take it back and try another one.  The inhouse coax cables are all RG-6s no splitters.  Coax to the wall plate are all RG-6 made by Dish Tech.  I had problem with RG-59 and dish in my old house before.   Originally I was using a 4-way DC-passing gold plated splitter, that caused the 5100 couldn't lock on Channel 3 but a regular TV had no problem.  I got pics w. frames shifting and color shifting.  Everything worked fine after using the cheaper RCA splitter.

dlaine · Answer

My problem with viewing live tv has been resolved. I could not utilize wireless internet and live tv at the same time. I would get 'tuner card not available' and other error messages. Once the wireless was reconnected it caused the error messages. Turns out that McAfee firewall was causing the interference. Firewall was disabled with Mcafee and enabled with Windows. Live TV and wireless internet can now be used. It really baffled the computer repair guy I hired, but I'm just glad it's resolved. Hope this can help someone else.

Best of luck,

TD

trimble700 · Answer

I have my 5100 connected as the remote tv.  I haven't tried the new cable yet, but do you think this will have any effect on the signal.

dlaine · Answer

Correction to my correction.  I THOUGHT I had the problem resolved.  It's better, but I found that if the usb to the wireless is connected then I still get an error message that the tuner is not available or something else.  I did learn through trial and error that if I power up the PC WITHOUT the wireless connected that the live tv works just fine, at that point I can add the wireless and internet works as well.  However, if I have the wireless usb connected prior to powering up, then I recieve the error messages.  Still don't know how to resolve this.  Supposedly, my wireless should be fine for the system and media center.  I am unable to get sufficient help from Dell Tech or Media Center technical support.  One says call the other and vice versa.  Frustrated. dlaine

SPtheALIEN · Answer

Have you solved your issue with no signal? I have a dual tuner and my MCE can see both, but only a signal on one. It states:

1 tuner detected and configured. Additional tuners were detected but will not be configured because either they do not have a matching TV signal or any TV signal at all.

Any ideas?

SPtheALIEN · Answer

I don't think my issue is similar to your's, dlaine. I am not using the wireless (I am using a CAT5 all the way to the system) and the usb TV tuner is plugged directly into the computer.

My issue sounds very similar, however, to GlassBrass'.

I appreciate your input, though. :)

dlaine · Answer

I wish I had an answer for you. I resigned myself to disconnecting the wireless usb cable when I power up and once everything is loaded then connecting the wireless usb.
It's the simplest and most cost effective solution. I spent near $300 trying to resolve the issue and it's no better than it was. This way, my son can connect to the internet and watch tv. That's why I bought the pc set up that way. I won't do it in the future. Best of luck.

Windows General

MCE TV Signal Setup Problems

Was this post helpful?