This version includes the following improvements:
- Restored the Test button functionality
- Restored user channels functionality
- Added an empty lineup called “None” for users without a Media Center lineup
- Added a Refresh button to re-detects HDPVR without having to close the DVBLink for HDPVR configuration window
- Added a Log tab to display and clear the content of output.log file
- Added DVBLink Server 3.0 in the installer
- Updated the Installation guide to support DVBLink for Hauppauge HDPVR 3.X
Of course, new customers buying DVBLink for HDPVR 2.X license are also automatically granted a DVBLink for HDPVR 3.X license.
Current DVBLink for HDPVR 2.X license owners can upgrade their license from the upgrade page.
You can download this new version now.
Here is a newer version which only fix the licensing problem some users are having with 3.0B1.
For more information about DVBLink for Haupauge HDPVR 3.0 Beta, see the previous announcement.
We finally made it!
After months of patience, you can new download the first version of DVBLink for Hauppauge HDPVR that allows you to use DVBLogic’s Network Pack (NWP). The DVBLogic’s NWP is a breakthrough in Media Center history, allowing users to remotely watch live TV from another Media Center PC.
Changes
Most of the changes involved with the port to the DVBLink v2 framework were done under the hood. Current users should find them-self familiar with most of the configuration process, with the exception of channel configuration which changed quite a bit. To support the NWP, we had to cut the direct channel modifications feature from the DVBLink for Hauppauge HDPVR configuration tool. As a result, users now have to use the Synchronize dialog from DVBLogic’s Media Center addin to populate the Media Center guide.
Please be aware that the announced beta version is not a finished product, but is fully functional. In case of problems, please consult the DVBLink for Hauppauge HDPVR forum for help.
Upgrade program
Because of the amount of work involved to support the new DVBLogic framework, this new version does not come as a free upgrade. A discounted upgrade program will be put in place in the next few days, allowing currently licensed users to update their software for a lower price than the full version. From now on, new customers buying DVBLink for HDPVR 2.X license are also automatically granted a DVBLink for HDPVR 3.X license.
Here is the new product cost:
- Upgrade from DVBLink for HDPVR 1.X/2.X to DVBLink for Hauppauge HDPVR 3.X: 10$
- Full license of DVBLink for Hauppauge HDPVR: 40$
- DVBLogic’s DVBLink Network Pack: 21€
Disclaimer
The DVBLogic Network Pack is an extension to DVBLink and is totally independent of 1geek1tool software. The NWP must be downloaded and purchased separately using the DVBLogic website. Any inquiries about the DVBLogic’s NWP should be addressed directly to DVBLogic or using DVBLogic’s NWP forum.
DVBLink for HDPVR 2.4 is now released. This is a minor improvement over 2.3:
- Fix registration that caused some users not to be able to register when using non-english version of Windows .
DVBLink for HDPVR 2.3 is now released. This is a minor improvement over 2.2:
- Fix registration that caused some domain users not to be able to register.
DVBLink for HDPVR 2.2 is now released. This is a minor improvement over 2.1:
- Prefix buttons in MceIR are fixed, the evidence shows they never worked before.
- Improved timings in MceIR, the “delays” (Inter-digit or Repeat Interval) are better controlled.
- Fix stuff related with the registration that caused some users not to be able to register.
This new version introduces the changes to the registration, please read-up on what this involves.
This new version also introduces small modifications or improvements:
- MceIr: Modify the learning to learn a more accurate code sequence.
- MceIr: Modify the format of the IR files when learning, now stored as ASCII. Old IR files can still be read for blasting.
- MceIr: Fix the cancellation of the learning dialog.
- Fix the TEST button in the configuration tool.
- Fixed the links to local folders in the configuration tool.
We are introducing a new way to distribute and sell DVBLink for HDPVR and DVBLink for DVBDream licenses. We are now selling them directly from 1geek1tool.com and no longer through ShareIt! or/and Dvblogic channels. This change is now in place at the time of this post.
This new approach will allow much more flexibility in the way we distribute licenses:
- One important thing that was missing was the ability to extend a trial period for users who encountered problems during setup and were not able to get a stable system withing the trial period. We will now be able to do this.
- We are also fully automating the licenses generation. This will accelerate a lot the registration.
This also means that we are again changing the registration mechanism and the way license keys are generated, hopefully for the last time:
- Previously generated keys won’t work anymore for future versions of the products.
- Also, license keys for previous versions will no longer be generated.
That means that if you have a Trial version running, you must update to the latest version before you can buy and activate the product.
If you have a registered version running, you can continue using the version you have. However, if you reinstall your system or upgrade your version you must re-register your software. All the previously existing licenses were automatically imported in the new system. All you have to do is use the email you used for registering your original license and you are good to go.
We are sorry for the inconveniences this might cause you, but we sincerely think these changes are for the best.
The long time promised “2.0 Release” is finally here. For those who followed with the 2.0 Beta versions, here is what has changed since 2.0 Beta 3:
- Added a “Prefix Key” in MceIR so that you can now prefix all your channel changes with a custom key of your choosing.
- Added a “Learn Timeout” parameter in MceIR. It is usefull for some set-top-boxes remotes which we fail to learn correctly with the default value.
- Added a new parameter “AcquisitionLostManualPowerCycleTimeout” which allows you to control how long to wait before calling the on-device-error-power-cycle hook. Default value is 30000 (30 seconds). Aactually we retry once before calling the hook, so the total time is twice that. If you set it too short, you run the risk of power cycling your HD PVR needlessly.
- Trial period is back to 30 days instead of 15 days. However, the trial counter is not reset.
For the others still using 1.0, here is a recap of the improvements between 1.0 and 2.0:
- Full support for Multiple HD PVRs
- Improved stability with a higher process priority AND an intermediary FIFO buffer between DirectShow and Media Center.
- New built-in and easy to use line-up editor. That means you don’t need to use DVBLink Add-in anymore (within Media Center) to synchronize your line-up.
- New improved installer. You only have a single installer to run and it will check UAC for you. The new installer also verifies that a compatible version of DVBLink is installed. You also won’t need to save your configuration manually anymore.
- New hooks feature (change-channel, on-idle, on-standby, on-device-error-power-cycle). They allow you to customize your setup yourselves.
- Fixed and improved MCE Compatible IR Blaster support (frequency detection, port selection and various options)
- Added access to the Hauppauge HD PVR Encoder properties from within DVBLink for HDPVR (you don’t need to fiddle with graphbuilder or TME anymore)
- Added support for sub-channel numbers (ex: 700.1 or 700-2)
- Changed the hardware fingerprint to use the Ethernet MAC Address
- Fix the registration dialog for all platforms.
- Multiple UI/Configuration edition improvements.
- Various logging improvements.
As an additional note, you should be aware of the following changes:
The upgrade from 1.0 to 2.0 is free. However, since this version now uses the Ethernet MAC address as the hardware fingerprint, 1.0 users will need to request a new activation key. Users using 2.0B2 and up do not require a new key and can use the same key used with the beta versions.
Due to the overall improvements, DVBLink for HDPVR 1.0 will no longer be available for download. All new installations should move to 2.0 and we also hope everyone still using 1.0 will progressively move to 2.0 as support for 1.0 will be more and more difficult to provide.
That was fast… only two weeks after DVBLink for HDPVR Beta 2, here is DVBLink for HDPVR Beta 3 with the following changes:
- Higher process priority (above normal)
- Embedded DVBLink Server installer
- Removal of faulty screen saver
- Product version validation
The tests that were made using a higher process priority for the DVBLink service has resulted in a much improved reliability for many users. Also the “Fault Screen Saver” feature in 2.0 Beta 2 was not quite ready as it caused slow and failed channel changes. We recommend to everyone using a prior 2.0 Beta version to update to this version.
Since we have this new all-integrated installer, you will not have to worry anymore about deciding whether you need to re-install the DVBLink server or not. The installer will let you know what’s best depending on your situation. Also, there is no need to delete your HDPVRBridge sources or do backup of your current config.xml because the installer is made to handle upgrade scenarios very well (we use this functionality very often to deploy on our own HTPCs).
This beta version will most likely be the last beta release for DVBLink for HDPVR 2.0. At this point, we believe users still using DVBLink for HDPVR 1.0 should start using DVBLink for HDPVR 2.0.
