Multimedia video card driver wanted

[somersetlad]

I want to get a driver my Multimedia Video Controller card. Seems simple but I have spent weeks going around in circles.

Facts: There are 4 removable cards in my Sony PCV RX490TV computer. The NVIDIA monitor card, the Ethernet card put there by me, the telephone card and the card called (on the computer casing) Video in/out/aerial. This last card is what I presume is the Multimedia Video controller, as listed in the device manager with a big yellow question mark and with no driver installed.

When I purchased the Sony computer – mid 2001 – I used to record TV stuff on my computer. I have about 156 GB on 3 drives.256 MB memory, Pentium 4 1700, plus DVD burner and CD drives.
When I moved to Windows XP (mid 2002) from Me I lost the TV recording programs and drivers. I have my excuses, but I’ll save ‘em.

There seems to be some confusion between the terms Video card and Multimedia Video Controller (MVC, my abbreviation). I assume that the Video card means the card that controls the monitor and associated graphics; that is, every computer must have one; incidentally mine is a NVIDIA GeForce 2 MX/MX 400.. I assume that the MVC is an optional card for capturing TV input, VCRs, camera stuff, etc. I repeat I assume this about the MVC card and would like to be told if I am wrong.

I have searched high and low for a driver for the MVC. Unfortunately I now realize that there is no identifiable name for the MVC. It seems to be one made for Sony from a Korean outfit. A search through the Sony (so called) help sites has proved fruitless. The Windows device manager data shows nothing except that the card is called a Multimedia Video Device and lurking in PCI slot PCI bus 2 function 0. Another program revealed the following notation, ( if it means anything ??) PCI\VEN_104&DEV_8087&SUBSYS_80ED104D&REV_01

If I am right in my various assumptions above, then getting a new driver may prove impossible. Therefore I propose to dump the present MVC and purchase a new well known card with driver and software.

Question: Does anyone have comments about my saga above. Is my action correct to replace the card??
Question: What card should I purchase not exceeding $100. I want to record TV, import my VHS tapes, plus camcorder?? I already have TV software to run the new card.

I capable of replacing simple computer parts like cards, hard disks and DVD drives. Also I know how to burn data and so forth.

Help and advice appreciated.

somersetlad

[Whyzman]

<marquee behavior="alternate" scrollamount="20" loop="3" width="50%">Hello somersetlad,</marquee>

<marquee behavior="slide" scrollamount="20" loop="3" width="50%">Welcome tohttp://www.pcguide.com/ubb/pcgubb.gif Forums!</marquee>

It sounds as though you've some sort of TV Tuner card in there since you were able to record TV before...

Unfortuantely, some older devices did not keep pace with the introduction of WinXP and the older drivers would not work. I would guess that is what you are experiencing.

So, on with the search for the specific card you have in there and if there are drivers...I'm sure it will help with the full force of the PC GUIDE folks behind you! :D

[Fruss Tray Ted]

First is to see if we can identify the card.

Pull it and look for silkscreened identification like a model or serial number. If no-go, look for an FCC number on it. Google your findings. Or try Driverguide.com (Avoid Driverscollection like the plague. They are evil! Spyware and the likes, I even had freezeups and worse when I went there).

If the above does not work, look at the 2 largest chips on the card. Google various numbers/combos you can find on them. Post your findings here if you want us to try also.

If all else fails, PriceWatch.com might be a good place to look for capture cards making sure to combine that search with Ressellerratings.com also. They are not overly priced these days, I think I got one on sale for around $35 with remote sometime back about 7-8 months ago!

[Whyzman]

My first quick look Fruss said something about integrated TV Tuner...

Where does your CoAx cable hook up...is it to a separate PCI card or to a hook up actually part of the motherboard??

Oops, one more quick question: Was this an XP overlay/upgrade, or did you perform a fresh/clean installation??

[somersetlad]

Thanks all for the impressive fast response.
I did toy with removing the card, so now after a cup of tea and a cigar I will do the same and report back.
Truly impressive.
somersetlad

[Whyzman]

How does Pike's Peak look this morning? Don't spare any details even if I do begin drooling.... Oh, I miss its majesty! :(

[somersetlad]

The TV input (coaxial) cable is connected to the threaded TV point at the back of the card. I used to hook up the cable TV there. There is also an S Video In and S Video Out plus the TV threaded point cable connection all from the back of the card.
Thanks
somersetlad

[Whyzman]

You might want to have a look here:

http://ciscdb.sel.sony.com/cgi-bin/swu-index.pl

[somersetlad]

It was 60F on Friday. Overnight it snowed with 2 inches. The peak (14414 ft) looks majestic, as ever.
Where's that tea.
somersetlad

[Whyzman]

What I would suggest doing is backing up whatever you need to keep and then reformatting and reinstalling XP...do so using a clean/fresh install not an overlay/upgrade...

We address a lot of problems having to do with upgrades to XP or most other Win9x upgrades for that matter...

To do the clean install you would need your previous WinMe disk to verify prior ownership when asked for...

Also, since you are at this point, you might want to consider partitioning your drive if you have not done so to separate your recordings etc., from the operating system.

This helps in the even that you would need to reformat and install the OS...you could do so without disturbing the contents on the other partitions...

[Whyzman]

My wife and I lived in Denver from 1980-1987...We absolutely love the Springs...if I could do it over again...I would have established my business there rather than Denver...

Okay, I'm drooling...:D

[somersetlad]

To answer some of the points raised.

Colorado Springs is great, but these last 2 years have seen a severe drought with water restrictions prevailing; even this year's snow has not been sufficient. In the US state where most of the main rivers emanate it is extraordinary that some of the water cannot be piped to this area. There is a plan to pipe some of the Arkansas river water from Pueblo, but that will take several years. Meanwhile we are expanding at a fast rate

I have reinstalled XP twice but not in the manner recommended. I'll try that if my attempts at identifying the card fails. My drive is already split into C, D & E.

I shall examine the card and post all words, names and codes found.

Many thanks to all.
somersetlad

[somersetlad]

I have examined the Multimedia Video Card (MVC) in question. But it still in the computer.

The MVC card has 2 sets of cables plugged to it. The larger set of 4 cables go from the MVC card to a mini board. This mini-board is a permanent part of the computer. The other set of 1 cable goes to the motherboard.

Question: What do I remove ??
Do I remove the 1 cable set where it plugs in to the mother board ??
Do I remove the 4 cables set where they meet the mini-board ??

The motherboard set connection (1 cable) where it meets the motherboard has a white terminal plug and it looks like it should be easy to remove , albeit a tight squeeze. The other set (4 cables) connected to the mini-board looks to a harder case. That set ends with a red terminal that goes into a white housing affixed to the mini-board.

To sum up: I presume that I do not remove the cables from the MVC card end.

Is there any tip how to remove the red terminal without damage.

Needless to say I am earthing myself.

Thanks
Somersetlad

[Whyzman]

I'll see if I can get a visual of the motherboard. As I mentioned earlier, I did scan something that referred to the Tuner/capture as integrated. That would mean that it is onboard (part of the motherboard). From your description, that probably is the case.

The external connections are more than likely just taking up space in a PCI slot.

The link I provided has your computer model as a header with XP drivers displayed. I would say that is what you are looking for...

My take on it would be to save what you need and then clean install XP. If you have the ability, you might want to download all the XP drivers from the Sony site and burn them to disk in preparation for the install.

Sp1 is also needed which you might want to have ready on disk also...

From what I was able to determine from reading the information regarding the drivers...it certainly appears they are what you are looking for....

[somersetlad]

I am grateful Whyzman for your advice. However, I am somewhat confused.

The PC is a Sony of Jul 2001 and came with Windows Me.
Windows XP was released shortly afterwards. Just my luck.

I decided a year later to install Windows XP. I copied my C drive data beforehand but not the system files, drivers, etc.
I did this installation without using the CDs that came with the computer.
I have tried to use these CDs several times to retrieve applications etc, but they say they are “not for use with this computer”. Later I learnt that I could have installed XP using a Sony link. But it’s too late now. I therefore presume that those CDs are now coasters.
My XP system works fine.

I believe you think the Multimedia Video Controller is on the motherboard. You could be right. I have also suspected that there was more to this problem than met the eye.

For example, when I try to inspect the driver details through Device Manager, the message says, “no driver files are required or have been loaded”. Which suggests that any device (maybe the MVC) that is part of the motherboard is self-sufficient and requires no driver. But would it need software to run it, other than the TV capture software ??

I had the Giga Pocket for TV viewing, it worked a charm. That software and the recorded TV were installed in drive D. I cleaned out drive D a year ago, not realizing at the time what valuable software and drivers were installed there. I suppose I knew, but my brain said it was OK.

Then (I ask myself) what is the PCI Card with the cables I described earlier. I do know that there is a network device as part of the motherboard, but that gave trouble so I inserted a (Ethernet) card for my cable broadband connection. I did not modify the BIOS to do that.

I know a doctor dislikes losing a patient, but would it not be simpler to remove the PCI card, with or with the cables, then disable that card by modifying the BIOS, then introduce a new, all singing, all XP friendly PCI TV capture card with 2004 driver ??

I believe you think that the MVC card with cables is the external relation of the controller presently sitting on my motherboard. If that is so, then those cables may be difficult to remove ??

To get you drooling, I took the dogs up into The Black Forest today. We go most days for a 2 mile walk with a thermos and cigar. As the carol says, the snow lay deep and even.
Just like a calendar picture.
Many thanks indeed
somersetlad

[Whyzman]

I was assuming that you were "pleased" with the prior performance of your video capture and tv experience...

If you'd like to incorporate a new video capture/tv card and disable the old...that would probably work... ;)

I would check in the BIOS and see if/where you can disable your current card.

There are a number of folks here who use Leadtek:

http://www.newegg.com/app/ViewProductDesc.asp?description=14-122-180&depa=0&section=2

You might want to have a look at the specs and see if it is what you are looking for...

[somersetlad]

After your long detailed advice, I feel like a rogue in opting to take a shortcut, when there is a giant MVC that may be sleeping on my motherbpoard. But I think a new card is now the quickest practical solution.

Yes I'd looked at Leadtec before.

Question: Before that, how do I physically remove my existing MVC card with cables, as explained in my earlier note ??

Question: Incidently, which key do I press when rebooting to get to the BIOS ?? Haven't gone there in a long tinme.

Overtime, the snow has melted. We now have a thorough going April shower; the first serious rain in an age. True blessings.

Many thanks
somersetlad

[Whyzman]

Most tell you how to get into Setup during the bootup phase...for many it is tapping the Delete key right after pressing the power on button...

As far as removing what you have in there already...I've no clue as I have no visual of the setup...

Is there simply a PCI "header" (just a rear PCI plate where the connections are for the CoAx etc.)? Or, is there an actual PCI card plugged into a slot??

Is it beginning to look like one continuous Mini-mall between Castle Rock and the Springs??

[somersetlad]

Thanks

In an earlier note I tried to explain the MVC card.

It is a normal looking but large card inserted into the white PCI slot and screwed to the computing casing as usual. Plus it has those cable attached to it. There is a normal back plate to that card in which are housed the S Video In and S Video Out and 2 audio points and a screwed aerial point, that is, 5 connections are possible. These are all accessible as usual from outside of the the computer.
Inside the computer, the card has those cables I explained earlier. And my crucial question is how do I release those cables.

For convenience I repeat my earlier note:

I have examined the Multimedia Video Card (MVC) in question. But it still in the computer.

The MVC card has 2 sets of cables plugged to it. The larger set of 4 cables go from the MVC card to a mini board. This mini-board is a permanent part of the computer. The other set of 1 cable goes to the motherboard.

Question: What do I remove ??
Do I remove the 1 cable set where it plugs in to the mother board ??
Do I remove the 4 cables set where they meet the mini-board ??

The motherboard set connection (1 cable) where it meets the motherboard has a white terminal plug and it looks like it should be easy to remove , albeit a tight squeeze. The other set (4 cables) connected to the mini-board looks to a harder case. That set ends with a red terminal that goes into a white housing affixed to the mini-board.

To sum up: I presume that I do not remove the cables from the MVC card itself.

Is there any tip how to remove the red terminal without damage, assuming I have to.

I shall try to enter the BIOS to see what lurks there.

Castle Rock is it; my wife happy shopping place.

Thanks
somersetlad

[Whyzman]

I've not personally seen one of these setups. I think we'll have wait for others to weigh-in at this point...

Hopefully, someone has either had one of these or has worked on one like this before...

It's been nearly 17 years since we were there. I'm sure much has changed in the Castle Rock to Springs corridor. Plum Creek was just really getting under way when we left...

[jabarnutcase]

Bump....(On the head again) :rolleyes:

[Whyzman]

I just took another look at the Sony site for XP updated drives for your system and it certainly looks like everything is there to take you into the XP world of wonders... :)

http://ciscdb.sel.sony.com/cgi-bin/updates.pl

With the integrated design of the tuner and recording setup it might be worth taking a look at the driver updates and see if things literally clear up before disassembly...

[somersetlad]

Many thanks indeed for your patience with me

Am now chasing other avenues incl BIOS etc

somersetlad

[Whyzman]

If you don't have a manual it is available on sony's web site...

Also, entry into the BIOS is accomplished by pressing the <F3> key at the Sony boot screen and then <F2> as option to get into SetUP...

Your system appears to be a very sophisticated entry by Sony into the video end of things...the price tag of $2500-2600 sans monitor makes it quite the big ticket item incorporating the latest and greatest...

Even if it is a couple of years old it still looks quite capable of accomplishing its original intentions...

Again, if everything was working correctly except for the problems you were experiencing after the upgrade...I would first backup what you need, reformat the OS partition and clean install XP along with the XP drivers provided by Sony...

[somersetlad]

For some reason I missed your recent replies, but I'll get this note anywhere.

Desperate measures indeed. I have now emailed Sony for details of this Multimedia video controller. I thought it was worth a try, seeing that I paid over $4000 for this computer setup.

I looked in the BIOS and left it none the wiser. I must do a crash course in how to reconize the relevant stuff. BIOS was either F2 or F10, I pressed both and, bingo!!

I did a small course in physical computer assembly in 1997 in UK. It's amazing how much the computer's innards have changed since then. MInd you, access to the computer is very simple these days.

I will keep this site updated on my progress, as my research may help other poor souls.

Nil carborundum, etc, as the says goes.

somersetlad

[somersetlad]

You're of course. I had already thought, "let's give Sony another chance", nece my email. Sorry I swore at you Sony; under my breath.

I'll pen a longer comment on this page, later, after a break, a cuppa and a cigar.

Stopped raining and now misty. My wife's calling me to watch Miss Marple on TV.

somersetlad

[somersetlad]

Question: If I were to take the following route would I add up with a worse mess??:

I have 3 drives, C, D & E, and stacks of space. If I were to back up drive C (using my DVD data burning capability) and reformat drive C, would the current backup CDs from Sony then work ?? Those CDs contain Windows Me and applications. Would my other programs then work, many of which were based on XP ??

My current system works well apart from the MVC problem.

somersetlad

[Whyzman]

Did they provide an OEM version of WinMe for you to use???

If you have the OEM version of WinMe then you can download the XP drivers for your system from the Sony link I provided.

You may need to go into the BIOS to change the boot order to the CD first, but then you can boot using the XP disk. When asked for verification of a previous Windoze version you would slip in the OEM Win Me and once recognized, replace again with XP and you're good to go for the Operating System.

You would then need to install the XP drivers you downloaded. It appears from the site that the full complement of necessary drivers are there to bring you up to XP speed...

[somersetlad]

Thanks.

I an confused abut the right order here.

Remember I cannot access those backup discs now, as it says they are not for this computer.
However if I format drive C will it then reconize the discs ??

I presume that the backup discs contain the OEM version of ME. That's usual isnt it ??
I need a idiotics list of the correct moves here before embarking on this action.
I'll check the BIOS but I think it already knows to check the floppy drive and CD drive before rebooting.

So lets get this potential move in the correct order. Is the following correct ??:

Remember also I am a newbie in doing this stuff.

I back up my drive C.
Then reformat drive C.
Then insert my backup dics and install ME and applications on the disc.
Then go to the Sony site for the link (I presume that there is help there how to proceed).

I do have a full (non OEM) version on CD of XP. That is a CD I purchased.

What then ??
somersetlad

[Whyzman]

If you have a full version of XP (i.e., not the upgrade version) then you will not need to verify ownership of a previous version of Windoze.

If this is the case, then you can boot from the WinXP CD. The necessary programs for formatting are included in WinXP...you will not need format prior to booting from the WinXP CD since in your boot order you set the CD as the first option to boot...it should not look for any information from your harddrive...kinda a first come first served deal! ;)

1. Back up C: any data you want to keep.
2. Download all XP drivers from the Sony site (burn to CD)
3. Boot using you full version WinXP
4. Using the utilities on the WinXP disk you can format the C: drive
and load WinXP
5. Load the downloaded Sony WinXP drivers from your burned CD

One item I for sure am not sure of is whether you would want to format using NTFS or FAT? Do you remember what you did when you upgraded to XP initially??

I've avoided owning proprietary systems, so after I post this procedure I would wait for confirmation of others here that I'm on the correct track...

[somersetlad]

You'll think I am dummy here.

So we dont use the Sony backups at all ??

But I thought we were going to use those CDs after formating (which contain ME) so as to get hold of the MVC driver along with the associated programs such as Giga Pocket.

If I have a full working XP already why are we reformatting and reinstalling XP ?? Sorry for my ignorance.

I have a full version of XP and using FAT

Can I have a link to that site where Sony drivers lurk, please.

What is meant by proprietary programs ??

How does all this get the MVC working with driver again.

Can I not simply download the driver for the MVC alone, or are all the drivers for my model No. in one downloadable block.

How does the Sony get convinced that I am entitled to download stuff.

Quote: Such ignorance is mind bending, by somersetlad, circa 2004

somersetlad

[Paul Komski]

Couple of quick notes - correct me if I've got anything wrong.

The MVC seems to be effectively "on board".
Getting the correct XP drivers for it would seem to be the first thing to try.
Simply uninstalling the yellow item in Device Manager and rebooting could be worth a shot.
Inserting the WinXP CD and doing a Hardware compatibility test cant do any harm.
Since you have loads of disk space you could very easily install a parallel, but clean, installation of XP onto another partition. A dual boot of XP-upgraded and XP-clean. You could then mess around with the clean installation to see if you can get all the hardware nicely set up on it. Just dont format or delete any partitions if you go this route. Just choose to install into one of the existing partitions.
Working out a backup strategy can then be done in the cold light of day and after you know what a clean installation will behave like.

:)

[Whyzman]

Originally posted by somersetlad
You'll think I am dummy here.

No, not at all...all of us traveled the same road when learning about these things... ;)

So we dont use the Sony backups at all ??

No, we would do a clean install of XP (as Paul Komski suggests on a separate partition. Then, use the downloaded drivers from Sony designed for XP...

We wouldn't even need to look at WinMe stuff

But I thought we were going to use those CDs after formating (which contain ME) so as to get hold of the MVC driver along with the associated programs such as Giga Pocket.

We wouldn't need to do anything with WinMe...all the updated XP drivers are on the Sony download site...

I suspect that the problem that you are having with the Giga Pocket are related to the older WinMe drivers not playing nice with WinXP. This is often the case in upgrading Operating Systems. Devices such as the Giga Pocket need different drivers to work with WinXP

If I have a full working XP already why are we reformatting and reinstalling XP ?? Sorry for my ignorance.

I was not considering a dual installation of WinXP...however, I think Paul's suggestion has great merit...

Some of these Recovery Disks wipe all partitions on a drive...not just the one in question!! :(

I have a full version of XP and using FAT

OK

Can I have a link to that site where Sony drivers lurk, please.

I just checked one of the links I provided earlier and it gets stalled...I'll get you the main contact point...you may then need to enter your computer model and follow the prompts to Installing another Operating System!.

What is meant by proprietary programs ??

Proprietary systems (e.g., Dell, HP, Sony, etc.) very often use brand name components, but they often have them modified for their particular needs. The concept (in my humble opinion) is to create a dependency for future sales. On some you can only get after-purchase parts and software directly from them.

For example, ASUS might make the motherboard for your computer, but it is not a motherboard one would be able to purchase over the counter, or retail. Since Sony makes tons of your particular computer they have ASUS custom design a motherboard specifically for them with the add-on devices they will be using in mind. The drivers that allow both the motherboard to function and the other devices are useless to anyone except those with the same exact system.

Some offer Recovery Disks (companies vary) that actually contain the already adapted Operating System that fits a specific motherboard. Retail versions of WinMe, for example, are generic. When you install onto a computer WinMe responds to the hardware it finds and extracts the necessary software/drivers to make it work.

One example of a Recovery Disk would be to take a "picture" of all the necessary Operating System software for your Sony Vaio and only include that on the Recovery Disk. That makes it specific for you system, useless elsewhere.

How does all this get the MVC working with driver again.

I was looking to get you to a clean install of XP without the propensity for upgrade problems such as you are experiencing. We could do this as Paul suggests by loading WinXP onto another partition..

Can I not simply download the driver for the MVC alone,

Yes, we could try that and just see if that works!

or are all the drivers for my model No. in one downloadable block.

From what I say, if you want them all you need to download individually.

How does the Sony get convinced that I am entitled to download stuff.

They really don't care...the drivers are designed as a service for Vaio owners...they won't work anywhere else but on the systems they are specifically designed to be used on.

Although, my HP scanner was designed to work originally on Win98. When I upgraded to WinMe...I had to purchase the updated drivers directly from HP...that's the downside to proprietary in action! :(

Quote: Such ignorance is mind bending, by somersetlad, circa 2004

The allusion is that ignorance is somehow part of stupidity. Not at all...ignorance is not knowing the stove is hot. Stupidity would be going back for more! ;)

[Whyzman]

Paul Komski just sent this over to me as we've been communication regarding your setup.

As usual, he's leading the pack! :cool:

One can install the OS from within windows but I always think it is much less confusing (fewer options) to do it by booting to the CD.

Just choose new installation and after some copying and a reboot (and ignoring the first of two options to repair) one gets to a screen where it will detect the installed installation and offer the oportunity of repairing it. Carry on with new installation. There are then options about deleting and formatting partitions. Ignore these and just choose a partition into which the installation should go.

If that partition already has a windows folder in it the new installation will have to go into windows.001 or similar. Its best to avoid two installations on the same partition but they will nearly always coexist OK.

Its all quite easy - as long as one reads all the prompts carefully. If ever in doubt just back-out and ask for help.

I think parallel installations like this are just great for experimenting (and indeed as a backup functional OS) as long as disk space is not a problem. Both OSes can share the pagefile and other stuff which helps to conserve space.

As you can see, no one gets put down here for wanting to learn. As I mentioned earlier, we've all been there at some point! ;) You will find as you spend time here that the atmosphere here is the reason most of us spend out time here trying to assist folks.

I was helped here, and still am helped here...just returning the favor!

[somersetlad]

Whew !!

I'll assimulate that lot.

To Whyzman: If I install another version of XP on (say) drive D (stacks of room there) how does it deal with the existing register. Presumablly it installs a parallel registry and associated systems ?? I suppose when I run any program, it automaticaly goes to the correct registry.

I'll have other thoughts later.

Needless to say I am overwhelmingly impressed and thankful for your assistance.

To Pau Komiski: Hello - anywhere near Sligo ??

Similarly I'll revert soon with questions. Meanwhile please accept my thanks.

Come to think of it, did I see that some people had XP and Linux on the same computer.

From twilight in Colorado

somersetlad

:) :) :) :)

[Whyzman]

I hope this link to get you in the direction of the XP drivers works!

http://www.ita.sel.sony.com/support/pc/pcvrx490tv/

Under Software toward the top of the page select the Install Another Operating System.

[somersetlad]

Many thanks to all

Have visited the webiste and began a search.

Results later

Most gratetful

somersetlad

:) :)

[somersetlad]

Bungles blowing SUCCESS, SUCCESS.

I now have my TV video recording Multimedia Video Controller device up and working again, together with Giga Pocket (which plays and records the TV) and DVgate editing software.

As I write this, I am watching divorce court TV ch 21, on the same monitor. I can now record, play back, make stills, etc. Not that it is my choice of TV, but it demonstrates a fully working system.

And how did this transformation come about ??

Last night (Sunday 4 April) I managed to download from Sony the DVgate movie software, that is, after several attempts.

I searched extensively for the Multimedia Video Controller driver in the Sony support websites, without success. Some of the Sony sites appeared to have troubles. I also emailed Sony for help. But I decided not to hold my breath.

With that, I went to bed. This morning (Monday) I thought, let us try again to reuse the Sony backup CDs to see if I can access them. On all occasions previously, I got a message, denying this, because I had installed a new OS.

Lo and behold, and to my great surprise, my sturdy computer opened the driver backup disc and started looking for the requested driver. After 2 attempts, and with bated breath, the installation was completed.

Similarly, I got access to the applications backup disc. I then installed the Giga Pocket software.

After a worrying and warning blue DOS screen, the TV video system is now up and running. Just like old times.

Have just heard from Sony (email). That email wasn’t much help (what’s new). It said I would not get access to my backups discs, because I had installed a full working version of XP, not a Sony upgrade. Guess what, they were wrong. I got access.

The moral is: try, try and try again, along with the fantastic support from the PC Forum Guide members, in particular, Whyzman. Thank you, everyone.

P.S.: I have a suspicion that my MVC will not work with other software. I’ll post a note later when that has been checked out.

somersetlad

[Paul Komski]

Half-way between Sligo and Dublin ;) the wind's coming from Sligo today.