Error instaling MPEG2 decoder

[eas]

I can't install the software MPEG2 decoder off my Installation media. The installer complains: "Could not load the DLL library c:\winnt\system32\hcwpnp32.dll. The specified module could not be found. I've installed the drivers for the "blackbird" card and Sage will recognize it and let me configure it.

[justme]

Have you tried the drivers in this post by Narflex. It refers to a similiar issue that was posted in the Hardware Support forum.

Edit:One person has already posted that these new decoders don't work for them. If they fail for you as well, then be sure to post that info in that thread, so Frey is aware of it. I would also try filing an Official Support request with Frey.

[eas]

Thanks for the pointer. I posted my experience with the new driver package in that thread.

Basically, once I managed to get rid of the old drivers and install the new ones, the decoder installed without a hitch.

Now I just need to do something about my crummy TV reception.

[justme]

Glad to help out. I'm glad they worked out for you. The new package seems to be doing the job, except for a few people. I suspect it's related to having already installed the previous driver/decoder version. That seems to be what happened to you.

Now I just need to do something about my crummy TV reception.

Broadcast or cable?
If it's cable... Check is to see if you cable company can adjust your signal strength. My cable company was pretty cool about this, even though I have many splits(equally balanced).

If it's broadcast then I guess a better antennae(or better alignment) will help.

For either... Do you have several splitters? If so remove any unneeded splitters and carefully layout the signal split points for a balanced signal to each device. If you already have it layed out properly then maybe a signal amp is in order. You should also check out your cable runs for any possible interence. This can be caused by a hidden break(in a kink) or running the cable too close to an electrical wire. Also check each of you electronic devices(TV,cable box,etc) to see if it is causing feedback. The easy/dirty way is too disconnect each device and check the quality. If it's good then keep adding devices back til you find the culprit.

[eas]

Thanks. I should have been more clear. It's definitely an antenna problem -- namely the fact that I don't have one on my roof. I need to get someone out to install one (roof is steeper than I want to risk).

Signals are strong, but most of the transmitters are on two axees about 90 degrees off of eachother, which is probably going to work against my hope of using a strongly directional antenna to deal with multipath issues from the hilly terrain around here.

Can't quite bring myself to spring for cable though. Its like $45/month here just for basic. At least I think it is. Comcast is really squirly, which is part of the reason I don't want to do business with them.

[kny3twalker]

that seems high mine is like under 60 with taxes for DirecTV basic package with free southwestern Bell cable locals and two boxes
I know 50 something is high for DirecTV though but apartments deal and no contract
maybe I will get my own dish sometime but they got a big one on property and no charge for locals analog cable
so it is close
look at satellite
think for around 40 with taxes you can get DirecTV with no locals
in the fifties like mine you can get locals included (with taxes)

[carlgar]

Originally posted by eas
Can't quite bring myself to spring for cable though. Its like $45/month here just for basic. At least I think it is. Comcast is really squirly, which is part of the reason I don't want to do business with them.

You need to ask them about "limited" level of service, this usually only includes the over the air type stations but only cost about $10-$12 a month. It took me several calls over a period of years before Comcast finally admitted that it was available to me.

[kny3twalker]

yeah thats much I would normally have to pay for my locals via cable
but if I buy the DirecTV service I get them for free