Hi all, first post here.

I built a HTPC box for the Freeview in CHCH.(see sig for details)

Started with Media Portal and a Hauppage T500 and got signal and images first time, although the strength was about 40%.
Anyway had the HD images coming through ok on the HD test channel at this point, the other channels where a bit flakey with loss of frames and speach problems,need antenna with more gain. BUT I had something. Then I plugged in the Hauppage remote to see if I could use it.

Arrows and so on worked, then I tried standbye.....oh dear. PC shut down, didnt expect that. Now this is where my troubles began.  
On repower the pc did adump....ohdear, and vista gave the "unexpected thing" and asked for safe or normal boot.
Mediaportal did a crash recovery routine, which Im not sure worked very well.

Since then I havent got an image from the T500.

I did a reimage, reinstall from scratch right back to the same point.
Tried GBPVR( didnt like it over MP, alas couldnt get it to work anyway), back to fresh MP install.

I can scan channels, but "NO data" running the mediaportal TV service.
 
I am concerned I have zapped my hauppage card, although no system warnings, cards and drivers all report ok.


Has anyone had a similar experience?

I was thinking about an antenna, just dont want to spend more money if I dont need too. ie I was getting a signal?

Any comments and advice appreciated.