Pinnacle PCTV TVCenter Pro Serial Number: How to Recover It If You Lost It
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How to Find and Use Pinnacle PCTV TVCenter Pro Serial Number
Do you want to watch and record TV on your PC? If so, you may have heard of Pinnacle PCTV TVCenter Pro, a software product that allows you to do just that. But how do you find and use the serial number that is required to activate the software? And what are the features and benefits of TVCenter Pro? In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as well as provide some tips and alternatives for Pinnacle PCTV users. Let's get started!
pinnacle pctv tvcenter pro serial number
What is Pinnacle PCTV TVCenter Pro?
Pinnacle PCTV TVCenter Pro is a software product that enables you to watch and record TV on your PC. It is designed to work with various Pinnacle PCTV devices, such as USB sticks, PCI cards, or external boxes, that allow you to receive analog or digital TV signals on your computer. With TVCenter Pro, you can enjoy live TV, pause and rewind live TV, record shows to your hard drive, schedule recordings with an electronic program guide (EPG), and transcode recorded shows to different formats for playback on other devices.
Features and benefits of TVCenter Pro
Some of the features and benefits of TVCenter Pro are:
Simple and intuitive interface: TVCenter Pro has a user-friendly interface that lets you easily access all the functions and settings of the software. You can switch between different modes, such as live TV, recordings, EPG, or settings, with a single click. You can also customize the appearance and behavior of the software according to your preferences.
tvtv integration: TVCenter Pro integrates with tvtv, a web-based EPG service that provides up-to-date information on TV programs for various countries and regions. You can browse the EPG by genre, time, or channel, and set reminders or schedule recordings for your favorite shows. You can also access tvtv from any web browser or mobile device.
Satellite support: TVCenter Pro supports satellite reception for digital TV (DVB-S) devices. You can scan for satellite channels and enjoy high-quality TV programs from around the world. You can also use DiSEqC switches to control multiple satellite dishes.
Various recording formats: TVCenter Pro allows you to record TV shows in different formats, such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, or H.264. You can choose the format that best suits your needs and preferences, depending on the quality, size, and compatibility of the recorded files. You can also adjust the recording parameters, such as bitrate, resolution, or audio settings.
System requirements and compatibility of TVCenter Pro
To use TVCenter Pro, you need to have a compatible Pinnacle PCTV device connected to your PC. You also need to meet the following minimum system requirements:
Windows XP (SP2), Vista (SP1), 7 (SP1), 8, or 8.1 (32-bit or 64-bit)
Intel Pentium 4 2.4 GHz or equivalent processor
512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)
DirectX 9 compatible graphics card with 64 MB RAM
Sound card with DirectX 9 support
1 GB free hard disk space (more for recording)
CD-ROM drive (for installation)
Internet connection (for activation and EPG)
You can check the compatibility of your Pinnacle PCTV device with TVCenter Pro on the official website of Pinnacle. You can also download the latest drivers and updates for your device from there.
What is a serial number and why do you need it?
A serial number is a unique code that identifies a specific software product or license. It is usually composed of letters and numbers, and it may have a specific format or length depending on the software vendor. A serial number is used to activate or register a software product, which means that it verifies that you have purchased a valid license for using the software.
Definition and purpose of a serial number
A serial number serves two main purposes: security and customer service. Security-wise, a serial number prevents unauthorized use or distribution of a software product. It ensures that only legitimate customers who have paid for the software can use it. Customer service-wise, a serial number helps the software vendor to provide support and updates to their customers. It allows them to track the purchase history and warranty status of their products.
How to obtain a valid serial number for TVCenter Pro
To obtain a valid serial number for TVCenter Pro you have two options: you can either buy it from the official website of Pinnacle or its authorized resellers, or you can get it for free if you have purchased a Pinnacle PCTV device that comes with the TVCenter Pro software. Here are the steps for each option:
Buy it from the official website of Pinnacle or its authorized resellers: This is the recommended and safest option, as you will get a genuine and legal serial number that will guarantee the full functionality and support of the software. To buy a serial number for TVCenter Pro, you need to visit the online shop of Pinnacle or one of its authorized resellers, such as Amazon, eBay, or Best Buy. You need to select the product that matches your Pinnacle PCTV device and your operating system, and then follow the instructions to complete the payment. You will receive an email with your serial number and a download link for the software. You can also access your serial number from your Pinnacle account if you have created one.
Get it for free if you have purchased a Pinnacle PCTV device that comes with the TVCenter Pro software: This is another option if you already have a Pinnacle PCTV device that includes the TVCenter Pro software in its package. In this case, you do not need to buy a separate serial number, as you will find one in the original packaging or documentation of your device. You may also find a sticker with your serial number on your device itself. You can use this serial number to activate the software that came with your device, or to download the latest version of TVCenter Pro from the official website of Pinnacle.
How to avoid illegal or pirated serial numbers for TVCenter Pro
While it may be tempting to look for free or cheap serial numbers for TVCenter Pro on the internet, you should avoid doing so, as this may cause serious problems for you and your PC. Here are some of the reasons why you should not use illegal or pirated serial numbers for TVCenter Pro:
They may not work: Illegal or pirated serial numbers may not activate or register your software properly, as they may have been blocked, blacklisted, or expired by Pinnacle. You may end up with a trial version, a limited version, or no version at all of TVCenter Pro.
They may be harmful: Illegal or pirated serial numbers may come with malware, viruses, spyware, or other malicious programs that can infect your PC and compromise your security and privacy. You may lose your personal data, damage your system files, or expose yourself to identity theft or fraud.
They may be illegal: Illegal or pirated serial numbers may violate the software license agreement and the intellectual property rights of Pinnacle. You may face legal consequences, such as fines, lawsuits, or criminal charges, if you are caught using them.
Therefore, you should always use a valid and legal serial number for TVCenter Pro that you have obtained from the official website of Pinnacle or its authorized resellers, or from the original packaging or documentation of your Pinnacle PCTV device.
How to install and activate TVCenter Pro with a serial number
Once you have a valid and legal serial number for TVCenter Pro, you can proceed to install and activate the software on your PC. Here are the steps to follow:
Downloading and installing TVCenter Pro
To download and install TVCenter Pro, you need to do one of the following:
If you have bought a serial number from the online shop of Pinnacle or its authorized resellers, you need to use the download link that was sent to your email address along with your serial number. You can also access the download link from your Pinnacle account if you have created one.
If you have received a serial number with your Pinnacle PCTV device that comes with the TVCenter Pro software, you need to use the installation CD that was included in the package. You can also download the latest version of TVCenter Pro from the official website of Pinnacle by entering your device model and operating system.
After downloading or inserting the installation CD, you need to run the setup file and follow the instructions on the screen. You need to agree to the terms and conditions of the software license agreement, choose a destination folder for the software installation, and select the components and features that you want to install. The installation process may take several minutes depending on your system configuration.
Entering and verifying your serial number
To enter and verify your serial number, you need to do one of the following:
If you have bought a serial number from the online shop of Pinnacle or its authorized resellers, you need to enter your serial number when prompted by the software during the installation process. You need to type or copy and paste your serial number exactly as it appears in your email or Pinnacle account, without any spaces or dashes. You also need to have an internet connection to verify your serial number online.
If you have received a serial number with your Pinnacle PCTV device that comes with the TVCenter Pro software, you need to enter your serial number when prompted by the software after the installation process. You need to type or copy and paste your serial number exactly as it appears on the sticker, packaging, or documentation of your device, without any spaces or dashes. You also need to have an internet connection to verify your serial number online.
After entering and verifying your serial number, you will see a confirmation message that your software has been activated successfully. You can now use TVCenter Pro without any limitations or restrictions.
Troubleshooting common issues with serial numbers
Sometimes, you may encounter some issues or errors when entering or verifying your serial number. Here are some of the common issues and how to fix them:
Invalid serial number: This means that the serial number that you have entered is not recognized by the software or the server. This may happen if you have typed or copied and pasted your serial number incorrectly, or if you have used a serial number that is not compatible with your software version or device model. To fix this, you need to check and correct your serial number, and make sure that it matches the product that you have purchased or received.
Serial number already in use: This means that the serial number that you have entered has already been activated on another PC. This may happen if you have installed the software on more than one PC, or if someone else has used your serial number without your permission. To fix this, you need to contact Pinnacle customer service and explain your situation. They may be able to reset your serial number or provide you with a new one.
No internet connection: This means that the software or the server cannot verify your serial number online. This may happen if you have a poor or unstable internet connection, or if there is a problem with the server. To fix this, you need to check and improve your internet connection, and try again later.
If you still have problems with your serial number, you can visit the support page of Pinnacle for more help and information.
How to use TVCenter Pro to watch and record TV on your PC
Now that you have installed and activated TVCenter Pro with a valid and legal serial number, you can start using it to watch and record TV on your PC. Here are some of the basic steps to follow:
Setting up your TV tuner device and scanning for channels
To set up your TV tuner device and scan for channels, you need to do the following:
Connect your TV tuner device to your PC via USB, PCI, or other interface. Make sure that the device is recognized by your PC and that the drivers are installed correctly.
Connect your TV tuner device to a suitable TV signal source, such as an antenna, a cable box, a satellite dish, or a set-top box. Make sure that the signal quality is good and that there is no interference.
Launch TVCenter Pro and select Live TV mode from the main menu. You will see a window with a preview of the TV program and some controls.
Select Settings from the menu bar and then select Device Setup. You will see a window with various options for configuring your device.
Select Scan Channels from the left panel and then select the type of signal that you want to scan for: analog TV (PAL/NTSC/SECAM), digital TV (DVB-T/DVB-C/DVB-S), or radio (FM/DAB). You can also select the country and region that correspond to your location.
Click Start Scan and wait for the software to scan for available channels. You will see a progress bar and a list of found channels. You can also stop the scan at any time by clicking Stop Scan.
After the scan is complete, click Save Channels to save the channel list to your PC. You can also edit the channel list by adding, removing, renaming, sorting, or grouping channels.
You have now set up your TV tuner device and scanned for channels. You can now watch live TV on your PC.
Using the electronic program guide (EPG) and scheduling recordings
To use the electronic program guide (EPG) and schedule recordings, you need to do the following:
Select EPG from the menu bar and then select tvtv from the left panel. You will see a window with the EPG service provided by tvtv. You can also access tvtv from any web browser or mobile device.
Browse the EPG by genre, time, or channel, and find the TV program that you want to watch or record. You can also search for a specific program by entering its name or keywords in the search box.
Click on the program to see more details, such as the description, rating, cast, and duration. You can also see the related programs and recommendations.
To watch the program live, click Watch Now and the software will switch to Live TV mode and tune to the channel that is broadcasting the program.
To record the program, click Record and the software will add the program to the recording list. You can also set some recording options, such as the recording format, quality, folder, and filename.
To schedule a recording for a future program, click Schedule and the software will add the program to the recording list. You can also set some scheduling options, such as the start and end time, recurrence, and priority.
You have now used the EPG and scheduled recordings. You can view and manage your recording list by selecting Recordings from the main menu. You can also edit, delete, or play back your recorded shows from there.
Playing back recorded shows and transcoding them to different formats
To play back recorded shows and transcode them to different formats, you need to do the following:
Select Recordings from the main menu and then select Recorded Shows from the left panel. You will see a window with a list of your recorded shows. You can sort them by name, date, size, or channel.
Click on a recorded show to see more details, such as the thumbnail, description, duration, and format. You can also see the playback controls and some options.
To play back a recorded show, click Play and the software will switch to Playback mode and start playing the show. You can use the playback controls to pause, resume, stop, fast forward, rewind, or skip the show. You can also adjust the volume, mute, or switch to full screen mode.
To transcode a recorded show to a different format, click Transcode and the software will open a window with some transcoding options. You can choose the output format that you want to convert your show to, such as MPEG-1, MPEG-2, MPEG-4, DivX, or H.264. You can also choose the output quality, resolution, bitrate, audio settings, and subtitle settings. You can also preview the output before starting the transcoding process.
Click Start Transcoding and wait for the software to convert your show to the desired format. You will see a progress bar and a status message. You can also cancel or pause the transcoding process at any time.
You have now played back recorded shows and transcoded them to different formats. You can find your transcoded shows in the output folder that you have specified in the transcoding options. You can also play them back with any compatible media player or device.
How to find alternative software for Pinnacle PCTV devices
While TVCenter Pro is a decent software product for watching and recording TV on your PC with Pinnacle PCTV devices, you may not be satisfied with it for various reasons. Maybe you find it too basic, buggy, or unstable. Maybe you want more features, options, or customization. Maybe you just want to try something different. Whatever your reason is, you may want to look for alternative software for Pinnacle PCTV devices. Here are some of the steps to follow:
Reasons to look for alternative software
Some of the reasons why you may want to look for alternative software for Pinnacle PCTV devices are:
Better performance: Alternative software may offer better performance than TVCenter Pro in terms of speed, stability, and compatibility. Alternative software may run faster, crash less, and work better with your Pinnacle PCTV device and your PC.
More features: Alternative software may offer more features than TVCenter Pro in terms of functionality, customization, and integration. Alternative software may have more options for recording, playback, transcoding, editing, streaming, or sharing TV shows. Alternative software may also allow you to customize the interface, settings, and behavior of the software according to your needs and preferences. Alternative software may also integrate with other services or applications, such as online EPGs, media centers, or social networks.
Different experience: Alternative software may offer a different experience than TVCenter Pro in terms of design, style, and interaction. Alternative software may have a different look and feel, a different layout and navigation, or a different mode and method of operation. Alternative software may appeal to your personal taste, preference, or mood.
Some popular alternative software options
Some of the popular alternative software options for Pinnacle PCTV devices are:
KMPlayer: KMPlayer is a versatile media player that can play various types of media files, including TV shows recorded with Pinnacle PCTV devices. KMPlayer supports a wide range of formats, codecs, filters, and subtitles. KMPlayer also has a built-in TV tuner feature that allows you to watch live TV with your Pinnacle PCTV device. KMPlayer has a sleek and modern interface that can be customized with skins and plugins. KMPlayer is free to download and use.
MythTV: MythTV is a free and open source software that turns your PC into a digital video recorder (DVR) and media center. MythTV allows you to watch