Help With Theater 650 Pro and Windows XP

[ranonf171]

I just purchased a Dell XPS 710 that came with Vista and the Theater 650 Pro preinstalled and a box with a remote control. I have installed Windows XP SP2 also and can dual boot. I intend to primarily use XP. Unfortunately, all Dell ships is drivers and I can't even tell if the card works. After 2 hours on the phone with Dell support under Vista, we couldn't tell if the card even worked under the Vista Media Center. Ok, more background than anyone really wants or needs. I need some direction and advice. Please be patient while I ask what may be some very simple questions.

1. Card and Device Manager - Should I be able to see the card in the device manager under Vista or XP? The only item remotely close that shows up is under the Sound, Video and Game controllers. It is an ATI Univied AVStream Driver. I would have expected something to show up under the Display adapters.

2. Drivers - I have installed, uninstalled, and reinstalled drivers. No operating software came with the card and from reading the forum, it would appear that I need the Catalyst Media Center. There is no download option for the Catalyst Media Center and the Theater 650 Pro. Is there some third party program that I can download/purchase that would enable me to use the card. I can't even tell if the card is working.

3. Manuals/Instructions - There are virtually none. There is a 4 page manual that I found on the Dell web site that is less than helpful. It does have some rudimentary instructions. I haven't found anything on the ATI site that is much more helpful. Perhaps I am looking on the wrong place.

4. The bottom line is that I don't even know where to start. Does the Card have to be connected to a video signal before anything works? Is it best to connect from the cable box to the card or is the raw feed better. I would have assumed that the cable box connection would be preferable.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[Wacka]

erm, the answer... Dell... lol. I've not had good experiences with Dell. But good luck. Vista is new, may not be fully compatible with the hardware, but that would be Dells fault.