HP (Hewlett-Packard) Getting Started Guide manual

HP Media Center PC Getting Star ted Guide[...]

The only warranties for HP products an d ser vices are set forth in the express statements accompanying such products and ser vices. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additiona l warranty . HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. HP assumes no responsibility for the us e or reliabi[...]

T able of Contents iii T able of Contents Before Getting Started .................................. 1 PC Setup Tips............ .......................................... ................. 1 Utility Programs ......................... ....................... .................... 2 Important Safety Information About Your HP Media Center PC ..........[...]

iv HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide[...]

Before Getting Started 1 Before Getting Star ted This guide can help you ge t started using your new HP Media Center PC. Y ou may want to browse some of the other docume ntation that came with your HP Media Center PC. 1 Read the “Safety Information” section in the documentation that came with your PC. 2 Identify the items included with your HP [...]

2 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Utility Programs HP provides special utility programs in the PC Help & T ools folder that provide suppor t information and initiate Application or System Recover y . T o find these programs, click Star t , choose All Programs , PC Help & T ools , and then select a program or folder . Updates from H[...]

Before Getting Started 3 Connecting to the Internet As part of the star tup scre ens, you can select an Internet ser vice provider (ISP). Before you can connect to the Internet, you must sign up with an ISP . Y ou must have an Intern et connection to use some of the Media Center features. Easy Internet Sign-up helps you sign up for a new Internet a[...]

4 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Protecting the PC HP provides a virus-scanni ng software program to help protect your PC (select models only). The virus-scanning progra m manufacturer provides free virus scan updates through your Internet connection for an initia l period after your PC purchase. Y ou can purchase a subscription ser vice [...]

Setting Up the PC 5 Setting Up the PC Follow the steps in the setu p poster to set up the PC, and then read the topics in this section to find out more about the location of components and connectors on your PC, an d to find out about some setup alternatives. Most of the hardware devices such as the monitor , keyboard, printer , and mouse can be co[...]

6 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide HP Media Center PC Rear Connectors Connector Icon/label Description and function Power connector Mouse Keyboard SERIAL Serial port for digital came ras or other serial devices (Select models only) Printer (parallel) (select models only) Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) for mouse, keyboard, digital cameras, o[...]

Setting Up the PC 7 ETHERNET Ethernet LAN connector The network interface adapter (also called a network inter face card, or NIC) connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub. Connect this adapter in your PC to your local area network (LAN) hub or any broadband connection. Plug a network cable into the Ethernet (RJ-45) [...]

8 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Composite Video Composite Video In from se t-top box connector (yellow) L audio Left audio input from set-top box connector (white) R audio Right audio input from se t-top box connector (red) TV/Cable Ant TV In (TV antenna or cable input from wall outlet with no set-top box) FM Ant FM In (radio antenna inp[...]

Setting Up the PC 9 Connecting a Digital V ideo Camera to the PC When connecting an analog camera to the PC, use the Video and Audio In conn ectors on the front of the PC. The following instructions only apply to digital cameras. See the documentation that came with your digital camera or your digital video camera. T o connect a digital camera or a[...]

10 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Connecting to Other Devices Other peripheral devices can be connected to the front or back of your HP Media Center PC by using USB or FireWire ports. Y o u can connect peripheral devices such as a printe r , scanner , video camera, digital camera, memor y card reader , and PDA (personal digital assistant)[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 11 Connecting the T elevision Signal Using TV Cables Y our HP Media Center PC includes video and audio cables to connect the television signals. Use video and audio cables to connect: ■ Video out from the HP Media Center PC to the TV ■ TV signal source video in to the HP Media Center PC ■ Audio out from the H[...]

12 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Y ou may need to purchase extra cables separately . Y our HP Media Center PC box may not include all the cables you need for your PC setup and may var y by model. For example, you may want to use an S-video cable to connect the TV Out on the PC to your TV , if your TV has an S-video input connector . DVI-[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 13 Connecting the TV Signal Source Connect the signal source for the TV by using the TV In coaxial connector or the composite/S-video In connector . Plug the connector of a coaxial cable from your TV or from your TV cabl e into the TV/Cable Ant connector on the back of the PC, and then turn the connector to tighten[...]

14 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Connecting a dual tuner (Select models only) If your HP Media Center PC has the dual tuner option, you must connect a second set of inputs if you are using a cable or sate llite set-top box. If you are using a TV antenna or standard cable connector , the signal is routed to both tuners internally . Other [...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 15 Connecting the Remote Sensor The remote sensor is a small device that connects to the PC and allows the remote control to work with the Media Center program. 1 If you have a cable TV set-top box, a satellite set-top box, or other set-top box that controls your TV signal, connect the remote control sensor cable ([...]

16 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Connecting the TV Signal Source When Y ou Have an Existing Setup This section describes how to connect the PC to an existing setup for your TV signal source. W all to VCR to TV using coaxial cable Remove the coaxial cable at the input to the VCR, and connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal split[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 17 W all to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR to TV using coaxial cable Remove the coaxial cable at the input to the VCR, and connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal splitter (not included; available at electronics stores). Connect two coaxial cables to the splitter outputs. Connect one of thes[...]

18 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide W all to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR and TV using S-video cable or composite video cable between the box and the VCR or TV 1 Do not detach any cables from your existing setup. 2 Connect an additional cable: ■ Using S-video (not included): Connect an additional S-video cable to a second [...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 19 . A B D F G H M L K E E C A B D F G H C J E E N O P Add the PC Existing setup AW a l l BC a b l e o u t l e t C Set-top box/Satellite In D Set-top box/Satellite Out E S-video or composite cable FV C R I n GV C R O u t HT V I n J Add an S-video or composite cable with adapter K S-video In on back of PC L Remote c[...]

20 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Using the TV as a Monitor If your Media Center PC has TV -out capability (select models only), you can connec t it to a TV to view the PC image on a TV screen. With the TV -out feature, you can view the PC image, watch DVD movies, or play games on your TV . This is an optional feature. Cables for connecti[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 21 Connecting to a TV 1 T urn off the PC. 2 Connect the TV cable using one of the following arrangements, depending on the connection jacks on your TV . 3 If your TV has an S-video jack, connect an S-video cable ( A ) (not provided) from the S-video In jack on the TV to the S-video Out jack ( B ) on the back of the[...]

22 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for Optional Setup of Y our TV Display If your TV connects to th e system using a composite or S-video connection, the Media Center setup wizard cannot make automatic adjustment of settings for your TV display . This automatic adjustment is available during the Optional[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 23 Changing the Display for a GeForce Graphics Card 1 Follow the “Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for Optional Setup of Y our TV Display” on page 22. 2 Click the GeForce tab. 3 Click TV Settings . 4 Select the Device Adjustment button, and then you can select the various screen adjustment settings. 5 Click [...]

24 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Changing the Display for an A TI Catalyst Contr ol Center Graphics Card 1 Follow the “Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for Optional Setup of Y our TV Display” on page 22. 2 Right-click desktop and then select AT I Catalyst Control Center . 3 Click the A TI Catalyst Control Center button to open the[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 25 Viewing the PC image on the TV T o view your PC image on the TV: 1 Make sure the video and audio cables are connected before you turn on the TV and the PC. 2 T urn on the TV . Make sure the Video input setting is selected, not the TV setting. 3 Tu r n o n t h e P C . 4 When the Windows desktop appears, right-cli[...]

26 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Viewing the PC image on the TV using the A TI graphics card 1 Click the AT I Displays tab. This tab shows a monitor and a TV . The upper-left corner of each display icon is a button and a status indicator . A red corner indicates an inactive display; a green corner indicates an active display . 2 T o v ie[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 27 Enabling and Disabling the TV option using the A TI Displays Graphics Card When you want to disconnect the TV from the PC, you may need to disable the TV option to return your PC display to its original resolution. T o enable or disable the TV option to view your PC image on the original display: 1 Right-click a[...]

28 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Disconnecting the TV 1 Disable the TV option . See the previous procedure, “Viewing the PC image on the TV” on page 25. 2 T urn off the TV and the PC. 3 Remove the video cable from the TV and the PC. Changing your Display Using Windows XP 1 Right-click a free area of the Windows desktop, and choose Pr[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 29 Configuring Speaker and Sound Options HP Media Center PCs support many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker configurations. Y ou may set up your PC for two stereo speakers or for mu ltichannel audio speaker systems. Connect your speaker system to the PC, and then configure the audio softwa[...]

30 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Use the sound connectors th at match your PC model when installing cables, as shown in the installation procedure steps. The following table shows the sound connectors on the back panel of PC systems. Sound card connector Y our PC may include a sound card. Y ou can connect up to a 5.1 audio system (7.1 au[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 31 Speaker Configurations Y ou may set up your HP Media Center PC for the following suppor ted configurations: DM i c (pink) connects to microphone. ( Ty p e 3 : Also functions as center/subwoofer Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.) E Line In (light blue) connects to an analog audio [...]

32 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Speaker types Speakers may be included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately . Refer to the product documentation for your speakers. Y our PC suppor ts only an active (powered) speaker system. An active speaker system must have its own power cord. A home audio system does not requir[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 33 Connecting 2/2.1 (2 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers T o connect simple left/right stereo active speakers or two speakers and a subw oofer for 2.1 speaker output: 1 T urn off the PC. 2 Connect the speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your PC. 3 Connect the[...]

34 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Connecting 4.1 (4 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers T o connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer for four-channel (4.1 speaker) output: 1 T urn off the PC. . 2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your PC. 3 Connec[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 35 Connecting 5.1 (5 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers T o connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker , and a subwoofer for six-channel (5.1 speaker) output: 1 T urn off the PC. . 2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of yo[...]

36 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide The following diagram shows a ty pical 5.1 audio installation: Connecting 7.1 (7 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers (Select models only) T o connect two front speakers, two side speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker , and a subwoofer for eight-channel (7.1 speaker) output: 1 T urn off the PC[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 37 7 Connect the front, rear , side, and center speakers to the subwoofer . Refer to the speaker documentation. 8 Tu r n o n t h e P C . 9 Plug in the speaker system power . 10 T urn on the speaker system. 11 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC m[...]

38 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Y adapter cables Most home receiver/amplifi ers have RCA-type input connectors. Y ou may need to connect Y adapter cables between your PC and your receiver/ amplifier . Y adapter cables have one 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo mini-jack on one end and two RCA connectors on the other end. These cables are purchas[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 39 5.1 home audio installation The following diagram shows a typical advanced home theater audio six-channel 6/5.1 speaker installation that requires multichannel inputs on a receiver/amplifier . This is only a suggested configuration. Y our system may be different. PC to 5.1 multichannel audio system connectio[...]

40 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide 5.1 home audio installation procedure T o connect a six-channel (5 .1 speaker) home audio system to the PC: 1 T urn off the PC. 2 T urn off the receiver/amplifier . 3 Connect the front stereo mini-jack end of a Y adapter cable into the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your PC. [...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 41 Connecting Digital Audio (Select models only) If you have a sound card and you are connecting your home stereo A V receiv er via digital out, plug the 3.5 mm stereo plug into the Digital Out connector on the sound card. Connect the red RCA stereo plug on the 3.5 mm Y cable to the A V receiver’ s digital in[...]

42 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Configuring Audio Output Y ou can configure your speaker’ s audio output with the following software. Use the software that applies to your PC model: ■ Multi-channel Sound Manager (type 3 connectors) ■ Sound Effect Manager (type 6 connectors) ■ Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager (multi- streaming aud[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 43 3 Click Multi-channel Sound Manager . The Multi-channel Audio Configuration window opens with one of five control screens. ■ Sound Effect — Select the environment settings. ■ Equalizer — Equalize the audio frequencies. ■ Speaker Configuration — Select the number of speakers. An Audio Connector Sw[...]

44 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Enabling digital audio output with Mu lti-channel Sound Manager (optional) Y our PC must include a di gital audio out connector on the back panel. T o enable digital audio output: 1 Follow steps 1 through 5 of the previous procedure, “Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager .” 2 Plac[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 45 The Sound Effect Manager control screens ■ Sound Effect — selects the Environment and the Equalizer settings. Y ou can select an Environment such as Under W ater or Auditorium . T o use the Equalizer , click the Power button in the center of the circular equalizer control to turn on the Equalizer . Y ou [...]

46 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Retasking front-panel connectors T o retask using the Audio Wizard (type 6-connector): With the Audio W i zard enabled, both the microphone connector and the headphones connector on the front of the PC can be retasked to perform a different audio function. These two connectors are universal audio jacks. W[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 47 Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers. T o configure multichannel audio output for PCs with the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy sound card: 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Choose All Programs . 3 Choose Creative , SoundBlaster Audigy[...]

48 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Disabling digital audio output with Sound Effect Manager (optional) T o disable digital audio output: 1 Open the Sound Effect Manager: Click Start , Control Panel , Sounds, Speech and Audio , and then Sound Effect Manager . 2 Click Audio Wizard . A window opens displaying the connector panel on the front [...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 49 The Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager control screens ■ Sound Effect — selects the Environment and the Equalizer settings. Y ou can select an environment, such as Under W ater or Auditorium . T o use the Equalizer , click the Power button in the center of the circular equalizer control to turn it on. Y ou [...]

50 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Configuring sound for recording with the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager The microphone connector is ready to use for recording sound. If you want to use another connector for recording, such as the Digital Audio In connector , use these steps to select it: 1 Click Start on the taskbar; Control Panel , So[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 51 Audio output overview The front-panel audio output is the stereo headphone (green) connector only . The rear-p anel outputs ar e the speaker connectors that can be set up as mult i-channel out from stereo (2.0) to 7.1 (select mode ls only) configurations. Refer to your user documentation for powered speakers[...]

52 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Setting up multi-streaming audio Example 1: For Online Gaming T o configure multi-streamin g audio output for online gaming with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager , you must enable V oice-Over -IP software (software used to converse over the Inte rnet). Other players hear your voice from the microphone via [...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 53 Example 2: For Digital Home Entertainment T o configure multi-streaming audio output for digital home entertainment with Sound Effect Manager: 1 Connect the audio output connectors to: ■ A headphone set or powered speakers connected to the front Headphone Out (green) connector for stereo music playback. ?[...]

54 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player Follow these steps after you have installed, connected, and configured your speakers. The InterVideo W inDVD program (select models only) is set up for two-sp eaker (stereo) output. T o hear all speakers from DV D movies recorded with multichannel audio, chan[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 55 Using a 5.1 to 7.1 speaker system with headphones For select models that include a 5.1 or higher speaker system, a headphones connector is located on the right side of the control tower . If the control tower displays HP (for headphones), the headphones are enabled; the sound to the speakers and the subwoofe[...]

56 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Sound Card This section provides an over view of connecting to, configuring, and recording with the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card. Connecting the speakers T o connect the X-Fi Sound card to your speakers: 1 Use the audio connectio n table to connect your audi[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 57 Configuring the sound card software Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers to configure multi-channel audio output for PCs. 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Choose All Programs . 3 Choose Creative , SoundBlaster X-Fi and then click Creative Console Launcher . The Entertainmen[...]

58 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Configuring the FlexiJack connector The FlexiJack connector performs three functions: ■ Digital Input/Output ■ Line-In ■ Microphone Y ou must select the function in the Creative Console Launcher . 1 Connect your audio cable to the FlexiJack connector on the sound card (white). 2 Follow steps 1 throu[...]

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 59 Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes The Sound Blaster X-Fi so und card includes three modes: Audio Creation Mode, Entertainment Mode, and Game Mode. The main functions, such as speaker configuration, equalizer , and volume control, are available in all three modes. However , ea ch mode optimizes the sound[...]

60 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Using the Sound Blaster X-Fi documentation For additional information on configuring and using the sound card: 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Choose All Programs , Creative , SoundBlaster X-Fi , and then click Documentation . 3 Click Online Manual .[...]

Using the PC Hardware 61 Using the PC Hardware Using the Keyboard Y our PC may include a standard keyboard or a wireless keyboard. A standard keyboard connects to the keyboard connector in the back of the PC. A wireless keyboard (select models only) uses a receiver/transmitter , instead of a connector cable, to communicate with your PC. A light on [...]

62 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Media control or playback buttons Customizing the keyboard buttons 1 Click Start on the taskbar , choose Control Panel , and then click Printers and Other Hardware , if it is present. 2 Double-click Keyboard . 3 In the Keyboard Properties window that opens, click the Buttons tab. 4 On the Buttons tab, dou[...]

Using the PC Hardware 63 Using the Remote Control Use the remote control to open the Media Center program, and use it to view TV , record TV programs, play previously recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video. T o open Media Center using the remote control, simply point it at the remote sensor and press the Start button. Use the remote[...]

64 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote contr ol If a faint red light does n’t appear when you point the remote control at the remote sensor and press the OK button, tr y the following: 1 Click Start , right-click My Computer , and then select Properties . 2 Click the Hardware tab, and t[...]

Using the PC Hardware 65 Using the memory card reader 1 Insert the media into th e correct card slot on the reader until it stops. The activity light ( A ) on the memor y card read er lights, and the PC automatically detects the media. 2 An Autoplay window opens. Select a program to access your files. The PC opens a program so you can access the me[...]

66 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Card Insert the media 4-slot reader location CompactFlash T ype 1 media Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left) CompactFlash T ype II medi a Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left) IBM Microdrive disk drive Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left) Secure Digital (SD) memor y card Facing up D (upper-right) Mul[...]

Using the PC Hardware 67 T roubleshooting the memory card reader If you are having problems reading to or writing to a memor y card, tr y the following: ■ Some cards have a read/write or security switch on the card. Make sure the read/write switch is set to W rite Enabled before attempting to write data to it. ■ Make sure the amount of data you[...]

68 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Safely Remove Hardware Utility If you inadvertently open the Safely Remove Hardware window , click Close . If you click Stop while the USB Mass Storage Device is selected, the operating system will not recognize the memor y card reader . Y ou will need to restart the PC for it to recognize the memor y car[...]

Using the PC Hardware 69 Installing an HP Camera Docking Station Some HP Media Center PCs include a camera docking bay . This bay is designed to hold an HP camera docking station and some HP digital cameras. The following items are optional and can be purchased separately: ■ Camera docking station ■ Digital camera cables ■ PC camera docking b[...]

70 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide[...]

Using the PC Hardware 71 5 Connect the cables: ■ Plug the USB cable into the back of the PC. (The location of USB ports varies by PC model.) ■ Plug the red and yellow connectors (not shown) into a TV if you want to view the camera images on a TV (optional). ■ Plug the power cord into a power outlet. Refer to the instructions that came with th[...]

72 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Connecting the Wireless LAN (Select models only) Y ou can connect the HP Media Center PC to an 802.11b/g wireless network. An external antenna is supplied with your syst em. Y ou must connect this antenna to connect to th e wireless network. Y ou need an existing wireless LAN with an Internet connection ([...]

Index 73 Index A audio connector 7 audio connector switch 43 Audio Line Out (powered speakers) 7 digital audio connector 45 retasking (multi-streaming) 50 B batteries installing in remote control 63 type for remote control 63 buttons media control or playback 62 C cables connecting PC to TV 20 included 11 TV 11 camera docking station, installing 69[...]

74 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide I installing camera dock 69 camera docking station 69 Internet Internet service provider 3 signing up with an ISP 3 K keyboard connector 6 keys 61 using 61 keyboard buttons access 61 configuring 62 media playback 62 special 61 L LAN antenna 71 M Media Center opening with remote control 63 memory card read[...]

Index 75 S Safely Remove Hardware utility 68 safety information 2 ergonomic information 2 scanner, connecting 10 Secure Digital (SD) reader 65 serial port connector 6 settings remote control and remote sensor 64 SmartMedia (SM) reader 65 software installing 4 sound using additional sound cables 1 speaker systems 29 speakers configuring multichannel[...]

Part Number: 5991 - 4144[...]