HP Media Center PC manual

HP Media Center PC User ’ s Guide[...]

ii HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Hewlett-Packard Company ® makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. HP shall not be liable for e rrors contained[...]

iii T able of Contents W elcome ...................................................... 1 Safety Information ....................................... 2 Before you get started, please read this important safety information about your HP Media Center PC ....................... 2 AC Power Safety Warnings ......... ........................ ..............[...]

iv HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Remote Control .......................................... 81 What Can I Do with the Media Cent er Remote Control? .......... 81 Remote Control Buttons Overview .. ...................... ................. 82 Remote Control Buttons .......................................... .............. 85 My TV ...............[...]

v Upgrading and Servicing .......................... 181 Preparing the Computer .............. ........................ .............. 181 Removing the Side Panels .......... ....................... ................. 182 Replacing the Side Panels .......... ....................... ................. 183 Locating Components in the PC Ch assis .......[...]

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We l c o m e 1 We l c o m e W elcome to the exciting new HP Media Center PC experience! HP has combined the features of the HP Pavilion home PC with the Microsoft ® Win do ws ® XP Media Center Edition operating system to create a powerful enter tainment center for you. This PC includes an impressive sound system, a DVD+RW/+R player , a 7-In-1 mem[...]

2 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Safety Information Before you get started, please read this impor tant safety information about your HP Media Center PC. This product has not been evaluated for connection to an “IT” power system (an AC distribution system with no direct connection to earth, according to IEC 60950). AC Power Safety W arnings[...]

Safety Information 3 How to Use this Guide This guide can help you ge t started using your new PC right away . 1 Read “Safety Information” at the beginning of this book. 2 Identify the items included with your computer . Refer to “Inventor y” on page 6. 3 Follow the setup poster to connect your computer . See “Setting Up My PC” on page [...]

4 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Where Can I Find Information? Getting Help This guide can help you get started setting up your Media Center PC and using the Media Center program. Other sources of help are: Setup poster , in the computer box, shows how to connect your computer . For additional information and setup alternatives, refer to “Set[...]

Where Can I Find Information? 5 Help and Support HP provides many kinds of information and help for your PC. ■ Go to the HP Utility programs in the PC Help & T ools folder to run an application or as y s t e m r e c o v e r y . ■ Go to the Help and Support Center when you want to read about your computer , view tutorials, run tests, or get [...]

6 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Inventor y PC and Main Components AC o m p u t e r BP o w e r C o r d C Modem Cable D Documentation E Wireless Mouse (select models only) FM o u s e G Keyboard/Wireless Keyboard (wireless receiver not shown) Media Center Components H Remote control J Remote control sensor cable (emitter) K FM radio antenna (sele[...]

Inventor y 7 2.1 Speaker System Components Y our Media Center PC came with either the Klipsch or Altec Lansing set of 2.1 Speakers. If your PC came with 5.1 speakers, refer to “Connecting the Speakers” on page 27. A 2.1 Klipsch Subwoofer (power cord attached) B 2.1 Klipsch Speakers C 2.1 Klipsch Speaker cables D 2.1 Altec Lansing Subwoofer E 2.[...]

8 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Getting the Most Out of Media Center It is best to have the following items completed before tr ying to use the Media Center program; other wise, many of the pr ogram features won’t be available to you. Before using Media Center , make sure: ■ HP Media Center PC is set up correctly . For setup information, r[...]

Setting Up My PC 9 Setting Up My PC Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the computer . Connect the keyboard, mouse, speaker system, and remote sensor to the connections on the back of the PC. Match the colors. Y our connector locations and system components may var y . The following pages identify the location of components and connecto [...]

10 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Front of PC (Features and Locations May V ar y) A 1st Optical (CD or DVD+RW/+R) drive Eject button B 2nd Optical (CD or DVD+R W/+R) drive Eject button C Media Center Shortcut buttons (see following page for more information) D 7-In-1 memory card reader (Some PCs come with a 6-In-1 card reader) E Diskette (flopp[...]

Setting Up My PC 11 Media Center Shortcut Buttons Y our Media Center PC has five shortcut buttons on the front of the PC. Each button opens a window in Media Center . Button Media Center Shortcut Opens My TV window where you ca n watch and record TV programs. Opens the Program Guide where you can search for a TV program to watch or record. Opens th[...]

12 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Front connector ports (Features and Locations May V ar y) A S-video Input_2 connector B Composite video Input_2 connector (yellow) C Left Audio Input_2 connector (white) D Right Audio Input_2 connector (red) E FireWire  (IEEE 1394) connector F 2 USB 2.0 ports G Headphone (Audio Out) connector (green) H Micro[...]

Setting Up My PC 13 Back of PC (Features and Locations May V ar y) AP o w e r L E D B V oltage selector C Power Cord connector D PS/2 Mouse connector E PS/2 Keyboard connector F Serial port G Par allel por t H FireWire (IEEE 1394) port J 4 USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ports K LAN (Ethernet) L Microphone connector MA u d i o L i n e O u t N Modem [...]

14 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Connecting the Monitor Connect your monitor to th e PC. The monitor is not included with the PC. Re fer to the documentation that came with your monitor . Switching Display Devices When you connect more than one display device (CRT monitor , flat panel mo nitor , TV , etc.) to the PC, you can quickly change whe[...]

Setting Up My PC 15 Connecting the Printer or Scanner Connect peripheral devices to the PC one at a time. The printer or scanner is not included with the PC. Refer to the documentation that came with your device. Connecting to the Internet Through a Modem Connection Connect the telephone line to the modem, which is inside the computer . 1 Plug the [...]

16 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port (LAN) The network interface adapter (also called a network interface card, or NIC) connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub. Connect this adapter in your PC to your LAN (local area network) hub or any broadband connection. 1 Plug[...]

Setting Up My PC 17 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. For information on using the control cable in an existing setup, see “Optional Connections” on page 19. 1 If you have a cable TV set-top box, satellite, or other set-to[...]

18 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide Connecting the Signal Source This section describes conn ecting the signal source for TV . Connect the signal source for the TV by using the TV (in) coaxial connector or the S-VID IN (S-video) connector: ■ Plug the connector of a coaxial cable from your TV antenna or from your TV cable (wall or set-top box) i[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 19 Connecting the T elevision Signal Optional Connections Connecting the TV is optional and not required to enjoy Media Center . Using the TV Cables Y our PC comes with the fo llowing cables for the TV signal: ■ One coaxial cable (10 feet) ( A ). Use a coaxial cable for a BNC connector , such as the TV source sig[...]

20 hp media center pc user’ s guide Connecting the TV 1 Plug a cable into the TV OUT S-video ( A ) connector or the COMP ( A ) composite video connector on the back of the PC. If you use a composite video cable, you also need to use an S-video to composite video adapter cable. Choose the cable type you TV needs. 2 Plug the other end of the cable [...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 21 Connecting the TV Signal Source When Yo u H a v e a n E x i s t i n g S e t u p 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 sign[...]

22 hp media center pc user’ s guide 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 the[...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 23 A B C E F G H J K N M L C C D A B E F G H D C C C C Add the PC with a splitter Existing Setup AW a l l B Cable C Coaxial Cable D Set-top box/satellite In E Set-top box/satellite Out FV C R I n GV C R O u t HT V I n J Splitter In K Splitter Out L TV (in) On back of PC[...]

24 hp media center pc user’ s 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 cable (not included): Connect an additional S-video cable to a second [...]

Connecting the T elevision Signal 25 A B D F G H M L K E E C A B D F G H C J Add the PC with a splitter Existing Setup AW a l l BC a b l e 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-VID IN on back of PC L Remote sensor cont[...]

26 hp media center pc user’ s guide Enabling TV Out Image for nV idia Graphics Card Y ou must enable the TV out image in order to view Media Center using your TV . Skip these steps if you are not using a television. 1 Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See “Connecting the TV” on page 20. 2 Tu r n o n t h e T V. 3 If you have Media Cent[...]

Connecting the Speakers 27 Connecting the Speakers Speaker Systems Speaker systems are not included with all PC models. Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system. The 2.1 speaker system an d the 5.1 speaker system are powered by the sound ca rd that has a suite of software applications from Creative. Creative PlayCenter 3 is an in[...]

28 hp media center pc user’ s guide 5.1 Audio Connectors (Select Models Only) The audio connectors on th e back of the PC include analog and digital outputs as well as a microphone and an audio input. Refer to “5.1 Speaker System” on page 31 for more information. AL i n e o u t (light orange) for the central/subwoofer speaker , connects to an[...]

Connecting the Speakers 29 2.1 Klipsch Speaker System 1 Put the rubber feet on the bottom of the speakers. 2 Place the two speakers on the left and right of your monitor or TV . 3 Connect the green (or black) connector from the speakers to the Line-Out connector ( A ) on the back of the PC. 4 Connect the Preamp Input connector to the Preamp Input c[...]

30 hp media center pc user’ s guide 2.1 Altec Lansing Speaker System 1 Put the rubber feet on the bottom of the speakers. 2 Place the two speakers on the left and right of your monitor or TV . 3 Connect the green (or black) connector from the speakers to the Line-Out connector ( D ) on the back of the PC. 4 Connect the orange connector from the s[...]

Connecting the Speakers 31 5.1 Speaker System Y o ur PC ma y h av e a so un d c ar d w i th c o nn ec to rs on the back of the PC for analog and digital audio outputs (Line out – 1; Line out – 2; and Line out – 3); a microphone; and an audio input (Line in). If your PC has a sound card with these connectors, perfor m the procedures in the nex[...]

32 hp media center pc user’ s guide Connecting Multi-channel Audio Speakers to the PC If your PC has multi-channel speakers capability (select models only), you can connect speakers for 4-channel or 6-channel output. Y ou must connect your speaker system to th e PC, and then configure the audio software for sound output. Y our PC may include the [...]

Connecting the Speakers 33 Configure Multi-Channel Audio for Sound Manager T o configure multi-channel audio output for PCs with Multi-channel Sound Manager: 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Choose All Programs . 3 Choose Music and then click Multi- channel Sound Manager . The Multi- channel Audio Configuration window opens. 4 Click the Speaker Con[...]

34 hp media center pc user’ s guide Configure Multi-Channel Audio Output T o configure multi-channel audio output for PCs with Creative SoundBlaster Audigy: 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Choose All Programs . 3 Choose Creative , Sound Blaster Audigy 2 , and then click Creative Speaker Settings . The speaker window opens. 4 Select your speakers[...]

Connecting the Speakers 35 Using the Microphone Y our PC comes with a microphone connector on the back of the PC. The microphone connector is pink and is labeled with a microphone icon. It is already set up to work as soon as you plug in your microphone. Using the Headphones Y ou can connect headphones to Line out-1 (lime green) on the back of th e[...]

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Starting My PC 37 Star ting My PC Starting the PC for the First Time After you’ve completed co nnecting the components of your PC by using the setup poster steps, you are ready to turn on the computer . 1 Press the Power button on the monitor . 2 Press the On button ( A ) on the front of the PC. 3 Follow the onscreen instructions for the initial [...]

38 hp media center pc user’ s guide Media Center PC Desktop View The Media Center PC desktop has shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need. T o find out more information about a program, click its icon. n Yo u r M e d i a C e n t e r PC desktop may not appear exactly like the one displayed here.[...]

Starting My PC 39 Using the Start Menu T o open the Start menu, click the Start button. Use this menu to: ■ Open Media Center by clicking Start on the taskbar , choose All Pr ograms , Accessories , Media Center , and then click Media Center again. ■ Select programs or documents. ■ Open the Help and Support Center . ■ Start a search. ■ Run[...]

40 hp media center pc user’ s guide Software Programs Select Models Only HP provides software prog rams and offers to help you use and enjoy your new computer . T o open a program, click its icon on the desktop (select programs) or click Start , choose All Programs , and then click the folder or program name. Programs and offers may change. Inter[...]

Starting My PC 41 Norton AntiV irus 2003 (Symantec/ NA V2002 ) is the Symantec Nor ton AntiVirus™ program that scans for viruses and protects your PC by removing them. Norton of fers free virus definition updates through your Internet connection for 60 days after your PC purchase. Y ou can purchase a subscription ser vice for updat es after your [...]

42 hp media center pc user’ s guide Manual Standby Mode Putting the PC into Standby Y ou can put the PC in Standby in several ways: ■ Press the Standby button on the keyboard. ■ Press the Standby button on the remote control. ■ Briefly press the On button on the front of the PC. The screen goes dark, and the computer goes into standby mode.[...]

Starting My PC 43 Manual Hibernation Mode Hibernation differs from standby . When the PC enters standby , it is still active and able to respond to scheduled activities. When the PC enters hibernation, it copies ever ything currently displayed and on the desktop to the hard disk and then turns itself off. 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Click Tu r[...]

44 hp media center pc user’ s guide Automatic Standby or Hibernation Mode T o automatically put the computer into standby or hibernation mode when the PC is idle, modify the power management settings: 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Click Control Panel . 3 Click Performance and Maintenance , if it is present. 4 Double-click Power Options . 5 Cli[...]

Starting My PC 45 Installing Software After you turn on the PC th e first time and restar t it, you can install any software programs that came on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box (select models only). Y ou may wish to install additional software programs or hardware devices on your PC. Restart the PC after installation. Choose software that is c[...]

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Using the PC Hardware 47 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 [...]

48 hp media center pc user’ s guide Special Keyboard Buttons Access buttons Icon Feature Description Standby Puts PC into or out of power-saving mode. May take 10–30 seconds before screen reappears. user User Log off or switch between PC users. hp HP Links to an HP W eb site. ? Help Opens the Help and Support Center . photo HP Picture T oolkit [...]

Using the PC Hardware 49 Internet buttons shopping spor ts finance connect search chat e-mail Icon Feature Description Shopping Goes to a popular shopping W e b site. Can be reconfigured to open any W eb site or software program. Sports Goes to a popular sports W eb si te. Can be reconfigured to open any W eb site or software program. Finance Goes [...]

50 hp media center pc user’ s guide Media Control or Playback Buttons Button Function eject1 Opens or closes upper optical drive tray . eject2 Opens or closes lower optical drive tray . rec Opens RecordNow! program. stop Stops media. play/pause Plays or pauses media. prev Rewinds media. next Fast-for wards media. volume knob Controls speaker volu[...]

Using the PC Hardware 51 Configuring 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 Double-click the button you want to change. The button configuration window op[...]

52 hp media center pc user’ s guide Dragging and dropping Y ou can click and drag an item to move it. 1 Left-click the item, and then press and hold down the left mouse button. 2 Move the mouse to position the cursor; the item is dragged along. 3 T o drop the item into place, release the button. If you press and hold do wn the right mouse button [...]

Using the PC Hardware 53 Autoscrolling 1 Place the cursor in the document next to the text where you want to begin scrolling and press the wheel button once. An autoscroll icon appears. 2 T o begin autoscrolling, move the mouse in the direction you want to scroll. The farther you move the pointer from the starting point, the faster the document scr[...]

54 hp media center pc user’ s guide Wireless Keyboard Set (Select Models Only) A wireless keyboard uses a receiver/transmitter unit ( A ) instead of a connector cable to communicate with your PC. The wireless keyboard ( B ), mouse ( C ), and receiver set is availabl e with select models only . For more information about installing your wireless k[...]

Using the PC Hardware 55 Remote Control Use the remote control to open the Media Center program, and use it to view television, record television programs, play previously recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video. See “Remote Control” on page 81 for detailed instructions on using the features of the remote control. T o use the rem[...]

56 hp media center pc user’ s guide Install the remote control batteries 1 Slide the batter y cover off the back of the remote control. 2 Insert the two AA batteries (provided). 3 Replace the batter y cover . n Use alkaline batteries in the remote control.[...]

Using the PC Hardware 57 CD and DVD Drives Y our PC comes with one or two of the following optical drives: ■ CD-RW (cd writer plus) ■ DVD-ROM ■ DVD+RW/+R (dvd writer) ■ Combo DVD/CD-RW (dvd/cd writer plus) Handling a CD or DVD T o avoid damaging CDs or DVDs, follow these guidelines: ■ Return the disc to th e case when you are finished usi[...]

58 hp media center pc user’ s guide DVD-ROM Drive The DVD-ROM drive can play movie DVDs and music CDs, read data DVDs and CDs, and run CD-based and DVD-based software programs. Using the DVD-ROM drive When you insert a disc into the DVD-ROM drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc. ■ If you insert a software program or data CD[...]

Using the PC Hardware 59 DVD W riter The dvd writer is a DVD+RW/+R drive. It can play movie DVDs and music CDs, read data CDs and DVDs, and record files to DVD+RW , DVD+R, CD-R, and CD-RW discs. Using the DVD W riter When you insert a disc into the dvd writer drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc. ■ If you insert a software p[...]

60 hp media center pc user’ s guide Opening the RecordNow! program RecordNow! is a program that copies and creates CDs and DVDs using your CD W riter or DVD Writer drives. 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Choose All Programs . 3 Choose CD (DVD) Recorder . 4 Choose RecordNow! 5 Click RecordNow! again. For information about recording onto CDs, refe[...]

Using the PC Hardware 61 7-In-1 Memory Card Reader (Select Models Only) The 7-In-1 memor y card reader can read and write seven types of memor y me dia. Y ou can use these memor y cards to import pictures from digital cameras or to share data between other card readers. A SmartMedia B In-use light (indicates data is being read or written) C MMC/SD [...]

62 hp media center pc user’ s guide Formatting a memory card If you have not used the memor y card, you may need to format it first. 1 Insert the media into the correct card slot on the reader until it stops and locks into place. The light on the re ader lights, and the computer automatically detects the media. 2 Click Start , and then click My C[...]

Using the PC Hardware 63 Using the 7-In-1 memory card reader If you have not used the memor y card, you may need to format it first. See “Formatting a memor y card” on page 62. 1 Insert the media into th e correct card slot on the reader until it stops and locks into place. The light on the reader lights, and the computer automatically detects [...]

64 hp media center pc user’ s guide Understanding the 7-In-1 Memory Card Reader Special Note about the Safely Remove Hardware utility If you inadvertently open the Safely Remove Hardware window , click Close . Understanding the in-use light The 7-In-1 memor y card re ader in-use light is off when there are no media cards plugged into the four slo[...]

Using the PC Hardware 65 Using the Digital Camera Dock (Select Models Only) Some HP Media Center PCs come with a camera docking bay designed to hold an HP camera docking station (model 8886) and several HP digital cameras which are purchased separately . T o install the HP camera docking station refer to “Installing an HP Camera Docking Station?[...]

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Using Media Center 67 Using Media Center Getting Started with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition With Media Center you can play all kinds of audio, video, and picture media by using a specially designed remote control. When using the remote control and the Media Center program, you can: ■ W atch, record, and play back television programs. [...]

68 hp media center pc user’ s guide ■ Navigate the Media Center program by using either the remote control or the mouse and keyboard. ■ W atch TV or a DVD movie while doing other tasks on your computer . ■ Record your TV shows automatically while you are doing something else. ■ Quickly open specific windows in Media Center by using the sh[...]

Using Media Center 69 Opening Media Center T o open the Media Center program: ■ Press the Start button on your remote control. Or ■ Click Start on the taskbar , and then click Media Center . Or ■ Click the Media Center icon on your desktop. Y ou can create a Media Center shortcut icon by clicking and dragging the Media Center icon in the Star[...]

70 hp media center pc user’ s guide Navigating Media Center In the Media Center windows, a selected item such as a folder , file, or menu item is outlined with a green border . T o select items in Media Center , use the arrow buttons on the remote co ntrol, and then use the OK button to enter your selection. If you have media playin g, such as mu[...]

Using Media Center 71 Media Center Start Menu A Log off to end your Media Center session or to switch users B Use media playback controls C Open Media Center Star t menu D Go back one screen E Open Media Center Help F Minimize Media Center window G Resize Media Center window H Close Media Center window J Play FM radio stations KW a t c h y o u r h [...]

72 hp media center pc user’ s guide Setting PC Location for Program Guide During the initial setup of the PC, you specify your PC countr y/region location . Media Center uses this information to select the countr y/region for the Program Guide. The Media Center PC uses United States as the PC location by default. If you did not select your correc[...]

Using Media Center 73 Media Center Setup The first time you open Media Center , a setup wizard opens. Use the setup wizard to test your remote control and to configure your Internet connection, TV signal, and Program Guide. The Media Center setup wizard may take approximately 10 to 40 minutes to complete. T o complete the setup wizard you need to: [...]

74 hp media center pc user’ s guide Using the Media Center Setup Wizard It is best to complete each step in the Media Center setup wizard to be able to use all the features in Media Center . Y ou can select to bypass these steps and complete them later in the Settings window in Media Center . Press the Start button on the remote control. The Medi[...]

Using Media Center 75 2 Select download method for your Internet connection In this step, you select options for your Internet connection so that Media Center can download and update your Program Guide and display information about your music CDs and other media. a Y ou can have Media Center automatically download the Guide when connected, or you c[...]

76 hp media center pc user’ s guide 3 Set up T elevision Signal This step makes sure your computer receives the correct TV signal and the correct Program Guide information. If yo u have a set-top box, the setup wizard programs your remote control to work with yo ur set-top box so that you can view premium channels. Make sure the TV signal source [...]

Using Media Center 77 4 Set up Program Guide An Internet connection is needed to complete this step. If your computer isn’t connected to the Internet or if Media Center hasn’t configured your ISP information in step 2, you will see No data available in the Program Guide. T o set this up later , select Settings from the Media Center Start menu, [...]

78 hp media center pc user’ s guide Media Center Menu bars When you move the mouse, the Media Center menu bars appear . When you use the remote control, or when you stop using the mouse (after 5 seconds), the menu bars disappear . Y ou can switch to the desk top at any time without closing or minimizing Media Center . Y ou don’t need to mini mi[...]

Using Media Center 79 Setting Media Center as the Automatic CD Player When you insert a CD whil e Media Center is active, your CD plays automaticall y after a few seconds. If you are not in Media Center , Windows asks you what you want to do with the CD. T o avoid this message, you can select Media Center as the primar y program to play CDs. T o se[...]

80 hp media center pc user’ s guide Front of computer Y ou can use the shortcut bu ttons on the front of the PC to open Media Center when the computer is already turned on. The shortcut buttons on th e front of the PC are TV , Guide, Music, Pictures, and Videos. The front of your PC may display text or icons. Keyboard The keyboard shortcut button[...]

Remote Control 81 Remote Contr ol What Can I Do with the Media Center Remote Control? Y ou r r em ote co nt ro l is de sig ne d t o w ork wi th Me dia Center . Y ou can use your remote control with Media Center to play CDs, DVDs, and videos, to view pictures, and to watch and record television programs. This remote control helps you navigate the Me[...]

82 hp media center pc user’ s guide Remote Control Buttons Overview Features and location may vary . A Standby puts the PC into and out of a power reduced state. B DVD Menu opens main menu on a DVD movie, if available. CM u s i c opens My Music window . DR a d i o opens FM Radio window . ER e c o r d records selected television program and stores[...]

Remote Control 83 QT V opens My TV window . RP i c t u r e s opens My Pictures window . SV i d e o s opens My V ideos window . TP l a y plays selected media. US t o p stops media currently playing. V FWD (Fast for ward) moves media for ward at 3 speeds. WS k i p moves media for ward, for example, 30 seconds in videos and live TV , or one music trac[...]

84 hp media center pc user’ s guide T o begin using your remote control: 1 Point the remote control at the remote sensor . The remote sensor should be located near your monitor or in a convenient place. Make sure there is nothing blocking the pathway between your remote co ntrol and the remote sensor . 2 T o start Media Center and to open the Med[...]

Remote Control 85 Remote Control Buttons Direct access buttons The direct access buttons open the main Media Center windows. Button Function DVD Menu Opens the Play DVD main menu wher e you can play your DVD movies. TV Opens the My TV window where you can watc h and record TV , open your television program guide, schedule future TV recordin gs, and[...]

86 hp media center pc user’ s guide Standby button The Standby button puts the computer into and out of a power reduced state, called standby , which runs the computer with minimal power until you give it a command. T o take the computer out of standby , press the Standby button for at least one to two seconds on the remote control. It is recomme[...]

Remote Control 87 Media playback buttons These buttons allow you to play back picture slide shows, music files, play lists, music CDs, DVD movies, home videos, and li ve TV , from within the Media Center program. Button Function Record Records TV programs. The Record button works only when My TV is used to play a TV show . It is inactive when other[...]

88 hp media center pc user’ s guide Navigation and other direct access buttons These buttons allow you to move the cursor and to select actions within the Media Center windows. Button Function Back Returns to the previous window . Guide Opens the electronic T elevision Program Guide. Arrows Move between menus, windows, or activities. Mo ves the c[...]

Remote Control 89 Audio and Video buttons The audio and video buttons change channels, adjust volume, and show details of selected media. Button Function Vo l u m e (+ and –) Increases or decreases PC volume. More Info Displays media information. Some media may not include this information. This button displays details such as TV progra m summar [...]

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My TV 91 My TV What Can I Do in My TV? The Media Center PC acts as a digital video recorder (DVR) which works with the Media Center remote control so you can watch and record TV programs at your own convenience and pace. In My TV you can: ■ W atch your favorite television programs in full screen mode or in an inset window . ■ Pause, stop, rewin[...]

92 hp media center pc user’ s guide Wa t c h i n g T V Before you can watch TV by using Media Center , make sure: ■ Y our computer is set up correctly for your TV signal source. Refer to the setup poster for more information. ■ Y ou have completed the Media Center setup wizard. T o watch a television program 1 Press the TV button on the remot[...]

My TV 93 Using Remote Control in My TV Remote Control button Action T o freeze the live TV image, press Pa use. While paused, My TV continues to record a pause buffer for up to 30 minutes. T o resume watching TV where you left off, press Play . T o stop live TV or a recorded program, press Stop once. T o resume watching the program, press Play . T [...]

94 hp media center pc user’ s guide W atching Live TV Using the Digital Video Recorder When you open the My TV window and begin watching live TV , Media Center begins recording the selected program in the background for up to 30 minutes. This allows you to use your remote control to stop, pause, rewind, and fast for ward live TV programs within a[...]

My TV 95 Using the T elevision Pr ogram Guide In the Guide, you can scro ll through a list of the current television programs and channels available from your television se r vice provider . The Guide displays the channel and ne twork, as well as the program title, scheduled time block, and a brief description of the program. The number of days dis[...]

96 hp media center pc user’ s guide Downloading the T elevision Pr ogram Guide Y ou have three options to download the television program guide: ■ Automatically connect and download the guide at a specified ti me each day . Some Internet Ser vice Providers may not suppor t this option. ■ Manually connect to the Internet, and Media Center auto[...]

My TV 97 Changing Y our Postal Code to Receive the Correct T elevision Program Guide 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select Settings , TV , Guide , and then select Reset Guide lineup . 3 Select Next , and follow onscreen instructions. 4 Enter your postal code, and then select Next . 5 T o download your provider information, and th[...]

98 hp media center pc user’ s guide Adding Missing Channels to Guide Some program channels are seasonal and don’ t appear in the Guide all th e time. T o add the names and numbers of the television channels you are missing or to change th e associations between channel numbers and lineups: 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Selec[...]

My TV 99 Searching for Programs in My TV T o find a TV program, you can enter a title, keyword, or select a categor y in your Guide by using your remote control. T o search for a TV program 1 Press the Start button on the remote control (select models only), select My TV , and then select Search . 2 Select Title . Use the numeric keypad on your rem[...]

100 hp media center pc user’ s guide Searching for TV programs using categories Y ou can search the Guide to find a TV program by selecting a categor y using your remote control. T o search for a TV program 1 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV , and then select Search . 2 Select Categories . Select a categor y of program t[...]

My TV 101 Recording TV Programs Media Center allows you to record TV programs so that you can watch them when it is convenient. Y ou can record the program you are watching, or you can record a future prog ram or series from the Guide, the Search, or the Recorded TV window in My TV . After you have sche duled the recording of several programs or se[...]

102 hp media center pc user’ s guide Recording TV tips ■ If you are watching live TV during a scheduled recording time, you can watch only the program being recorded. If you change channels, recording stops. ■ If you go to another area in Media Center , the TV channel you last selected will be displayed in the inset window at the bottom of th[...]

My TV 103 Recording TV from the Guide T o record a current or futu re program or series from the Guide: 1 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV , and then select Guide . 2 T o find the program you want to record, use the arrow buttons on th e remote control, and then select the program. Y ou can also press the numeric keypad on[...]

104 hp media center pc user’ s guide Recording TV from Search Y ou can find a program to record based on a keyword such as an actor or director name, program title, or a categor y (select models only). T o record a current or future program or series using Search: 1 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV , and then select Sear[...]

My TV 105 Recording manually Recording a program manually allows you to select a specific date, channel, and recording time period. For some programs, you may want to begin recording before the scheduled beginning and after the scheduled ending of the program. T o manually record a program or series from Recorded TV : 1 Press the Start button on th[...]

106 hp media center pc user’ s guide My TV Settings In the My TV Settings window , you can change several settings that control how Media Center plays and records TV programs, as well as how it plays DVDs. For more information about My TV settings, refer to “Media Center Settings” on page 167. For more information about advanced recording fea[...]

My TV 107 Recorded TV History Recorded TV Histor y displays a list of programs which weren’t recorded and why they weren’ t recorded. In the Recorded TV Histor y window , you can: ■ Find out which programs were recorded and which were canceled. ■ Display errors for scheduled TV programs.The program may have been in conflict with another and[...]

108 hp media center pc user’ s guide Recorded TV Recorded TV is the storage place for all your recorded programs. In the Recorded TV window , you can sort your programs by name, date, or categor y . Y ou can also delete a recorded program or series of programs an d check for any recording errors. Playing a recorded program T o find and play a rec[...]

My TV 109 Playing Recorded TV Programs 1 Click Start on the taskbar , and then click My Computer . 2 Double-click the Shared Documents folder . 3 Double-click the Recorded TV folder . 4 Double-click your Microsoft Recorded TV program file. A thumbnail picture of your recorded TV program is displayed by default. 5 T o view your recorded TV program, [...]

110 hp media center pc user’ s guide About Recording Errors A recording error means that a program scheduled to record was not recorded. This can occur for several reasons. If your PC was turned off and not in standby mode during the time the program was scheduled to record, or if there was a recording conflict with another scheduled program, a r[...]

My TV 111 Important information about recorded TV programs When you replace the hard disk drive, you lose any files or software that you cr eated, saved, or installed on the PC. Y ou also lose a special code that Microsoft includes in the files of the recorded TV programs. Without the code, Media Center will not play the TV programs previously reco[...]

112 hp media center pc user’ s guide Deleting a Scheduled Program or Series T o prevent recording conflicts, you may need to delete a program or series that is scheduled to be recorded. 1 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV , Recorded TV , and then select Scheduled . 2 Use the arrow buttons to select the program title you d[...]

My TV 113 Blocking Unwanted TV Programs and Movies (Select Models Only ) If you set Media Center to block unrated channels, an error could occur . It is recommended that you make sure this option is not selected. To d o t h i s : 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select Settings , General , and then select Parental control . 3 Enter[...]

114 hp media center pc user’ s guide Setting Caption Display (Select Models Only) If you set Media Center to display captions while in window mode (not full-screen mode), the window or the caption text may flash as the text scrolls in the window . T o fix this problem, change the display to full-screen mode or turn off the caption display option.[...]

My TV 115 Safeguarding Y our Recorded TV Programs Most television broadc asters do not encr ypt programs, so a recording can be played on any Media Center PC. A recording of a broadcaster- encr ypted TV program, thou gh, can be played only on the PC that recorded it. T o protect your ability to play recorded TV programs , follow the instructions in[...]

116 hp media center pc user’ s guide 5 Click the Advanced Mode link near the middle of the window . 6 At the top of the Backup Utility window , click To o l s and select Options . 7 Click the Exclude Files tab. 8 In the Files excluded for all users box, put your cursor over the vertical line between File Name and Application in the title bar , an[...]

My TV 117 14 In the left box, click the plus sign ( + ) for Local Disk (C:) . The file tree expan ds. Click the plus sign ( + ) for Documents and Settings, click the plus sign ( + ) for All Users, and then click the DRM box so a check mark appears. 15 Scroll down the list and click the System State box so a check mark appears. 16 At the bottom of t[...]

118 hp media center pc user’ s guide Use the Code Key Backup CD After System Recovery 1 Insert the backup CD you made into a drive. The drive window opens and shows the disc contents. Or If the window doesn’t open automatically , click Start , My Computer , and then right- click the drive icon to view the contents of your backup disc. 2 Double-[...]

My TV 119 Managing Hard Disk Space The space available for recording TV programs depends on your hard disk allocation, drive size, and default recording quality selections. Y our PC requires a certain amount of space to run your Windows XP operating system, run software programs, and store data files. If your hard disk drive becomes full, it may af[...]

120 hp media center pc user’ s guide Using the Disk Cleanup Utility 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Choose All Programs , Accessories , System To o l s , and then Disk Cleanup . 3 Select HP Pavilion (C:) and then click OK . 4 Select the type of file s you want to delete. 5 Click OK . Adjusting System Restore settings 1 Click Start on the taskbar[...]

My TV 121 About Recorded TV Storage Space Settings Y our recording settings affect how much hard disk space is available for future recordings. 80 GB Hard Disk 120 GB Hard Disk n The storage amounts on your PC may vary from the amounts displayed here.[...]

122 hp media center pc user’ s guide Recording quality and hard disk storage space The space available for recording TV programs depends on your hard disk size, the percentage of hard disk space allocated to recorded TV , and the recording quality setting. T o get the maximum recording time, change the recording quality to Fair instead of the def[...]

My TV 123 T o display hard disk drive space 1 Click Start on the taskbar . 2 Right-click My Computer . 3 Click Manage . 4 Double-click Storage . 5 Double-click Disk Management (Local) . Information displays for ea ch drive on your PC. Y ou may need to scroll the window to the right to see the capacity and the free space sizes. T o uninstall program[...]

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My Music 125 My Music What Can I Do in My Music? The My Music window in Media Center works with Windows Media Player to fi nd and play your music files and CDs. Y ou can use Windows Media Player to create your music librar y and then use Media Center to find and play your music using your remote control. In My Music you can: ■ Play music CDs. Ski[...]

126 hp media center pc user’ s guide What Can I Do in Windows Media Player? Windows Media Player allows you to copy digital music files and organize a music librar y that you can access by using the My Music window in Media Center . Y ou can: ■ Create playlists of your favorite songs. ■ Create a music librar y by copying tracks from CDs or ad[...]

My Music 127 Using Supported File T ypes for My Music Y ou can play the following types of digital audio files in Media Center . Y ou can also select Media Center as the default player for any of the listed file types. Refer to Windows Media Player Help for more information about supported file types. Using Remote Control in My Music n For more inf[...]

128 hp media center pc user’ s guide Creating Y our Music Librar y When you add music files to your music librar y , they are placed into your My Music folder in Windows Explorer and in the Media Librar y in Windows Media Player . Y ou can also find them in Media Center . Adding music files 1 Click Start on the taskbar , choose All Pr ograms , an[...]

My Music 129 Searching Computer for Music Files Y ou may have already copied and organized your music files on your hard dr ive. If so, you need to add them to the Windows Media Player Library to access them with the Media Center . T o add music files that are stored in your My Music or Shared Music folder on your hard drive: 1 Click Start on the t[...]

130 hp media center pc user’ s guide Adding CD T racks to the Music Librar y T o add the CD tracks to your Media Center music librar y: 1 Press the Start button on the remote control, and then select My Music . 2 Insert a CD into the CD drive. 3 Select the CD you want to copy from the My Music main window . 4 Select Copy CD . The first time you c[...]

My Music 131 Playing Digital Music Files When you first open the Me dia Center and open the My Music window , you may not find any music files listed unless there is a musi c CD in your CD drive or unless you have already adde d audio files to your Windows Media Player Library . If you don’t have any music files listed, you need to add music file[...]

132 hp media center pc user’ s guide Finding Music Files in My Music After you have added and organized files in Windows Media Player Library , you can browse through your music files in the My Music window . Y ou can search for music file s by album title, artist, song title, or music genr e. Y ou can also use the search feature to quickly find [...]

My Music 133 Playing a Song Y ou can play a song from anywhere in My Music. Y ou can select it from the View Song list, or from the Album, Artist, and Genre lists. Y ou can also play a single song from a playlist: 1 In the My Music window , select Songs . The list displays all the songs in your media librar y . 2 Use the arrow buttons to select a s[...]

134 hp media center pc user’ s guide Finding and Playing an Album 1 In the Media Center Start menu, select My Music , and then select Albums . 2 T o organize all of the al bums available, select View by list or View by c ov er . 3 T o select an album, use the arrow buttons, and then press OK on the re mote control. Y ou can also select: ■ Shuff[...]

My Music 135 Creating a Playlist A playlist is a customized li st of digital music files. Using playlists, you can group various digital music files together and determine the order in which you want the files to play . Y ou can create a playlist that includes several tracks fr om various CDs or even a playlist that contains background music for a [...]

136 hp media center pc user’ s guide Selecting a Visualization T o select which visualization to display when you play a song: 1 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My Music . 2 Select Settings . 3 Select Select Visualizations . 4 Select the visualizations you want by placing a check mark next to each one. 5 Select Save . 6 Selec[...]

My Pictures 137 My Pictures What Can I Do in My Pictures? The My Pictures window in Media Center is a great way to view , edit, and print your pictures. In My Pictures, you can: ■ View and scroll through pictures that are in the My Pictures or Shared Pictures folders by using your remote control or your keyboard and mouse. ■ View pictures indiv[...]

138 hp media center pc user’ s guide Using Supported File T ypes for My Pictures Y ou can view the following types of image files in Media Center . About viewing pictures in Media Center ■ Only supported image file types are displayed in My Pictures. Unsupported files are skipped in a slide show . ■ Folder icons appear even if the images insi[...]

My Pictures 139 Using Remote Control in My Pictures Display picture information Use the More Info button to display information about the selected picture, such as file name, location, date modified, and the picture resolution. Navigate your pictures Use the Back button to go back to the previous window . Use the arrow buttons to display the next o[...]

140 hp media center pc user’ s guide Organizing Y our Pictures For Media Center to find and display your pictures, they can be stored in several places: ■ The My Pictures folder on your computer . ■ The Shared Pictures folder on your computer . ■ On other removable media such as a memor y card, a DVD-ROM, or a CD-ROM. When you save pictures[...]

My Pictures 141 4 Locate your picture files and move them to My Pictures folder . a Click Start , My Computer , and then select the drive or removable device where your pictures are located. b Click and drag your photos to your My Pictures folder . c Y ou can add, delete, rename, and organize your picture files into specific folders within My Pictu[...]

142 hp media center pc user’ s guide To s o r t p i c t u r e s T o organize your pictures by date or by name: 1 Select My Pictures on the Media Center Start menu. 2 Select the folder of pictures you want to sort. If you want to sort all your pictures, do not select a folder . 3 Select Sort by date or select Sor t by name . V iewing Pictures as a[...]

My Pictures 143 T urning On or Off Photo Captions A caption displays the file name or title and the date the file was created or edited, whichever is first. 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select My Pictures . 3 Select Settings . 4 Select the Show caption check box and then press OK. 5 Select Save , and then press OK. Rotating pic[...]

144 hp media center pc user’ s guide Editing pictures T o fix red eye or cont rast in your picture: 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select My Pictures . 3 Select the picture you want to edit. 4 Press the More Info button on the remote control. 5 Select To u c h u p . 6 Select Red eye or Contrast and then press OK. 7 After you se[...]

My Pictures 145 Setting up your printer 1 Connect your printer to the PC and install the printer drivers for your printer , if necessar y . Follow the instructions that came with your printer . 2 Click Start on the taskbar , and then click Printers and Faxes . 3 Right-click your printer icon and then click Set as Default . A check mark appears next[...]

146 hp media center pc user’ s guide Zoom In and Pan Across a Picture 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select My Pictures . 3 Select the picture you want to view . 4 T o zoom in 150%, press the OK button on the remote control. T o zoom in 225%, press OK again. 5 T o pan across the pictur e while the picture is magnified, press th[...]

My Pictures 147 Using HP Image Zone HP Image Zone is an easy to use software program for managing your still photos, scanned images, and video clips. It provides all the tools you need for viewing, organizing, editing, printing, sharing, and protecting your digital images. T o open HP Image Zone: 1 Double-click the HP Image Zone icon on your deskto[...]

148 hp media center pc user’ s guide HP Image Zone tabs and buttons T ab or button Description My Images tab A user-friendly tool in which you can easily find, view , manage, and print single or multiple photos or video clips. From here, you select the images that you want to edit, use in projects, and share with family and friends. For more info[...]

My Pictures 149 Changing Picture Settings for Slide Shows Each user can set his or her own picture settings. 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select Settings . Y ou may need to select the scroll arrows on the Start menu to view Settings. 3 Select Pictures . 4 Select an option. Press the OK button on the remote control to select a s[...]

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My Videos 151 My V ideos What Can I Do in My V ideos? The My Videos window in Media Center makes it easy to play home video files you created or video files you downloaded from the Internet. In My Videos you can: ■ Play and scroll through vi deos that are in the My Videos or Shared V ideo folders in Windows Explorer by using your remote control o[...]

152 hp media center pc user’ s guide Using Remote Control When Playing a Video Display video information Use the More Info button to display information about the selected video, su ch as title, length, date modified, and other information. Navigate your videos Use the Back button to go back to a previous window . Use the arrow buttons to display[...]

My Videos 153 Organizing Y our Videos When you attach a digital video camera to your PC, Windows asks you how you want to capture your video. Y ou can choose from various software programs to capture and then edit your video file. Most programs automatically save your file to the My Videos folder in W indow s Explorer . If not, move your videos int[...]

154 hp media center pc user’ s guide Playing Digital Videos After you organize your vide os in the My Videos or Shared Video folder in W indows Explorer , open Media Center to watch your videos. 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select My Videos . 3 Select My Videos or Shared Video . The right side of the window shows small images[...]

My Videos 155 Playing a Video Stored on Removable Media Removable media can be from various sources: ■ Digital Video Camera (FireWire IEEE 1394 port) ■ CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive ■ 7-In-1 Memor y Card Readers such as Smart Media or Compact Flash 1 Make sure your removable media is connected or inserted properly . 2 On the Media Center Start menu[...]

156 hp media center pc user’ s guide Sorting V ideos T o organize your videos by date or by name: 1 On the Media Center Start menu, select My Vid eo s , Shared Video , or Other media . 2 If your videos are organized within other folders, use the arrow buttons to select the folder you want to sort , and then press OK. If you don’t select a folde[...]

My Videos 157 W orking with Home Videos Refer to the documentation that came with your digital video camera. T o connect a digital video camera to the PC 1 T urn on the PC, and wait for Windows XP to start. 2 Connect the video camera transfer cable into the camera and then into an open port on the front or back of the PC. Most digital video cameras[...]

158 hp media center pc user’ s guide T o record videos from a digital video camera 1 Connect your digital camera to the PC. 2 Click Start , choose All Programs , Accessories , Entertainment , and then click Windows Movie Maker . 3 Click File , and then click Capture from video device . If you have already captured your video file, click Import vi[...]

Play DVD 159 Play DVD Playing DVDs in Media Center W atching DVDs in Media Center allows you to control the playback with your r e m o t e c on t ro l. If y ou select to play your DVD in another program, the use of some of the remote control buttons is not supported. T o play a DVD movie in Media Center 1 Press the Start button on the remote contro[...]

160 hp media center pc user’ s guide Using Remote Control When Playing a DVD Remote Control button Action DVD Menu Opens the main menu items for the DVD, if available. (Select models only .) Plays movie/stops fast for ward or rewind actions and begins playing movie. Fast for wards the movie/press it again to move for ward faster . Rewinds the mov[...]

Play DVD 161 Stopping a DVD movie 1 Press the Stop button on the remote control to stop the movie. 2 Use the arrow buttons on the remote control to select an item on the Stopped menu, and then press OK. ■ T o begin playing the DVD where you left off, select Resume . ■ T o begin playing the DVD at the beginning, select Restart . ■ T o go to th[...]

162 hp media center pc user’ s guide Changing DVD Movie Language T o select DVD language settings for subtitles, closed captioning, and viewing the DVD: 1 In the Media Center Start menu, select Settings . 2 In the Settings window , select DVD . 3 In the DVD Settings window , select Language . 4 Select the + or – buttons. T o scroll through the [...]

FM Radio 163 FM Radio What Can I Do in Radio? (Select Models Only) If your PC is equipped with a radio turner card, then Media Center can play both FM radio and Internet radio. The Radio window in Media Center makes it easy to play FM radio stat ions by using your remote control. In Radio you can: ■ Listen to FM radio stations. ■ Listen to Inte[...]

164 hp media center pc user’ s guide Important Information About FM Radio and My TV In Media Center , FM radio shares the use of the single tuner card with My TV . In Media Center , you are unable to watch or reco rd TV and listen to FM radio at the same time. When Media Center is scheduled to start a recording, a warning appears that says FM rad[...]

FM Radio 165 Organizing Y our Preset Radio Stations 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select Radio . 3 Select Settings . 4 Select the up arrows and down arrows next to each preset station to move it to a different position. Or Select the delete icon ( X ) to delete a preset station. Or Select Auto Sort to sor t your preset stations [...]

166 hp media center pc user’ s guide Using Remote Control When Playing a Radio Station Remote Control button Action Moves around in the menu windows. Enters selected menu item. Mute Tu r n s o f f s o u n d . Pauses radio program up to 30 minutes. Skips radio program ahead 7 secon ds and then resumes playing. Moves radio program back 7 secon ds a[...]

Media Center Settings 167 Media Center Settings Changing Media Center Settings In the Media Center Settings window , you can change settings for watching television, for viewing your pictures and slide sh ows, and for controlling sound and the display of all the Media Center windows. Listed below is a summar y of which settings are listed under eac[...]

168 hp media center pc user’ s guide Changing General Settings General settings affect each user’ s experience in Media Center and can be changed only by the administrator of the computer . T o change your Media Center General settings: 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select Settings . 3 Select General , and then select one of[...]

Media Center Settings 169 Changing TV Settings The TV Recorder settings al low you to control your recording priorities and options in Media Center . 1 Press the Start button on the remote control. 2 Select Settings . 3 Select TV . 4 Select Recorder , and then select: ■ History to check a histor y of your recorded TV programs. Find out why progra[...]

170 hp media center pc user’ s guide Changing Other Settings For more information about music settings, refer to “My Music” on page 125. For more information about radio settings, refer to “Organizing Y our Preset Radio Stations” on page 165. For more information about DVD settings, refer to “Playing DVDs in Media Center” on page 159.[...]

Recording CDs and DVDs 171 Recording CDs and DVDs The Media Center PC includes several recording software programs for you to create CDs and DVDs. Y ou can: ■ Use RecordNow! to create music and data CDs. ■ Use ArcSoft ShowBiz to record your video and recorded TV programs to DVD or CDs. About Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD Y ou can use ArcS[...]

172 hp media center pc user’ s guide Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD or CD TV programs recorded in Media Center can be converted to an MPEG for mat, by using ArcSoft ShowBiz. This means that recorded TV programs recorded with ShowBiz can be played from a PC and from a set-top box DVD player . T o copy a Recorded TV pr ogram with ArcSoft ShowB[...]

Recording CDs and DVDs 173 5 When the Save As window appears, type a file name for your recorded TV program, and then click Save . 6 T o add another recorded TV program, repeat steps 4 and 5. ShowBiz displays how much space is being used for your files at the bottom of the window . 7 Click the Create button. 8 Select the DVD-Video or CD-V ideo tab [...]

174 hp media center pc user’ s guide Copy a TV program to a DVD with RecordNow! When you copy your record ed TV programs to CD or DVD using RecordNow!, it is recorded as a data file, which can be played back from a PC, not a set-top DVD player . 1 Insert a blank formatted DVD+RW or DVD+R disc. 2 Click Start , choose All Programs , CD (DVD) Record[...]

Recording CDs and DVDs 175 W atching Recorded TV Programs on DVD 1 Make sure Media Center is closed, and then insert the DVD. 2 When the AutoPlay window appears select: ■ Play DVD movie using InterVideo W inDVD. Or ■ Play DVD Video using W indows Media Player . Or ■ Play DVD Video using Media Center . 3 Use the playback controls in the progra[...]

176 hp media center pc user’ s guide Recording with ArcSoft ShowBiz Use ArcSoft ShowBiz to re cord video files to CDs and DVDs. ShowBiz can record video files to DVD that can play in a DVD player . TV programs that have been encr ypted (protected) by the broadcaster cannot be copied and played back on any player other than the Media Center PC tha[...]

Recording CDs and DVDs 177 Capturing Analog Home V ideo (Select Models Only) The TV tuner card of your PC allows you to play television programs in Media Center . The TV tuner card also allows you to connect a VCR, a camcorder , or another analog video device to the PC, and then capture your home video as a file. Y ou cannot play a televi sion prog[...]

178 hp media center pc user’ s guide 7 Press the On button on the front of the chassis to turn on the PC. 8 T urn on your analog home video source device. 9 Click Start , choose All Programs , Vid eo , ArcSoft ShowBiz 2 , and then click ShowBiz . 10 Click the Capture button in the ShowBiz window . 11 In the ShowBiz capture window , click the Devi[...]

Recording CDs and DVDs 179 T o disconnect the analog home video source 1 T urn off your analog home video device. 2 Close any open programs. 3 Click Start , click Tu r n O f f C o m p u t e r , and then click Tu r n O f f . 4 Disconnect your analog home video source (VCR or camcorder) cable from the connectors on the front of the PC. 5 Press the On[...]

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Upgrading and Ser vicing 181 Upgrading and Ser vicing Y ou can upgrade or replace several components in your computer yourself. Re view this chapter for the procedures on accessing and installing parts of your computer . Preparing the Computer Read the following items before attempting to open or ser vice the computer: ■ These procedures assume f[...]

182 hp media center pc user’ s guide Removing the Side Panels 1 Loosen the two thumbscrews on the right side of the back panel. Y ou may need a flathead screwdriver . These screws do not detach; they’ll stay on the side panel loosely until you tighten them again. 2 Pull the panel toward you until it stops. Lift the panel off the chassis and set[...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 183 Replacing the Side Panels 1 T o replace the side panel, align the notches on the panel with the holes on the chassis, slide the side panel for ward un til it locks in place, and then tighten the th umbscrews on the side panel. 2 Repeat for the other side panel if it was removed. 3 Reconnect (in this order) the power cor[...]

184 hp media center pc user’ s guide Removing the Fan Duct Remove the fan duct when replacing memor y , an optical drive, or the drive cage. 1 T o disengage the fan duct, push down the two tabs ( A ). Y ou can push with your fingers or a pen. 2 Rotate the fan duct ( B ) down and out to remove it from the chassis. Replacing the Fan Duct 1 T o repl[...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 185 Removing the Front Panel This procedure is only ne cessar y when removing or replacing an optical drive, a 7-In-1 memor y card reader , or a diskette drive. 1 Remove the side panel with the thumbscrews. See “Removing the Side Panels” on page 182. 2 Locate the three small tabs ( A ) attached to the front panel on the[...]

186 hp media center pc user’ s guide Accessing the Optical Drives T o access the optical drives, remove the side panels, the front panel, and the fan duct. 1 Remove both side panels. See “Removing the Side Panels” on page 182. 2 Remove the front panel. See “Removing the Front Panel” on page 185. 3 Remove the fan duct. See “Removing the [...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 187 Removing the Optical Drive Y our computer comes with one or two optical drives (CD, DVD, or combo) which you can replace or upgrade. These drives are located in the two fixed bays at the top of the chassis. T o have better access to the back of the drive when you are removing the top optical drive, remove the two screws[...]

188 hp media center pc user’ s guide Installing a New Optical Drive 1 Make sure the jumper on the new drive is in the CS (Cable Select) position. Slide the new optical drive through the front of the computer . Don’t slide the drive in all the way — you need room to attach the cables. (The illustration below is an example drive with Cable Sele[...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 189 Replacing and Adding Drives Y ou can replace the drives that are located in the removable drive cage: hard disk drive; 7-In-1 memor y card reader (select models); and diskette (floppy) drive. On PCs with no 7-In-1 memor y card reader , you can add a second hard drive by installing it into the drive cage. Removing the dr[...]

190 hp media center pc user’ s guide Replacing the drive cage 1 Cover the front of the cage as you lift it so that the 7-In-1 memor y card reader does not slide out. 2 Hold the drive cage at a 45-degree angle, and place the two nubs ( G ) on the cage into the two guides ( H ) on the chassis. 3 Align the track on the top of the drive cage ( K ) wi[...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 191 Removing and replacing the preinstalled hard drive Y ou must remove the hard drive from the chassis if you want to replace it wi th a higher capacity drive or if you want to safeguard your data when sending the computer out to be repaired. 1 Remove the drive cage. See “Removing the drive cage” on page 189. 2 Remove [...]

192 hp media center pc user’ s guide Installing a second hard drive If your PC model does no t have a 7-In-1 memor y card reader , the bottom slot of the drive cage is empty and can accommodate an additional 3.5-inch hard drive. 1 Remove the drive cage. See “Removing the drive cage” on page 189. 2 Make sure the jumper on the new hard drive is[...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 193 Adding Memory The motherboard contains sockets for either DIMMs (dual in-line memor y modules) or DDR (double data rate) DIMMs, depending on which PC model you have. T o determine which type of memor y module your PC uses, go to the HP W eb site by typing http://www .hp.com into your W e b browser address box and pressi[...]

194 hp media center pc user’ s guide Removing a memory module 1 Remove the fan duct. See “Removing the Fan Duct” on page 184. 2 Locate the memor y sockets on the motherboard. Move any cabling out of the way , if necessar y . 3 Push down the two retaining clips on the ends of the socket until the memor y module pops out of the socket. 4 Holdin[...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 195 Removing Add-In Cards 1 Disconnect any external and internal cables attached to the card. 2 Remove the screw on the bracket of the card you are replacing. 3 Hold the metal bracket and the far top corner of the card. Carefully remove the card by pulling the card straight out of the expansion slot. Replacing Add-In Cards [...]

196 hp media center pc user’ s guide Installing an HP Camera Docking Station (Select Models Only) Y our HP Media Center PC comes with a camera dock bay designed to hold an HP camera docking station (model 8886) and several HP digital cameras which are purchased separately . T o install the HP camera docking station: 1 Lift and remove the lid from[...]

Upgrading and Ser vicing 197 3 Thread the three cables that came with your camera docking station through the cable tunnel, starting from the back of the PC and threading them to the front of the PC. Pull cables to the center . 4 Connect the cables: ■ Plug the USB cable ( A ) into the back of the PC. ■ Plug the red and yellow connectors ( B ) i[...]

198 hp media center pc user’ s guide 6 Place the docking station into the slot on the top of the PC. Connect the power cable, the data cable and the to the back of the camera docking station. The HP logo faces for ward. 7 Place the docking station cover back over the docking station. 8 Place the HP digital camera into the camera docking station. [...]

Application and System Recover y 199 Application and System Recover y Using Application Recovery and System Recover y The PC uses the operatin g system and installed software programs during normal operation. If your PC works improperly or stops because of the software, you may be able to repair it. Y ou need recover y discs (CDs or DVDs) for some [...]

200 hp media center pc user’ s guide PC Problem/Status T able For the specific PC problem, tr y the method listed as #1, then #2, and then #3. n T o contact HP for help with recovery , refer to the W arranty and Support Guide, included in the computer box, for Support telephone numbers, addresses, and W eb site information. Problem/Status Microso[...]

Application and System Recover y 201 Creating Recovery CDs/DVDs 1 Yo u c a n recover (bring back) the operating system and programs that were included on your hard disk drive just as they were when you bought the computer . 2 Y ou recover the operating system and programs directly from your hard disk drive, where a copy was placed for your convenie[...]

202 hp media center pc user’ s guide Using HP PC Recovery CD-DVD Creator Make recover y CDs or DVDs for your PC by using HP Recover y CD-DVD Creator program before you experience any problem. The recover y disc set is a complete image of the original PC hard disk drive contents and is matched to your PC model number . The disc set contains the op[...]

Application and System Recover y 203 Using HP Recovery T ools CD Y our PC allows you to create (burn) a Recover y T ools CD. After you make th e HP Recovery T ools CD, you can use it to: ■ Read instructions to use each utility on the Recover y T ools CD. ■ Start the System Recover y program from the recover y partition. ■ Remove the System Re[...]

204 hp media center pc user’ s guide Application Recovery If an individual factor y-in stalled application or driver accidentally gets erased or damaged, you can reinstall the software us ing the HP Application Recover y program. T o star t Application Recovery: 1 Close all applications and folders. 2 Uninstall the existing (damaged) application.[...]

Application and System Recover y 205 System Recovery When other methods of repairing your system software (like System Restore or Application Recover y) fail, you may want to use the HP System Recover y program as a last resort to reinstall the software. When necessar y , you can reinstall the operating system and the application software that was [...]

206 hp media center pc user’ s guide T o star t System Recovery if the PC is not responding 1 T urn off the PC. If necessar y , press and hold the On button until the PC turns off. 2 Disconnect all peripheral devices from the PC except the monitor , the keyboard, and the mouse. 3 Press the On button to turn the PC on. 4 During the startup, do the[...]

Application and System Recover y 207 T o run the System Recover y program using recovery discs 1 If the PC works, back up all data files that you want to save onto remo vable media, such as CD-RW or diskette. Remove the backup CD or diskette you’ve made. 2 Press the Eject button on the top CD-ROM drive, and wait for the tray to open. Insert Recov[...]

208 hp media center pc user’ s guide Important information about recorded TV programs When you replace the hard disk drive, you lose any files or software that you created, saved, or installed on the PC. Because of this, you also lose a special code that Microsoft includes in the files of recorded TV programs. Without the code, Media Center canno[...]

T roubleshooting 209 T roubleshooting Problems and Solutions For help on general and miscellaneous problems you may be experiencing wi th the PC, refer to the following pages for possible solutions. Look up the description of the problem an d tr y the solution listed. For more detailed information, press the Help button on your keyboard, or click S[...]

210 hp media center pc user’ s guide The computer (or par t of it) doesn’ t seem to be working. ■ When the computer is in stan dby mode (the On button power indicator light is flashing), movi ng the mouse does not wake it. Instead, press the Standby button on the keyboard or the Standby button on the remote control. T r y restar ting the comp[...]

T roubleshooting 211 The computer doesn’ t make any sound. ■ Press the Mute button on the keyboa rd or on the remote control to see if the Mute feature is turned on. ■ Use the keyboard controls to increase the volume. ■ Click the Vo l u m e icon on the taskbar . Increase the volume, and make sure the Mute box is not checked. ■ Double-clic[...]

212 hp media center pc user’ s guide When I push one of the special or multimedia buttons on the keyboard, nothing happens. Check the button configuratio n. T o configure the button: a Click Start on the taskbar . b Click Control Panel . c Click Printers and Other Hardware , if it is present. d Double-click Keyboard . e In the Keyboard Properties[...]

T roubleshooting 213 The monitor doesn’ t work, even though the computer appears to. ■ Make sure the monitor is turned on — it has its own power button. ■ Adjust the brightness and cont rast controls on the monitor . ■ Check the connection of the power cord into the monitor . ■ Check the cable connection between the monitor and the comp[...]

214 hp media center pc user’ s guide I am using a TV with Media Center , but I cannot see anything. ■ Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See “Connecting the TV” on page 20. ■ Check that the TV out image is enabled. See “Using Media Center Help” on page 45. My software stopped working. ■ Refer to “Using Application Reco ver [...]

Tr o u b l e s h o o t i n g 215 My remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote control. If a faint red light doesn’t appear wh en you point the remote control at the remote sensor , tr y the following: 1 Click Start , right-click My Computer , and then select Properties . 2 Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager . 3 Cl[...]

216 hp media center pc user’ s guide The 7-In-1 Memory Card Reader won’ t read my memory card. ■ The 7-In-1 card reader is a device that uses the Safely Remove Hardware task. This appears as a tray icon next to the time. Do not click Stop in the Safely Remove Hardware window . If you do click Stop, the drive is disconnected. If this happens, [...]

T roubleshooting 217 Resolving Video Errors. ■ Y our file may be corrupt or in an unsupported for mat. Open the video file in a video editor such as ArcSoft ShowBiz, and then resave the file in a supported for mat. ■ There may be a problem with the codec. For more information, look in Windows Media Player he lp, and then search for codec. ■ I[...]

218 hp media center pc user’ s guide My DVD won’ t play . Y ou can put data files on a DVD to store them or transfer them to another PC. However , data files on a DVD do not play in a DVD player . Rerecord your files to a file format that can be read by some DVD players. Codec errors are occurring when I play certain files. Codec is an abbrevia[...]

Index 219 Index Numerals 7-In-1 memory card media types 64 troubleshooting 63 using 63 7-In-1 memory card reader replacing or adding 191 troubleshooting 63 using 61 A accessing optical drives 186 add-in cards, removing and replacing 195 adding CD tracks to music library 130 channels to TV program guide 169 memory 193 missing channels to TV program [...]

220 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide configuring special keyboard buttons 51 connecting digital video camera 157 headphones 35 microphone 34 connecting analog VCR or camcorder 177 Control Panel, opening 38 copying pictures to CD 145 corrupted software 204 creating a playlist 135 music library 128 recovery discs 201, 202 Recovery Tools CD 203 D DD[...]

Index 221 G Guide, see Television Program Guide H hard disk drive, replacing or adding 189 hard disk space displaying 123 increasing 119, 122 recovery partition 201 hardware not provided with PC 9 headphones, connecting 35 Help and Support icon 38 Help, Media Center 45 hibernation mode automatic 44 manual 43 home videos 157 HP Image Zone 147 tabs a[...]

222 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide memory adding 193 determining module type 193 locating 183 memory card reader, using 61 memory card, formatting 62 memory modules, removing and replacing 194 microphone, connecting 34 Microsoft Recovery Console utility 203 modem 15 monitor connecting 14 not working 213 mouse buttons 51 not working 213 using 51[...]

Index 223 O On button 37 On button light flashing 57 opening computer chassis 182 Media Center 55 operating system, reinstalling 206 optical drives accessing 186 removing and installing 187 organizing pictures 140 preset radio stations 165 videos 153 P parental controls setting 113 PC connectors on back 13 connectors on front 12 PC Recovery CD-DVD [...]

224 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide remote control 214 buttons 82, 83, 87, 88, 89 for changing to full screen 70 installing batteries 56 LED 86 range 55 shortcut buttons 79 Standby button 86 type of battery to use 56 using 55, 81, 85 using in My Music 127 using in My TV 93 using to play a video 152 using with DVDs 160 using with radio 166 remote[...]

Index 225 Start menu 38 Media Center 71 System Recovery 201, 205 Recovery Tools CD 203 starting, if the PC is not responding 206 starting, if the PC is responding 205 using recovery discs 201 when to use 199 System Restore 199 settings 120 system tray 38 T Teletext, displaying 114 Television Program Guide adding missing channels 98 downloading 96 g[...]

226 HP Media Center PC User’ s Guide V video display flickering 209, 210 video errors, resolving 217 video movies displaying information about a video 156 playing in full screen mode 155 in inset window 155 when stored on removable media 155 sorting 156 working with home videos 157 video, connecting analog VCR or camcorder 177 visualization, sele[...]