Getting Started Guid Guide
The only warranties for Hewlett-Packard products and services are set forth in the express statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein. HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP. This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright.
Table of Contents Setting Up Your PC ......................................................................... 1 Putting Your PC Together ............................................................................... 1 Placing your PC in the proper location ....................................................... 1 Using surge protection ............................................................................. 1 Connecting to the PC ......................................................................
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options ...................................... 19 Step 1: Connecting the speakers .................................................................. 19 Sound connector types ........................................................................... 19 Speaker configurations .......................................................................... 22 Speaker types ....................................................................................... 23 Connecting 2.
Working with Digital Images........................................................ 59 Using HP Photosmart Premier ....................................................................... 60 Playing CDs and DVDs ................................................................. 63 Playing Music CDs ..................................................................................... 63 Playing DVDs .............................................................................................
Creating Video Discs and Movies.................................................. 81 Before You Begin Capturing Video ............................................................... 81 Sonic MyDVD Video Projects ....................................................................... 82 Creating a Video Project ............................................................................. 82 Adding files to a video project ................................................................
Setting Up Your PC WARNING: The power supply is preset for the country/region in which you purchased your PC. If you move, please check the voltage requirements before plugging your PC into an AC power outlet. WARNING: Please read “Safety Information” in the Warranty and Support Guide before installing and connecting your PC to the electrical power system. Putting Your PC Together Follow the steps on the setup poster to set up your PC.
Not all power strips provide surge protection; the power strip must be specifically labeled as having this ability. Use a power strip whose manufacturer offers a damage replacement policy so you can replace your equipment if surge protection fails. Connecting to the PC Connect your main hardware devices such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the back of the PC. Other peripheral devices such as a printer, scanner, or camera also plug into connectors on the back of your computer.
Connector Connector symbol Description Audio Line Out (powered speakers) OUT Audio Line In IN Headphones Microphone FireWire® (IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other devices with very fast transfer rates Digital audio in and digital audio out Side speaker out Rear speaker out rear Center/subwoofer Setting Up Your PC 3
Storing documentation and recovery discs Store all PC user manuals and warranty information in an easy-to-find, safe location. It is a good idea to store your system recovery discs with your documentation. This will allow easy access to all important PC documents and files in one place. Turning On Your PC for the First Time After you have completed the steps on the quick setup poster, you are ready to turn on your PC. 1 Press the Power button on the monitor. 2 Press the On button on the front of the PC.
Setting Up and Connecting to the Internet Requirements • A PC. • A dial-up modem or a cable or DSL modem for high-speed broadband connections. Contact your Internet service provider (ISP) for any specific software and hardware you may need. • Internet service with an ISP. • A Web browser. To set up and connect to the Internet: 1 Make sure the modem or other Internet access cable is connected. 2 Sign up with an ISP.
Configuring and Registering Norton Internet Security Software Norton Internet Security software is preinstalled on your PC and includes a complimentary 60-day subscription to protection updates. You can enable Symantec’s LiveUpdate™ to obtain protection updates automatically whenever you are online. When you first set up the PC, the Norton Internet Security Information Wizard helps you to configure and register your copy of Norton Internet Security.
Using the PC with Safety and Comfort WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide. It describes proper workstation setup, posture, and health and work habits for PC users. It also provides important electrical and mechanical safety information. Before you begin using the PC, arrange the PC and your work area to maintain your comfort and productivity.
Setting Up Accounts on Your New PC User accounts allow you to set the privileges for each user of your PC. For example, you can set the software programs that each user is allowed to access. Follow the simple steps in this section when setting up your PC to create user accounts. Creating user accounts The information below describes the different account types in Windows XP and explains how to change account types.
Creating passwords Passwords help protect your PC and information from unauthorized access and help ensure that information on the PC stays private and secure. Use the following list as a basic guide when choosing your password: • Choose a password that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to guess. • Choose a long password (minimum of 6 characters). • Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
Using HP and Compaq Products HP and Compaq PCs include preloaded software for select HP All-In-One, camera, scanner, and printer peripheral products. Preloaded software simplifies and speeds product setup for HP peripherals. Simply connect the HP peripheral product, turn it on, and your HP or Compaq PC automatically configures it so it is ready to use.
Using the Keyboard Your keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys, indicator lights, and special buttons (select models only). Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons There are special buttons (select models only) at the top of the keyboard. (Some models have some of these special buttons on the left side of the main keys.) These buttons operate a CD or DVD player, connect you to the Internet, or provide quick access to specific functions.
Icon Feature Description Video Opens video software program. Can be reconfigured. Shopping or Sports or Finance or or Connect to Internet Search or Goes to popular Web sites. Can be reconfigured to open a site or software program. Chat or E-Mail or Entertainment Offers A B C D E F 12 Getting Started Guide Calculator Opens the calculator. Can be reconfigured. Media controls (CD/ DVD/MP3) Operates a disc player.
Icon or or –+ Feature Description Volume control (Volume knob or Volume Up and Volume Down buttons) Volume knob: Increases speaker volume when turned clockwise and decreases volume when turned counterclockwise. It can be turned indefinitely, even after maximum sound has been reached. Mute Turns speaker sound on and off. Volume Up and Down buttons: Press the Volume Up button to increase volume and the Volume Down button to decrease volume.
14 Getting Started Guide
Using Your PC Top Your PC may have a storage area or docking bay (select models only) on the top of the PC chassis. Using Your Docking Bay You can use the docking bay to: • Store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards. • Dock a peripheral device in the bay, such as a digital camera docking station. • Install a special cover (optional) and an HP camera and HP camera docking station. (Both the camera and the docking station are sold separately.
To store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards: Gently press down on the bay lid and slide it open. To install a peripheral device or an HP camera and HP camera docking station: 1 Gently press down on the bay lid and slide it open. 2 Place the peripheral device or the camera docking station (A) on the top of the PC. B A 3 For a camera, place the camera cradle (B) that came with the digital camera on the camera docking station. The cradle clips onto the camera docking station.
4 Thread the cables that came with your peripheral devices or camera docking station through the cable tunnel (C). Starting from the back of the PC, thread them to the front of the PC. Pull the cables to the center and connect them to the peripheral or the docking station (D). D C E 5 Connect the cables to the back of the PC or to a power outlet (E). For a peripheral, refer to the instructions that came with your peripheral device.
6 Place the correct camera docking station lid (F) on top of the PC. Gently guide the edge of the lid into the top of the PC. G F 7 When you want to use it, place the HP digital camera (G) into the docking station. 8 Follow the instructions that came with your peripheral or docking station.
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options There are three steps to setting up sound on the PC: 1 Connecting the speakers. 2 Configuring the sound software. 3 Configuring sound for the media software program. Your PC supports many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker configurations. This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system may have different components.
Three connectors Your PC model may include three sound connectors. You can connect up to a 5.1 audio system to the PC. If you want to connect multichannel audio, follow the instructions carefully. Six connectors Your PC model may include six sound connectors on the back of your PC. You can connect up to a 7.1 audio system to the PC. Sound card connector Your PC may include a sound card. You can connect up to a 5.1 audio system (7.
Use the sound connectors that 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 connector 3 6 S Description Line Side (gray) for side speakers in an eightspeaker system (7.1). Line C/Sub (gold) for center/subwoofer speakers in a multichannel audio configuration. Line Rear (black) for rear speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.
Speaker configurations You may set up your PC for the following supported configurations: 22 Getting Started Guide Name Speaker system See Headphones None, muted. 2 (stereo) Left speaker, right speaker. “Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers” on page 23. 2.1 Left speaker, right speaker, and a subwoofer. “Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers” on page 23. 4.1 Two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer. “Connecting 4.
Speaker types Speakers may be included with the monitor (select models only) or sold separately. Refer to the product documentation for your speakers. Your PC supports only an active (powered) speaker system. An active speaker system must have its own power cord. A home audio system does not require active speakers because the receiver provides amplification. A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system.
9 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model: • Type 3 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 35. • Type 6 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 37. The following diagram shows a typical 2.1 audio installation: Connecting 4.1 (4 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers To connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer for four-channel (4.
6 Turn on the PC. NOTE: Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system. 7 Plug in the speaker system power. 8 Turn on the speaker system. 9 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model: • Type 3 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 35. • Type 6 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 37. The following diagram shows a typical 4.
3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector that matches the back of your PC. IN 3 6 S For type 3 connectors, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated. 4 Connect the center/subwoofer speaker cable to the gold (or pink) Mic connector that matches the back of your PC.
The following diagram shows a typical 5.1 audio installation: OUT IN Connecting 7.1 (7 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers To connect two front speakers, two side speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer for eight-channel (7.1 speaker) output: 1 Turn off the PC. 2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector on the back of your PC. 3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector on the back of your PC.
6 Connect the cables to the audio system. 7 Connect the front, rear, side, and center speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation. 8 Turn on the PC. NOTE: Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system. 9 Plug in the speaker system power. 10 Turn on the speaker system. 11 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model: • Type 6 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 37.
Connecting the PC to a home audio system You can connect your PC to your home stereo or home theater multichannel audio receiver/amplifiers using your existing speakers. For example, see “2 or 2.1 home stereo installation” on page 30, or “5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) home audio installation” on page 31. Y adapter cables Most home receiver/amplifiers have RCA-type connectors. You may need to connect Y adapter cables between your PC and your receiver/ amplifier. Y adapter cables have one 1/8-inch (3.
2 or 2.1 home stereo installation The following diagram shows a typical 2 or 2.1 speaker installation that uses passive stereo speakers and that plugs into a home stereo standard left and right input. This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may be different. A IN OUT A PC back-panel connectors (3, 6, or sound card) B Y adapter cables C Receiver/amplifier D Subwoofer E Front speakers (left and right) B C D E PC to 2.
5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) home audio installation The following diagram shows a typical advanced home theater audio 5.1 speaker installation that requires multichannel inputs on a receiver/amplifier. This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may be different.
5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) home audio installation procedure NOTE: Receiver/amplifier input connectors may be labeled Surround, 5.1, or 6 Channel inputs, CD, DVD, or DVD In. To connect a six-channel (5.1 speaker) home audio system to the PC: 1 Turn off the PC. 2 Turn off the receiver/amplifier.
5 Connect the stereo mini-jack of a Y adapter cable into the microphone (pink) connector or the center speaker/subwoofer (gold) connector that matches the back of your PC. 3 6 S • Connect the left and right ends of the Y adapter cable into the center/ subwoofer inputs on the back of the receiver/amplifier (5.1 or higher channel system). • Plug the Y adapter cable into the subwoofer connector on the back of the receiver even if a subwoofer is not used. 6 Turn on the receiver/amplifier.
To connect digital audio speakers: 1 Turn off the PC. 2 Connect the digital input on the digital speakers or a digital audio system to the orange Digital Out connector that matches the back of your PC: • Type 3 is three connectors • Type 6 is six connectors • Type S is a sound card connector 3 DIGITAL AUDIO OUT DIGITAL 6 AUDIO OUT S 3 Turn on the PC. NOTE: Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system. 4 Plug in the speaker system power. 5 Turn on the speaker system.
Configuring audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager If your PC model has type 3 connectors, follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Multi-channel Sound Manager: 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Click Multi-channel Sound Manager. The Multi-channel Audio Configuration window opens with five control screens. • Sound Effect — Select the environment settings.
7 Click OK. 8 (Optional) Test the speakers. Click the Speaker Test tab, and follow the onscreen instructions. Now that the speaker software has been configured, to take full advantage of the speaker capabilities, you must also configure the software media program. The procedure is different for each software media program. See the instructions and documentation that came with the media software program.
Configuring audio output with Sound Effect Manager Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has 6 connectors. NOTE: A connector with no descriptive text in the Connection Guide indicates that the connector is not used for the selected speaker configuration. 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Sounds, and then Speech and Audio Devices (or Sounds and Audio Devices). 4 Click Sound Effect Manager. The window opens.
Using the Audio Wizard in the Sound Effect Manager The Sound Effect Manager Audio Wizard can help you connect front-panel audio. To use the Audio Wizard: 1 Turn on the PC. 2 Click Start on the taskbar. 3 Choose Control Panel. 4 Click Sounds, then Speech and Audio Devices (or Sounds and Audio Devices). 5 Click Sound Effect Manager. The window opens. 6 Click Audio Wizard. A window opens that shows the connector panel on the front of the PC.
Disabling digital audio output with Sound Effect Manager (optional) To disable digital audio output: 1 Open the Sound Effect Manager: Click Start, Control Panel, Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then Sound Effect Manager. 2 Click Audio Wizard. A window opens displaying the connector panel on the front of the PC. 3 Click the Digital Audio button. Select Digital output off (you can also select Digital-in to Digital-out pass through mode). 4 Close the window.
Configuring the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager 1 Click the Audio I/O tab. 2 Select the option describing the number of speakers in your system — for example, 7.1 speakers. 3 Only connectors being used are shown; if the connector is not shown it means that it is not used for the selected speaker configuration. 4 Click OK.
Retasking front panel audio connectors with the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager The pink and green connectors on the front of the PC connectors can be retasked as needed. 1 Click Start on the taskbar, click Control Panel, Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then select Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager. 2 Click the Audio I/O tab. 3 Click the Tool icon in the Front Panel section. The connector settings window displays. 4 Select Enable Jack detection when device is plugged in, and click OK.
Setting up multistreaming audio Example 1: Online gaming To configure multistreaming audio output for online gaming with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager, you must enable Voice-over IP (VOIP) software (software used to converse over the Internet). Other players hear your voice from the microphone via the Internet and you hear the game audio from the rear speakers: 1 Connect the audio input and output connectors to: • A headphone set to the front Headphone Out (green) connector.
Example 2: For digital home entertainment To configure multistreaming 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. • A set of powered stereo, 5.1, or 7.1 speakers connected to the rear Speaker Out connectors for DVD playback sound output.
Selecting Recording Devices (Type 6 connectors only) To select a sound recording device: 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose Control Panel. 3 Click Sounds and Audio Devices (or Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices). The Sounds and Audio Devices window opens. 4 Click the Audio tab. The window opens. 5 In Sound Recording, select a recording device. 6 Click OK. 7 Close the window. Resolving Sound Issues If you don’t have sound from your speakers, check the following: • Check volume and mute settings.
Configuring the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card (Select Models Only) This section provides an overview of connecting to, configuring, and recording with the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card. Connecting the Speakers Connector Description AD Link for AD_Link X-Fi I/O Console (The X-Fi Console is sold separately.) Line Out _3 (orange or yellow) • 5.1 audio setup: Front center, subwoofer _3 • 6.1 audio setup: Front center, subwoofer, and rear center • 7.
Configuring the sound card software Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers to configure multi-channel audio output for PCs. NOTE: Three modes are available; Entertainment Mode is highlighted here. For information about other modes, see “Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes” on page 47. 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose Creative, SoundBlaster X-Fi, and then click Creative Console Launcher. The Entertainment Mode window displays.
Recording with the sound card The Sound Blaster X-Fi enables sound recording from multiple audio sources using Smart Recorder. 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs, Creative, SoundBlaster X-Fi, and then click Smart Recorder. The Smart Recorder window displays. Smart Recorder Tools Description Record Now Configure settings for audio source, recording format, output location, and audio quality on one screen. Record Wizard Configure recording settings with the help of a wizard.
The main functions, such as speaker configuration, equalizer, and volume control, are available in all three modes. However, each mode optimizes the sound card resources to provide the best audio performance for the activity. Select the appropriate mode for what you are doing. Modes Functions Audio Creation Mode Audio Creation Mode optimizes the sound card for advanced recording functions.
Using the Memory Card Reader Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards, or media, to store digital picture files. The optional memory card reader (select models only) can read and write to a variety of types of memory cards and the IBM Microdrive disk drive. You can place media in one or more of the card slots and use each media independently. Place only one piece of media in a slot at one time. Each card slot has its own drive letter and icon.
Using the Memory Card Reader 1 Insert the media into the card slot until it stops. The activity light (A) on the memory card reader lights, and the PC automatically detects the media. NOTE: Media must be inserted correctly. Note the direction of the notched corner on the media. See the “Media Insertion Guide” on page 51. CompactFlash and Microdrive are keyed and cannot be inserted incorrectly. Insert the receptacle edge (holes) of this media into the slot.
Media Insertion Guide 4-slot memory card reader (select models only) A Activity light A B Upper-left slot C Lower-left slot D Upper-right slot B D C E E Lower-right slot Card Insert Into 4-slot reader CompactFlash Type I media Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left) CompactFlash Type II media Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left) IBM Microdrive disk drive Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left) Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card* Facing up Mini Secure Digital (MiniSD) D (upper-right) Facin
2-slot memory card reader (select models only) A Activity light F Upper slot G Lower slot F A G Card Insert Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card Label up (gold connector fingers down) F (Upper) MultiMediaCard (MMC) Label up (gold connector fingers down) F (Upper) Memory Stick (MS) Memory Card Label up (gold connector fingers down) F (Upper) Memory Stick (MS-Pro) Memory Card Label up (gold connector fingers down) F (Upper) SmartMedia (SM) Memory Card Label down (gold connector fingers up) xD media I
Using the HP Personal Media Drive The HP Personal Media Drive (sold separately) can be used as an internal or external USB hard disk drive designed to quickly and easily increase your storage capacity and to transfer media files such as digital photos, music, videos, and other important files. You can also use the HP Personal Media Drive to back up other drives on your PC. NOTE: Before starting the System Recovery Program, remove the HP Personal Media Drive. See your System Recovery documentation.
Connecting the Drive As an external drive, the HP Personal Media Drive connects and disconnects easily from a USB 2.0 connector on the front or the back of most PCs. The drive comes with software, an external USB cable, and an external power cord and power adapter. For information about connecting and using the HP Personal Media Drive as an external drive, refer to the documentation that came with the HP Personal Media Drive.
Inserting the Drive 1 Turn on the PC. 2 Line up the ridges on the bottom of the drive with the two slots on the side or the bottom of the PC drive bay. Do not force the drive into the bay; it should slide easily into the bay. 3 Slide the drive all the way into the drive bay until the drive is firmly connected to the internal power and USB port. With the PC turned on, the power indicator (B) on the front of the drive is lit when the drive is inserted correctly.
Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter After you insert the drive into the PC, you can find the drive in My Computer. The operating system automatically assigns a letter to the drive. The assigned letter depends on the other storage devices connected to the PC. To locate the drive: 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click My Computer. 3 Select the drive under Hard Disk Drives. The default name is HP Personal Media Drive.
Using the Drive When running for long periods of time, the aluminum case of the HP Personal Media Drive may become very warm. This is part of the HP Personal Media Drive’s advanced design and is completely normal. The built-in, low-noise fan is designed to automatically turn on at pre-set temperatures. If you are using the HP Personal Media Drive connected externally to your PC, please place the drive in a well-ventilated area.
Disconnecting the Drive You can safely remove the drive when it is not active. When the amber activity light is blinking, the drive is active, saving or transferring data. Removing the drive while the light is blinking may cause data loss or damaged files. To disconnect the HP Personal Media Drive safely: 1 Close all programs that may be accessing your HP Personal Media Drive. Make sure that the activity light on the drive is off.
Working with Digital Images You can copy, edit, and share digital images using the PC. Transfer digital images to the PC using the following methods: • CD or DVD: Insert the disc into the CD or DVD drive. • Digital camera or digital video camera: Connect the device to the PC with the transfer cable that came with the device. (Select models have a digital camera docking bay. See “Using Your Docking Bay” on page 15.) • Memory card: Insert the memory card into the memory card reader (select models only).
Using HP Photosmart Premier Use the HP Photosmart Premier software program to manage your photos, scanned images, and video clips. It has all the tools you need for viewing, organizing, editing, printing, sharing, and protecting digital images. To open HP Photosmart Premier: Click Start on the taskbar, All Programs, HP, and HP Photosmart Premier. The HP Photosmart Premier window opens. A Function screen tabs and different view buttons for images in the work area.
Print Click this tab to print photos, photo packages, and index sheets using the images in the selection tray. Projects include photo pages, cards, and flyers. For more information, see “Print Tab Help” in Help. Create Click this tab to create and to print a project using the images in the selection tray. Projects include album pages, calendars, labels, panoramas, cards, and flyers. For more information, see “Create Tab Help” in Help. Share Click this tab to share photos with family and friends.
62 Getting Started Guide
Playing CDs and DVDs This section describes how to play CDs, VCDs, or DVDs using Windows Media Player or other audio and video programs. Playing Music CDs You must have either a CD or DVD drive. 1 Insert the music CD into your CD or DVD drive. The default audio program opens. If the Audio CD wizard window opens, choose the program you want to use from the list. You may have to scroll down in the window to see all available programs. 2 The music CD automatically begins to play.
Using country/region codes Most DVD discs have country/region codes embedded in the disc data that limit where the DVD movie can be played. The country/region number is usually placed over a world globe printed on the DVD packaging and disc. DVDs without country/region codes play on any player or drive in any country/region. WARNING: You can change countries/regions only five times before the country/region code locks and becomes permanent.
Playing Video CDs (VCDs) You must have either a CD or DVD drive. 1 Insert the video CD into your CD or DVD drive. The default video CD program opens. If the Video CD wizard window opens, choose the program you want to use from the list. You may have to scroll down in the window to see all available programs. 2 Use the controls in the video CD program to play the video CD. Playing Video CDs (VCDs) with Windows Media Player 1 Insert your video CD (VCD) into a DVD or CD drive.
66 Getting Started Guide
Creating Audio and Data Discs This chapter contains the procedures you must perform to record (or burn) music and data files to recordable CD and DVD discs. It also includes information about labeling your discs using the LightScribe labeling technology included on select models. For information about recording video files to DVDs, see “Creating Video Discs and Movies” on page 81. Your PC includes one or more CD, DVD, or combination optical drives capable of recording.
Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording Previously recorded files on CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW discs must be erased before recording new files. CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R discs cannot be erased. To erase a rewritable disc in Sonic DigitalMedia Plus: 1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click Tools and then Erase Disc. 3 Insert the rewritable disc you want to erase.
Both Sonic programs create closed-session music CDs, which means you must record all music files on one CD in one recording session. Music files can be recorded repeatedly on a rewritable CD-RW disc, but all previously recorded files must be erased first. CD-R discs cannot be erased. IMPORTANT: HP supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.
Creating audio CDs To create uncompressed audio CDs using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus: 1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Audio tab and then Audio CD. 3 Do one or more of the following: • Click Add Music and navigate to music stored on your PC. • In the Quick Find panel, click Scan to automatically search your PC for songs. • Insert a CD and add songs from it. 4 Select the songs you want to record, and then click Add.
You can get detailed online Help by clicking the Help menu and then selecting Help. NOTE: DigitalMedia Plus scans for all audio files, even the sounds from your operating system. If you don’t want to display some of these sounds, you can select the Options icon (wrench). In the Options window, select Audio, and then Quick Find. Select Hide Audio Files Shorter Than (in seconds), type the number of seconds, and click OK.
• Sonic DigitalMedia Plus allows you to change the names of files you want to record and files that were previously recorded. • As you select data files to record to your disc, Sonic DigitalMedia Plus calculates and displays the amount of recording space used on your disc. • If your recording fails, manually select a slower recording speed, if available, each time you make a recording. Refer to the Help menu in your selected software program for more information about selecting a slower recording speed.
Copying a DVD or CD Sonic DigitalMedia Plus enables you to make copies of an existing music or data disc. You can configure Sonic DigitalMedia Plus to verify that: • Data files have been copied without errors by performing the procedure described in “Verifying data disc recorded without errors” on page 71. • Music files have been copied without errors by performing the procedure described in “Verifying audio disc recorded without errors” on page 69.
8 When prompted, insert a recordable disc, and then click OK. If the files do not fit on one disc, you are prompted for additional discs. 9 Click Done when recording is complete. For additional information about saving archives on your hard disk drive or scheduling automatic archives, see the online Help. Working with Image Files The Sonic recording programs can convert all the files from a CD or DVD and convert them into a single .iso file, or a series of .
Disc Labeling with LightScribe LightScribe (select models only) is a direct disc labeling technology providing you a simple way to burn precise, silk screen-quality labels. It combines the CD or DVD drive of your PC with specially coated discs (sold separately) and enhanced disclabeling software. A LightScribe-enabled CD or DVD disc drive uses the optical laser in the drive to burn a label onto a thin dye coating on the label side of the disc.
c Repeat the previous step for each track or file on the disc. d Click the left or right arrows next to Layout and Background to select design elements for the disc. The selections you make are previewed in the disc window. 4 When you are satisfied with the appearance of your label, insert the LightScribe media disc (label side down) into the disc drive tray, and then click Print. NOTE: LightScribe creates a grayscale (monochrome) image similar to a black-and-white photograph.
Disc Features and Compatibility Table Disc File type Can be recorded onto Plays in PC Plays in home or car stereo Plays in home DVD player CD-ROM Data No Yes No No Music No Yes Yes Varies by model Data Yes Yes No No Music Yes Yes Varies by model Varies by model Data Yes Yes No No Music Yes Yes Varies by model Varies by model Data No Yes No No DVD movie No Yes No Yes Data Yes Varies by model No No DVD movie Yes Varies by model No Varies by model DVD+R
Optical Drive Quick Reference Table Optical drive can: Doublelayer DVD Combo CD-RW/ DVD CD-ROM CD-RW DVD-ROM DVD-RAM DVD+RW/+R DVD-RW/–R Read CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Read DVDs No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Read data on a CD Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Play music Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Record data or music to disc for storage or backup No Yes No Yes Yes Yes Yes View DVD movies No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Record DVD movies No
Software Quick Reference Table Your PC includes a number of software programs that: • Record and play CDs • Record data CDs • Import and edit video files • Record video CDs and DVDs • Organize digital media files The following table describes the functionality specific to each of these programs. Use it to determine which program to use to perform a task. Note that some programs listed may not be included with your model, and that this is not a complete list of all included software.
With this program: You can: Sonic DigitalMedia Plus (select models only) • Record data and music files. • Record a copy of an existing music or data CD to use on the PC. • Create customized music CDs from CDs in your collection, or from .wav, .mp3, or .wma files. These CDs can be played in your home or car stereo. • Copy and share data files. • Create archive CDs or DVDs from files on your PC. • Copy video files. • Verify that the disc has been created without errors.
Creating Video Discs and Movies Your PC may include the following movie-making programs: • Sonic MyDVD (select models only) • Sonic DigitalMedia Plus (select models only) • Windows Movie Maker • muvee autoProducer (select models only) These programs all capture, edit, and manage your home video files, while allowing you to add your own personal touch to your home movies. They come installed on your PC and can be started by clicking Start and then All Programs on your desktop.
Sonic MyDVD Video Projects A Sonic MyDVD video project is a way to group, organize, store, play, and burn related video and still digital files. For example, if you went on a family vacation, you might have digital still and video images, and prints from a film camera. You can transfer all these images onto your PC and organize them into a project. (A scanner is required to transfer printed photos and is not included.
Adding files to a video project You can add files to your DVD or VCD video project from: • An existing DVD or VCD. • Video files already stored on your PC. • Video capture from a digital video camera (as described in the next section). To add files from a DVD, VCD, or from your hard disk drive: 1 Click File, Open Project, and then select a video project that you created as described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 82. 2 Click Add Files.
8 In the Save As dialog box, name the captured file, and select the file format and the folder where you want to save it. Click Save. 9 Click OK to return to the project window. The file is stored on your hard disk drive and added to the current project. Adding slideshows to a video project You can create a slideshow (a series of still images displayed automatically) by adding existing still photos to your project or by capturing them with a connected digital video source.
4 Double-click the new submenu, and do one or more of the following: • Add existing video files as described in “Adding files to a video project” on page 83. • Capture video as described in “Capturing video to a video project” on page 83. Editing the style of a video project You can change the style of a number of elements within your video project.
To edit your video files: 1 Click File, Open Project, and then select a video project that you created as described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 82. 2 Click Edit Movie. 3 If you have already captured videos for this project, they appear along the bottom as a storyboard. If you have video files on your hard disk drive you would like to add to this project, click Add Files. 4 Click one of the four tabs (Fades & Dissolves, Filters, Text, or Themes and backgrounds) next to the preview screen.
Creating a Video Project with the Direct-to-Disc Wizards Sonic MyDVD includes Direct-to-Disc Wizards that guide you through the steps you must complete to create a DVD or VCD video project. A video project is a way to group, organize, store, play, and burn related video and still digital files. 1 Connect your digital camcorder or Web camera to your PC. 2 Click Start, choose All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 3 Click the Video button and then Direct-to-Disc.
Note that the Direct-to-Disc Wizards do not include the editing features that are available from the standard interface. You can edit a project created with a wizard before burning it to a disc as described in: • “Editing the style of a video project” on page 85. • “Editing movie files” on page 85. Video Quality and Disc Size Sonic MyDVD includes four DVD video quality (bit-rate) settings and a Fit-to-DVD option that can be applied to a video project or to individual movie files.
DVD Recording Time The following table lists the approximate DVD video recording time for different disc sizes at different video quality settings (your DVD recorder may not support all these disc sizes). Video quality Audio format Estimated time per disc size 8.5 GB 4.7 GB 2.6 GB 1.4 GB HQ Dolby Digital 130 min. 70 min. 40 min. 20 min. PCM 110 min. 60 min. 30 min. 15 min. Dolby Digital 210 min. 120 min. 65 min. 35 min. PCM 160 min. 95 min. 50 min. 25 min. Dolby Digital 310 min.
90 Getting Started Guide
Creating Movies Using muvee autoProducer Creating personalized and professional-looking video movies is simple with muvee autoProducer (select models only). Basic Steps to Make a Movie The basic steps to produce a movie with muvee autoProducer are: 1 Capture digital video: Capture live or recorded video to your hard disk drive directly from a compatible digital video camcorder. 2 Add videos and pictures: Select video and picture files from your PC folders.
3 Add music: Select music files on your PC to add to your movie soundtrack. You can use these music file types in your movie project: File extension File type .aac Advanced Audio Coding .mp3 MPEG Layer 3 audio .m4a MPEG-4 Audio layer .wav Windows Audio .wma Windows Media Audio 4 Select a style: Apply a movie style editing template for different effects and picture transitions in your movie. 5 Add captions: Personalize your movie with opening titles and closing credits.
Using muvee autoProducer Getting started To open muvee autoProducer: 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Select All Programs, muvee Technologies, muvee autoProducer, and then muvee autoProducer to open muvee autoProducer. NOTE: You can also open muvee autoProducer from within Digital Media Plus. Select the Video tab and then muvee autoProducer. 3 Open a project by selecting, from the File menu, either New Project or Open Project.
Capturing video from a DV camcorder You can capture (copy) digital video files to your hard disk drive by using muvee autoProducer either: • Live (known as camera mode) using a compatible DV camcorder. See “Capturing live video from a DV camcorder” on page 94. Or • Recorded (known as VCR mode) using a recorded tape in your DV camcorder. See “Capturing recorded video from a DV camcorder” on page 95. Captured video files are automatically added to your movie project.
Capturing recorded video from a DV camcorder For best results with muvee autoProducer, capture only video footage that you are most interested in using in your movie project. To capture camcorder (copy) recorded video to your hard disk drive: 1 Connect your DV camcorder to the FireWire (IEEE 1394) port on your PC. 2 Turn on the camcorder and set to VCR mode. For more information about using VCR mode with your camcorder, refer to the instructions that came with the camcorder.
5 You can mark specific scenes in a video clip to include or leave out of your final movie, with the magicMoments feature in muvee autoProducer. To select video scenes with magicMoments: a Select a video file in the Select Video/Pictures window, and then click the magicMoments button. The magicMoments window opens. b Click the Play button to start viewing the video.
Adding pictures To add still image files to your movie production: 1 Select the Add Pictures button in the Video/Pictures area. The Add Picture window opens. 2 Browse the folders, as required. 3 Select existing still image files on your hard disk drive, if desired for your movie: • Add up to 50 .jpg, .gif, or .bmp picture files. • Select multiple picture files by pressing and holding Ctrl on your keyboard while selecting the files.
Selecting the style The muvee autoProducer program comes with a set of style templates for setting the pace, scene transition effects, and caption fonts. The style you use also affects how muvee autoProducer combines the video, picture, and music files in your movie project to produce the final movie. For example, using the Cinema style results in a movie that is moderately paced, color enhanced, and uses a wide-screen format. To select a style, just click a style from the list.
4 Select the Audio tab to set the sound preferences. Click one of the following settings: • Use all music. Place a check in the check box to use the sequence of sound files in the Add Music window. • smartJoin™ multiple music files. Place a check in the check box to automatically remove silence between music tracks. • Normalize music. Place a check in the check box to automatically adjust audio playback volume to the same level.
Making the movie After you have added at least one video or picture file to your movie project, you can have muvee autoProducer make the movie. The muvee autoProducer program makes a movie by combining the video, picture, and music files you have selected, along with the style of movie, and puts together all of these pieces into a professional-looking movie with just a few steps. To make a movie: 1 Click the make muvee button. Click OK as required.
Modify the movie After you have created the movie, muvee autoProducer allows you make some quick final changes to your project before saving. muvee autoProducer can automatically replace shots with other similar or contrasting ones. Alternatively, you can manually choose your replacement shots. To modify a movie: 1 Click the Tweak muvee button. The Tweak muvee window opens. 2 Click the Start Playback button. The movie begins playing. Click the Pause Playback button to stop the movie at any time.
Saving the movie project Once you are satisfied with the look of your movie project, you are ready to save it. To save the movie as a file on your hard disk drive: 1 Click the Save/Burn button. The Listed muvee Files window opens with all your muvee files listed. 2 Remove the check mark next to any muvee files you do not want to save. 3 Edit the muvee files before saving: • Click the Rename button to change the name of the selected muvee file.
7 Click the Change Settings button to change the video and audio settings of the movie file type as required (advanced users only). 8 Click Browse to choose a location on the hard disk drive to save the movie. 9 Click the Save button. You can watch the preview as it saves. 10 When saving is complete, you can click Play muvees to watch the files you saved or Open output folder to view the folder where you saved the files. 11 Click Close when you are done.
10 Select the type of video disc to create: DVD, VCD, or SVCD. The window shows the disc capacity, disc capacity used, and available disc space. 11 If you wish to create more than one disc using the same muvee file, use these steps: • Click Options and then click Number of copies. • Select the number of copies to burn and click OK. 12 Click Burn Now to begin burning your movie to disc. To save the current settings for future use, click Burn Later. 13 Click OK when the recording is complete.
Getting Help Finding Onscreen Guides Onscreen guides are available in the User’s Guides folder (select models only). 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose User’s Guides. 4 Click an item to view it or use it. NOTE: If there are no guide titles listed in the folder, your PC has no onscreen guides. Finding Guides on the Web You can find guides and information for your PC using the Internet to access the Support Web site. 1 Go to http://www.hp.com/support in your Web browser.
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center Information about your PC is in the onscreen Help and Support Center (select models only). Here you can find links to driver updates, access to technical support options, and information about commonly asked questions. To open the Help and Support Center: • Press the Help button (select models only) on your keyboard. Or • Click Start on the taskbar, and choose Help and Support.
Getting messages After you view or close a message, it will not automatically display again. To read a previously received message, open Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections): 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose PC Help & Tools. 4 Click Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections). Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections) displays. • If Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections) has been activated on your system, click View messages to view a list of previously received messages.
Reactivating messages When you reactivate the Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections) service, the service runs whenever you are connected to the Internet, and you automatically receive messages as they become available. To turn on the service: 1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose PC Help & Tools. 4 Click Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections). Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections) displays. 5 Click Activate to reactivate the service.
Index A adding files to video projects 83 music 93, 97 pictures 93, 97 video 93, 95 adhesive disc labels 76 antivirus, installing program 9 appending discs 71, 72 audio connectors retasking (multistreaming) 41 B best fit for videos and pictures 98 bit rate DVDs, VCDs 88 Burn to disc 92 burning audio and data disc 68–72 CDs, DVDs 67–80 DVDs quality settings 88 video quality 88 image files 74 labels, LightScribe 75 multiple sessions 71 time DVD 89 VCD 88 tips, data discs 71 VCDs 86 video projects to disc 86
D data archiving 73 burning in multiple sessions 71 burning tips 71 verifying integrity 71 digital images 59 digital images, managing 60 digital picture 49, 59 digital video camera recording videos 29 Direct-to-Disc Wizards (MyDVD) 82, 87 discs drive compatibility 76 erasing rewritable 68 features and compatibility 77 labeling adhesive 76 docking bay 15 docking station, camera 15 documentation, onscreen 105 driver updates, LightScribe 75 DVD Play, features 79 DVDs burning to disc 86 data discs, burning tips
I image files 74 interleave pictures 98 Internet organizing destinations 10 signing up with an ISP 5 K keeping shots in sequence 98 keyboard customizing buttons 13 types of buttons 11 using 11 L labeling discs adhesive labels 76 with LightScribe 75 LightScribe compatible media 75 disc labeling 75 driver updates 75 requirements 75 M magicMoments 96 magicSpot 97 make muvee 100 manuals storing 4 memory card reader card types 49 using 49 movie making movies with muvee autoProducer 93 multichannel speakers co
S Safety & Comfort Guide 7 safety warnings 7 setting up PC 1 settings user defined, muvee autoProducer 98 Shuffle shots 98 slideshows in MyDVD 84 smartJoin multiple music files 99 software programs DVDPlay 79 Windows Movie Maker 2.
projects background music 85 burning to disc 86 button styles 85 capture length 83 capturing video 83 chapter points 83 custom styles 85 Direct-to-Disc wizards 87 editing 85 MyDVD 82 scene detection 83 searching for scenes 85 slideshows 84 submenus 84 supported file formats 83 text formatting 85 transition effects 85 user interfaces 82 quality settings (MyDVD) 89 supported DVD formats 85 volume controls 13 W Web Streaming 102 Windows Media Player play music CDs 64 playing video CDs 65 Windows Movie Maker 2
