HP Media Center PC Getting Started 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 errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Table of Contents Table of Contents......................................... iii How to Use This Guide ................................. 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 ................................................... 2 Safety and Comfort............................................................... 2 Getting Help...........
iv HP Media Center PC User’s Guide
How to Use This Guide This guide can help you get started using your new HP Media Center PC right away. 1 2 3 Read “Safety Information” at the beginning of this book. Identify the items included with your HP Media Center PC. See “Inventory” on page 7. Follow the setup poster to connect your PC. See “Setting Up the PC” on page 9. 4 5 Read “Starting the PC for the First Time” on page 59 to learn how to turn on your PC and what to do next.
Safety Information Before you get started, please read this important 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 Warnings w A warning describes information you need to avoid possible personal injury or damage to equipment or data. Read and follow all warnings.
Getting Help Help and Support Center Information about your PC is in the onscreen Help and Support Center. Here you can find links to reinstall drivers, access to technical support options, and information about commonly asked questions about your computer. Help and Support Center is onscreen Help. Press Help (the ? button) on the keyboard, or click Start on the taskbar, and then click Help and Support. In Help and Support, click HP Media Center PC help to read Help topics and run tests.
HP Web Site Support Use the Web site addresses listed in the Warranty and Support Guide for information about your PC and your technical support needs. The HP Web site provides a place where you can get supplemental information about HP computers and products and contact HP Support. You can also go to the HP Web site for updates and software patches. Search for your model number in the Support section of the Web site. Online Information and technical support for your PC is available at the HP Web site.
HP Media Center Software Guide This guide can help you get started using the Media Center software program. Media Center allows you to use a remote control to access your recorded television (TV) programs, videos, pictures, music CDs, and DVDs. Application and System Recovery Programs The PC uses the operating system and installed software programs during normal operation.
Online Guides You can find online guides and information for your PC. To view online manuals for your PC, go to the Support Web address that is listed in the Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC, and then search for your product name and number. Online manuals are associated with specific PC model numbers. Some models do not have online manuals. Microsoft Web Site For more information, search the Microsoft Web site (http://www.support.microsoft.
Inventory PC Components n PC components may vary by model. what’s inside: hp pavilion home pc warranty & support guide ✔where to get help ✔warranty and license information ✔declaration of F conformity ✔operating specifications ✔regulatory and safety information Before contacting HP Cust omer Sup portCenter , it’s import ant tohave he t ollow f ing info rmatio n handy. Please take a moment t o write dow n your pr oduct inform atio n fo r fut ure refe rence.
Media Center components DVD MENU RADIO TV MUSIC PICTURES VIDEOS RECORD PLAY STOP FWD REW PAUSE M J SKIP REPLAY BACK GUIDE OK N RECORDED TV LIVE TV VOLUME MORE INFO CHANNEL/ PAGE MUTE DEF 2 3 JKL MNO 4 5 6 PQRS TUV WXYZ 7 8 9 [ ABC 1 GHI ENTER CLEAR O 0 PRINT hp media center P K Q L J n Remote control K Remote control sensor cable (emitter) O S-video to composite video adapter L P Composite video cable FM radio antenna M Two AA batteries for remote control
Setting Up the PC Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the PC and then read the topics in this section to find out more about the location of components and connectors on your PC, and to find out about some setup alternatives. Most of the hardware devices such as the monitor, keyboard, printer, and mouse can be connected at the back of the PC. Some peripheral devices, such as a digital video camera, can be plugged into the connectors on the back or the front of the PC.
Setting up the PC 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 Connect your PC to the keyboard. See the setup poster and see “Using the Keyboard” on page 69. Connect the PC to the mouse. See the setup poster. Connect to the remote sensor. See the setup poster and see “Connecting the Remote Sensor” on page 17. 8 9 Connect the modem to the telephone line and connect a network cable, if one is needed. See “Connecting to the Internet” on page 15 and see “Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port (LAN)” on page 15.
Front of PC A B C n Location and number of connectors may vary by model. D E F G H I J K L M N P O A Memory card reader J B Optical drive LED K FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector C Eject button for optical drive L D Optical drive LED M USB 2.0 port E Eject button for optical drive N USB 2.
Back of PC n Location and number of connectors may vary by model.
Front and Back PC Connectors Connector or Icon Location on PC Description and Function Back panel Mouse Back panel Keyboard 1 or 2 on front panel, depending on your PC model Universal Serial Bus (USB) for mouse, keyboard, digital cameras, or other devices with USB connectors 4 on the back panel SERIAL Back panel Printer (parallel) Back panel Monitor Back panel Serial port for digital cameras or other serial devices Back panel Audio Line Out (powered speakers, green connector) Back panel
Connector or Icon R 14 L Location on PC Description and Function 1 on front panel and 1 on back panel FireWire (IEEE 1394) for video cameras and other highspeed devices Front panel and on TV tuner card on the back panel S-video In/Video In Front panel Composite Video In TV tuner card on the back panel TV In (TV antenna or cable input) 1 set on front panel and 1 set on the TV tuner card on the back panel Audio In right and left TV tuner on the back panel FM In (radio antenna input) Back pan
Connecting to the Monitor Connect your monitor to the PC. The monitor is not included with the PC. See the documentation that came with your monitor. Connecting to the Internet (Select models only) Connect the telephone line to the modem, which is inside the PC. 1 2 Plug the modem cable (provided in the PC box) into the computer modem connector on the back of the PC. Plug the other end to your telephone line wall jack connector.
Connecting the Wireless LAN n The wireless LAN antenna connector is located either below the fan or in the slot above the modem connector on the back of the PC. 1 Some Media Center PC models come with an 802.11b wireless LAN module and internal antenna. This device allows you to connect to the Internet from other devices that are compatible with the 802.11 wireless LAN. An additional external antenna is supplied with your system and may be connected to the 802.
Connecting the Remote Sensor The remote sensor is a small device that connects to the PC and allows the remote control to work with the Media Center program. 1 2 3 If you have a cable TV set-top box, a satellite set-top box, or other set-top box that controls your TV signal, connect the remote control sensor cable (emitter) (A) into the back of the remote sensor.
Connecting the TV Signal Source For information about connecting the TV signal, see “Connecting the TV Signal Source” on page 24. Connecting the FM Radio Antenna (Select models only) 1 2 Plug the FM radio antenna cable into the FM In (E) port on the back of the PC. The FM connector is found on the TV tuner card. You may want to extend the ends of the cable to improve your FM radio signal reception.
If the PC doesn’t recognize your digital video camera: 1 2 3 4 Click Start on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, if available, and then double-click the System icon. Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button. Click the plus sign (+) next to imaging devices. If the name of the camera appears under imaging devices the device is ready. If the name is not there, try the following: ■ Click Action, and then Scan for hardware changes.
To connect an HP Personal Media Drive to the PC The HP Personal Media Drive has an automatic on and off feature. The drive turns on when it is plugged into an active USB port. If the PC is turned on with the drive connected, the drive automatically turns on. When the USB cable for the drive is not plugged in or when the USB power from the PC is turned off, the drive automatically turns off. 1 2 n When your Media Center PC is in standby mode (reduced power state), the drive remains turned on.
To disconnect an HP Personal Media Drive You can safely remove the HP Personal Media Drive when it is not active. When the amber activity LED is blinking, the drive is active, saving or transferring data. To disconnect your HP Personal Media Drive safely: 1 2 3 Close Media Center and all other programs that may be accessing your HP Personal Media Drive. Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray at the bottom of the desktop.
Connecting to Other Devices n Some peripheral devices are not included with the PC. 22 Other peripheral devices can be connected to the front or back of your HP Media Center PC by using USB or FireWire ports. You can connect peripheral devices such as a printer, scanner, video camera, digital camera, memory card reader, and PDA (personal digital assistant) or handheld computer to the PC. See the documentation that came with your device.
Connecting the Television Signal Using the TV Cables Your PC comes with the following cables for the TV signal: ■ A n One coaxial cable (10 feet) (A). Use a coaxial cable for a BNC connector, such as the TV source signal. ■ One S-video to composite video adapter cable (2 inches) (B). Connect this adapter to an S-video connector, and then attach a composite video cable to the adapter. ■ One composite video cable (6 feet) (C).
Connecting the TV Signal Source Connect the signal source for the TV by using the TV In coaxial connector or the S-video In connector. Plug the connector of a coaxial cable from your TV antenna or from your TV cable (wall or set-top box) into the TV/RF-In (D) connector on the back of the PC, and then turn the connector to tighten it. n Location and number of connectors may vary by model.
Connecting the TV Signal Source When You Have an Existing Setup This section describes how to connect the PC to an existing setup for your TV signal source. Wall 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.
Wall 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 these cables to the input of the VCR and the other one to the TV connector on the back of the PC.
Existing setup Add the PC with a splitter A A B B C C D D E E M C N J C K C L F F G G C C H H A Wall B Cable C Coaxial cable D Set-top box/Satellite In E Set-top box/Satellite Out F VCR In G VCR Out H TV In J Splitter In K Splitter Out L TV In on back of PC M Remote control sensor cable N Remote control sensor Connecting the Television Signal 27
Wall 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 2 Do not detach any cables from your existing setup. Connect an additional cable: ■ Using S-video cable (not included): Connect an additional S-video cable to a second output on the set-top box or satellite box. Plug the other end of the cable into the S-video In connector on the back of the PC.
Existing setup A Add the PC A B B C C D D L M J E K F F G G E H H A Wall B Cable C Set-top box/Satellite In D Set-top box/Satellite Out E S-video or composite cable F VCR In G VCR Out H TV In J Add an S-video or composite cable with adapter K S-video In on back of PC L Remote control sensor cable M Remote control sensor Connecting the Television Signal 29
Using the TV as a Monitor The Media Center PC has a TV-out capability, which means you can connect it to a TV to view the PC image on a TV screen. With the TV-out feature, you can view the PC image, watch DVD movies, or play games on your TV. This is an optional feature. Cables for connecting to a TV To connect a TV to the PC, you may need a video cable and an audio cable. The type of video cable you need depends on your TV: ■ ■ If your TV has an S-video jack, you need an S-video cable.
4 If your TV has a composite video jack and your PC has a composite video jack, connect a composite video cable (A) to the Video In jack on the TV to the composite Video Out jack (C) on the back of the PC. B C A 5 6 7 8 If your TV has a composite video jack and your PC has only an S-video connector, plug an S-video to composite video adapter cable into the TV Out S-video (B) connector on the back of the PC. Connect a composite video cable, to the S-video to composite video adapter cable.
Viewing the PC image on the TV n The type of video card on your PC determines how the PC selects the TV-out option. Some options and menus in this procedure may be different for your PC. To view your PC image on the TV: 1 2 3 4 Make sure the video and audio cables are connected before you turn on the TV and the PC. 5 6 7 Turn on the TV. Press the Video/TV button on your remote control to select the Video setting, not the TV setting. Turn on the PC.
Displays tab 1 2 Click the Displays tab. This tab shows a monitor and a TV. The upper-left corner of each display icon is a button and a status indicator. A red corner indicates an inactive display; a green corner indicates an active display. To view the PC image on your PC monitor and your TV simultaneously, click the upper-left corner of the TV icon so that it is green. Click Apply. To view the PC image on just the TV, click the TV corner so it is green, and then click the monitor corner so it is red.
5 Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the Display Properties window. Ge Force FX tab (disabling) 1 2 3 Click the Ge Force FX xxxx tab. 4 In the area nView Modes select Single Display from the drop-down list. In the area Current display select Analog Display or Digital Display. 5 Click the Apply button. When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting.
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options HP Media Center PCs support many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker configurations. This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system may have different components. n Sound Connector Types Your model may include one of three analog sound connector types on the back of your PC: ■ Three connectors ■ Six connectors ■ Sound card The connectors are1/8-inch (3.
Sound Connector Functions Use the sound connectors that match your PC model when installing cables, as shown in the installation procedure steps. A n The following table shows the sound connectors on the back panel of PC systems. B C D E F Sound Connector 3 6 S 3 is Three Connector Description Line side (gray) for side speakers in an eight-speaker system (7.1).
Sound Connector 3 6 DIGITAL AUDIO OUT DIGITAL AUDIO OUT S Description F digital out (orange) connects to a digital audio device with digital input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select models only). Speaker Configurations You may set up your HP Media Center PC for the following supported configurations: Name Speaker system See: Headphone None, muted. “Using Headphones” on page 55. 2 (stereo) Left speaker, right speaker. “Connecting 2/2.
Speaker types Speakers may be included with the monitor (select models only) or are 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.
Step 8 is optional for a two-speaker setup. 8 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model: ■ ■ 6 Connector: See “Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 51. ■ Sound Card: See “Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card” on page 53. 3 Connector: See “Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 48. The following diagram shows a typical 2.1 audio installation: OUT Connecting 4.
4 5 6 7 8 Connect the cables to the audio system. 9 Connect the front and rear speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation. After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model: ■ 3 Connector: See “Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 48. ■ 6 Connector: See “Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 51. ■ Sound Card: See “Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card” on page 53.
4 Connect the center/subwoofer speaker cable to the gold (or pink mic) connector that matches the back of your PC. 3 6 S 7 Turn on the PC. 8 Plug in the speaker system power. 9 Turn on the speaker system. 10 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model: ■ 5 6 For 3 Connector systems, the pink mic connector functions as a center/subwoofer speaker line out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.
Connecting 7.1 Audio Speakers If your PC has 6 Connectors or an Audigy2 ZS sound card (select models only), you can install an 8/7.1 audio system. To connect two front speakers, two side speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer for eight-channel (7.1 speaker) output: (Select models only) 1 n . 2 5 Turn off the PC. Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green audio line out connector on the back of your PC.
The following diagram shows a typical 7.1 audio installation: Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System You can connect your HP Media Center PC to your home stereo or home theater multichannel audio receiver/amplifiers using your existing speakers. For example, see “2.1 home stereo installation” on page 44, or “6/5.1 home audio installation” on page 45. Y adapter cables Most home receiver/amplifiers have RCA-type input connectors.
2.1 home stereo installation The following diagram shows a typical two-channel (2.1) speaker installation that uses passive stereo speakers and plugs into a home stereo standard left and right input. A IN A: PC back panel connectors (3, 6, or Sound Card) OUT n This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may be different. B B: Y adapter cables C: Receiver/amplifier D: Subwoofer C E: Front speakers (left and right) D PC to 2.
6/5.1 home audio installation The following diagram shows a typical advanced home theater audio six-channel 6/5.1 speaker installation that requires multichannel inputs on a receiver/amplifier. This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may be different. n IN OUT A A: PC back panel connectors (3, 6, or Sound Card) B B: Y adapter cables C: Receiver/amplifier C D: Subwoofer E: Center speaker F: Front speakers (left and right) G: Rear speakers (left and right) D E F G PC to 5.
6/5.1 home audio installation procedure To connect a six-channel (5.1 speaker) home audio system to the PC: n Receiver/amplifier input connectors may be labeled Surround, 5.1, or 6 Channel inputs, CD, DVD, or DVD In. 1 2 3 Turn off the receiver/amplifier. Connect the front stereo mini-plug end of a Y adapter cable into the lime green audio line out connector that matches the back of your PC.
Connecting Digital Audio (Select models only) To connect digital audio, your PC must include a digital out connector on the sound card or on the back panel. You do not need to connect multichannel speaker outputs if you connect the digital output. To connect digital audio speakers: 1 2 3 3 4 5 6 Turn off the PC. Connect the digital out connector on the back panel of your PC to the digital input (SPDIF) on digital speakers or a digital audio system.
Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has 3 Connectors. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Multi-channel Sound Manager: 1 2 48 Click Start on the taskbar. Choose All Programs. 3 Click Music. Click Multi-channel Sound Manager. The Multi-channel Audio Configuration window opens with one of five control screens. ■ Sound Effect — Select the Environment settings.
4 5 6 Click the Speaker Configuration tab near the top of the window to open the control screens. (Your speakers may need to be plugged in to see this tab.) Select the option describing the number of speakers in your system, in a range from 2/2.1 speaker mode to 6/5.1 speaker mode. 7 8 9 Click OK. Test the speakers. Click the Speaker Test tab. Follow the instructions. Configure audio output for the Media Center. See “Configuring Audio for Media Center” on page 54.
Sound Effect Manager Sound Effect Manager displays one of the following control screens: ■ ■ 50 Sound Effect — Select the environment and the equalizer settings. You can select an environment, such as Under Water or Auditorium. To use the equalizer, click the power button in the center of the circular equalizer control to turn on the equalizer. You can click a pre-set button, such as Pop or Live, or manually adjust the settings and save them for selection later.
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. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Sound Effect Manager: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Click Start on the taskbar. Choose Control Panel. Click Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices (or Sounds and Audio Devices). Click Sound Effect Manager. The window opens. Click the Speaker Configuration button near the top of the window. 7 8 9 Test the speakers.
8 Connect the speaker system audio cable plugs into the connectors on the front of your PC. The panel display highlights a cable that is properly inserted in a connector. 9 Close the window. Retasking front panel connectors The microphone connector and the headphone connector on the front of the PC can be retasked to perform different functions. 1 2 3 Follow steps 1 through 7 of the procedure, “Using the Audio Wizard.
Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy sound card: 1 2 3 4 5 Click Start on the taskbar. Choose All Programs. Choose Creative, SoundBlaster Audigy 2. Click Creative Speaker Settings. The speaker settings window opens. Select a speaker setting from the Speaker/ Headphone Selection drop-down menu. Enter a speaker configuration from 2/2.1 to 2/7.
Configuring Audio for Media Center Follow these steps after you have installed, connected, and configured your speakers. To configure multichannel audio output for the Media Center: 1 2 Click Start on the taskbar, scroll down, and select Media Center. Click Settings, click DVD. Scroll down and click Audio. 3 4 5 Select your speaker mode. For example, select 6 speaker mode (5.1 channel). Click Apply, and then click OK. Close the window.
Adjusting the Volume To adjust speaker volume, use the: ■ Volume knob or buttons on the keyboard. ■ Volume knob on the speakers. ■ Volume knob on the subwoofer. ■ Volume knob on the monitor (if connected). ■ ■ Volume controls within a program, such as the volume buttons on the Media Center navigation bar or on the remote control. Volume icon on the taskbar. Double-click and adjust the volume. ■ Ensure that the mute box is not checked.
6/5.1 to 8/7.1 speaker system For select models that include a 5.1 or higher speaker system, a headphones connector is located on the right side of the control tower. ■ Push and hold the On button on the control tower for several seconds to enable sound from the speakers. If the control tower displays HP (for HeadPhones), the headphones are enabled; the sound to the speakers and the subwoofer is muted. ■ Press the On button briefly to enable the headphones.
Selecting recording devices (6 Connector only) To select a sound recording device: 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar. Choose Control Panel. Click Sounds and Audio Devices (or Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices). The Sounds and Audio Devices window opens. 4 5 6 7 Click the Audio tab. The window opens. In Sound Recording, select a recording device, for example, Realtek HD Front Pink Jack. Click OK. Close the window.
58 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Starting the PC Starting the PC for the First Time After you’ve completed connecting the components of your PC by using the setup poster steps, you are ready to turn on the PC. 1 2 3 4 n Press the power button on the monitor. Read “Safety Information” at the beginning of this book before you turn on the PC. Press the On button (A) on the front of the PC. Follow the onscreen instructions for the initial Microsoft Windows setup. Register with HP to receive changes, updates, and support.
Media Center PC Desktop View n Your Media Center PC Start menu may not include some of the programs and utilities listed below. The Media Center PC desktop has shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need. To find out more information about a program, click its icon. Using the Start menu To open the Start menu, click the Start button. Use this menu to: Open Media Center by clicking Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, Accessories, Media Center, and then click Media Center again.
Desktop shortcuts (Select models only) Icon Opens Use it to Windows XP Start menu Find all your software programs, turn off the PC, open Help and Support, and access all the PC utilities and features. Help and Support View onscreen help information about your PC. Media Center Access all the Media Center features: watch and record TV programs; listen to and record music CDs; view your digital pictures; watch DVD movies; and much more.
Making Recovery Discs Now is a good time to make your recovery discs. Refer to the Warranty and Support Guide for instructions and more information. HP Products Work Better Together HP computers include pre-loaded software for select HP All-In-One, camera, scanner, and printer peripheral products. Pre-loaded software simplifies and speeds product setup for HP peripherals. Simply connect the HP peripheral product and turn it on, and your HP PC automatically configures it so it is ready to use.
Protecting the PC HP provides a virus-scanning software program to help protect your PC (select models only). The virus-scanning program manufacturer provides free virus scan updates through your Internet connection for an initial period after your PC purchase. You can purchase a subscription service for updates after the initial free period expires. New types of viruses are invented all the time. Protect your PC by getting regular updates of your virus-scanning software from the program manufacturer.
Using HP Organize Software (Select models only) HP Organize software is a desktop tool you use to organize both your PC shortcuts and your favorite Internet links. You can use it to organize the important things you do on the PC and the Internet. HP Organize makes all your information available with just a few mouse clicks. Use the player area for viewing pictures, for listening to your MP3 music files stored on your PC, or for watching video clips.
Manual Standby Mode Putting the PC into standby You 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 PC goes into standby mode. The On button on the front of the PC has a power indicator light that flashes when the PC is in standby. Or 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar. Click Turn Off Computer at the bottom of the menu.
Manual Hibernation Mode n When you press Shift, the Stand By button changes to Hibernate. If Hibernate is not present, you first need to set up your PC for hibernation by setting the Power Options in the Control Panel. 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 programs that are currently running to the hard disk drive and then turns itself off.
Automatic Standby or Hibernation Mode To automatically put the PC into standby or hibernation mode when the PC is idle, modify the power management settings: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Click Start on the taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, if it is present. Click Power Options. w Do not use auto-hibernate if you have scheduled TV recordings in Media Center; instead, set System hibernates to Never. Click the Hibernate tab, select the Enable hibernation check box, and then click Apply.
Installing Software n After you’ve completed registering, install any software programs that may have come on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box. 68 After you turn on the PC the first time and restart it, you can install any software programs that came on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box (select models only). Choose software that is compatible with your PC; check the operating system, memory, and other requirements listed for the new software for compatibility with your PC.
Using the PC Hardware Using the Keyboard Your 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 the receiver indicates receiver activity. The keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys, indicator lights, and special buttons.
Special Keyboard Buttons Access buttons Icon Feature Description or Function Standby Puts PC into or out of power-saving mode. May take 10–30 seconds before screen reappears. User Log off or switch between PC users. HP Links to an HP Web site. Help Opens the Help and Support Center. photo HP Image Zone Plus Opens the HP Image Zone Plus software program. Can be reconfigured. music Music Starts iTunes or Windows Media Player. Can be reconfigured. video Video Opens a video software program.
Media control or playback buttons Icon + Feature Description or Function eject 1 and eject 2 Opens or closes upper and lower optical drive tray. rec Starts recording to selected media. stop Stops media. play/pause Plays or pauses media. prev Rewinds media. next Fast-forwards media. volume Volume knob controls speaker volume. Mute Turns speaker sound on and off. n The Volume knob can continue to be turned, even after maximum sound has been reached.
Using the Mouse Your PC may include a wireless or an optical scrolling mouse. An optical scrolling mouse uses light and an optical sensor, instead of a roller ball, to sense movement. Use the optical mouse on an opaque surface. A wireless mouse (select models only) is an optical mouse that uses a receiver/transmitter, instead of a connector cable, to communicate with your PC. A light on the receiver indicates receiver activity.
Remote Control Use the remote control to open the Media Center program, and use it to view TV, record TV programs, play previously recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video. See “Using the Remote Control” in the HP Media Center PC Software Guide for detailed instructions on using the features of the remote control.
Installing the remote control batteries 1 n 2 Slide the battery cover off the back of the remote control. Insert the two AA batteries (provided). Use alkaline batteries in the remote control. 74 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide 3 Replace the battery cover.
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 can read and can write to a variety of types of memory cards and the IBM Microdrive disk drive. The card reader is accessible directly on the front of the PC or located inside a cover. It has four horizontal card slots, which accept the memory cards and the Microdrive disk drive.
Formatting a memory card n Some memory cards have a lock position. To view or edit your photos, make sure the memory card is in the unlocked position. If you have not used the memory card, you may need to format it first. 1 2 3 Insert the media into the correct card slot on the reader until it stops and locks into place. The light on the reader lights, and the computer automatically detects the media. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
Troubleshooting the memory card reader If you are having problems reading to or writing to a memory card, try the following: ■ Make sure the read/write switch on the memory card, if available, is set to Write Enabled. ■ Make sure the amount of data you want to store is not larger than the capacity of the memory card.
Installing an HP Camera Docking Station n The camera docking station, cables, and the HP digital camera and bracket are sold separately. 78 HP Media Center PCs come with a camera docking bay and two camera docking bay lids. This bay is designed to hold an HP camera docking station and several HP digital cameras (which are purchased separately). To install the HP camera docking station: 1 Gently press down and slide the CD storage lid open.
2 3 Place the camera docking station (A) on the top of the PC. B Place the camera bracket (B) that came with your digital camera on the camera docking station. A n The camera bracket clips onto the camera dock base. This bracket comes with the digital camera. .
4 Thread the cables (C) 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. DC IN 5 Connect the cables: Plug the USB cable into the back of the PC. ■ Plug the red and yellow connectors (not shown) into a TV if you want to view the camera images on a TV (optional). ■ Plug the power cord into a power outlet.
6 7 8 Place the correct camera docking station lid (D) on top of the PC. Gently guide the edge of the lid into the top of the PC. E Place the HP digital camera (E) into the camera docking station. Follow the instructions that came with your camera docking station.
82 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Troubleshooting Problems and Solutions For help on general and miscellaneous problems you may be experiencing with the PC, refer to the following pages for possible solutions. Look up the description of the problem and try the solution listed. For more detailed information, press the Help button on your keyboard, or click Start on the taskbar and select Help and Support. Problem My computer won’t turn on at all.
Problem The computer (or part of it) doesn’t seem to be working. Solution ■ The computer is in standby mode (the On button power indicator light is flashing). Press the Standby button on the keyboard or the Standby button on the remote control. Try restarting the computer as follows: a Click Start on the taskbar. b Click Turn Off Computer. c Click Restart. ■ n Using the On button to reset the PC is not recommended and should be used only as a last resort.
Problem The computer doesn’t make any sound. Surround sound isn’t working. Solution ■ Press the Mute button on the keyboard or on the remote control to see if the Mute feature is turned on. ■ Use the keyboard controls to increase the volume. ■ Click the Volume icon on the taskbar. Increase the volume, and make sure the Mute box is not checked. ■ Double-click the Volume icon on the taskbar. The Play Control window opens. Make sure none of the Mute check boxes are selected.
Problem Solution When I push one of the special or multimedia buttons on the keyboard, nothing happens. Check the button configuration. To configure the button: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 My keyboard doesn’t work, even though the computer and monitor seem to work. ■ ■ 86 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Click Start on the taskbar, and then click Control Panel. Click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present. Double-click Keyboard.
Problem The monitor doesn’t work, even though the computer appears to. The mouse doesn’t work, even though everything else does. Solution ■ Make sure the monitor is turned on — it has its own power button. ■ Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the monitor. ■ Check the connection of the power cord into the monitor. ■ Check the cable connection between the monitor and the computer. The cable connectors must be pushed in all the way.
Problem 88 Solution I am using a TV with Media Center, but I cannot see anything. ■ Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See “Using the TV as a Monitor” on page 30. ■ Check that the TV out image is enabled. See “Using the TV as a Monitor” on page 30. My software stopped working. ■ Refer to “Application and System Recovery” in the Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC, to reinstall a software program.
Problem Solution My remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote control. If a faint red light doesn’t appear when you point the remote control at the remote sensor, try the following: 1 2 3 4 5 6 I cannot remove a CD or DVD. Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then select Properties. Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager. Click the plus (+) sign next to Universal Serial Bus Controllers.
Problem The memory card reader won’t read my memory card. 90 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide Solution ■ The memory card reader is a device that uses the Safely Remove Hardware task. This appears as a system 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, restart the PC. ■ Do not insert or remove memory cards when the in-use light is flashing.
Problem My PC is experiencing video errors. Solution ■ Your file may be corrupt or in an unsupported format. Open the video file in a video editor such as WinDVD Creator, and then resave the file in a supported format. ■ There may be a problem with the codec. For more information, look in Windows Media Player Help, and then search for codec.
n If you need more information about using or troubleshooting Media Center, refer to the Media Center online Help or Help and Support in the Start menu. Problem Solution My DVD won’t play. You 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.
Index A Application Recovery 5 applications 63 audio connector 13, 14 B backup PC data 62 batteries installing in remote control 74 type for remote control 74 booting.
E I Easy Internet Sign-up 59 wizard icon 61 error codec 92 Files Needed To Display Video Are Missing or Corrupt 91 video 91 error, codec 92 Ethernet network hub 15 installing batteries in remote control 74 camera dock 78 camera docking station 78 Internet connecting the PC 15 connecting through a Network Port (LAN) 15 keyboard buttons 70 selecting an Internet Service Provider 59 Internet connection modem 15 network port 15 Internet Explorer icon 61 Internet Service Provider, selecting 59 F FireWire (IEE
memory card, formatting 76 Memory Stick (MS) reader 75 Memory Stick Pro (MS Pro) reader 75 Microdrive reader 75 microphone connecting 55 connector 13 using 56 Microsoft Web site getting help 6 Online Spotlight 6 modem connecting to the Internet 15 connector 14 monitor connecting 15 connector 13 not working 87 mouse connector 13 not working 87 using 72 MultiMedia Card (MMC) reader 75 music library 92 mute button 71 N network interface adapter 15 O On button 59 online guides 6 Online Spotlight link to Micro
sound not working 85 speaker systems 35 speakers adusting volume 55 configuring multichannel audio for Sound Manager 48 connecting multichannel audio speakers to the PC 36, 38–47, 51 enable digital audio output 49, 52 resolving sound issues 57 setting up digital speaker output 53 standby mode 83 automatic 67 button 70 manual 65 putting the PC into 65 taking the PC out of 65 tips 65 Start menu 60 stereo connecting to the PC 43 S-video In connector 14 System Recovery 5 System Restore 5 system tray 60 T trans
