HP Media Center PC User’s Guide
The information in this document is subject to change without notice. Hewlett-Packard Company® makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. HP shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
Table of Contents Welcome ...................................................... 1 Connecting the Speakers ............................ 27 Safety Information ....................................... 2 Speaker Systems ................................................................. 2.1 Klipsch Speaker System ................................................. 2.1 Altec Lansing Speaker System ........................................ 5.1 Speaker System .........................................................
Remote Control .......................................... 81 My Pictures .............................................. 137 What Can I Do with the Media Center Remote Control? .......... 81 Remote Control Buttons Overview ......................................... 82 Remote Control Buttons ........................................................ 85 What Can I Do in My Pictures? ........................................... Using Supported File Types for My Pictures ..........................
Upgrading and Servicing .......................... 181 Application and System Recovery ............. 199 Preparing the Computer .................................................... Removing the Side Panels .................................................. Replacing the Side Panels .................................................. Locating Components in the PC Chassis .............................. Removing the Fan Duct ...................................................... Replacing the Fan Duct .......
vi HP Media Center PC User’s Guide
Welcome Welcome to the exciting new HP Media Center PC experience! HP has combined the features of the HP Pavilion home PC with the Microsoft® Windows® XP Media Center Edition operating system to create a powerful entertainment center for you. This PC includes an impressive sound system, a DVD+RW/+R player, a 7-In-1 memory card reader, and powerful 3-D graphics capability. It is simple and easy to use.
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.
How to Use this Guide This guide can help you get started using your new PC right away. 1 2 Read “Safety Information” at the beginning of this book. Identify the items included with your computer. Refer to “Inventory” on page 6. 3 4 5 Follow the setup poster to connect your computer. See “Setting Up My PC” on page 9. Read “Starting the PC for the First Time” on page 37 to learn how to turn on your PC and what to do next. n A note describes important information you need.
Where Can I Find Information? Getting Help This guide can help you get started setting up your Media Center PC and using the Media Center program. Other sources of help are: Setup poster, in the computer box, shows how to connect your computer. For additional information and setup alternatives, refer to “Setting Up My PC” on page 9. n Help and Support Center and HP Instant Support are available for select models only. Help and Support Center is onscreen Help.
Help and Support HP provides many kinds of information and help for your PC. ■ ■ Go to the HP Utility programs in the PC Help & Tools folder to run an application or a system recovery. ■ The Help and Support Center also gives you access to the latest news and updates for your PC. Go to the Help and Support Center when you want to read about your computer, view tutorials, run tests, or get troubleshooting help by using the Internet.
Inventory PC and Main Components Media Center Components DVD MENU TV what’s inside: hp pavilion home pc warranty & support guide n ✔where to get help ✔warranty and license RADIO information ✔declaration of conformity ✔operating specifications ✔regulatory and safety information RECORD vid pic eo e guid PLAY STOP H L s es tur REW ic mus Before contacting HP Cust omer SupportCenter , it’s import ant tohave he t ollow f ing info rmatio n handy.
2.1 Speaker System Components Your Media Center PC came with either the Klipsch or Altec Lansing set of 2.1 Speakers. If your PC came with 5.1 speakers, refer to “Connecting the Speakers” on page 27. A D B E F C A 2.1 Klipsch Subwoofer (power cord attached) D 2.1 Altec Lansing Subwoofer B 2.1 Klipsch Speakers E C 2.1 Klipsch Speaker cables 2.
Getting the Most Out of Media Center It is best to have the following items completed before trying to use the Media Center program; otherwise, many of the program features won’t be available to you. Before using Media Center, make sure: n Connections to the Internet and to a TV signal source are optional, but they are recommended to get the most out of Media Center. 8 ■ HP Media Center PC is set up correctly. For setup information, refer to the setup poster and to “Setting Up My PC” on page 9.
Setting Up My PC Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the computer. Connect the keyboard, mouse, speaker system, and remote sensor to the connections on the back of the PC. Match the colors. The following pages identify the location of components and connectors on your PC and provide some setup alternatives. Your connector locations and system components may vary. Checklist The following items are not provided with your PC.
Front of PC (Features and Locations May Vary) A B C D E F G H A 1st Optical (CD or DVD+RW/+R) drive Eject button D 7-In-1 memory card reader (Some PCs come with a 6-In-1 card reader) B 2nd Optical (CD or DVD+RW/+R) drive Eject button E Diskette (floppy) drive F On button with power indicator light C Media Center Shortcut buttons (see following page for more information) 10 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide G Hard disk activity indicator light H Front connector ports (see following page for more
Media Center Shortcut Buttons Your Media Center PC has five shortcut buttons on the front of the PC. Each button opens a window in Media Center. Button Media Center Shortcut Opens My TV window where you can watch and record TV programs. Opens the Program Guide where you can search for a TV program to watch or record. Opens the My Music Window in Media Center where you can listen to your music CDs. Opens the My Pictures window in Media Center where you can browse your picture files and play a slide show.
Front connector ports (Features and Locations May Vary) A n B C D E F G H Location and number of connectors may vary by model. A 12 FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector S-video Input_2 connector E B Composite video Input_2 connector (yellow) F 2 USB 2.
Back of PC (Features and Locations May Vary) A B C D E Q R S F G O IN OUT H J K L M T U V W X P Y N A Power LED O Digital Audio Out (select models only) B Voltage selector P C Power Cord connector Q A VGA monitor (DB-15) port D PS/2 Mouse connector R S-video (TV Out) E PS/2 Keyboard connector S LCD DVI connector (select models only) F Serial port T Audio in right G Parallel port U Audio in left H FireWire (IEEE 1394) port V S-video In J 4 USB 2.
Connecting the Monitor Connect your monitor to the PC. The monitor is not included with the PC. Refer to the documentation that came with your monitor. Switching Display Devices When you connect more than one display device (CRT monitor, flat panel monitor, TV, etc.) to the PC, you can quickly change where the PC desktop appears by pressing Alt+F5. Each time you press the Alt+F5 key combination, the PC display appears on the next device.
Connecting the Printer or Scanner Connect peripheral devices to the PC one at a time. The printer or scanner is not included with the PC. Refer to the documentation that came with your device. Connecting to the Internet Through a Modem Connection Connect the telephone line to the modem, which is inside the computer. 1 Plug the modem cable (provided in the computer box) into the computer modem connector on the back of the PC. 2 Plug the other end to your telephone line wall jack connector.
Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port (LAN) The network interface adapter (also called a network interface card, or NIC) connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub. Connect this adapter in your PC to your LAN (local area network) hub or any broadband connection. 1 2 Plug a network cable into the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the back of the PC. Plug the other end of the network cable into a 10BaseT or 100BaseT port on the network hub.
Connecting the Remote Sensor The remote sensor is a small device that connects to the PC and allows the remote control to work with the Media Center program. For information on using the control cable in an existing setup, see “Optional Connections” on page 19. 1 2 3 If you have a cable TV set-top box, satellite, or other set-top box that controls your TV signal, connect the remote sensor control cable (emitter) (A) into the back of the remote sensor.
Connecting the Signal Source This section describes connecting the signal source for TV. Connect the signal source for the TV by using the TV (in) coaxial connector or the S-VID IN (S-video) connector: ■ Plug the connector of a coaxial cable from your TV antenna or from your TV cable (wall or set-top box) into the TV/RF-IN (D) connector on the back of the PC, and then turn the connector to tighten it.
Connecting the Television Signal Optional Connections Connecting the TV is optional and not required to enjoy Media Center. 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.
Connecting the TV 1 Plug a cable into the TV OUT S-video (A) connector or the COMP (A) composite video connector on the back of the PC. If you use a composite video cable, you also need to use an S-video to composite video adapter cable. Choose the cable type you TV needs. n 2 3 4 Plug the other end of the cable into the TV IN (Video In or Video Input) connector on your TV. Turn on the TV and select the TV IN video source; refer to the documentation for your TV set.
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 H C 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 Connecting the Television Signal 23
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-VID IN connector on the back of the PC.
Existing Setup A Add the PC with a splitter 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-VID IN on back of PC L Remote sensor control cable Connecting the Television Signal 25
Enabling TV Out Image for nVidia Graphics Card You must enable the TV out image in order to view Media Center using your TV. Skip these steps if you are not using a television. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See “Connecting the TV” on page 20. Turn on the TV. If you have Media Center open, close it. Right-click an empty part of the PC desktop and click Properties. Click Settings tab. Click the Advanced button.
Connecting the Speakers Speaker Systems Speaker systems are not included with all PC models. Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system. The 2.1 speaker system and the 5.1 speaker system are powered by the sound card that has a suite of software applications from Creative. Creative PlayCenter 3 is an integrated player for multiple media formats you can use to create various audio formats. Sound Blaster Audigy allows you to set up and audition various audio devices.
5.1 Audio Connectors (Select Models Only) The audio connectors on the back of the PC include analog and digital outputs as well as a microphone and an audio input. Refer to “5.1 Speaker System” on page 31 for more information. A A Line out (light orange) for the central/subwoofer speaker, connects to an active multi-channel six speaker system such as the 5.1 speaker system. B C Line out (lime green) connects to an active stereo D E F D Microphone Mic (pink) connects to a microphone.
2.1 Klipsch Speaker System 1 2 3 4 5 Put the rubber feet on the bottom of the speakers. Place the two speakers on the left and right of your monitor or TV. Connect the green (or black) connector from the speakers to the Line-Out connector (A) on the back of the PC. Connect the Preamp Input connector to the Preamp Input connector on the back of the PC (C). 6 7 8 Connect the speakers to the subwoofer (B). Refer to the setup poster for connecting the 2.1 speaker system. You can test the speaker system.
2.1 Altec Lansing Speaker System 1 n Select the signal source for TV in the Media Center program settings. 2 3 4 Put the rubber feet on the bottom of the speakers. Place the two speakers on the left and right of your monitor or TV. Connect the green (or black) connector from the speakers to the Line-Out connector (D) on the back of the PC. Connect the orange connector from the speakers to the connector on the back of the subwoofer (E). 5 6 Refer to the setup poster for connecting the 2.
5.1 Speaker System Your PC may have a sound card with connectors on the back of the PC for analog and digital audio outputs (Line out – 1; Line out – 2; and Line out – 3); a microphone; and an audio input (Line in). If your PC has a sound card with these connectors, perform the procedures in the next section. Some PCs have the multi-channel audio capability that uses the microphone; Audio (Line) In; and Audio (Line) Out connectors on the back of the PC.
Connecting Multi-channel Audio Speakers to the PC n If you do not see the Speaker Configuration tab, your PC may not have the multichannel option. To PC back connector Front speakers Audio (Line) Out (K) (lime-green) Rear speakers Audio (Line) In (blue) (L) Center/subwoofer speakers Mic-1 (pink) (J) hp media center pc user’s guide 3 4 5 Turn off the PC. Connect the three audio cable plugs from the speaker system to the connectors on the back of the PC (see the table). Turn on the PC.
Configure Multi-Channel Audio for Sound Manager To configure multi-channel audio output for PCs with Multi-channel Sound Manager: 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar. 4 Choose All Programs. Choose Music and then click Multichannel Sound Manager. The Multichannel Audio Configuration window opens. 5 6 Click the Speaker Configuration tab. (Your speakers may need to be plugged in to see this tab.) Select the option describing the number of speakers in your system, for example, 6/5.1 speaker mode.
Configure Multi-Channel Audio Output To configure multi-channel audio output for PCs with Creative SoundBlaster Audigy: 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar. Choose All Programs. Choose Creative, Sound Blaster Audigy 2, and then click Creative Speaker Settings. The speaker window opens. 4 5 6 Select your speakers from the drop-down list. Click Channel to test the speakers. Click Calibrate to adjust the speaker volume settings.
Using the Microphone Your PC comes with a microphone connector on the back of the PC. It is already set up to work as soon as you plug in your microphone. The microphone connector is pink and is labeled with a microphone icon. Using the Headphones You can connect headphones to Line out-1 (lime green) on the back of the PC, to the 2.1 speaker system, or to the 5.1 speaker system. For the 2.1 speaker system, look for the headphones connector on the right side of the main speaker.
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Starting My 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 computer. 1 2 3 n Press the Power button on the monitor. Read “Safety Information” at the beginning of this book before you turn on the computer. Press the On button (A) on the front of the PC. Follow the onscreen instructions for the initial Microsoft Windows setup.
Media Center PC Desktop View n 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. Your Media Center PC desktop may not appear exactly like the one displayed here.
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. ■ Select programs or documents. ■ Open the Help and Support Center. ■ Start a search. ■ Run a program. ■ To view or change settings, open the Control Panel. ■ To end your current computer session and to switch between users, click the Log Off button.
Software Programs Select Models Only n The software listed on this page may not be available for your country/region. HP provides software programs and offers to help you use and enjoy your new computer. To open a program, click its icon on the desktop (select programs) or click Start, choose All Programs, and then click the folder or program name. Programs and offers may change. InterVideo WinDVD Player lets you watch DVD movies and video using an interactive menu.
Norton AntiVirus 2003 (Symantec/ NAV2002) is the Symantec Norton AntiVirus™ program that scans for viruses and protects your PC by removing them. Norton offers free virus definition updates through your Internet connection for 60 days after your PC purchase. You can purchase a subscription service for updates after your initial free period expires. Energy Star Block makes changes to settings for your power settings of the PC in order to conserve power.
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 computer 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 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 everything currently displayed and on the desktop to the hard disk and then turns itself off. 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar. Click Turn Off Computer at the bottom of the menu. Press the Shift key on the keyboard and click Hibernate.
Automatic Standby or Hibernation Mode w Do not use auto-hibernate if you have scheduled TV recordings in Media Center; instead, set System hibernates to Never. To automatically put the computer into standby or hibernation mode when the PC is idle, modify the power management settings: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 44 Click Start on the taskbar. Click Control Panel. Click Performance and Maintenance, if it is present. Double-click Power Options.
Installing Software 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. You may wish to install additional software programs or hardware devices on your PC. Restart the PC after installation.
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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 user Icon ? photo music video Feature Description 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 Picture Toolkit Opens an imaging software program. Can be reconfigured. music Music Starts MusicMatch Jukebox or Windows Media Player. Can be reconfigured.
Internet buttons shopping Icon sports finance connect search chat e-mail Feature Description Shopping Goes to a popular shopping Web site. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Sports Goes to a popular sports Web site. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Finance Goes to a popular finance Web site. Can be reconfigured to open any Web site or software program. Connect Opens your Internet browser.
Media Control or Playback Buttons n The Volume knob can continue to be turned, even after maximum sound has been reached. + rec eject1 stop play eject2 l pause prev l volume Button Function eject1 Opens or closes upper optical drive tray. eject2 Opens or closes lower optical drive tray. rec stop play/pause Opens RecordNow! program. Stops media. Plays or pauses media. prev Rewinds media. next Fast-forwards media. volume knob Controls speaker volume. Turns speaker sound on and off.
Configuring the keyboard buttons 1 2 3 4 Click Start on the taskbar, choose Control Panel and then click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present. Double-click Keyboard. 5 In the Keyboard Properties window that opens, click the Buttons tab. 6 7 Double-click the button you want to change. The button configuration window opens. 8 Choose the button capability from the dropdown list. Enter the Display label and Address information.
Dragging and dropping You can click and drag an item to move it. 1 2 3 Left-click the item, and then press and hold down the left mouse button. Move the mouse to position the cursor; the item is dragged along. If you press and hold down the right mouse button when you click and drag, a menu appears when you release the button to drop the item. The menu lets you move, copy, or create a shortcut for the item. To drop the item into place, release the button.
Autoscrolling 1 Place the cursor in the document next to the text where you want to begin scrolling and press the wheel button once. An autoscroll icon appears. 2 3 To begin autoscrolling, move the mouse in the direction you want to scroll. The farther you move the pointer from the starting point, the faster the document scrolls. To stop autoscrolling, press the wheel button again. n Autoscrolling does not work with some software programs. Panning 1 2 Place the cursor in the document.
Wireless Keyboard Set (Select Models Only) A wireless keyboard uses a receiver/transmitter unit (A) instead of a connector cable to communicate with your PC. The wireless keyboard (B), mouse (C), and receiver set is available with select models only. For more information about installing your wireless keyboard set, refer to the specific wireless keyboard documentation included in the PC box.
Remote Control Use the remote control to open the Media Center program, and use it to view television, record television programs, play previously recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video. See “Remote Control” on page 81 for detailed instructions on using the features of the remote control. DVD MENU RADIO RECORD TV MUSIC PICTURES VIDEOS PLAY REW STOP FWD PAUSE SKIP REPLAY GUIDE BACK To use the remote control, simply point it at the remote sensor and press the Start button .
Install the remote control batteries 1 Slide the battery cover off the back of the remote control. n Use alkaline batteries in the remote control. 56 2 Insert the two AA batteries (provided). 3 Replace the battery cover.
CD and DVD Drives Your PC comes with one or two of the following optical drives: ■ CD-RW (cd writer plus) ■ DVD+RW/+R (dvd writer) ■ DVD-ROM ■ Combo DVD/CD-RW (dvd/cd writer plus) ■ Do not touch the unlabeled side of a CD or place the unlabeled side down on your desk. Doing so could scratch the surface of the CD. ■ Store CDs at room temperature. Handling a CD or DVD To avoid damaging CDs or DVDs, follow these guidelines: ■ Return the disc to the case when you are finished using it.
DVD-ROM Drive The DVD-ROM drive can play movie DVDs and music CDs, read data DVDs and CDs, and run CD-based and DVD-based software programs. Using the DVD-ROM drive When you insert a disc into the DVD-ROM drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc. ■ If you insert a software program or data CD or DVD, it is available for use. ■ If you insert a music CD, a program opens so you can play the CD. ■ If you insert a DVD movie, a program opens so you can play the DVD.
DVD Writer The dvd writer is a DVD+RW/+R drive. It can play movie DVDs and music CDs, read data CDs and DVDs, and record files to DVD+RW, DVD+R, CD-R, and CD-RW discs. w Using the DVD Writer When you insert a disc into the dvd writer drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc. ■ If you insert a software program or data CD or DVD, it is available for use. ■ If you insert a DVD movie, a program opens so you can play the DVD.
Opening the RecordNow! program RecordNow! is a program that copies and creates CDs and DVDs using your CD Writer or DVD Writer drives. 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar. Choose All Programs. Choose CD (DVD) Recorder. Diskette (Floppy) Drive The diskette (floppy disk) drive can read and write diskettes. Using the diskette drive Insert the diskette into the drive until it locks in place. Make sure you insert the diskette with the round metal disk face down and the arrow on the top pointing into the drive.
7-In-1 Memory Card Reader (Select Models Only) n The 7-In-1 memory card reader can read and write seven types of memory media. You can use these memory cards to import pictures from digital cameras or to share data between other card readers. Some PCs come with a 6-In-1 card reader.
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 4 5 6 62 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.
Using the 7-In-1 memory card reader If you have not used the memory card, you may need to format it first. See “Formatting a memory card” on page 62. 1 2 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. 4 An Autoplay window opens. Select a program to view your digital photos. The computer opens a program so you can access the media contents.
Understanding the 7-In-1 Memory Card Reader Special Note about the Safely Remove Hardware utility w If you inadvertently open the Safely Remove Hardware window, click Close. Do not click Stop in the Safely Remove Hardware window while the USB Mass Storage Device is selected. Doing so removes the operating system recognition of the 7-In-1 memory card reader from your PC. You must restart the PC to use your reader again.
Using the Digital Camera Dock (Select Models Only) Some HP Media Center PCs come with a camera docking bay designed to hold an HP camera docking station (model 8886) and several HP digital cameras which are purchased separately. To install the HP camera docking station refer to “Installing an HP Camera Docking Station” on page 196. n The dock insert clips onto the camera dock base. This insert comes with the digital camera.
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Using Media Center Getting Started with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition With Media Center you can play all kinds of audio, video, and picture media by using a specially designed remote control. When using the remote control and the Media Center program, you can: ■ Watch, record, and play back television programs. ■ Browse, select, and play music CDs files with full-screen visualizations. ■ Pause, rewind, and fast forward TV programs (select models only).
■ Navigate the Media Center program by using either the remote control or the mouse and keyboard. ■ ■ ■ Watch TV or a DVD movie while doing other tasks on your computer. Quickly open specific windows in Media Center by using the shortcut buttons on the remote control or on the front of your computer. ■ Record your TV shows automatically while you are doing something else. Easily update the Program Guide from the Internet (select models only). ■ Listen to FM radio stations (select models only).
Opening Media Center To open the Media Center program: ■ Press the Start button on your remote control. Or ■ Click Start on the taskbar, and then click Media Center. Or ■ Click the Media Center icon on your desktop. You can create a Media Center shortcut icon by clicking and dragging the Media Center icon in the Start menu to your desktop. When you open Media Center, you’ll see the Media Center Start menu.
Navigating Media Center In the Media Center windows, a selected item such as a folder, file, or menu item is outlined with a green border. To select items in Media Center, use the arrow buttons on the remote control, and then use the OK button to enter your selection. 70 hp media center pc user’s guide If you have media playing, such as music or television, it appears in an inset window in the lower left corner.
Media Center Start Menu C D E F G H A J K L M N O P B A Log off to end your Media Center session or to switch users M Watch, record, and play back live TV programs B Use media playback controls N Play music files or music CDs C Open Media Center Start menu O Watch DVD movies D Go back one screen P E Open Media Center Help F Minimize Media Center window G Resize Media Center window H Close Media Center window J Play FM radio stations K Watch your home videos L View digital pi
Setting PC Location for Program Guide During the initial setup of the PC, you specify your PC country/region location. Media Center uses this information to select the country/region for the Program Guide. Media Center Program Guide setting, an error message may appear. You may also see No data available in the Program Guide, or you may not be able to get the correct Program Guide. The Media Center PC uses United States as the PC location by default.
Media Center Setup The first time you open Media Center, a setup wizard opens. Use the setup wizard to test your remote control and to configure your Internet connection, TV signal, and Program Guide. The Media Center setup wizard may take approximately 10 to 40 minutes to complete. To complete the setup wizard you need to: ■ Be logged on as the administrator. For more information, go to Microsoft Help.
Using the Media Center Setup Wizard n Use Media Center Settings to: ■ Change settings for your television service provider. ■ Change settings for your Internet Service Provider. ■ Manually update the My TV Program Guide. ■ Check your remote control. ■ Change your postal code to receive the correct Program Guide for your area. 74 It is best to complete each step in the Media Center setup wizard to be able to use all the features in Media Center.
2 Select download method for your Internet connection In this step, you select options for your Internet connection so that Media Center can download and update your Program Guide and display information about your music CDs and other media. a You can have Media Center automatically download the Guide when connected, or you can manually download the Guide when you connect to the Internet.
3 Set up Television Signal This step makes sure your computer receives the correct TV signal and the correct Program Guide information. If you have a set-top box, the setup wizard programs your remote control to work with your set-top box so that you can view premium channels. Make sure the TV signal source is properly connected to your PC and the correct TV provider is selected. a Select your TV service. b Select if you have a set-top box. Sometimes a set-top box receives a TV signal.
4 Set up Program Guide An Internet connection is needed to complete this step. If your computer isn’t connected to the Internet or if Media Center hasn’t configured your ISP information in step 2, you will see No data available in the Program Guide. To set this up later, select Settings from the Media Center Start menu, select TV, and then select Guide, and then Reset Guide lineup.
Media Center Menu bars When you move the mouse, the Media Center menu bars appear. When you use the remote control, or when you stop using the mouse (after 5 seconds), the menu bars disappear. You can switch to the desktop at any time without closing or minimizing Media Center. You don’t need to minimize the Media Center window to open another program or go to a Web site. You can just resize the Media Center window and then open another program by using the Start menu.
Setting Media Center as the Automatic CD Player When you insert a CD while Media Center is active, your CD plays automatically after a few seconds. If you are not in Media Center, Windows asks you what you want to do with the CD. To avoid this message, you can select Media Center as the primary program to play CDs. To select Media Center as the primary CD playing program: 1 2 3 4 Close Media Center. Insert a CD into the drive. A message appears asking you what you want Windows to do.
Front of computer You can use the shortcut buttons on the front of the PC to open Media Center when the computer is already turned on. The shortcut buttons on the front of the PC are TV, Guide, Music, Pictures, and Videos. The front of your PC may display text or icons. Keyboard The keyboard shortcut buttons do not open the Media Center program. Refer to “Using the Keyboard” on page 47 for more information about your keyboard shortcut keys.
Remote Control What Can I Do with the Media Center Remote Control? Your remote control is designed to work with Media Center. You can use your remote control with Media Center to play CDs, DVDs, and videos, to view pictures, and to watch and record television programs. This remote control helps you navigate the Media Center windows on your computer just as a cable TV remote control navigates cable TV options or controls the playback of a movie in a VCR or DVD player.
Remote Control Buttons Overview Features and location may vary. B C Standby puts the PC into and out of a power reduced state. DVD Menu opens main menu on a DVD movie, if available. Radio opens FM Radio window. E Record records selected television program and stores it on the hard disk. F Rew (Rewind) moves the media backward at 2 speeds. RECORD PLAY STOP V PAUSE SKIP REPLAY G W GUIDE BACK X J Replay moves media backward seven seconds.
Q TV opens My TV window. R Pictures opens My Pictures window. S Videos opens My Videos window. T Play plays selected media. U Stop stops media currently playing. V FWD (Fast forward) moves media forward at 3 speeds. W Skip moves media forward, for example, 30 seconds in videos and live TV, or one music track. X Guide opens Television Program Guide to display available TV channels and programs to watch and record. Y OK selects desired action or window option. It acts as the Enter key.
To begin using your remote control: 1 2 3 Point the remote control at the remote sensor. The remote sensor should be located near your monitor or in a convenient place. Make sure there is nothing blocking the pathway between your remote control and the remote sensor. To start Media Center and to open the Media Center Start menu, press the Start button . If this is your first time using the remote control, the Media Center setup wizard opens.
Remote Control Buttons Direct access buttons The direct access buttons open the main Media Center windows. DVD MENU RADIO TV MUSIC PICTURES VIDEOS Button Function DVD Menu Opens the Play DVD main menu where you can play your DVD movies. TV Opens the My TV window where you can watch and record TV, open your television program guide, schedule future TV recordings, and find your recorded TV programs.
Standby button n Make sure you turn off the monitor and turn down or mute the volume, for example, if you have a scheduled recording in the middle of the night and don’t want to be disturbed. The PC will not automatically go into standby mode if Media Center is open. It is best to close Media Center before you manually place the PC in standby mode.
Media playback buttons These buttons allow you to play back picture slide shows, music files, playlists, music CDs, DVD movies, home videos, and live TV, from within the Media Center program. RECORD PLAY REW STOP FWD PAUSE REPLAY SKIP Button Function Record Records TV programs. The Record button works only when My TV is used to play a TV show. It is inactive when other media is playing. ■ Press Record once to record a TV show while watching live TV or in the Guide.
Navigation and other direct access buttons These buttons allow you to move the cursor and to select actions within the Media Center windows. BACK GUIDE OK LIVE TV Button Back Guide RECORDED TV Function Returns to the previous window. Opens the electronic Television Program Guide. Arrows Move between menus, windows, or activities. Moves the cursor to select actions within the Media Center windows. OK Select a desired action, and works as an Enter button.
Audio and Video buttons The audio and video buttons change channels, adjust volume, and show details of selected media. VOLUME MORE INFO CHANNEL/ PAGE MUTE ABC DEF 1 2 3 GHI JKL MNO 4 5 6 PQRS TUV WXYZ 7 8 9 ENTER CLEAR 0 PRINT hp media center Button Volume (+ and –) Function Increases or decreases PC volume. More Info Displays media information. Some media may not include this information. This button displays details such as TV program summary or music artist.
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My TV What Can I Do in My TV? The Media Center PC acts as a digital video recorder (DVR) which works with the Media Center remote control so you can watch and record TV programs at your own convenience and pace. n In My TV you can: ■ Watch your favorite television programs in full screen mode or in an inset window. ■ Quickly check which TV programs you have scheduled to record. ■ Pause, stop, rewind, and fast forward live TV, similar to the way you would control a DVD from a DVD player.
Watching TV n You can change the channel by using the remote control while in full screen mode or when the inset window is selected. You can go to live TV from anywhere in Windows Media Center by pressing Live TV on the remote control. Before you can watch TV by using Media Center, make sure: ■ Your computer is set up correctly for your TV signal source. Refer to the setup poster for more information. ■ You have completed the Media Center setup wizard.
Using Remote Control in My TV Remote Control button Action To freeze the live TV image, press Pause. While paused, My TV continues to record a pause buffer for up to 30 minutes. To resume watching TV where you left off, press Play. To stop live TV or a recorded program, press Stop once. To resume watching the program, press Play. To move forward in the live TV program that has been paused, or in a recorded program, press Fast Forward (FWD). To speed up the fast forwarding, press FWD two or three times.
Watching Live TV Using the Digital Video Recorder n The 30-minute pause buffer applies only when pausing, rewinding, and fast forwarding live TV. Media Center allows you to record a program for longer than 30 minutes. When you open the My TV window and begin watching live TV, Media Center begins recording the selected program in the background for up to 30 minutes. This allows you to use your remote control to stop, pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV programs within a 30-minute time range.
Using the Television Program Guide In the Guide, you can scroll through a list of the current television programs and channels available from your television service provider. The Guide displays the channel and network, as well as the program title, scheduled time block, and a brief description of the program. The number of days displayed depends on your television service provider. By selecting a program title, a detailed description of the program appears at the bottom of the window.
Downloading the Television Program Guide n Media Center can be set up to automatically connect to the Internet and update the Guide. This option may not be available, depending on your Internet Service Provider. You can also manually update the Guide from the TV Settings menu. You have three options to download the television program guide: ■ Automatically connect and download the guide at a specified time each day. Some Internet Service Providers may not support this option.
Changing Your Postal Code to Receive the Correct Television Program Guide 1 2 3 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select Settings, TV, Guide, and then select Reset Guide lineup. 4 5 Enter your postal code, and then select Next. To download your provider information, and then start downloading your guide information, follow onscreen instructions. Select Next, and follow onscreen instructions.
Adding Missing Channels to Guide Some program channels are seasonal and don’t appear in the Guide all the time. To add the names and numbers of the television channels you are missing or to change the associations between channel numbers and lineups: 1 2 3 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select My TV, Settings, Guide, and then select Add missing channels to add the names and numbers of the channels you are missing. Select Add channel.
Searching for Programs in My TV To find a TV program, you can enter a title, keyword, or select a category in your Guide by using your remote control. To search for a TV program 1 2 Press the Start button on the remote control (select models only), select My TV, and then select Search. Select Keyword. Use the numeric keypad on your remote control to enter a descriptive word that would appear in a program title or program description, and then press OK on the remote control.
Searching for TV programs using categories You can search the Guide to find a TV program by selecting a category using your remote control. n Recorded TV’s Schedules window displays a list of programs scheduled to record in the future, beginning with the current date. Each program is listed individually even if it is a part of a series. To search for a TV program 1 2 3 4 n Record Series means that you select to record each episode of that program from one channel.
Recording TV Programs Media Center allows you to record TV programs so that you can watch them when it is convenient. You can record the program you are watching, or you can record a future program or series from the Guide, the Search, or the Recorded TV window in My TV. After you have scheduled the recording of several programs or series, you can change the priority order in the My TV Settings window.
Recording TV tips n To copy a recorded TV program to DVD to view on a home DVD player, see “Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD or CD” on page 172. ■ If you are watching live TV during a scheduled recording time, you can watch only the program being recorded. If you change channels, recording stops. ■ If you go to another area in Media Center, the TV channel you last selected will be displayed in the inset window at the bottom of the window.
Recording TV from the Guide To record a current or future program or series from the Guide: 1 2 3 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV, and then select Guide. To find the program you want to record, use the arrow buttons on the remote control, and then select the program. You can also press the numeric keypad on the remote control to go directly to a channel. Press the right arrow button in the Guide to select a program that will be broadcast in the future.
Recording TV from Search You can find a program to record based on a keyword such as an actor or director name, program title, or a category (select models only). To record a current or future program or series using Search: 1 2 3 4 5 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV, and then select Search. Select Title, Keyword, or Categories. For Title and Keyword searches, enter your descriptive search words. Media Center starts searching from the first letter you type into the text box.
Recording manually Recording a program manually allows you to select a specific date, channel, and recording time period. For some programs, you may want to begin recording before the scheduled beginning and after the scheduled ending of the program. To manually record a program or series from Recorded TV: 1 2 3 4 5 6 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV, Recorded TV, and then select Add Recording.
My TV Settings n For more information about troubleshooting the recording conflicts, refer to Media Center Help. In the My TV Settings window, you can change several settings that control how Media Center plays and records TV programs, as well as how it plays DVDs. For more information about My TV settings, refer to “Media Center Settings” on page 167. For more information about advanced recording features, refer to Microsoft Media Center Help.
Recorded TV History Recorded TV History displays a list of programs which weren’t recorded and why they weren’t recorded. In the Recorded TV History window, you can: ■ Find out which programs were recorded and which were canceled. ■ Sort recorded programs by date, status, or name. ■ Display errors for scheduled TV programs.The program may have been in conflict with another and then canceled by Media Center, or it may have been a duplicate episode in a series. ■ Clear out all TV program history.
Recorded TV Recorded TV is the storage place for all your recorded programs. In the Recorded TV window, you can sort your programs by name, date, or Playing a recorded program To find and play a recorded program: 1 2 3 108 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV, and then select Recorded TV. To organize all of your previously recorded programs, select Sort by date, Sort by name, or Sort by category.
Playing Recorded TV Programs 1 2 3 4 5 Click Start on the taskbar, and then click My Computer. n Double-click the Shared Documents folder. Double-click the Recorded TV folder. Double-click your Microsoft Recorded TV program file. A thumbnail picture of your recorded TV program is displayed by default. To view your recorded TV program, use the playback controls. To play recorded TV programs in Windows Media Player, a PC requires: ■ Windows XP operating system. ■ Windows Media Player 9.
About Recording Errors A recording error means that a program scheduled to record was not recorded. This can occur for several reasons. If your PC was turned off and not in standby mode during the time the program was scheduled to record, or if there was a recording conflict with another scheduled program, a recording error occurs. If you were watching live TV when the program was scheduled to record and declined the prompt to change channels, a recording error occurs.
Important information about recorded TV programs When you replace the hard disk drive, you lose any files or software that you created, saved, or installed on the PC. You also lose a special code that Microsoft includes in the files of the recorded TV programs. Without the code, Media Center will not play the TV programs previously recorded to disk or copied to DVD or to other media. Resolving Recording Conflicts Media Center can record only one TV program at a time.
Deleting a Scheduled Program or Series To prevent recording conflicts, you may need to delete a program or series that is scheduled to be recorded. 1 2 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My TV, Recorded TV, and then select Scheduled. Use the arrow buttons to select the program title you don’t want to record, and press OK. 3 To remove a single program, select Don’t record in the window and press OK on the remote control.
Blocking Unwanted TV Programs and Movies (Select Models Only) If you set Media Center to block unrated channels, an error could occur. It is recommended that you make sure this option is not selected. To do this: 1 2 3 4 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select Settings, General, and then select Parental control. 5 6 Enter your 4-digit code number. Select TV Ratings. Click Turn on TV blocking. Make sure that Block unrated TV programs is not selected.
Setting Caption Display (Select Models Only) If you set Media Center to display captions while in window mode (not full-screen mode), the window or the caption text may flash as the text scrolls in the window. To fix this problem, change the display to full-screen mode or turn off the caption display option. To turn off the caption display option: 1 2 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select Settings, TV, and then select Audio.
Safeguarding Your Recorded TV Programs Most television broadcasters do not encrypt programs, so a recording can be played on any Media Center PC. A recording of a broadcasterencrypted TV program, though, can be played only on the PC that recorded it. To protect your ability to play recorded TV programs, follow the instructions in “Safeguarding Your Recorded TV Programs” in this document.
5 6 7 8 9 Click the Advanced Mode link near the middle of the window. At the top of the Backup Utility window, click Tools and select Options. Click the Exclude Files tab. In the Files excluded for all users box, put your cursor over the vertical line between File Name and Application in the title bar, and then click and drag the line to the right to see the full entries. Scroll down the list to see and then click the entry: C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\DRM\* 10 Click Remove. 11 Click Apply.
14 In the left box, click the plus sign (+) for Local Disk (C:). The file tree expands. Click the plus sign (+) for Documents and Settings, click the plus sign (+) for All Users, and then click the DRM box so a check mark appears. 18 Click Start Backup in the Backup Utility window. The Backup Job Information window opens. 19 Click Start Backup. The Backup Progress window opens. When the process finishes, the window displays the message The backup is complete.
Use the Code Key Backup CD After System Recovery 1 Insert the backup CD you made into a drive. The drive window opens and shows the disc contents. Or If the window doesn’t open automatically, click Start, My Computer, and then rightclick the drive icon to view the contents of your backup disc. 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 118 Double-click the backup file (for example Backup.bkf). The Backup or Restore Wizard opens. Click Next. Choose Restore files and settings, and then click Next.
Managing Hard Disk Space The space available for recording TV programs depends on your hard disk allocation, drive size, and default recording quality selections. Your PC requires a certain amount of space to run your Windows XP operating system, run software programs, and store data files. If your hard disk drive becomes full, it may affect the PC speed and performance. You may need to free up storage space to record more programs or to optimize the performance of your PC.
Using the Disk Cleanup Utility 1 2 Click Start on the taskbar. Choose All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then Disk Cleanup. 3 4 5 Select HP Pavilion (C:) and then click OK. Select the type of files you want to delete. Click OK. Adjusting System Restore settings 1 2 3 4 Click Start on the taskbar. Right-click My Computer. Click Properties. Select the System Restore tab. 5 6 7 Select HP Pavilion (C:) and then click the Settings button.
About Recorded TV Storage Space Settings Your recording settings affect how much hard disk space is available for future recordings. 80 GB Hard Disk 120 GB Hard Disk n The storage amounts on your PC may vary from the amounts displayed here.
Recording quality and hard disk storage space The space available for recording TV programs depends on your hard disk size, the percentage of hard disk space allocated to recorded TV, and the recording quality setting. To get the maximum recording time, change the recording quality to Fair instead of the default setting of Best. Quality of recording Hard disk space used Best *3 GB/hour Better *2.4 GB/hour Good *2 GB/hour *This table shows approximate sizes of recorded TV program files.
To display hard disk drive space 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar. Right-click My Computer. Click Manage. 4 5 Double-click Storage. Double-click Disk Management (Local). Information displays for each drive on your PC. You may need to scroll the window to the right to see the capacity and the free space sizes. To uninstall programs: 1 2 3 4 Click Start. Click Control Panel. Double-click Add or Remove Programs, if it is present. Click the program, and then click the Change/Remove button.
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My Music What Can I Do in My Music? The My Music window in Media Center works with Windows Media Player to find and play your music files and CDs. You can use Windows Media Player to create your music library and then use Media Center to find and play your music using your remote control. n In My Music you can: ■ Play music CDs. Skip, shuffle, or repeat songs or albums. ■ Play digital music files from a music library you create and organize using Windows Media Player.
What Can I Do in Windows Media Player? Windows Media Player allows you to copy digital music files and organize a music library that you can access by using the My Music window in Media Center. You can: n Media Center can find and play only those files that have been added to the Windows Media Player Library. 126 ■ Create playlists of your favorite songs. ■ Share music files with others. ■ Create a music library by copying tracks from CDs or adding music files from the Internet.
Using Supported File Types for My Music You can play the following types of digital audio files in Media Center. You can also select Media Center as the default player for any of the listed file types. Refer to Windows Media Player Help for more information about supported file types. File extension File type .cda CD audio .wav Windows audio file .MP3, .M3u Audio files .asf, .asx, .wax, .wm, .wma, .wmd, .wmv, .wvx, .wmp, .
Creating Your Music Library When you add music files to your music library, they are placed into your My Music folder in Windows Explorer and in the Media Library in Windows Media Player. You can also find them in Media Center. Adding music files 1 2 3 4 c Select the tracks you want to copy by Click Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, and then click Windows Media Player. Click the Media Library tab on the side of the window.
Searching Computer for Music Files You may have already copied and organized your music files on your hard drive. If so, you need to add them to the Windows Media Player Library to access them with the Media Center. To add music files that are stored in your My Music or Shared Music folder on your hard drive: 1 2 3 Click Start on the taskbar, and then click Windows Media Player. Click the Media Library tab. Select + Add on the menu bar and then select By Searching Computer.
Adding CD Tracks to the Music Library n Each time you add music files outside of Windows Media Player, you must use the Tools menu to add music files to your Windows Media Player Library for Media Center to find them. 130 To add the CD tracks to your Media Center music library: 1 2 3 4 Press the Start button on the remote control, and then select My Music. 5 Insert a CD into the CD drive. Select the CD you want to copy from the My Music main window. Select Copy CD.
Playing Digital Music Files When you first open the Media Center and open the My Music window, you may not find any music files listed unless there is a music CD in your CD drive or unless you have already added audio files to your Windows Media Player Library. If you don’t have any music files listed, you need to add music files to the Windows Media Player Library, and then restart Media Center to play your music files in Media Center.
Finding Music Files in My Music n To display CD information such as song titles and cover art in Media Center or in Windows Media Player, your PC needs to be connected to the Internet. Without an Internet connection, the music files are labeled unknown and only track numbers and playing times are displayed. After you have added and organized files in Windows Media Player Library, you can browse through your music files in the My Music window.
Playing a Song You can play a song from anywhere in My Music. You can select it from the View Song list, or from the Album, Artist, and Genre lists. You can also play a single song from a playlist: 1 2 In the My Music window, select Songs. The list displays all the songs in your media library. Use the arrow buttons to select a song, and then press OK or Play on the remote control to play it. n You can select Visualize in the Now Playing window to see a visualization while you play a music track.
Finding and Playing an Album 1 n When you select Buy Music, your Internet browser opens the Microsoft Web site. Here you’ll find information about the artist or album you’re currently listening to or similar artists. You have the option to purchase CDs. 2 3 4 5 134 In the Media Center Start menu, select My Music, and then select Albums. To organize all of the albums available, select View by list or View by cover. To select an album, use the arrow buttons, and then press OK on the remote control.
Creating a Playlist A playlist is a customized list of digital music files. Using playlists, you can group various digital music files together and determine the order in which you want the files to play. You can create a playlist that includes several tracks from various CDs or even a playlist that contains background music for a slide show. Use Windows Media Player to create playlists and then play them back using Media Center.
Selecting a Visualization To select which visualization to display when you play a song: 1 2 3 4 5 6 136 Press the Start button on the remote control, select My Music. Select Settings. Select Select Visualizations. Select the visualizations you want by placing a check mark next to each one. Select Save. Select a song visualization option and then select Save.
My Pictures What Can I Do in My Pictures? The My Pictures window in Media Center is a great way to view, edit, and print your pictures. In My Pictures, you can: ■ View and scroll through pictures that are in the My Pictures or Shared Pictures folders by using your remote control or your keyboard and mouse. ■ Browse your pictures straight from the device on which they are stored. Media Center recognizes removable media such as a CD, a DVD, or a memory card.
Using Supported File Types for My Pictures n If the message Image cannot be displayed appears, the file may be corrupted or it may be an unsupported file type. You may need to edit your image with a photo editor and save it in a supported file format. You can view the following types of image files in Media Center. File extension File type .jpg, .jpeg Joint Photographic Experts Group .tif Tagged Image File Format .gif Graphics Interchange Format .bmp Bitmap .wmf Windows MetaFile .
Using Remote Control in My Pictures Display picture information Use the More Info button to display information about the selected picture, such as file name, location, date modified, and the picture resolution. Navigate your pictures Use the Back button to go back to the previous window. Use the arrow buttons to display the next or the previous picture. Zoom in and pan your pictures Use the OK and the arrow buttons to zoom and pan your photos individually or during a slide show.
Organizing Your Pictures For Media Center to find and display your pictures, they can be stored in several places: ■ ■ n Each user has a separate My Pictures folder that can be opened only by that person. You can share pictures by storing them in the Shared Pictures folder. When you download pictures from the Internet, you can use the browser in Windows Explorer to place your pictures in the My Pictures folder. ■ The My Pictures folder on your computer. ■ The Shared Pictures folder on your computer.
4 Locate your picture files and move them to My Pictures folder. a Click Start, My Computer, and then select the drive or removable device where your pictures are located. b Click and drag your photos to your My Pictures folder. c You can add, delete, rename, and organize your picture files into specific folders within My Pictures, such as Vacation or Birthday.
To sort pictures To organize your pictures by date or by name: 1 2 3 Select My Pictures on the Media Center Start menu. Select Sort by date or select Sort by name. Select the folder of pictures you want to sort. If you want to sort all your pictures, do not select a folder. Viewing Pictures as a Slide Show n During a slide show, press the More Info button to display information about the picture. 1 2 3 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select My Pictures.
Turning On or Off Photo Captions A caption displays the file name or title and the date the file was created or edited, whichever is first. 1 2 3 Press the Start button control. on the remote 4 5 Select My Pictures. Select the Show caption check box and then press OK. Select Save, and then press OK. Select Settings. Rotating pictures If your picture appears horizontally or vertically and you want to change the orientation, you can change it in Media Center.
Editing pictures To fix red eye or contrast in your picture: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select My Pictures. Select the picture you want to edit. Press the More Info button on the remote control. Select Touch up. Select Red eye or Contrast and then press OK. After you select the options you want to fix, select Save. Your picture is displayed with the new settings. Printing Your Pictures 1 2 3 4 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select My Pictures.
Setting up your printer 1 2 Connect your printer to the PC and install the printer drivers for your printer, if necessary. Follow the instructions that came with your printer. Click Start on the taskbar, and then click Printers and Faxes. 3 Right-click your printer icon and then click Set as Default. A check mark appears next to your printer. n Set up your printer before you try to print your pictures with the remote control.
Zoom In and Pan Across a Picture 1 2 3 4 146 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select My Pictures. Select the picture you want to view. To zoom in 150%, press the OK button on the remote control. To zoom in 225%, press OK again. hp media center pc user’s guide 5 6 To pan across the picture while the picture is magnified, press the arrow keys. To return the picture to the original size, press OK button again.
Using HP Image Zone HP Image Zone is an easy to use software program for managing your still photos, scanned images, and video clips. It provides all the tools you need for viewing, organizing, editing, printing, sharing, and protecting your digital images. n To open HP Image Zone: 1 Double-click the HP Image Zone icon on your desktop. For more information on using the HP Image Zone, click the Help link in the control area of the program window.
HP Image Zone tabs and buttons 148 Tab or button Description My Images tab A user-friendly tool in which you can easily find, view, manage, and print single or multiple photos or video clips. From here, you select the images that you want to edit, use in projects, and share with family and friends. For more information, see manage your images in Help. Edit tab A tool for making changes to the images and video clips you selected in My Images.
Changing Picture Settings for Slide Shows Each user can set his or her own picture settings. 1 2 3 4 5 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select Settings. You may need to select the scroll arrows on the Start menu to view Settings. Select Pictures. n Use the scroll arrows at the bottom of the picture settings window to view all of the options. Select an option. Press the OK button on the remote control to select a specific setting.
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My Videos What Can I Do in My Videos? The My Videos window in Media Center makes it easy to play home video files you created or video files you downloaded from the Internet. n In My Videos you can: Play and scroll through videos that are in the My Videos or Shared Video folders in Windows Explorer by using your remote control or your keyboard and mouse. ■ Display your video details such as: name and date your video file was modified. ■ Sort videos by date or name.
Using Remote Control When Playing a Video Display video information Use the More Info button to display information about the selected video, such as title, length, date modified, and other information. Navigate your videos Use the Back button to go back to a previous window. Use the arrow buttons to display the next select a menu option. Play back your videos Use the media play back buttons and the arrow buttons to control the play back of your videos. Remote Control button Action Plays video.
Organizing Your Videos When you attach a digital video camera to your PC, Windows asks you how you want to capture your video. You can choose from various software programs to capture and then edit your video file. Most programs automatically save your file to the My Videos folder in Windows Explorer. If not, move your videos into the My Videos or Shared Video folder in Windows Explorer for Media Center to be able to find and play them.
Playing Digital Videos After you organize your videos in the My Videos or Shared Video folder in Windows Explorer, open Media Center to watch your videos. 1 n 2 3 If you do not have any videos displayed, this message appears. 4 5 6 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select My Videos. Select My Videos or Shared Video. The right side of the window shows small images of your video files and folder icons, if you’ve organized your videos into folders.
Playing a Video Stored on Removable Media Removable media can be from various sources: ■ Digital Video Camera (FireWire IEEE 1394 port) ■ CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive ■ 7-In-1 Memory Card Readers such as Smart Media or Compact Flash 1 2 3 Make sure your removable media is connected or inserted properly. On the Media Center Start menu, select My Videos. On the My Videos menu, select Other media. n 4 5 When a folder with the drive name that contains your removable media appears, select it.
Sorting Videos To organize your videos by date or by name: 1 2 On the Media Center Start menu, select My Videos, Shared Video, or Other media. 3 Select Sort by date or Sort by name. If your videos are organized within other folders, use the arrow buttons to select the folder you want to sort, and then press OK. If you don’t select a folder, Media Center sorts all the files and folders.
Working with Home Videos Refer to the documentation that came with your digital video camera. To connect a digital video camera to the PC 1 2 3 4 5 6 Turn on the PC, and wait for Windows XP to start. Connect the video camera transfer cable into the camera and then into an open port on the front or back of the PC. Most digital video cameras use either the FireWire (IEEE 1394) or USB port. 7 8 Click the Hardware tab, and then click the Device Manager button.
To record videos from a digital video camera n Refer to Creating DVDs and CDs guide that came with your PC for more information about recording videos from a digital camera. 1 2 3 4 Connect your digital camera to the PC. Click Start, choose All Programs, Accessories, Entertainment, and then click Windows Movie Maker. Click File, and then click Capture from video device. If you have already captured your video file, click Import video and select it from the My Videos folder.
Play DVD Playing DVDs in Media Center Watching DVDs in Media Center allows you to control the playback with your remote control. If you select to play your DVD in another program, the use of some of the remote control buttons is not supported. To play a DVD movie in Media Center 1 2 3 4 5 Press the Start button control. on the remote Insert the DVD into the drive. If you have other media playing, Media Center asks if you want to play the DVD. Select Yes or No.
Using Remote Control When Playing a DVD Remote Control button DVD Menu Action Opens the main menu items for the DVD, if available. (Select models only.) Plays movie/stops fast forward or rewind actions and begins playing movie. Fast forwards the movie/press it again to move forward faster. Rewinds the movie/press it again to rewind faster. Skips to next DVD chapter and begins playing. Returns to the previous DVD chapter and begins playing. Pauses movie/resumes paused movie.
Stopping a DVD movie 1 2 Press the Stop button on the remote control to stop the movie. Use the arrow buttons on the remote control to select an item on the Stopped menu, and then press OK. ■ To begin playing the DVD where you left off, select Resume. ■ To begin playing the DVD at the beginning, select Restart. ■ To go to the DVD main menu, if available, select Title Menu. ■ To change the language for the DVD sound track, subtitles, and menu, if available, select DVD Languages.
Changing DVD Movie Language To select DVD language settings for subtitles, closed captioning, and viewing the DVD: 1 2 3 4 5 6 In the Media Center Start menu, select Settings. In the Settings window, select DVD. In the DVD Settings window, select Language. Select the + or – buttons. To scroll through the languages available, press the OK button on the remote control. When you find the one you want, use the arrow buttons to select Save in the window, and then press OK on the remote control.
FM Radio What Can I Do in Radio? (Select Models Only) If your PC is equipped with a radio turner card, then Media Center can play both FM radio and Internet radio. The Radio window in Media Center makes it easy to play FM radio stations by using your remote control. In Radio you can: ■ Listen to FM radio stations. ■ Listen to Internet radio. ■ Set up presets of your favorite radio stations. ■ Delete or organize your radio station presets.
Important Information About FM Radio and My TV In Media Center, FM radio shares the use of the single tuner card with My TV. In Media Center, you are unable to watch or record TV and listen to FM radio at the same time. When Media Center is scheduled to start a recording, a warning appears Playing FM Radio Stations 1 2 3 4 Connect the FM radio antenna to the back of the PC to the connector labeled FM-IN. Press the Start button control. on the remote Select Radio.
Organizing Your Preset Radio Stations 1 2 3 4 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select Radio. Select Settings. Select the up arrows and down arrows next to each preset station to move it to a different position. Or Select the delete icon (X) to delete a preset station. Or Select Auto Sort to sort your preset stations in numerical ascending or descending order. 5 6 Select Save to save your changes. Select Back to return to the previous window.
Using Remote Control When Playing a Radio Station Remote Control button Action Moves around in the menu windows. Enters selected menu item. Mute Turns off sound. Pauses radio program up to 30 minutes. Skips radio program ahead 7 seconds and then resumes playing. Moves radio program back 7 seconds and then resumes playing. Adjusts volume.
Media Center Settings Changing Media Center Settings In the Media Center Settings window, you can change settings for watching television, for viewing your pictures and slide shows, and for controlling sound and the display of all the Media Center windows. Listed below is a summary of which settings are listed under each category.
Changing General Settings General settings affect each user’s experience in Media Center and can be changed only by the administrator of the computer. To change your Media Center General settings: 1 2 n Parental control and caption display settings for TV and DVDs are included with select models only. 168 Press the Start button control. on the remote Select Settings. 3 Select General, and then select one of the options listed in the following table.
Changing TV Settings The TV Recorder settings allow you to control your recording priorities and options in Media Center. 1 2 3 4 Press the Start button control. Select Settings. Select TV. Select Recorder, and then select: ■ ■ ■ 5 on the remote History to check a history of your recorded TV programs. Find out why programs weren’t recorded. Media Center keeps a log of the last two weeks. Refer to Media Center Help for more information about recording errors.
Changing Other Settings 170 For more information about music settings, refer to “My Music” on page 125. For more information about DVD settings, refer to “Playing DVDs in Media Center” on page 159. For more information about radio settings, refer to “Organizing Your Preset Radio Stations” on page 165. For more information about picture settings, refer to “Changing Picture Settings for Slide Shows” on page 149.
Recording CDs and DVDs The Media Center PC includes several recording software programs for you to create CDs and DVDs. You can: ■ Use RecordNow! to create music and data CDs. ■ Use ArcSoft ShowBiz to record your video and recorded TV programs to DVD or CDs. About Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD You can use ArcSoft ShowBiz to copy your recorded TV programs to DVD (select models only) for viewing and playing on your PC and in some set-top box DVD players.
Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD or CD n If your PC has a dvd writer drive, you can archive your recorded TV programs to DVD+RW or DVD+R media and play them back on your PC in Media Center or from a set-top box DVD player. TV programs recorded in Media Center can be converted to an MPEG format, by using ArcSoft ShowBiz. This means that recorded TV programs recorded with ShowBiz can be played from a PC and from a set-top box DVD player.
5 6 7 8 9 When the Save As window appears, type a file name for your recorded TV program, and then click Save. To add another recorded TV program, repeat steps 4 and 5. ShowBiz displays how much space is being used for your files at the bottom of the window. Click the Create button. Select the DVD-Video or CD-Video tab and then click Design a DVD or Design a CD button. Your converted TV programs should appear in the Project window. Select Untitled Project and type a name for your DVD or CD.
Copy a TV program to a DVD with RecordNow! When you copy your recorded TV programs to CD or DVD using RecordNow!, it is recorded as a data file, which can be played back from a PC, not a set-top DVD player. w The files displayed in the drive window are not recorded to the CD yet. You must complete the following steps to finish the recording process.
Watching Recorded TV Programs on DVD 1 2 Make sure Media Center is closed, and then insert the DVD. When the AutoPlay window appears select: ■ Play DVD movie using InterVideo WinDVD. Or ■ Play DVD Video using Windows Media Player. Or ■ 3 Play DVD Video using Media Center. Use the playback controls in the program to view your DVD.
Recording with ArcSoft ShowBiz Use ArcSoft ShowBiz to record video files to CDs and DVDs. ShowBiz can record video files to DVD that can play in a DVD player. TV programs that have been encrypted (protected) by the broadcaster cannot be copied and played back on any player other than the Media Center PC that they were recorded to. To open ShowBiz, click Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, Video, if present, choose ArcSoft ShowBiz 2, and then click ShowBiz Wizard. Follow the onscreen instructions.
Capturing Analog Home Video (Select Models Only) The TV tuner card of your PC allows you to play television programs in Media Center. The TV tuner card also allows you to connect a VCR, a camcorder, or another analog video device to the PC, and then capture your home video as a file. You cannot play a television program and capture analog video at the same time. To connect the analog home video source and record 1 2 Open Media Center. Click Start, and then click Media Center.
7 8 9 Press the On button on the front of the chassis to turn on the PC. Turn on your analog home video source device. Click Start, choose All Programs, Video, ArcSoft ShowBiz 2, and then click ShowBiz. 10 Click the Capture button in the ShowBiz window.
To disconnect the analog home video source 1 2 3 4 5 6 Turn off your analog home video device. 7 Close any open programs. From the Media Center start menu click My TV, and then click Guide. Find the program you canceled and then select it. Click Start, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Turn Off. Or Disconnect your analog home video source (VCR or camcorder) cable from the connectors on the front of the PC.
180 hp media center pc user’s guide
Upgrading and Servicing You can upgrade or replace several components in your computer yourself. Review this chapter for the procedures on accessing and installing parts of your computer. n Preparing the Computer Read the following items before attempting to open or service the computer: ■ These procedures assume familiarity with the general terminology associated with personal computers and with the safety practices and regulatory compliance required for using and modifying electronic equipment.
Removing the Side Panels 1 2 182 Loosen the two thumbscrews on the right side of the back panel. You may need a flathead screwdriver. These screws do not detach; they’ll stay on the side panel loosely until you tighten them again. Pull the panel toward you until it stops. Lift the panel off the chassis and set it aside. hp media center pc user’s guide 3 4 If you are replacing an optical drive, remove the other side panel in the same manner.
Replacing the Side Panels 1 2 To replace the side panel, align the notches on the panel with the holes on the chassis, slide the side panel forward until it locks in place, and then tighten the thumbscrews on the side panel. 3 Repeat for the other side panel if it was removed. Reconnect (in this order) the power cord, the modem/telephone cable, and then all other cables.
Removing the Fan Duct Remove the fan duct when replacing memory, an optical drive, or the drive cage. 1 To disengage the fan duct, push down the two tabs (A). You can push with your fingers or a pen. Replacing the Fan Duct 1 2 To replace the fan duct, hold the fan duct at a 45-degree angle, and align the bottom of the duct with the slot on the fan holder. Rotate the fan duct (B) into position. Make sure it is securely locked.
Removing the Front Panel This procedure is only necessary when removing or replacing an optical drive, a 7-In-1 memory card reader, or a diskette drive. 1 Remove the side panel with the thumbscrews. See “Removing the Side Panels” on page 182. 2 Locate the three small tabs (A) attached to the front panel on the side of the chassis. Press each tab away from the center of the chassis. Press the top, the middle, and the bottom tab, and then gently remove the front panel.
Accessing the Optical Drives To access the optical drives, remove the side panels, the front panel, and the fan duct. 1 2 Remove both side panels. See “Removing the Side Panels” on page 182. 3 Remove the fan duct. See “Removing the Fan Duct” on page 184. Remove the front panel. See “Removing the Front Panel” on page 185.
Removing the Optical Drive Your computer comes with one or two optical drives (CD, DVD, or combo) which you can replace or upgrade. These drives are located in the two fixed bays at the top of the chassis. To have better access to the back of the drive when you are removing the top optical drive, remove the two screws on both optical drives, and then push both drives part way out through the front of the computer. 1 2 3 Locate the two screws (D) on the optical drive and remove them.
Installing a New Optical Drive 1 n A jumper is a small plastic connector or wire which electrically connects two pins in order to define a configuration setting. 2 Make sure the jumper on the new drive is in the CS (Cable Select) position. Slide the new optical drive through the front of the computer. Don’t slide the drive in all the way — you need room to attach the cables. (The illustration below is an example drive with Cable Select jumper installed. Your drive may vary.
Replacing and Adding Drives You can replace the drives that are located in the removable drive cage: hard disk drive; 7-In-1 memory card reader (select models); and diskette (floppy) drive. On PCs with no 7-In-1 memory card reader, you can add a second hard drive by installing it into the drive cage. Removing the drive cage 1 2 3 4 Remove the fan duct. See “Removing the Fan Duct” on page 184. Remove the cables from the back of the drives that are in the removable drive cage.
Replacing the drive cage 1 2 3 4 Cover the front of the cage as you lift it so that the 7-In-1 memory card reader does not slide out. Push the 7-In-1 memory card reader toward the front of the chassis until the two screw holes align with the drive cage. (You may have to push down the front of the reader as you slide it out into the front panel.) Replace the two screws that secure the 7-In-1 memory card reader.
Removing and replacing the preinstalled hard drive You must remove the hard drive from the chassis if you want to replace it with a higher capacity drive or if you want to safeguard your data when sending the computer out to be repaired. 1 2 Remove the drive cage. See “Removing the drive cage” on page 189. Remove the three screws that secure the hard drive in the drive cage: two screws on the latch side of the drive cage and one screw on the opposite side.
Installing a second hard drive If your PC model does not have a 7-In-1 memory card reader, the bottom slot of the drive cage is empty and can accommodate an additional 3.5-inch hard drive. 1 n A jumper is a small plastic connector or wire which electrically connects two pins in order to define a configuration setting. 2 3 Remove the drive cage. See “Removing the drive cage” on page 189. Make sure the jumper on the new hard drive is in the CS (Cable Select) position.
Adding Memory The motherboard contains sockets for either DIMMs (dual in-line memory modules) or DDR (double data rate) DIMMs, depending on which PC model you have. w Using the wrong type of memory module could damage the PC. To determine which type of memory module your PC uses, go to the HP Web site by typing http://www.hp.com into your Web browser address box and pressing Enter on your keyboard. Click the support link.
Removing a memory module w Do not pull the memory module out of the socket. Use the retaining clips to eject the module. 1 2 Remove the fan duct. See “Removing the Fan Duct” on page 184. Locate the memory sockets on the motherboard. Move any cabling out of the way, if necessary. 3 4 Push down the two retaining clips on the ends of the socket until the memory module pops out of the socket. Holding the memory module by its top edge or side edges only, lift it away from the socket.
Removing Add-In Cards 1 2 3 Disconnect any external and internal cables attached to the card. n Remove the screw on the bracket of the card you are replacing. Be careful of the sharp edges on the expansion slot cover. Hold the metal bracket and the far top corner of the card. Carefully remove the card by pulling the card straight out of the expansion slot. n Replacing Add-In Cards 1 2 Insert the new card into the slot and push straight down. Make sure the card is properly seated.
Installing an HP Camera Docking Station (Select Models Only) n The camera docking station and the digital camera are both sold separately. Your HP Media Center PC comes with a camera dock bay designed to hold an HP camera docking station (model 8886) and several HP digital cameras which are purchased separately. To install the HP camera docking station: op 1 en Lift and remove the lid from the top of PC. Slightly bend the cover inward to remove it.
3 4 Thread the three cables that came with your camera docking station through the cable tunnel, starting from the back of the PC and threading them to the front of the PC. Pull cables to the center. 5 Connect the sleeve that came with your HP digital camera to the camera docking station. Refer to the instructions that came with the camera docking station. Connect the cables: ■ Plug the USB cable (A) into the back of the PC.
6 n Place the docking station into the slot on the top of the PC. Connect the power cable, the data cable and the to the back of the camera docking station. The HP logo faces forward. The dock insert clips onto the camera dock base. This insert comes with the digital camera. s eo vid pic es tur sic mu de gui D C/S MM tv artM Sm a edi ry mo Me pac Com sh tFla I/II op 7 ck Sti en Place the docking station cover back over the docking station.
Application and System Recovery Using Application Recovery and System Recovery The PC uses the operating system and installed software programs during normal operation. If your PC works improperly or stops because of the software, you may be able to repair it. ■ You need recovery discs (CDs or DVDs) for some repairs that use the HP Application Recovery program or the HP PC System Recovery program. The PC does not include a recovery disc in the accessory box, but you can make your own recovery CDs or DVDs.
PC Problem/Status Table For the specific PC problem, try the method listed as #1, then #2, and then #3. n To contact HP for help with recovery, refer to the Warranty and Support Guide, included in the computer box, for Support telephone numbers, addresses, and Web site information.
Creating Recovery CDs/DVDs 1 2 You can recover (bring back) the operating system and programs that were included on your hard disk drive just as they were when you bought the computer. You recover the operating system and programs directly from your hard disk drive, where a copy was placed for your convenience. We call this part of your hard drive the “recovery partition.” The recovery partition takes up some space on your hard drive.
Using HP PC Recovery CD-DVD Creator Make recovery CDs or DVDs for your PC by using HP Recovery CD-DVD Creator program before you experience any problem. The recovery disc set is a complete image of the original PC hard disk drive contents and is matched to your PC model number. The disc set contains the operating system, drivers, and application software that were originally installed on the PC at the factory. You can use this program to make only one set of recovery CDs or a DVD for your PC.
Using HP Recovery Tools CD Your PC allows you to create (burn) a Recovery Tools CD. After you make the HP Recovery Tools CD, you can use it to: Read instructions to use each utility on the Recovery Tools CD. ■ ■ Start the System Recovery program from the recovery partition. ■ ■ Remove the System Recovery partition from your PC hard disk drive to increase space for data. Start the Microsoft Recovery Console (a utility from Microsoft that can perform operating system diagnostics and repairs).
Application Recovery w Do not skip the last step! You must restart the PC when you are finished recovering applications or drivers. n Do not use the Application Recovery program to reinstall software programs that came on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box. Reinstall these programs directly from the CDs or DVDs. 204 If an individual factory-installed application or driver accidentally gets erased or damaged, you can reinstall the software using the HP Application Recovery program.
System Recovery When other methods of repairing your system software (like System Restore or Application Recovery) fail, you may want to use the HP System Recovery program as a last resort to reinstall the software. When necessary, you can reinstall the operating system and the application software that was originally installed on the PC at the factory by using the System Recovery program.
To start System Recovery if the PC is not responding 1 2 3 4 Turn off the PC. If necessary, press and hold the On button until the PC turns off. Disconnect all peripheral devices from the PC except the monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse. 5 6 Press the On button to turn the PC on. The PC starts the recovery; wait for the onscreen instructions to display, and then follow those instructions. Complete the PC startup, and finish the registration process. Then reconnect all peripheral devices.
To run the System Recovery program using recovery discs 1 2 3 ■ 7 Disconnect all peripheral devices from the PC except the monitor, the keyboard, and the mouse. Press the On button to turn on the PC. The PC starts the recovery; wait for the onscreen instructions to display, and then follow those instructions. ■ ■ If the PC works: Click Start on the taskbar, click Turn Off Computer, and then click Turn Off. Press and hold the On button approximately 5 seconds until the PC turns off.
Important information about recorded TV programs When you replace the hard disk drive, you lose any files or software that you created, saved, or installed on the PC. Because of this, you also lose a special code that Microsoft includes in the files of recorded TV programs. Without the code, Media Center cannot play TV programs previously recorded to disk, or copied to DVD or to other media.
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. Problem My computer won’t turn on at all. For more detailed information, press the Help button on your keyboard, or click Start on the taskbar and select Help and Support.
Problem n The computer (or part of it) doesn’t seem to be working. Solution ■ When the computer is in standby mode (the On button power indicator light is flashing), moving the mouse does not wake it. Instead, press the Standby button on the keyboard or the Standby button on the remote control. Try restarting the computer as follows: Using the On button to reset the PC is not recommended and should be used only as a last resort. a Click Start on the taskbar. b Click Turn Off Computer. c Click Restart.
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: a Click Start on the taskbar. b Click Control Panel. c Click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present. d Double-click Keyboard. e In the Keyboard Properties window that opens, click the Buttons tab. f Double-click the button you want to change. The button configuration window opens. g Choose the button capability from the drop-down list.
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 214 Solution I am using a TV with Media Center, but I cannot see anything. ■ Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See “Connecting the TV” on page 20. ■ Check that the TV out image is enabled. See “Using Media Center Help” on page 45. My software stopped working. ■ Refer to “Using Application Recovery and System Recovery” on page 199 to reinstall a software program. If your program came on a CD, follow the instructions that came with the software to reinstall it.
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 7 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 7-In-1 Memory Card Reader won’t read my memory card. 216 hp media center pc user’s guide Solution ■ The 7-In-1 card reader is a device that uses the Safely Remove Hardware task. This appears as a tray icon next to the time. Do not click Stop in the Safely Remove Hardware window. If you do click Stop, the drive is disconnected. If this happens, restart the PC. ■ Do not insert or remove memory cards when the In-use light is flashing.
Problem Resolving Video Errors. Solution ■ Your file may be corrupt or in an unsupported format. Open the video file in a video editor such as ArcSoft ShowBiz, 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. ■ If the error message “Files Needed To Display Video Are Missing or Corrupt” appears, follow these steps.
n If you need more information about using or troubleshooting Media Center, refer to the Media Center online Help files or the Help and Support files in the Start menu. 218 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 Numerals C 7-In-1 memory card media types 64 troubleshooting 63 using 63 7-In-1 memory card reader replacing or adding 191 troubleshooting 63 using 61 Cable Select jumper, defined 188 camera dock 65 camera docking station, installing 196 caption display setting 114 CD can’t remove from drive 215 handling 57 inserting 57 recording onto 60 cd writer plus drive installing 188 using 58 CD Writing Wizard, recording to CD 175 changing lineup of TV shows 169 Media Center settings 167 recording quality set
configuring special keyboard buttons 51 connecting digital video camera 157 headphones 35 microphone 34 connecting analog VCR or camcorder 177 Control Panel, opening 38 copying pictures to CD 145 corrupted software 204 creating a playlist 135 music library 128 recovery discs 201, 202 Recovery Tools CD 203 D DDR DIMM requirements 193 deleting recorded show or series 112 scheduled show or series 111, 112 desktop 38 switching from Media Center 78 digital video camera connecting to PC 157 recording videos 157
G K Guide, see Television Program Guide keyboard Internet buttons 49 keys 47 not working 212 shortcut buttons 79 using 47 wireless 54 wireless receiver 54 keyboard buttons access 48 not working 212 special 48 H hard disk drive, replacing or adding 189 hard disk space displaying 123 increasing 119, 122 recovery partition 201 hardware not provided with PC 9 headphones, connecting 35 Help and Support icon 38 Help, Media Center 45 hibernation mode automatic 44 manual 43 home videos 157 HP Image Zone 147 tab
memory adding 193 determining module type 193 locating 183 memory card reader, using 61 memory card, formatting 62 memory modules, removing and replacing 194 microphone, connecting 34 Microsoft Recovery Console utility 203 modem 15 monitor connecting 14 not working 213 mouse buttons 51 not working 213 using 51 movie ratings, setting 113 music files, deleting files 128 music library 218 adding CD tracks 130 adding files from hard disk drive 129 creating 128 My Music 125 finding and playing an album 134 findi
O R On button 37 On button light flashing 57 opening computer chassis 182 Media Center 55 operating system, reinstalling 206 optical drives accessing 186 removing and installing 187 organizing pictures 140 preset radio stations 165 videos 153 radio connecting antenna to PC 163 getting reception 163 Radio window 163 organizing preset radio stations 165 playing FM stations 163 playing radio in Media Center 163 recording radio programs 165 using remote control 166 rebooting.
remote control 214 buttons 82, 83, 87, 88, 89 for changing to full screen 70 installing batteries 56 LED 86 range 55 shortcut buttons 79 Standby button 86 type of battery to use 56 using 55, 81, 85 using in My Music 127 using in My TV 93 using to play a video 152 using with DVDs 160 using with radio 166 remote sensor 215 connecting 17 removing 7-In-1 memory card reader 191 CD drive 187 channels from TV program guide 169 diskette drive 191 dvd/cd writer plus (combo) drive 187 hard disk drive 189 removing and
Start menu 38 Media Center 71 System Recovery 201, 205 Recovery Tools CD 203 starting, if the PC is not responding 206 starting, if the PC is responding 205 using recovery discs 201 when to use 199 System Restore 199 settings 120 system tray 38 T Teletext, displaying 114 Television Program Guide adding missing channels 98 downloading 96 getting correct guide 96 removing channels 98 selecting channels 96 setting up 75, 77, 97 using 95 troubleshooting 209 can’t remove CD/DVD from drive 215 corrupted files 20
226 V W video display flickering 209, 210 video errors, resolving 217 video movies displaying information about a video 156 playing in full screen mode 155 in inset window 155 when stored on removable media 155 sorting 156 working with home videos 157 video, connecting analog VCR or camcorder 177 visualization, selecting 136 Visualize option 134 volume, adjusting 34 warnings add-in cards overloading PC 195 installing memory module 194 removing memory module 194 using wrong memory type 193 voltage select
