Multimedia User Guide
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Table of contents 1 Multimedia features Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2 Adjusting the volume ............................................................................................................................ 4 Using the media activity functions ........................................................................................................ 6 Using the media activity buttons ............
CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................................... 22 DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................................... 22 DVD±RW discs .................................................................................................................. 22 LightScribe DVD+R discs ...........................................................................................
1 Multimedia features Your computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music, watch movies, and view pictures.
Identifying your multimedia components The following illustration and table describe the multimedia features of the computer. Component Description (1) Internal microphones (2) Record sound. (2) Webcam light Turns on when video software accesses the webcam. (3) Webcam Records audio and video and captures still photographs. (4) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Component Description (7) Volume scroll zone Adjusts speaker volume. Slide your finger to the left to decrease volume and to the right to increase volume. You can also tap the minus sign on the scroll zone to decrease volume, or tap the plus sign on the scroll zone to increase volume. (8) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.
Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume using the following controls: ● Computer volume buttons (select models only): ◦ To mute or restore volume, press the mute button (1). ◦ To decrease volume, slide your finger across the volume scroll zone from right to left or tap the volume down icon (2) repeatedly. ◦ To increase volume, slide your finger across the volume scroll zone from left to right or tap the volume up icon (3) repeatedly.
Volume can also be adjusted within some programs.
Using the media activity functions The media activity hotkeys and the media activity buttons (select models only) control the play of an audio CD or a DVD that is inserted into the optical drive. Using the media activity buttons The following illustration and tables describe the functions of the media activity buttons when a disc is inserted in the optical drive.
Next/fast forward button Disc status Button Function Playing Next/fast forward button Plays the next track or chapter. Playing fn + next/fast forward button Fast forwards the playback. Disc status Button Function Playing Stop button Stops the playback. Stop button Using the media activity hotkeys A media activity hotkey is a combination of the fn key (1) and a function key (2). ● When an audio CD or a DVD is not playing, press fn+f9 (3) to play the disc.
2 Multimedia software Your computer includes preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play music, watch movies, and view pictures. The following sections provide details about HP MediaSmart and other preinstalled multimedia software.
Using HP MediaSmart software HP MediaSmart turns your computer into a mobile entertainment center. With MediaSmart, you can enjoy music and DVD and BD movies. You can also view Internet TV and live TV, and manage and edit your photo collections. NOTE: You can use an integrated TV tuner (select models only) or an optional external TV tuner (purchased separately) to watch, record, and pause live TV on the computer.
Using other preinstalled multimedia software To locate other preinstalled multimedia software: ▲ Select Start > All Programs, and then open the multimedia program you want to use. For example, if you want to use Windows Media Player to play an audio CD, click Windows Media Player. NOTE: Some programs may be located in subfolders.
Installing multimedia software from a disc To install any multimedia software from a CD or DVD, follow these steps: 1. Insert the disc into the optical drive. 2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the on-screen instructions. 3. Restart the computer if you are prompted to do so. NOTE: For details about using software included with the computer, refer to the software manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided with the software, on disc, or on the manufacturer’s Web site.
3 Audio Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features: 12 ● Play music using your computer speakers and/or connected external speakers ● Record sound using the internal microphone or connect an external microphone ● Download music from the Internet ● Create multimedia presentations using audio and images ● Transmit sound and images with instant messaging programs ● Stream radio programs (select models only) or receive FM radio signals ● Create or “burn” audio CDs Chapter 3 A
Connecting external audio devices WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices. To connect external devices such as external speakers, headphone, or a microphone, refer to the information provided with the device.
Checking your audio functions To check the system sound on your computer, follow these steps: 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Click Hardware and Sound. 3. Click Sound. 4. When the Sound window opens, click the Sounds tab. Under Program, select any sound event, such as a beep or alarm, and click the Test button. You should hear sound through the speakers or through connected headphones. To check the record functions of the computer, follow these steps: 1.
4 Video Your computer enables you to use a variety of video features: ● Watch movies ● Play games over the Internet ● Edit pictures and video to create presentations ● Connect external video devices ● Watch TV, including high-definition TV (select models only) 15
Connecting an external monitor or projector The external monitor port connects an external display device such as an external monitor or a projector to the computer. ▲ To connect a display device, connect the device cable to the external monitor port. NOTE: If a properly connected external display device does not display an image, press fn+f4 to transfer the image to the device. Repeatedly pressing fn+f4 alternates the screen image between the computer display and the device.
Connecting an HDMI device The computer includes an HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) port. The HDMI port connects the computer to an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component. The computer can support one HDMI device connected to the HDMI port, while simultaneously supporting an image on the computer display or any other supported external display.
Setting HDMI as the default audio playback device 18 1. Select Start > Control Panel > Hardware and Sound > Sound icon. 2. Click the Playback tab, click Digital Output Device (HDMI), and then click Set Default. 3. Click OK. 4. Start MediaSmart (or restart it if it is already running).
Watching TV Your computer may have an integrated TV tuner (select models only), or you may have an optional external TV tuner. A TV tuner enables you to watch, record, and pause live TV on the computer. In addition, if your computer includes an integrated TV tuner, then two remote controls are included in the box with the computer. ● HP Mobile Remote Control—Provides remote control of some features such as audio and video disc playback and can be stored in the Express Card slot.
5 Optical drive Your computer includes an optical drive that expands the functionality of the computer. Identify what kind of device is installed in your computer to see its capabilities. The optical drive allows you to read data discs, play music, and watch movies. If your computer includes a Blu-ray Disc ROM Drive, then you can also watch high-definition video from disc. Identifying the installed optical drive ▲ Select Start > Computer.
Using optical discs Optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) store information such as music, photos, and movies. DVDs and BDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs. Your optical drive can read standard CD and DVD discs. If your optical drive is a BD drive, it can also read Blu-ray Discs. NOTE: Some of the optical drives listed may not be supported by your computer. The listed drives are not necessarily all of the supported optical drives.
Selecting the right disc (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) An optical drive supports optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs). CDs, used to store digital data, are also used for commercial audio recordings and are convenient for your personal storage needs. DVDs and BDs are used primarily for movies, software, and data backup purposes. DVDs and BDs are the same form factor as CDs but have a much higher storage capacity.
Blu-ray Disc Also called BD, Blu-ray Disc is a high-density optical disc format for the storage of digital information, including high-definition video. A single-layer Blu-ray Disc can store 25 GB, over 5 times the storage capacity of a single-layer DVD at 4.7 GB. A dual-layer Blu-ray Disc can store 50 GB, almost 6 times the storage capacity of a dual-layer DVD at 8.5 GB.
Playing music 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the release button (1) on the optical drive bezel to release the disc tray. 3. Pull out the tray (2). 4. Hold the disc by the edges and position the disc label-side up over the tray spindle. NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to position it over the spindle. 5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place. 6. Close the disc tray. 7.
Watching a movie Your optical drive allows you to watch movies from a disc. You can also watch high-definition movies from a disc if your computer includes an optional Blu-ray Disc ROM Drive. 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the release button (1) on the optical drive bezel to release the disc tray. 3. Pull out the tray (2). 4. Hold the disc by the edges and position the disc label-side up over the tray spindle.
Changing DVD region settings Most DVDs that contain copyrighted files also contain region codes. The region codes help protect copyrights internationally. You can play a DVD containing a region code only if the region code on the DVD matches the region setting on your DVD drive. CAUTION: The region settings on your DVD drive can be changed only 5 times. The region setting you select the fifth time becomes the permanent region setting on the DVD drive.
Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD If your computer includes a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW optical drive, you can use software such as Windows Media Player or CyberLink Power2Go to burn data, video, and audio files, including MP3 and WAV music files. Observe the following guidelines when burning a CD or DVD: ● Before burning a disc, save and close any open files and close all programs. ● A CD-R or DVD-R is usually best for burning audio files because after the information is copied, it cannot be changed.
Removing a CD, DVD, or BD 1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray, and then gently pull out the tray (2) until it stops. 2. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces. NOTE: If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it. 3. 28 Close the disc tray and place the disc in a protective case.
6 Webcam Your computer includes an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. The webcam is an input device that allows you to capture and share video. To use the webcam, click the HP MediaSmart icon on the desktop, select the video icon on the MediaSmart SmartMenu, and then click Webcam. NOTE: For more information on using HP MediaSmart, click Start > Help and Support, and type MediaSmart in the Search box.
7 Troubleshooting The following sections describe several common issues and resolutions.
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD, DVD, or BD 1. Insert the end of a paper clip (1) into the release access in the front bezel of the drive. 2. Press in gently on the paper clip until the disc tray is released, and then pull out the tray (2) until it stops. 3. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.
The computer does not detect the optical drive If the computer does not detect an installed device, the device driver software may be missing or corrupted. If you suspect that the optical drive is not being detected, verify that the optical drive is listed in the Device Manager utility. 1. Remove any discs from the optical drive. 2. Click Start and type device manager in the Start Search box. As you type, search results are listed in the pane above the box. 3. In the results pane, click Device Manager.
A disc does not play ● Save your work and close all open programs before playing a CD, DVD, or BD. ● Log off the Internet before playing a CD, DVD, or BD. ● Be sure that you insert the disc properly. ● Be sure that the disc is clean. If necessary, clean the disc with filtered water and a lint-free cloth. Wipe from the center of the disc to the outer edge. ● Check the disc for scratches. If you find scratches, treat the disc with an optical disc repair kit available at many electronics stores.
A disc does not play automatically 1. Click Start > Control Panel > Play CDs or other media automatically. 2. Confirm that the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices check box is selected. 3. Click Save. A CD, DVD, or BD should now start automatically when it is inserted into the optical drive.
A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ● Press the Play button. You may have accidentally paused the movie. ● Clean the disc. ● Conserve system resources by trying the following suggestions: ◦ Log off the Internet. ◦ Change the color properties of the desktop: 1. Right-click on a blank area of the computer desktop, and select Personalize > Display Settings. 2. Set Colors to Medium (16 bit), if this setting is not already selected.
A movie is not visible on an external display 1. If both the computer display and an external display are turned on, press fn+f4 one or more times to switch between the 2 displays. 2. Configure the monitor settings to make the external display primary: a. Right-click on a blank area of the computer desktop, and select Personalize > Display Settings. b. Specify a primary display and a secondary display.
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion ● Be sure that all other programs are closed. ● Turn off Sleep mode and Hibernation. ● Be sure that you are using the right kind of disc for your drive. See your user guides for more information about disc types. ● Be sure that the disc is inserted properly. ● Select a slower write speed and try again.
If uninstalling and reinstalling the default device drivers does not correct the problem, you may need to update your drivers using the procedures in the following section. Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers You can obtain the latest Windows device drivers by using Microsoft® Update. This Windows feature can be set to automatically check for and install updates for the Windows operating system and other Microsoft products. To use Microsoft Update: 1.
Index A audio devices, connecting external 13 audio features 12 audio functions, checking 14 audio-in (microphone) jack 2 audio-out (headphone) jacks 2 DVD region settings 26 B BD drive 21 Blu-ray Disc (BD) inserting 24 removing 28 Blu-ray drive 21 buttons next/fast forward 6 play/pause 6 previous/rewind 6 stop 6 volume mute 3, 4 H HDMI configuring 17 connecting 17 HDMI port 17 headphone (audio-out) jacks 2 headphones 2 high-definition devices, connecting 17 D device drivers HP drivers 38 Windows drive
TV, watching 19 V video features 15 volume mute button 4 volume mute button, identifying 3 volume scroll zone 4 volume scroll zone, identifying 3 volume, adjusting 4 W watching TV 19 webcam 2 webcam light 2 webcam, using 29 40 Index
