Multimedia User Guide
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Product notice This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.
iv Product notice
Table of contents 1 Multimedia features Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2 Adjusting the volume ............................................................................................................................ 4 Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD ......................................................................................................
Index ...................................................................................................................................................................
1 Multimedia features Your computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music and view photos and video.
Identifying your multimedia components The following illustration and table describe the multimedia features of the computer. Component Description (1) Record sound. Internal microphones (2) (select models only) NOTE: 2 Some models have one internal microphone. (2) HP Webcam (select models only) Records audio and video and captures still photographs. (3) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Component Description (4) Produces sound when connected to optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, ear buds, or a headset. Audio-out (headphone) jack 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. NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the computer speakers are disabled.
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 (2) from right to left. ◦ To increase volume, slide your finger across the volume scroll zone (2) from left to right. Windows® volume control: a. Click the Volume icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. b.
Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD If your optical drive is a CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD±RW optical drive, you can use software such as Windows Media Player to burn data and audio files, including MP3 and WAV music files. To burn video files to a CD or DVD, use MyDVD. Observe the following guidelines when burning a CD or DVD: ● Before burning a disc, save and close any open files and close all programs.
2 Multimedia software Your computer includes preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play music and view photos and video. The following section provides details about how to access your preinstalled software.
Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software To access your preinstalled multimedia software: ▲ Select Start > All Programs, and then open the multimedia program you want to use. 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: ● 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 audio (select models only) ● Create or “burn” audio CDs 9
Connecting external audio devices To connect external devices such as external speakers, headphone, or a microphone, refer to the information provided with the device. For best results, remember the following tips: ● Be sure that the device cable is securely connected to the correct jack on your computer. (Cable connectors are normally color-coded to match the corresponding jacks on the computer.) ● Be sure to install any drivers required by the external device.
Checking your audio functions To check the system sound on your computer, follow these steps: 1. Select Start > Control Panel. 2. Select Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio Devices. 3. When the Sounds and Audio Devices Properties window opens, click the Sounds tab. Under Program events, select any sound event, such as a beep or alarm, and then click the Test button. You should hear sound through the speakers or through connected headphones.
4 Video Your computer enables you to use a variety of video features: 12 ● Play games over the Internet ● Edit pictures and video to create presentations ● Connect external video devices Chapter 4 Video
Connecting an optional 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 optional S-Video device The 4-pin S-Video-out jack connects the computer to an optional S-Video device such as a television, VCR, camcorder, overhead projector, or video capture card. To transmit video signals through the S-Video-out jack, you need an S-Video cable, available from most electronics retailers.
5 HP Webcam (select models only) Your computer may include an integrated webcam, located at the top of the display. With the preinstalled software, you can use the webcam to take a photo, record a video, or make an audio recording. You can preview the photo, video recording, or audio recording, and save it on your computer hard drive. To access the webcam and webcam software, select Start > Programs > HP Webcam.
Webcam tips For optimum performance, observe the following guidelines while using the webcam: ● Be sure that you have the latest version of an instant message program before starting a video conversation. ● The webcam may not work properly across some network firewalls. NOTE: If you are having trouble viewing or sending multimedia files to someone on another LAN or outside your network firewall, temporarily disable the firewall, perform the task you want to perform, and then reenable the firewall.
Adjusting webcam preferences You can adjust webcam preferences, including the following: ● Brightness—Controls the amount of light that is incorporated into the image. A higher brightness setting creates a brighter image; a lower brightness setting creates a darker image. ● Contrast—Controls the difference between lighter and darker areas on the image.
Controlling the webcam focus (select models only) You can control the webcam focus by selecting Start > All Programs > HP Webcam > HP Webcam > Settings > Options. The following focus options are available: ● Normal—The default setting, appropriate for normal photography. This range extends from several feet in front of the lens to infinity. ● Macro—The close-up setting, for taking photos and capturing video at a very close range (select models only).
For more information For details about using your webcam, select the Help menu in the software Help.
6 Troubleshooting The following sections describe several common issues and resolutions.
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD 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 the optical drive, use Device Manager to troubleshoot the device and update, uninstall, or disable the device driver. To check your device and drivers in Device Manager, follow these steps: 22 1. Remove any discs from the optical drive. 2. Select Start > My Computer. 3. Right-click in the window and select Properties > Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager. 4.
A new device driver is needed Obtaining Microsoft device drivers Your computer is set to automatically check for and install Microsoft device drivers when new devices are connected to your computer. Obtaining HP device drivers Follow either of the following procedures to obtain HP device drivers. To use HP Update: 1. Select Start > All Programs > HP > HP Update. 2. On the HP Welcome screen, click Settings and select a time when the utility should check for software updates on the Web. 3.
A disc does not play ● Save your work and close all open programs before playing a CD or a DVD. ● Log off the Internet before playing a CD or a DVD. ● 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. Select Start > My Computer. 2. Right-click the device (such as CD-ROM drive), and then click Properties. 3. Click the AutoPlay tab, and then select one of the available actions. 4. Click OK. NOTE: For more information about AutoPlay, refer to Help and Support.
A DVD 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 Properties > 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 Standby 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.
Index M microphone (audio-in) jack 3 microphone, internal 2 monitor, connecting 13 multimedia components, identifying 2 multimedia software 6, 7 multimedia software, installing mute button 4 B button, volume mute 4 P ports, external monitor 13 projector, connecting 13 C checking audio functions 11 D device drivers HP devices 23 Microsoft devices 23 uninstalling, reinstalling S S-Video-out jack 14 speakers 2 23 T tips, webcam 16 troubleshooting device drivers 23 disc burning 27 disc play 24, 25 DVD movi
