Multimedia User Guide
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Table of contents 1 Multimedia features Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2 Adjusting the volume ............................................................................................................................ 4 Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD ......................................................................................................
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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 Records audio and video and captures still photographs. (3) Webcam light Turns on when video software accesses the webcam. (4) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound. (5) Volume scroll zone Adjusts speaker volume.
Component Description (8) Speakers (2) Produce sound. (9) HDMI port Connects an optional video or audio device, such as a high-definition television, or any compatible digital or audio component.
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 Speakers icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. b.
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 Roxio Creator Business to burn data 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.
2 Working with multimedia software The computer includes preinstalled and preloaded multimedia software. Some computer models also include additional multimedia software on an optical disc.
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 your preloaded multimedia software To install your preloaded software from your hard drive, select Start > All Programs > HP Software Setup, and then follow the instructions on the screen.
3 Audio Your computer enables you to use a variety of audio features: 8 ● 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 (select mod
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 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. 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 11
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.
Using the HDMI port Select computer models include 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.
Configuring the audio using HDMI (select models only) To configure HDMI audio, first connect an audio or video device, such as a high-definition TV, to the HDMI port on your computer. Then configure the default audio playback device as follows: 1. Right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then click Playback devices. 2. On the Playback tab, your computer will display one of two digital output choices, Digital Output or Digital Output Device (HDMI).
5 Webcam Your computer includes 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 > All Programs > HP Webcam Application.
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 video 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 properties You can adjust webcam properties: ● 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. A higher contrast setting intensifies the image; a lower contrast setting maintains more of the original information’s dynamic range but leads to a flatter image.
Controlling the webcam focus (select models only) 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). NOTE: The Bizcard reader (select models only) is always preset to a macro mode setting during its operation.
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.
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: 20 1. Remove any discs from the optical drive. 2. Select Start > Control Panel > System and Security > Device Manager. 3. In the Device Manager window, click the arrow next to Disc Drives or DVD/CD-ROM drives.
A new device driver is needed Obtaining Microsoft device drivers You can obtain the latest Windows device drivers by using Windows Update. This feature can be set to automatically check for and install updates for your hardware drivers, as well as for the Windows operating system and other Microsoft products. To use Windows Update: 1. Click Start > All Programs > Windows Update. NOTE: If you have not previously set up Windows Update, you will be prompted to enter settings before you can check for updates.
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 > Default Programs > Change AutoPlay settings. 2. Confirm that the Use AutoPlay for all media and devices check box is selected. 3. Click Save. A CD or DVD should now start automatically when it is inserted into the optical drive. 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.
The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion 24 ● 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.
Index A audio devices, connecting external 9 audio features 8 audio functions, checking 10 audio, configuring 14 audio-in (microphone) jack, identifying 2 audio-out (headphone) jack, identifying 2 B button volume mute 2 button, volume mute 4 C CD burning 5 protecting 6 writing to 6 checking audio functions 10 D device drivers HP devices 21 Microsoft devices 21 uninstalling, reinstalling 21 DVD burning 5 protecting 6 writing to 6 E earbuds 2 external audio devices, connecting 9 external monitor port 12 H
