Multimedia User Guide
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Table of contents 1 Multimedia features Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2 Adjusting the volume ............................................................................................................................ 4 2 Multimedia software Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .................................................................................
The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD ....................................................... 29 A disc does not play ........................................................................................................................... 30 A disc does not play automatically ..................................................................................................... 31 A DVD movie stops, skips, or plays erratically .......................................................
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) Webcam (select models only) Records audio and video and captures still photographs. (2) Internal microphone Records sound. NOTE: The internal microphone makes use of dual array technology, which provides speech enhancement and suppresses surrounding noises. (3) Volume scroll zone Adjusts speaker volume.
Component Description NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the computer speakers are disabled. (6) Speaker Produces sound. (7) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.
Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume using the following controls: ● ● Computer volume buttons: ◦ 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 press and hold the minus (–) sign (2) until the desired volume level is reached.
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 how to access preinstalled multimedia 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. 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.
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 or optional external optical drive. 2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the on-screen instructions. 3. Restart the computer if you are prompted to do so.
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 model
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, headphones, 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. 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 right arrow icon next to the listed sound. You should hear sound through the speakers or through connected headphones.
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 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.
5 Optical drive (select models only) Identifying the installed optical drive ▲ Select Start > My Computer. You will see a list of all the devices installed on your computer, including your optical drive. You may have one of the following types of drives: ● DVD-ROM Drive ● DVD±RW SuperMulti Double-Layer (DL) Drive NOTE: Double-layer discs can store more data than single-layer discs.
Using optical discs (CDs and DVDs) An optical drive, such as a DVD-ROM drive, supports optical discs (CDs and DVDs). These discs store information, such as music, photos, and movies. DVDs have a higher storage capacity than CDs. Your optical drive can read standard CD and DVD 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.
Playing a CD or DVD 1. Turn on the computer. 2. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the disc tray. 3. Pull out the tray (2). 4. Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces 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.
Configuring AutoPlay 1. Select Start > My Computer. 2. Right-click the device (such as CD-ROM), 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.
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.
Observing the copyright warning It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyrightprotected material, including computer programs, films, broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use this computer for such purposes. CAUTION: To prevent loss of information or damage to a disc, observe the following guidelines: Before writing to a disc, connect the computer to a reliable external power source.
Copying a CD or DVD 1. Select Start > All Programs > Roxio > Creator Business. 2. In the right pane, click Copy Disc. 3. Insert the disc you want to copy into the optical drive. 4. Click Copy at the bottom right of the screen. Creator Business reads the source disc and copies the data to a temporary folder on your hard drive. 5. When prompted, remove the source disc from the optical drive and insert a blank disc into the drive.
Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD CAUTION: Observe the copyright warning. It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright-protected material, including computer programs, films, broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use this computer for such purposes. If your computer includes a 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.
Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) 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. Close the disc tray and place the disc in a protective case.
6 Webcam (select models only) NOTE: The section describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer. 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.
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 properties You can adjust the following 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) You can control the webcam focus by selecting Start > All Programs > HP Webcam Application > HP Webcam > Settings > Options. The following focus options are available: ● Normal—The factory setting of the camera is appropriate for normal photography. This range extends from several feet in front of the lens to infinity. ● Macro—The close-up focus setting is for taking photos and capturing video at a very close range (select models only).
Capturing business card images You can use the webcam with the Presto! BizCard program to take pictures of business cards and export the text to many types of address book software, such as Microsoft® Outlook Contacts. To capture a business card image: 1. Open Presto! BizCard by selecting Start > All Programs > Newsoft > Presto! BizCard 5 > Presto! BizCard 5. 2. To capture information from one business card, select File > Snap One Card and Recognize.
4. Slowly lower the display (1) until the webcam light (2) stops blinking and you hear a sound, which indicates that the webcam is now in focus. 5. If you are capturing several business card images, remove the first business card, and insert the next one. The webcam light turns on when the card is in focus. The webcam then takes a picture of the business card, and the webcam light turns off. Repeat this step to capture additional business cards. 6.
7 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 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.
A disc does not play ● Save your work and close all open programs before playing a CD or DVD. ● Log off the Internet before playing a CD or 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. Click 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. A CD or DVD should now start automatically when it is inserted into the optical drive. NOTE: For more information about AutoPlay, refer to Help and Support.
A DVD movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ● Check to be sure the disc is not scratched or damaged. ● 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 Properties > Settings. 2. Set Color quality to Medium (16 bit), if this setting is not already selected.
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 34 ● 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.
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 then update, uninstall, or disable the device driver. To check your device and drivers in Device Manager, follow these steps: 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 device driver must be reinstalled Obtaining Microsoft 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 your hardware drivers, as well as for the Windows operating system and other Microsoft products. To use Microsoft Update: 1. Open your Internet browser and go to http://www.microsoft.com. 2. Click Security & Updates. 3.
Index A audio devices, connecting external 9 audio features 8 audio functions, checking 10 audio-in (microphone) jack, identifying 2 audio-out (headphone) jack, identifying 2 AutoPlay 16 playing 15 removing 21 DVD drive 13 DVD region settings 17 O optical disc removing 21 optical drive 13 E earbuds 2 external audio devices, connecting 9 external monitor port 12 P ports, external monitor 12 projector, connecting 12 B business card reader software button, volume mute 4 F focus, webcam 25 26 C CD burn
W webcam adjusting properties 24 capturing business cards 26 controlling the focus 25 identifying 2 tips 23 using 22 38 Index
