Multimedia User Guide
© Copyright 2009 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty.
Table of contents 1 Multimedia features Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2 Adjusting the volume ............................................................................................................................ 4 2 Multimedia software Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .................................................................................
Copying a CD or DVD ........................................................................................................................ 24 Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD .................................................................................................... 25 Removing a CD, DVD, or BD ............................................................................................................. 26 6 Webcam (select models only) Webcam tips .................................................
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. NOTE: Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section. Component Description (1) Internal microphones (2) Record sound. (2) Webcam (select models only) Records audio and video and captures still photographs. (3) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Component Description (6) Volume scroll zone Adjusts speaker volume. (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.
Volume can also be adjusted within some programs.
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 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.
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 (select models only). 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: ● 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 models on
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. 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: 12 ● Watch movies ● Play games over the Internet ● Edit pictures and video to create presentations ● Connect external video devices Chapter 4 Video
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.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Help and Support for more information. Setting HDMI as the default audio playback device 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.
5 Optical drive (select models only) 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, also known as BD, drive, then you can also watch high-definition video from disc. Identifying the installed optical drive ▲ Select Start > Computer.
Using optical discs (CDs, DVDs, and BDs) 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. If your optical drive is a Blu-ray Disc (BD) drive, it can also read BDs. NOTE: Some of the optical drives listed may not be supported by your computer.
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 Discs (BD) BD 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 a CD, DVD or BD 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 > 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 Choose a default, and then select one of the available options for each media type listed. NOTE: Choose WinDVD to play DVDs. 4. Click Save. NOTE: For more information about AutoPlay, select Start > 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 If your computer comes with a writable 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. To burn video files to a disc, use Windows Movie Maker. Observe the following guidelines when burning a CD or DVD: ● Observe the copyright warning.
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. 26 Close the disc tray and place the disc in a protective case.
6 Webcam (select models only) Select computer models 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 HP Webcam software, select Start > All 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. ● Whenever possible, place bright light sources behind the webcam and out of the picture area.
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.
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.
If the drive is not listed, install (or reinstall) the device driver as instructed in the section "A device driver must be reinstalled.
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. Select 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 ● 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. ◦ Disconnect external devices, such as a printer, scanner, camera, or handheld device.
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.
A device driver must be reinstalled 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. If prompted by User Account Control, click Continue. 4.
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, and click Security & Updates. 2.
Using SoftPaq Download Manager HP SoftPaq Download Manager (SDM) is a tool that provides quick access to SoftPaq information for HP business computers without having to know the SoftPaq number. Using this tool, you can easily search for SoftPaqs and then download and unpack them. SoftPaq Download Manager works by reading and downloading, from the HP FTP site, a published database file containing computer model and SoftPaq information.
Index B BD DVD±RW SuperMulti DL LightScribe Drive 17 optical 16 DVD burning 25 changing region setting 22 copying 24 playing 20 removing 26, 31 DVD drive 16 DVD region settings 22 playing 20 removing 26, 31 Blu-ray Disc (BD) 16, 17 Blu-ray ROM with LightScribe DVD ±RW SuperMulti DL Drive 17 button, volume mute 4 E earbuds 2 external audio devices, connecting 10 external monitor port 13 A audio devices, connecting external 10 audio features 9 audio functions, checking 11 audio-in (microphone) jack 2 aud
optical disc tray 31 optical drive detection 31 V video, using 12 volume mute button 4 volume mute button, identifying 3 volume scroll zone 4 volume scroll zone, identifying 3 volume, adjusting 4 W webcam adjusting properties 29 identifying 2 tips 28 using 27 42 Index
