Multimedia User Guide
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Table of contents 1 Multimedia features Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2 Adjusting the volume ............................................................................................................................ 3 2 Multimedia software Accessing your preinstalled multimedia software .................................................................................
A disc does not play automatically ..................................................................................................... 32 A movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ............................................................................................ 33 A DVD movie is not visible on an external display ............................................................................. 34 The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion ..........................
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) Webcam Records audio and video and captures still photographs. (2) Internal microphone Records sound. (3) Speakers (2) Produce sound.
Adjusting the volume You can adjust the volume using the following controls: ● ● Computer volume hotkey—A combination of the fn key (1) and either the f9 (2), f11 (3), or f12 (4) function key: ◦ To mute or restore volume, press fn+f9. ◦ To decrease volume, press fn+f11 repeatedly. ◦ To increase volume, press fn+f12 repeatedly. Windows® volume control: a. Click the Volume icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar. b.
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. 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: 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. 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 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.
Using the HDMI port NOTE: To transmit video signals through the HDMI port, you need an HDMI cable (purchased separately), available from most electronics retailers. 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.
Configuring audio for 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 Speaker icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar, and then click Playback Devices. 2. On the Playback tab, click either Digital Output or Digital Output Device (HDMI). 3. Click Set Default, and then click OK.
5 Optical drive Identifying the installed optical drive ▲ Select Start > 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 LightScribe Drive ● Blu-ray ROM DVD+/-RW SuperMulti Double-Layer LightScribe Drive NOTE: Some of the drives listed above may not be supported by your computer.
Using optical discs 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 ROM 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.
5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place. 6. Close the disc tray. 7. If you have not yet configured AutoPlay, as described in the section "Configuring AutoPlay," an AutoPlay dialog box opens. It prompts you to select how you want to use the media content. Choose Windows Media Player. NOTE: After you insert a disc, a short pause is normal.
5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place. 6. Close the disc tray. NOTE: After you insert a disc, a short pause is normal. If you have not selected a media player, an AutoPlay dialog box opens. It prompts you to select how you want to use the media content.
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: 4. Choose Windows Media Player to play DVDs. Click Save. 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 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. 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. 24 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. 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. ● The webcam may not work properly across some network firewalls. ● Whenever possible, place bright light sources behind the webcam and out of the picture area. NOTE: 26 For information about using the webcam, select Start > Help and Support.
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. NOTE: 4.
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 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 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.
If you want to download only one or two SoftPaqs and have a high-speed Internet connection, click Download & Unpack. 6. 38 Right-click Install SoftPaq in the SoftPaq Download Manager software to install the selected SoftPaqs on the computer.
Index A audio devices, connecting external 9 audio features 8 audio functions, checking 10 audio, configuring 14 audio-in (microphone) jack 2 audio-out (headphone) jack 2 AutoPlay 19 B BD inserting 17 removing 24, 29 Blu-ray Disc (BD) 16 Blu-ray ROM DVD+/-RW SuperMulti Double-Layer LightScribe Drive 16 button, volume mute 3 C CD burning 23 copying 22 inserting 16 removing 24, 29 CD drive 15 checking audio functions 10 copyright warning 21 D device drivers HP drivers 36 Microsoft drivers 37 reinstalling 36
volume mute button 3 volume, adjusting 3 W webcam adjusting properties 27 identifying 2 tips 26 using 25 40 Index
