Table of Contents Table of Contents......... iii Configuring Speaker and Sound Options ..29 Sound Connector Types............29 Before Getting Started........1 Speaker Configurations ............31 PC Setup Tips............... 1 Connecting 2/2.1 Audio Speakers ........32 Utility Programs ..............1 Connecting 4.1 Audio Speakers...........33 Important Safety Information About Your HP Media Center PC ...
Before Getting Started This guide can help you get started using your new HP Media Center PC. You may want to browse some of the other documentation that came with your HP Media Center PC. A warning describes Read the “Safety Information” section in the Follow the setup information that came with information you need documentation that came with your PC.
To find these programs, click Start, choose All these updates. If you have turned off the Updates Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then select a from HP feature, you will not receive these updates. program or folder. To turn it back on, click Start, choose All Programs, PC Help &...
Selecting an Internet Service Provider As part of the startup screens, you can select an Easy Internet Sign-up helps you sign up for a new Internet service provider (ISP). Before you can Internet account, set up an existing account, or connect to the Internet, you must sign up with an ISP.
Protecting the PC HP provides a virus-scanning software program to If a software program or the operating system gets help protect your PC (select models only). damaged, reinstall the software. Refer to “Using Application Recovery and System Recovery” in the The virus-scanning program manufacturer provides other documentation that came with your PC for free virus scan updates through your Internet...
Setting Up the PC Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the PC Most of the hardware devices such as the monitor, and then read the topics in this section to find out keyboard, printer, and mouse can be connected at more about the location of components and the back of the PC.
Back-Panel PC Connectors Connector Icon/label Description and function Power connector Location, availability, and number of connectors may vary. Mouse Keyboard Serial port for digital cameras or other serial devices SERIAL (Select models only) Printer (parallel) Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) for mouse, keyboard, digital cameras, or other devices with USB connectors FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector for video cameras and other high-speed devices...
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Connector Icon/label Description and function Ethernet LAN connector ETHERNET The network interface adapter (also called a network interface card, or NIC) connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub. Connect this adapter in your PC to your local area network (LAN) hub or any broadband connection.
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Connector Icon/label Description and function Composite Video In from set-top box connector Composite Video Left audio input from set-top box connector L audio Right audio input from set-top box connector R audio TV In (TV antenna or cable input from wall outlet with TV/Cable Ant no set-top box) FM In (radio antenna input)
Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC When connecting an analog camera to the PC, use the Video and Audio In connectors on the front of the PC. The following instructions only apply to digital cameras. See the documentation that came with your digital video camera.
Connecting to Other Devices Other peripheral devices can be connected to the front or back of your HP Media Center PC by using USB or FireWire ports. You can connect peripheral devices such as a printer, scanner, video camera, Some peripheral digital camera, memory card reader, and PDA devices are not (personal digital assistant) or handheld computer to...
Connecting the Television Signal Using TV Cables You may need purchase some cables separately, An S-video cable provides separate color and depending on your TV and the TV signal setup you black-and-white image signals and delivers a choose. For example, when your TV has an S-video sharper image than a composite video cable does.
Optional Audio and Video Cables Not Included You might need the following extra cables. Your HP Media Center PC does not come with the following cables. Cable Name Description Splitter Used with coaxial cable for VHF and UHF antenna combinations. 2 Way Splitter DVI-I or DVI-D Digital Video Out.
Using the Analog Video Cable (Select models only) Refer to the Start Here guide for more information about the Analog Video various display connection options. If you are using the analog video cable to connect your PC display to your PC, you need to connect the cable and then set the Output switch on the cable to match the correct video output.
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Set the switch to match your display Connect the S-video, composite, or resolution. Move 2 (1080i), or 3 (720p), or component video cables to the analog video 4 (480p/576p) to the On position (C). Or cable and then to the back of the PC. leave all of the switches in the Off position for Connect the power and turn on the PC.
Connecting the TV Signal Source Connect the signal source for the TV by using the Plug the other end of the cable into your set-top box TV In coaxial connector or the composite/S-video In or other device that is providing the signal source connector.
Connecting the Remote Sensor The remote sensor is a small device that connects to the PC and allows the remote control to work with the Media Center program. If you have a cable TV set-top box, a satellite Plug the remote control sensor cable into a set-top box, or other set-top box that controls USB connector (D) on the back of the PC.
Connecting the TV Signal Source When You Have an Existing Setup This section describes how to connect the PC to an existing setup for your TV signal source. Wall to VCR to TV using coaxial cable Remove the coaxial cable at the input to the VCR, and connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal splitter (not included;...
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Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR to TV using coaxial cable Remove the coaxial cable at the input to the VCR, Connect one of these cables to the input of the VCR and connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal and the other one to the TV connector on the back of splitter (not included;...
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Existing setup Add the PC with a splitter Wall Cable Coaxial cable Set-top box/Satellite In Set-top box/Satellite Out VCR In G VCR Out TV In Splitter In Splitter Out TV In on back of PC M Remote control sensor cable N Remote control sensor Connecting the Television Signal...
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Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR and TV using S-video cable or composite video cable between the box and the VCR or TV Do not detach any cables from your existing When using a composite video or S-video setup.
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Existing setup Add the PC Wall Cable Set-top box/Satellite In Set-top box/Satellite Out S-video or composite cable VCR In G VCR Out TV In Add an S-video or composite cable with adapter S-video In on back of PC Remote control sensor cable M Remote control sensor Connecting the Television Signal...
Using the TV as a Monitor If your Media Center PC has TV-out capability (select models only), you can connect it to a TV to view the PC image on a TV screen. With the TV-out feature, you can view the PC image, watch DVD movies, or play games on your TV.
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If your TV has a composite video jack and your PC has a composite video jack, connect a composite video cable (A) to the Video In jack on the TV and to the composite video out jack (C) on the back of the PC (select models only).
Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for Optional Setup of Your TV Display If your TV connects to the system using a composite or S-video connection, the Media Center setup wizard cannot make automatic adjustment of settings for your TV display. If you choose the This automatic adjustment is available during the option Preview...
Changing the Display for a GeForce 6600 Graphics Card Follow the “Using the Media Center Setup Select the Device Settings button, and then Wizard for Optional Setup of Your TV you can select the various screen adjustment Display” on page 24. settings.
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Viewing the PC image on the TV To view your PC image on the TV: Click the Settings tab. Click the Advanced button. Make sure the video and audio cables are connected before you turn on the TV and Look at the tabs and follow the steps that the PC.
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Displays tab Click the Displays tab. This tab shows a To view the PC image on just the TV, click the monitor and a TV. The upper-left corner of TV corner so it is green, and then click the each display icon is a button and a status monitor corner so it is red.
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Ge Force FX tab (disabling) Click the Ge Force FX xxxx tab. When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have In the area nView Modes select Single 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it Display from the drop-down list.
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options HP Media Center PCs support many different audio This chapter describes the most typical options. Your options, sound connections, and speaker system may have different components. configurations. You may set up your PC for two Speakers are included with the monitor (select stereo speakers or for multichannel audio speaker models only) or are sold separately.
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Connector Description Illustration Type Sound card Your PC may include a sound card. You See below. connector can connect up to a 5.1 audio system (7.1 audio system for select models) or digital speakers to the sound card on the PC. Use the sound connectors that match your PC model when installing cables, as shown in the installation procedure steps.
Sound connector Description Line In (light blue) connects to an analog audio device such as a CD player for input into PC. (3: Also functions as rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.) Digital Out (orange) connects to a digital audio device DIGITAL DIGITAL AUDIO OUT...
Speaker types A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system. A multichannel audio speaker Speakers may be included with the monitor (select system has a left-right front and left-right rear models only) or are sold separately. Refer to the channel, and it may include a subwoofer and a product documentation for your speakers.
Step 8 is optional for a two-speaker setup. 6 connectors: See “Configuring Audio ■ Output with Sound Effect Manager” on After the speakers are connected to the PC, page 47. configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model: Sound card: See “Configuring Audio ■...
Connect the cables to the audio system. After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for sound output Connect the front and rear speakers to the for your PC model: subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation. 3 connectors: See “Configuring Audio ■...
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Connect the center/subwoofer speaker cable Turn on the PC. to the gold (or pink Mic) connector that Plug in the speaker system power. matches the back of your PC. Turn on the speaker system. Always turn on the After the speakers are connected to the PC, PC before you turn on configure the audio software for sound output the speaker system.
Connecting 7.1 Audio Speakers If your PC has 6 connectors or an Audigy2 ZS sound card (select models only), you can install an 8/7.1 audio system. To connect two front speakers, two side speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer for eight-channel (7.1 speaker) output: (Select models only) Turn off the PC.
The following diagram shows a typical 7.1 audio installation: Connecting 7.1 Speakers to a Sound Card If you have a sound card and you want to connect 7.1 speakers, you must purchase Creative Inspire T7700 speakers. Configuring Speaker and Sound Options...
Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System You can connect your HP Media Center PC to your For example, see “2.1 home stereo installation” on home stereo or home theater multichannel audio page 39, or “6/5.1 home audio installation” on receiver/amplifiers using your existing speakers.
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2.1 home stereo installation The following diagram shows a typical two-channel This is only a suggested configuration. Your system (2.1) speaker installation that uses passive stereo may be different. speakers and plugs into a home stereo standard left and right input. A: PC back-panel connectors (3, 6, or sound card)
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6/5.1 home audio installation The following diagram shows a typical advanced This is only a suggested configuration. Your system home theater audio six-channel 6/5.1 speaker may be different. installation that requires multichannel inputs on a receiver/amplifier. A: PC back-panel connectors (3, 6, or sound card) B: Y adapter cables C: Receiver/amplifier...
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6/5.1 home audio installation procedure To connect a six-channel (5.1 speaker) home audio system to the PC: Turn off the PC. connector or the center speaker/subwoofer (gold) connector that matches the back of Receiver/amplifier Turn off the receiver/amplifier. your PC. input connectors may be labeled Surround, Connect the front stereo mini-jack end of a...
Connecting Digital Audio (Select models only) If you have a sound card and you are connecting on the 3.5 mm Y cable to the AV receiver’s digital your home stereo AV receiver via Digital Out, plug input connector. If the red RCA stereo plug does not the 3.5 mm stereo plug into the digital out connector work, try the white stereo plug.
Configuring Audio Output You can configure your speaker’s audio output with the following software. Use the software that applies to your PC model: Multi-channel Sound Manager (3 connectors) Media Center (all systems) ■ ■ Sound Effect Manager (6 connectors) WinDVD Player (all systems) ■...
Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has 3 Connectors. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Multi-channel Sound Manager: Click Start on the taskbar. Click Multi-channel Sound Manager.
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Click the Speaker Configuration tab near Click OK. the top of the window to open the control Test the speakers. Click the Speaker Test screens. (Your speakers may need to be tab. Follow the instructions. plugged in to see this tab.) Configure audio output for the Media Center.
Sound Effect Manager Sound Effect Manager displays one of the following control screens: Sound Effect — Select the environment and that the connector is not used for the selected ■ the equalizer settings. You can select an speaker configuration. See “Configuring environment, such as Under Water or Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager”...
Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has 6 connectors. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Sound Effect Manager: Click Start on the taskbar. Click Sound Effect Manager.
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Click Sound Effect Manager. The window Connect the speaker system audio cable plugs opens. into the connectors on the front of your PC. The panel display highlights a cable that is Click Audio Wizard. A window opens properly inserted in a connector. that shows the connector panel on the front of the PC.
Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers. To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy sound card: Click Start on the taskbar. Click the Channel button to test the speakers. Choose All Programs.
Configuring Audio for Media Center Follow these steps after you have installed, connected, and configured your speakers. To configure multichannel audio output for the Media Center: Click Start on the taskbar, scroll down, and Select your Speaker Configuratiuon by select Media Center. clicking on the (+) or ( –...
Using Headphones Your PC comes with a headphones connector You can also connect headphones to the (lime-green) on the front of the PC. The Line Out connector (lime-green) on the back headphones connector is labeled with a of your PC. headphones icon.
Resolving Sound Issues If you don’t have sound from your speakers, check the following: Check volume and mute settings. See “Using Reconfigure the sound software for ■ ■ Headphones” on page 51. surround sound. Verify sound cable connections. Use active, powered speakers, or speakers ■...
Using the PC Hardware Using the Keyboard Your PC may include a standard keyboard or a A wireless keyboard (select models only) uses a wireless keyboard. receiver/transmitter, instead of a connector cable, to communicate with your PC. A light on the receiver A standard keyboard connects to the keyboard indicates receiver activity.
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Media control or playback buttons Icon Label Description Eject 1 Opens or closes upper and lower optical drive trays. and Eject 2 The Volume knob can continue to be turned, Starts recording to selected media. even after maximum sound has been reached.
Using the Remote Control Use the remote control to open the Media Center To use the remote control, simply point it at the remote sensor and press the Start button. program, and use it to view TV, record TV programs, play previously recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video.
Memory Card Reader Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices The card reader is accessible directly on the front of use memory cards, or media to store digital picture the PC. It has four horizontal card slots, which files. The optional memory card reader can read accept the memory cards and the Microdrive disk and can write to a variety of types of memory cards drive.
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Formatting a memory card If you have not used the memory card, you may need to format it first. Format your memory card in your digital Click Start, and then click My Computer. Some memory cards camera. Follow the instructions that came with have a lock position.
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Troubleshooting the memory card reader If you are having problems reading to or writing to a memory card, try the following: Make sure the read/write switch on the Remove the memory card and shine a ■ ■ memory card, if available, is set to Write flashlight into the empty slot to see if any pins CompactFlash and Enabled.
Using Your Storage or Docking Bay Your PC may have a docking bay (select models only) on the top of the PC. You can use the docking bay to: Store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards. Install a special cover (optional) and an iPod ■...
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Thread the cables (C) that came with your camera docking station through the cable tunnel, starting from the back of the PC and threading them to the front of the PC. Pull cables to the center. Connect the cables: Plug the USB cable into the back of the PC. ■...
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Place the correct camera docking station lid (D) on top of the PC. Gently guide the edge of the lid into the top of the PC. Place the HP digital camera (E) into the camera docking station. Follow the instructions that came with your camera docking station.
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Thread the USB cable that came with your iPod Dock through the cable tunnel, starting from the back of the PC and threading them to the front of the PC. Pull cable to the center and connect them to the back of the iPod Dock (K).
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Place the iPod Dock lid (L) on top of the PC. Gently guide the edge of the lid into the top of the PC. When you want to use it, place the iPod (M) into the docking station. Follow the instructions that came with your iPod.
Connecting the Wireless LAN (Select models only) You can connect the HP Media Center PC to an Screw the wireless LAN antenna into the 802.11b/g wireless network. An external antenna wireless LAN connector on the back of the PC. The wireless LAN is supplied with your system.
Troubleshooting For help on general and miscellaneous problems you may be experiencing with the PC, refer to: The other troubleshooting documentation that The topics in Help and Support. Press the Help ■ ■ came with your PC. button on your keyboard, or click Start on the taskbar and select Help and Support.
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My software stopped working. Refer to the sections about Application and System Recovery in the other documentation that came with your PC to reinstall a software program. If your program came on a CD, follow the instructions that came with the software to reinstall it. Codec errors are occurring when I play certain files.
System and Hardware My remote control doesn’t work. See “Troubleshooting the remote control” on page 55. Your system is provided with a voltage select switch for use in a or 230 My remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote control. power system.
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The memory card reader won’t read my memory card. The memory card reader is a device that uses Make sure the memory card is one of the ■ ■ the Safely Remove Hardware task. This supported types: CompactFlash (1, 2, and appears as a system tray icon next to the time.
Index S-video In 7 TV/Cable Ant 8 analog video cable USB 5, 6 using 13 connectors audio connector 7 back panel 6 front panel 5 backing up PC data 3 batteries devices installing in remote control 55 connecting 10 type for remote control 55 digital camera buttons connecting 9, 10...
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installing camera dock 59 choosing a setup location 1 camera docking station 59 connecting the remote sensor 16 Internet service provider 3 connecting the TV signal source 15 connecting TV signal source with set-top box and VCR 18 keyboard front-panel connectors 5 connector 6 protecting with virus-scanning software 4 keys 53...
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resolving sound issues 52 setting up digital speaker output 49 standby mode button 53 stereo connecting to the PC 38 S-video In connector 7 transfer wizard 3 transferring old PC information to a new PC 3 troubleshooting keyboard buttons not working 65 memory card reader 68 remote control 67 remote sensor 67...
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Part Number: 5991-2313 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide...