HP Media Center PC User manual

HP Media Center PC

Getting Started Guide

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Table of Contents iii

Table of Contents

Before Getting Started.................................. 1

PC Setup Tips....................................................................... 1

Utility Programs.................................................................... 2

Important Safety Information About Your

HP Media Center PC........................................................ 2

Safety and Comfort............................................................... 2

Online Guides ..................................................................... 2

Connecting to the Internet...................................................... 3

HP Products Work Better Together .......................................... 3

Protecting the PC .................................................................. 4

Installing Software ................................................................ 4

Getting Help........................................................................4

Setting Up the PC ......................................... 5

HP Media Center PC Front Connectors.................................... 5

HP Media Center PC Rear Connectors ....................................6

Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC .........................9

Connecting to Other Devices ............................................... 10

Connecting the Television Signal ................. 11

Using TV Cables.................................................................11

Audio and Video Cables..................................................... 11

Connecting the TV Signal Source..........................................13

Connecting the Remote Sensor ............................................. 15

Connecting the TV Signal Source

When You Have an Existing Setup................................... 16

Using the TV as a Monitor ...................................................20

Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for

Optional Setup of Your TV Display................................... 22

Changing the Display for a GeForce Graphics Card...............23

Changing the Display for an ATI Graphics Card .................... 23

Changing the Display for an ATI Catalyst

Control Center Graphics Card......................................... 24

Changing your Display Using Windows XP ........................... 28

Configuring Speaker and

Sound Options........................................ 29

Sound Connector Types.......................................................29

Speaker Configurations .......................................................31

Connecting 2/2.1 (2 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................33

Connecting 4.1 (4 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................34

Connecting 5.1 (5 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................35

Connecting 7.1 (7 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................36

Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System ..........................37

Connecting Digital Audio ....................................................41

Configuring Audio Output ...................................................42

Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel

Sound Manager.............................................................42

Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager ............44

Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card........................47

Configuring Audio Output with Realtek HD

Sound Effect Manager ....................................................48

Configuring the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager .................49

Configuring Multi-streaming Audio........................................50

Configuring Audio for Media Center.....................................53

Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player...................54

Using Headphones .............................................................54

Resolving Sound Issues ........................................................55

Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-FI Sound Card ..................56

Using the PC Hardware.............................. 61

Using the Keyboard ............................................................61

Special Keyboard Buttons ....................................................61

Using the Remote Control ....................................................63

Memory Card Reader .........................................................64

Memory Insertion Guide ......................................................65

Using Your Storage or Docking Bay ......................................68

Connecting the Wireless LAN...............................................71

Index ......................................................... 73

iv HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Before Getting Started 1

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.

1 Read the “Safety Information” section in the

documentation that came with your PC.

2 Identify the items included with your HP Media

Center PC.

3 Follow the setup information that came with

your PC to connect your display.

4 Read this guide for information about using

your HP Media Center PC.

PC Setup Tips

Choosing a PC setup location

If you intend to connect your PC to your TV, a set-top

box, or a surround sound system, HP recommends

that you choose a clear working area with easy

access to the connectors of these devices. If your TV

is wall-mounted, make sure that you have access to

the rear ports on the TV before attempting to

connect it to the PC.

Choosing a display

HP recommends using a PC monitor to initially set

up the PC because it may be difficult to view text

and images on a TV due to the higher resolution of

Microsoft

®

Windows

®

XP. Some high resolutions may

not be supported by some older or LCD displays.

Also, high resolutions may result in a blank display

after the Windows XP screen appears when you first

start the PC if your display does not support it.

Using additional video cables

If you plan to connect your TV to the PC, you may

need additional cables that are not included with

your PC. HP Media Center PC models have different

video output options, depending on your PC model.

The options are: S-video, composite video, VGA,

and DVI. For best video quality use DVI, then VGA,

then S-video, followed by composite video. Check

the documentation that came with your PC and TV to

determine which cables you need. HP does not

recommend video cable lengths over 1.5 meters

(4.9 feet).

Using additional sound cables

If you plan to connect the PC audio to an amplifier

or a TV, you may need additional sound cables that

are not included with your PC. Your PC is able to

output sound in several modes. Your PC has 3.5 mm

female stereo headphone jacks for most outputs.

Many amplifiers have RCA inputs. You need one

3.5 mm male-to-RCA stereo cable for stereo sound.

You need three 3.5 mm male-to-RCA cables for

surround sound. Check the documentation that came

with your audio equipment for the best input

method.

Using a video game console

If you are using a video game console device, HP

recommends that you connect it directly to your

display device using video signal switching

hardware (not included) or connect it to a separate

TV, rather than connecting it directly to the PC.

w

A warning describes

information you need

to avoid possible

personal injury

or damage to

equipment or data.

Read and follow all

warnings.

n

A note describes

important

information

you need.

n

Component video

output is available on

select models only.

2 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Utility Programs

HP provides special utility programs in the

PC Help & Tools folder that provide support

information and initiate Application or System

Recovery.

To find these programs, click Start, choose All

Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then select a

program or folder.

Updates from HP

HP may send support information or special offers to

your desktop (not available in all countries/regions).

You must be connected to the Internet to receive

these updates. If you have turned off the Updates

from HP feature, you will not receive these updates.

To turn it back on, click Start, choose

All Programs, PC Help & Tools, Updates

from HP.

Important Safety Information About Your HP Media Center PC

This product has not been evaluated for connection

to an “IT” power system (an AC distribution system

with no direct connection to the earth, according to

IEC 60950).

Safety and Comfort

After assembling your PC, but before using it, make

sure the computer and your work area are properly

set up to maintain your comfort and productivity.

See the Safety & Comfort Guide for important

ergonomic information. Click Start, choose All

Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then click

Safety & Comfort Guide.

You can find important ergonomic information on

the Internet. Just type http://www.hp.com/ergo into

your Web browser address box, and then press

Enter on the keyboard.

Online Guides

You can find online guides and information for your

PC. To view online manuals for your PC, go to the

Support Web address that is listed in the other

documentation that came with your PC, and then

search for your product name and number.

Online manuals are associated with specific PC

model numbers. Some models do not have online

manuals.

w

Please read the

“Safety Information”

section in the other

documentation that

came with your PC

before installing and

connecting your PC to

the electrical power

system.

Before Getting Started 3

Connecting to the Internet

As part of the startup screens, you can select an

Internet service provider (ISP). Before you can

connect to the Internet, you must sign up with an ISP.

You must have an Internet connection to use some of

the Media Center features.

Easy Internet Sign-up helps you sign up for a new

Internet account, set up an existing account, or

configure Internet access using a LAN (local

area network), cable modem, or DSL (digital

subscriber line).

Requirements:

■ A PC.

■ A dial-up modem or a cable or DSL modem

for high-speed broadband connections.

Contact your Internet service provider (ISP)

for any specific software and hardware you

may need.

■ Internet service with an ISP.

■ A Web browser.

1 Make sure the modem or other Internet access

cable is connected.

2 Sign up with an ISP. If you already have an

account with an ISP, skip this step and follow

the instructions provided by the ISP.

If Internet service was not set up during the

initial setup of the PC, it can be set up now

using the Easy Internet Sign-up or the Internet

Services wizard (select models only).

3 Click Start on the taskbar, choose All

Programs, Online Services, and then

click Easy Internet Sign-up or Internet

Services.

4 Follow the onscreen instructions to select an

ISP and set up Internet service.

HP Products Work Better Together

HP computers include preloaded software for select

HP All-In-One, camera, scanner, and printer

peripheral products. Preloaded software simplifies

and speeds product setup for HP peripherals.

Simply connect the HP peripheral product and turn it

on, and your HP PC automatically configures it so it

is ready to use.

n

Easy Internet Sign-up

or Internet Services

provides a list of

Internet service

providers; however,

you may choose

another ISP or

transfer an existing

account to this PC. To

transfer existing

accounts, follow the

instructions provided

by the ISP.

n

A modem connector is

included with select

models only.

4 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Protecting the PC

HP provides a virus-scanning software program to

help protect your PC (select models only).

The virus-scanning program manufacturer provides

free virus scan updates through your Internet

connection for an initial period after your PC

purchase. You can purchase a subscription service

for updates after the initial free period expires.

New types of viruses and spyware are invented all

the time. Protect your PC by getting regular updates

of your virus-scanning software from the program

manufacturer.

If a software program or the operating system gets

damaged, reinstall the software. See the PC

Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide that came

with your PC for information about system recovery,

application recovery and System Restore. System

Restore is a software that creates restore points, a

memory of the system file settings on the PC at a

particular point in time.

When your PC has software problems, it is possible

that a voltage spike, power outage, or brownout

has occurred. Symptoms of voltage spikes include a

flickering video display, unexpected PC startups,

and the PC not responding to your commands. A

voltage spike can occasionally corrupt or destroy

files, so it is a good idea to consistently make

backup copies of your data files. Prevent voltage

spikes by installing a surge suppressor made for use

with PCs between the power outlet and the PC

power cord.

Installing Software

After you turn on the PC the first time and restart it,

you can install any software programs that came

on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box and are not

preinstalled (select models only).

You may wish to install additional software

programs or hardware devices on your PC. Restart

the PC after each installation.

Choose software that is compatible with your PC;

check the operating system, memory, and other

requirements listed for the new software for

compatibility with your PC.

Install the new software according to the directions

provided by the software manufacturer. Check the

manufacturer’s documentation or customer service

information for help if you need it.

Getting Help

If you need more information about using or

troubleshooting Media Center, refer to the Media

Center online Help or Help and Support in the Start

menu.

For help on general and miscellaneous problems

you may be experiencing with the PC, refer to:

■ The other troubleshooting documentation that

came with your PC.

■ The following pages in this section.

■ The topics in Help and Support. Press the Help

button on your keyboard, or click Start on the

taskbar and select Help and Support.

n

After you’ve

completed

registering, you may

install any software

programs that may

have come on CDs or

DVDs included in the

PC box and are not

preinstalled.

Setting Up the PC 5

Setting Up the PC

Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the PC,

and then read the topics in this section to find out

more about the location of components and

connectors on your PC, and to find out about some

setup alternatives.

Most of the hardware devices such as the monitor,

keyboard, printer, and mouse can be connected at

the back of the PC. Some peripheral devices, such

as a digital video camera, can be plugged into the

connectors on the back or the front of the PC.

HP Media Center PC Front Connectors

n

Location, availability,

and number of

connectors may vary.

Connector Icon/label Description and function

S-Video 2

Secondary S-video connector to connect your VCR, video

camera, or other analog source to the PC

Composite

Video 2

Secondary Composite video connector to connect VCR, video

camera, or other analog source to the PC

L Audio 2

Secondary Left audio input connector

R Audio 2

Seondary Right audio input connector

Headphones Out

Microphone In

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

1394

6 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

HP Media Center PC Rear Connectors

Connector Icon/label Description and function

Power connector

Mouse

Keyboard

SERIAL

Serial port for digital cameras or other serial devices

(Select models only)

Printer (parallel)

(select models only)

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

1394

Setting Up the PC 7

ETHERNET

Ethernet LAN connector

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.

Plug a network cable into the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the back

of the PC. Plug the other end of the network cable

into a 10BaseT or 100BaseT port on the network hub.

The green LED indicates a valid connection.

Digital video output connector for TV/monitor

(select models only)

See the documentation that came with your display device.

Microphone In (pink)

Audio Line Out (powered speakers, green)

Audio Line In (blue)

Center Center/Subwoofer audio (gold)

Rear L – R rear audio (black)

Side L – R side audio (gray)

S-video

S-video In from set-top box output connector

Connector Icon/label Description and function

ETHERNET

OUT

IN

8 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Composite Video

Composite Video In from set-top box connector (yellow)

L audio

Left audio input from set-top box connector (white)

R audio

Right audio input from set-top box connector (red)

TV/Cable Ant

TV In (TV antenna or cable input from wall outlet with

no set-top box)

FM Ant

FM In (radio antenna input)

Plug the FM radio antenna cable into the FM In port on the

back of the PC on the TV tuner card. You may want to extend

the ends of the cable to improve your FM radio signal

reception.

Modem (Line In RJ-11)

(select models only)

Plug the modem cable (provided in the PC box) into the

computer modem connector on the back of the PC. Plug the

other end to your telephone line wall jack connector.

Analog Video Analog Video Out: S-video or composite video

(select models only)

VGA Monitor/VGA display output

Digital audio

In and Out

Digital audio input (white)

Digital audio output (red)

Connector Icon/label Description and function

LINE

digital audio

in out

Setting Up the PC 9

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

camera or your digital video camera.

To connect a digital camera or a digital video

camera:

1 Turn on the PC, and wait for Windows XP

to start.

2 Connect the video camera transfer cable into

the camera and then into an open port on the

front or back of the PC. Most digital video

cameras use either the FireWire (IEEE 1394)

or the USB port.

3 A Found New Hardware message appears.

Wait 2 or 3 minutes for Windows to make the

necessary settings for the new device. When

installation is complete, a message appears

telling you the camera is ready to use.

.

If the PC does not recognize your digital camera or

your digital video camera:

1 Click Start on the taskbar, and then click

Control Panel.

2 Click Performance and Maintenance,

if available, and then double-click the

System icon.

3 Click the Hardware tab, and then click the

Device Manager button.

4 Click the plus sign (+) next to imaging

devices. If the name of the camera appears

under imaging devices the device is ready. If

the name is not there, try the following:

■ Click Action, and then Scan for

hardware changes. Look in Device

Manager for a new addition under

imaging devices.

■ Unplug the video camera’s transfer cable

from the PC, and plug it into a different

port. Look in Device Manager for a new

addition under imaging devices.

n

If a Digital Video

Device Auto Play

window appears

when you connect

your camera, click

Cancel.

10 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

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,

digital camera, memory card reader, and PDA

(personal digital assistant) or handheld computer to

the PC. See the documentation that came with your

device.

n

Some peripheral

devices are not

included with the PC.

Connecting the Television Signal 11

Connecting the Television Signal

Using TV Cables

Your HP Media Center PC includes video and audio

cables to connect the television signals.

Use video and audio cables to connect:

■ Video out from the HP Media Center PC to

the TV

■ TV signal source video in to the HP Media

Center PC

■ Audio out from the HP Media Center PC to

the TV

■ TV signal source audio in to the HP Media

Center PC

Audio and Video Cables

The following table shows cable types that may be

required to connect your HP Media Center PC to

your television system. The number and type of

cables included with your PC may vary by model.

n

Location and number

of connectors may

vary by model.

Cable Name Description

Composite video RCA yellow end. Plug cable into an

RCA connector such as Composite

Video Out or TV Source In connector.

S-video (Delivers

a sharper image

than composite

video by

providing

separate color

and black-and-

white image

signals.)

Y/C, 4-pin. Plug cable into an S-video

connector such as S-video Video Out

or TV Source In connector.

Analog video

cable

(Select models

only)

Used with analog video output

connector. Provides S-video and

composite video output.

n

The number and type

of cables required to

connect your PC may

vary by model. Some

cables are included

for select models

only.

12 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

You may need to purchase extra cables separately.

Your HP Media Center PC box may not include all

the cables you need for your PC setup and may vary

by model.

For example, you may want to use an S-video cable

to connect the TV Out on the PC to your TV, if your

TV has an S-video input connector.

DVI-I or DVI-D Digital Video Out. Plug cable into a

DVI-I or DVI-D input of an HDTV

capable TV or monitor.

TV coaxial cable Plug cable into a TV signal source

input connector from cable set-top

boxes or antennas.

Infrared

transmitter

(1 with single TV

tuner or 2 with

dual-tuner option)

Remote IR cable. Used to control TV

signal source from set-top box.

Splitter Used to connect one signal source to

two RF inputs on your PC.

RCA stereo RCA red and white ends. Used for TV

signal source Audio In and Audio Out

connectors to TV.

Cable Name Description

2 Way Splitter

Connecting the Television Signal 13

Connecting the TV Signal Source

Connect the signal source for the TV by using the

TV In coaxial connector or the composite/S-video In

connector.

Plug the connector of a coaxial cable from your TV

or from your TV cable into the TV/Cable Ant

connector on the back of the PC, and then turn the

connector to tighten it.

Or

Plug a cable into the S-video or composite video In

connector on the back of the PC; use an S-video

cable (not provided) or the composite video cable.

Plug the other end of the cable into your set-top box

or other device that is providing the signal source

for the TV.

You must also plug audio cables (not provided) from

your set-top box into the Audio In right (red)

connector and the Audio In left (white) connector on

the back of the PC, if you are using a set-top box

with S-video or composite video output.

Refer to “HP Media Center PC Front Connectors” on

page 5.

You must also connect the Remote Emitter cable if

you are using a set-top box. See “Connecting the

Remote Sensor” on page 15.

n

Location and number

of connectors may

vary by model.

14 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Connecting a dual tuner

(Select models only)

If your HP Media Center PC has the dual tuner

option, you must connect a second set of inputs if

you are using a cable or satellite set-top box. If you

are using a TV antenna or standard cable

connector, the signal is routed to both tuners

internally. Otherwise, connect a second set-top box

to the second set of back-panel connectors.

For dual-tuner configurations, both TV sources must

be of the same type: either cable TV, digital cable

TV, satellite TV, or antenna. The TV sources must also

have the same, identical channel lineup; for

example, if you are using two satellite TV sources

they must provide the exact same channels. All TV

viewing and scheduling is provided through the

Television (Electronic) Program Guide in Media

Center, so both TV sources must have identical

Television Program Guides.

The HP Media Center PC records television and

allows you to control the television channels. The HP

Media Center PC has two tuner configurations

available:

TV Tuner type Description

Single-tuner TV source A single tuner allows you to watch or record one program only

in NTSC.

Dual-tuner option You can have dual TV inputs, if your PC includes the two TV tuner

option. You can watch a show on one channel while Media Center

records another show on a different channel. You can also record two

different programs at the same time.

n

The Television

Program Guide is not

available in all

countries/regions.

Connecting the Television Signal 15

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.

1 If you have a cable TV set-top box, a satellite

set-top box, or other set-top box that controls

your TV signal, connect the remote control

sensor cable (emitter) (A) into connector (1)

on the back of the remote sensor, otherwise

skip to step three. Connector (2) can also be

used if you have a second set-top box.

2 Remove the paper from the backing tape on

the end of the cable (B), and then press the

end of the cable over the remote infrared (IR)

receiver window on your cable TV set-top

box (C). You can locate the remote infrared

receiver window by using a flashlight to shine

through the plastic on the front of most

devices.

3 Plug the remote control sensor cable into a

USB connector (D) on the back of the PC.

4 Place the remote sensor so that you can easily

point at it with the remote control. (An ideal

spot would be on top of the monitor or desk.)

P

n

You can locate the

remote infrared

receiver window on

your cable TV set-top

box by using a

flashlight to shine

through the plastic on

the front of most

devices.

B

A

C

D

1

2

16 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

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; available at electronics stores).

Connect two coaxial cables to the splitter outputs.

Connect one of these cables to the input of the VCR

and the other one to the TV connector on the back of

the PC.

A

B

D

E

F

G

H

J

C

A

B

D

E

F

C

H

Existing setup Add the PC with a splitter

AWall

BCable outlet

CCoaxial cable

DVCR In

EVCR Out

FTV In

G Splitter In

H Splitter Out

J TV In on back of PC

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