Getting Started Guide
Compaq Presario PC
Getting Started Guide
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Table of Contents iii
Table of Contents
Setting Up Your PC ......................................................................... 1
Putting Your PC Together............................................................................... 1
Placing your PC in the proper location .......................................................1
Using surge protection ............................................................................. 1
Connecting to the PC ...............................................................................2
Storing documentation and recovery discs .................................................. 4
Turning On Your PC for the First Time .............................................................4
Setting Up and Connecting to the Internet........................................................ 5
Configuring and Registering Norton Internet Security Software........................... 6
Using the PC with Safety and Comfort............................................................. 7
Signing Up for Software Updates ...................................................................7
Setting Up Accounts on Your New PC............................................................. 8
Creating user accounts............................................................................. 8
Creating passwords................................................................................. 9
Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices.................................. 9
Transferring Files and Settings from Your Old PC to Your New PC.................... 10
Using Compaq Organize Software............................................................... 10
Using the Keyboard ..................................................................... 11
Customizing the keyboard buttons ........................................................... 14
iv Getting Started Guide
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options...................................... 15
Step 1: Connecting the speakers .................................................................. 15
Sound connector types........................................................................... 15
Speaker configurations .......................................................................... 18
Speaker types ....................................................................................... 19
Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 19
Connecting 4.1 (4 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 20
Connecting 5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 21
Connecting 7.1 (7 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 23
Connecting the PC to a home audio system .............................................. 25
2 or 2.1 home stereo installation............................................................. 26
5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) home audio installation......................... 27
5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) home audio installation procedure.......... 28
Connecting digital audio........................................................................ 29
Step 2: Configuring the Sound Software ....................................................... 30
Configuring audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager ..................... 31
Configuring audio output with Sound Effect Manager ................................ 33
Configuring audio output with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager................ 35
Configuring multistreaming audio............................................................ 37
Step 3: Configuring Sound for the Media Software Program ........................... 39
Selecting Recording Devices ........................................................................ 40
Resolving Sound Issues................................................................................ 40
Using the Memory Card Reader ................................................... 41
Using the Memory Card Reader................................................................... 42
Media Insertion Guide ................................................................................ 43
Using the HP Personal Media Drive .............................................. 45
Connecting the Drive .................................................................................. 46
Inserting the Drive ...................................................................................... 47
Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter.............................................. 48
Using the Drive .......................................................................................... 49
Disconnecting the Drive............................................................................... 50
Working with Digital Images........................................................ 51
Using HP Photosmart Premier....................................................................... 52
Playing CDs and DVDs ................................................................. 55
Playing Music CDs ..................................................................................... 55
Playing DVDs............................................................................................. 55
Using country/region codes ................................................................... 56
Playing CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player ...................................... 56
Playing Video CDs (VCDs)........................................................................... 57
Playing Video CDs (VCDs) with Windows Media Player ................................. 57
Table of Contents v
Creating Audio and Data Discs ..................................................... 59
Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording ....................................................60
Working with Audio CDs ............................................................................60
Verifying audio disc recorded without errors ............................................. 61
Audio CD tips ....................................................................................... 61
Creating audio CDs............................................................................... 62
Creating jukebox discs........................................................................... 62
Working with Data DVDs and CDs............................................................... 63
Verifying data disc recorded without errors............................................... 63
Data disc tips........................................................................................ 63
Creating data discs................................................................................ 64
Copying a DVD or CD ................................................................................ 65
Archiving Files on a CD or DVD ................................................................... 65
Working with Image Files............................................................................ 66
Creating an image file ...........................................................................66
Burning from an image file ..................................................................... 66
Disc Labeling with LightScribe ...................................................................... 67
LightScribe requirements......................................................................... 67
Burning a LightScribe label with Sonic Express Labeler............................... 67
Using adhesive disc labels...................................................................... 68
Compatibility Information ............................................................................68
Disc Features and Compatibility Table .......................................................... 69
Optical Drive Quick Reference Table ............................................................ 70
Software Quick Reference Table................................................................... 71
Creating Video Discs and Movies.................................................. 73
Before You Begin Capturing Video ............................................................... 74
Sonic MyDVD Video Projects .......................................................................74
Creating a Video Project ............................................................................. 75
Adding files to a video project ................................................................75
Capturing video to a video project ..........................................................76
Adding slideshows to a video project....................................................... 77
Adding submenus to a video project ........................................................ 77
Editing the style of a video project ........................................................... 78
Editing movie files.................................................................................. 78
Burning a video project to disc................................................................ 79
Creating a Video Project with the Direct-to-Disc Wizards................................. 80
Video Quality and Disc Size........................................................................ 81
DVD Recording Time................................................................................... 82
vi Getting Started Guide
Creating Movies Using muvee autoProducer................................. 83
Basic Steps to Make a Movie....................................................................... 83
Locating muvee autoProducer.................................................................. 84
Using muvee autoProducer .......................................................................... 85
Getting started ...................................................................................... 85
Capturing video from a DV camcorder..................................................... 86
Adding videos ...................................................................................... 87
Adding pictures..................................................................................... 89
Adding music ....................................................................................... 89
Selecting the style.................................................................................. 90
Changing the settings ............................................................................ 90
Adding an opening title and closing credits .............................................. 91
Making the movie.................................................................................. 92
Saving the movie project ........................................................................ 93
Recording the movie project to disc ......................................................... 93
Getting Help ................................................................................ 95
Finding Onscreen Guides............................................................................ 95
Finding Guides on the Web ........................................................................ 95
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center................................................ 96
Using PC Help & Tools................................................................................ 96
Using Compaq Connections ........................................................................ 96
Getting messages.................................................................................. 97
Turning off messages ............................................................................. 97
Reactivating messages ........................................................................... 98
Index........................................................................................... 99
Setting Up Your PC 1
Setting Up Your PC
Putting Your PC Together
Follow the steps on the setup poster to set up your PC.
Look in the PC box for printed details or updates regarding your model PC.
Placing your PC in the proper location
When setting up your new PC, place it where ventilation openings are unobstructed.
Make sure all connections are secure and all cabling is out of the way of walkways
and will not be stepped on or run over by furniture.
Using surge protection
Help protect your monitor, PC, and accessories by connecting all power cords for
your PC and peripheral devices (such as a monitor, printer, or scanner) to a
surge-protection device such as a power strip with surge protection or
uninterruptible power supply (UPS). Many surge protection devices have
surge-protection inputs and outputs for modem/phone lines. Phone lines are a
common path for lightning spikes to get into your system. Some surge protection
devices have surge protection for television cable connections as well: Use those if
your PC has a television tuner installed.
WARNING: The power supply is preset for the country/region in
which you purchased your PC. If you move, please check the voltage
requirements before plugging your PC into an AC power outlet.
WARNING: Please read “Safety Information” in the Warranty
and Support Guide before installing and connecting your PC to
the electrical power system.
2 Getting Started Guide
Not all power strips provide surge protection; the power strip must be specifically
labeled as having this ability. Use a power strip whose manufacturer offers a
damage replacement policy so you can replace your equipment if surge protection
fails.
Connecting to the PC
Connect your main hardware devices such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to
the back of the PC. Other peripheral devices such as a printer, scanner, or camera
also plug into connectors on the back of your computer. Some PC models also have
connectors on the front of the PC. The table does not show all connectors.
Connector
Connector
symbol Description
Mouse (PS/2 connector)
Keyboard (PS/2 connector)
Universal Serial Bus (USB) for mouse,
keyboard, digital cameras, or other devices
with USB connectors
Printer (parallel)
Monitor
Serial
Serial port for some digital cameras or
other serial devices
NOTE: Your PC fe atu r es
and location, availability,
and number of
connectors may vary.
Setting Up Your PC 3
Audio Line Out (powered speakers)
Audio Line In
Headphones
Microphone
FireWire
®
(IEEE 1394) for video cameras
or other devices with very fast transfer rates
Digital audio in and digital audio out
Side speaker out
Rear speaker out
Center/subwoofer
Connector
Connector
symbol Description
OUT
IN
rear
4 Getting Started Guide
Storing documentation and recovery discs
Store all PC user manuals and warranty information in an easy-to-find, safe location.
It is a good idea to store your system recovery discs with your documentation. This
will allow easy access to all important PC documents and files in one place.
Turning On Your PC for the First Time
After you have completed the steps on the quick setup poster, you are ready to turn
on your PC.
1 Press the Power button on the monitor.
2 Press the On button on the front of the PC.
3 Turn on the speakers, if they are present.
4 Click an option to select your language (if applicable for your model). Click
OK, and then confirm your selection by clicking Yes. Wait until the PC makes
preparations. (It may take up to 30 minutes for this one-time language setup on
the PC.)
5 Set up Microsoft
®
Windows® by following the onscreen instructions.
6 (Select models only) Follow the Easy Internet Sign-up or Internet Services wizard
to set up an Internet connection. If you do not wish to set up an Internet
connection at this time, Easy Internet Sign-up or Internet Services can be
manually started at a later time. See “Setting Up and Connecting to the
Internet” on page 5.
7 (Select models only) Follow the Easy Setup wizard to update the PC security
tools, register the PC and finish PC setup. If you decide to finish setup at a later
time, the wizard can be started by double-clicking the Easy Setup icon on the
desktop.
Setting Up Your PC 5
Setting Up and Connecting to the
Internet
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.
To set up and connect to the Internet:
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).
Click Start on the taskbar, All Programs, Online Services, and Easy
Internet Sign-up or Internet Services.
Follow the onscreen instructions to select an ISP and set up Internet service.
3 Connect to the Internet. You must connect through the ISP to connect to the
Internet.
Double-click the ISP-provided icon on the desktop.
4 Open your Web browser and browse the Web.
You can use any Web browser; most PCs have Internet Explorer.
Click Start, All Programs, and Internet Explorer.
NOTE:
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.
NOTE: If you have questions, contact the ISP directly.
6 Getting Started Guide
Configuring and Registering Norton
Internet Security Software
Norton Internet Security software is preinstalled on your PC and includes a
complimentary 60-day subscription to protection updates. You can enable
Symantec’s LiveUpdate™ to obtain protection updates automatically whenever you
are online.
When you first set up the PC, the Norton Internet Security Information Wizard helps
you to configure and register your copy of Norton Internet Security.
Be sure to set up Norton Internet Security before you start surfing the Internet. Just
click on the Norton Internet Security icon after you’ve established an Internet
service account, and a wizard will guide you through the simple setup process.
1 Double click the Norton Internet Security icon in the system tray to
launch the Configuration Wizard.
2 Click Next and follow the instructions to:
• Complete registration.
• Schedule post-installation tasks including running LiveUpdate™, scanning
for viruses, and scheduling weekly scans of local hard drives.
3 On the Summary page, click Finish.
When registration and initial setup is finished, Norton Internet Security
automatically begins the post-installation tasks you selected.
For information about using and updating the Norton Internet Security software,
click Start, All Programs, Norton Internet Security, and then click Help
and Support.
Setting Up Your PC 7
Using the PC with Safety and Comfort
Before you begin using the PC, arrange the PC and your work area to maintain your
comfort and productivity. Refer to the Safety & Comfort Guide for important
ergonomic information:
• Click Start, choose All Programs, choose User’s Guides, and then click
Safety & Comfort Guide.
Or
• Type
http://www.hp.com/ergo
into your Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard.
Signing Up for Software Updates
Microsoft continually updates the Windows operating system. It is recommended
that you check for, download, and install these updates at least monthly. Take
advantage of the Automatic Updates feature, a convenient way to keep the
operating system up to date. When you are connected to the Internet, Windows
Update automatically notifies you through a pop-up message or icon in the
notification area when critical updates are available. When you see the Windows
Update message, allow the updates to download to the system. If you update the
system weekly, or at least monthly, the time required for download is minimal.
To configure Automatic Updates:
Click Start, Control Panel, Other Control Panel Options, and then
Automatic Updates.
In the Automatic Updates window, select the desired configuration:
•Automatic (recommended) — This is the default setting, and it allows you to
specify a day and time to automatically download and install recommended
updates.
• Download updates for me, but let me choose when to install them.
• Notify me but don’t automatically download or install them.
The Turn off Automatic Updates option makes the PC more vulnerable and is
not recommended.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety &
Comfort Guide. It describes proper workstation setup, posture, and
health and work habits for PC users. It also provides important
electrical and mechanical safety information.
8 Getting Started Guide
Setting Up Accounts on Your New PC
User accounts allow you to set the privileges for each user of your PC. For example,
you can set the software programs that each user is allowed to access. Follow the
simple steps in this section when setting up your PC to create user accounts.
Creating user accounts
The information below describes the different account types in Windows XP and
explains how to change account types.
Creating multiple user accounts on the same PC has certain advantages as well as
some drawbacks.
• Advantages to multiple user accounts:
• Ability to create individual user settings
• Ability to limit access to software for certain users
• Drawbacks to multiple user accounts:
• More memory (RAM) usage
• Multiple Temporary Internet Files folders to remove during Disk Cleanup
• More data to back up
• Longer time to complete virus scan
Windows XP provides three types of user accounts:
• Administrative
Allowed to change account types for other users, change passwords, change
system-wide settings, and install Windows XP-compatible software and drivers.
• Limited
Not allowed to change other user settings, or passwords. Limited account may
not be able to install or run some software.
Allowed to change the limited account picture, and create, edit, or delete the
account password.
• Guest
Not allowed to change other user settings or passwords.
Users who log on to the PC using the guest account do not have access to
password-protected files, folders, and settings.
Setting Up Your PC 9
Creating passwords
Passwords help protect your PC and information from unauthorized access and help
ensure that information on the PC stays private and secure. Use the following list as
a basic guide when choosing your password:
• Choose a password that is easy for you to remember but difficult for others to
guess.
• Choose a long password (minimum of 6 characters).
• Use a combination of upper and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols.
• Don’t use personal information that others can easily figure out, such as your
birthday, child’s name, or phone number.
• Don’t write down your password.
Guidelines for Installing Software and
Hardware Devices
After you set up the PC, you may wish to install additional software programs or
hardware devices. Keep in mind these important guidelines:
• Before installation, make a restore point using the Microsoft System Restore
program.
Click Start, All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then System Restore.
The restore point is a snapshot of your PC configuration. By using System
Restore, you ensure that you have a point to return to before an issue occurred.
For information about System Restore, refer to the Microsoft Web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide
• 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.
• For antivirus software, uninstall the existing software program before
reinstalling it or installing a new antivirus program.
NOTE: Only use licensed original software. Installing copied software may be
illegal, may result in an unstable installation, or may infect your PC with a virus.
10 Getting Started Guide
Transferring Files and Settings from
Your Old PC to Your New PC
You can copy the old PC files to the new PC using media such as CD or DVD discs,
memory sticks, or personal media drives. You can also copy certain settings such as
Web browser Favorites and address books using Microsoft’s Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard.
For more information click Start, All Programs, and then Help and Support.
Search for transfer wizard, and select the overview article, “Files and Settings
Transfer Wizard overview.” This information describes a Microsoft solution for
moving your files onto your new PC.
Using Compaq Organize Software
Compaq Organize software (select models only) is a desktop tool you use to
organize both your PC shortcuts and your favorite Internet destination links. You use
it to organize the important things you do on the PC and the Internet and to arrange
them the way you want. Compaq Organize makes all your information available
with just a few mouse clicks.
Compaq Organize looks like a window with multiple category frames. Each
category has links to Internet destinations or shortcuts to software programs or files
on your PC. Use the player area for viewing pictures, for listening to your MP3
music files stored on your PC, or for watching video clips. For searching, there is a
search bar at the top of Compaq Organize where you can select the search engine
you want to use.
To open Compaq Organize:
1 Click Start on the taskbar.
2 Choose All Programs.
3 Click Compaq Organize.
Using the Keyboard 11
Using the Keyboard
Your keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys, indicator lights, and special
buttons (select models only).
Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons
There are special buttons (select models only) at the top of the keyboard. (Some
models have some of these special buttons on the left side of the main keys.) These
buttons operate a CD or DVD player, connect you to the Internet, or provide quick
access to specific functions.
NOTE: The number, location, and labeling of buttons vary by keyboard model.
12 Getting Started Guide
Icon Feature Description
Standby Puts PC into power-saving mode (screen is
blank but PC is still on). To make the screen
reappear, press the Esc key, or press
Standby again. May take 10–30 seconds
before the screen reappears.
User Switches between the PC users.
Compaq or
Compaq
My Presario
Links to Compaq Web site.
or
Help Opens the Help and Support Center.
or
Pictures
(Photos)
Opens an imaging software program. Can
be reconfigured.
or
Music Opens music software program. Can be
reconfigured.
Video Opens video software program. Can be
reconfigured.
or
Shopping
Goes to popular Web sites. Can be
reconfigured to open a site or software
program.
or
Sports
or
Finance
or
Connect to
Internet
or
Search
or
Chat
or
E-Mail
Entertainment
Offers
Using the Keyboard 13
Calculator Opens the calculator. Can be reconfigured.
A
B
C
D
E
F
Media
controls
(CD/DVD/
MP3)
Operates a disc player.
A Open and close disc tray
B Record
C Play or pause
D Stop
E Skip to the previous track
F Skip to the next track
or
or
–+
Volume
control
(Volume knob
or Volume
Up and
Volume
Down
buttons)
Volume knob: Increases speaker volume
when turned clockwise and decreases
volume when turned counterclockwise. It
can be turned indefinitely, even after
maximum sound has been reached.
Volume Up and Down buttons: Press the
Volume Up button to increase volume and
the Volume Down button to decrease
volume.
or
Mute Turns speaker sound on and off.
NOTE: The number, location, and labeling of buttons vary by keyboard model.
Icon Feature Description
14 Getting Started Guide
Customizing the keyboard buttons
You can customize some of the special buttons on the keyboard (select models only)
to open different programs or files or to connect to favorite Web sites:
1 Click Start on the taskbar.
2 Choose Control Panel.
3 Click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present.
4 Double-click Keyboard.
5 On the Buttons tab, double-click the button you want to change.
6 For the Button configuration, click the Down arrow to the right of the list and
choose the button capability, such as Complex remote page with label or
Simple local file with label.
7 Enter a display label and the address information. For a Web page, enter
the URL.
8 Click OK.
9 On the Buttons tab, click Apply.
10 Repeat steps 5 through 9 for each button you want to customize.
11 Click OK to finish.
NOTE: Clicking the Restore Defaults button on the Button tab restores all of the
Internet buttons to the factory settings.
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 15
Configuring Speaker and Sound
Options
There are three steps to setting up sound on the PC:
1 Connecting the speakers.
2 Configuring the sound software.
3 Configuring sound for the media software program.
Compaq PCs support many different audio options, sound connections, and
speaker configurations. This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system
may have different components.
Step 1: Connecting the speakers
Sound connector types
Your model may include one of three analog sound connector types on the back of
your PC:
• Three connectors
• Six connectors
• Sound card
Your system may also have a separate Digital Out connection (select models only).
Software configuration is different for each connector type, as noted in the
instructions.
NOTE: For additional information on connecting the speakers, refer to the setup
poster that came with the PC and the documentation that came with your speakers.
16 Getting Started Guide
Connector Description Illustration Type
Three
connectors
Your PC model may include
three sound connectors. You
can connect up to a 5.1 audio
system to the PC. If you want to
connect multichannel audio,
follow the instructions carefully.
3
Six
connectors
Your PC model may include six
sound connectors on the back
of your PC. You can connect
up to a 7.1 audio system to
the PC.
6
Sound card
connector
Your PC may include a sound
card. You 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.
See below. S
NOTE:
• Type 3 is three connectors
• Type 6 is six connectors
• Type S is a sound card connector
OUT
IN
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 17
Use the sound connectors that match your PC model when installing cables, as
shown in the installation procedure steps.
The following table shows the sound connectors on the back panel of PC systems.
Sound connector
Description
36S
Line Side (gray) for side speakers in an eightspeaker system (7.1).
Line C/Sub (gold) for center/subwoofer speakers
in a multichannel audio configuration.
Line Rear (black) for rear speakers in a
multichannel audio configuration.
Line Out (lime green) for front speakers.
Mic (pink) connects to microphone.
(Type 3 also functions as center/subwoofer Line
Out when a multichannel audio configuration is
activated.)
Line In (light blue) connects to an analog audio
device such as a CD player for input into PC.
(Type 3 also functions as rear Line Out when a
multichannel audio configuration is activated.)
Digital Out (orange) connects to a digital audio
device with digital input (such as a home audio
receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select
models only).
NOTE:
• Type 3 is three connectors
• Type 6 is six connectors
• Type S is a sound card connector
OUT
IN
DIGITAL
AUDIO OUT
DIGITAL
AUDIO OUT
18 Getting Started Guide
Speaker configurations
You may set up your PC for the following supported configurations:
Name Speaker system See
Headphones None, muted.
2 (stereo) Left speaker, right speaker. “Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers
and a subwoofer) audio
speakers” on page 19.
2.1 Left speaker, right speaker,
and a subwoofer.
“Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers
and a subwoofer) audio
speakers” on page 19.
4.1 Two front speakers, two rear
speakers, and a subwoofer.
“Connecting 4.1 (4 speakers
and a subwoofer) audio
speakers” on page 20.
6/5.1 Two front speakers, two rear
speakers, a center speaker,
and a subwoofer.
“Connecting 5.1 (5 speakers
and a subwoofer) audio
speakers” on page 21.
8/7.1 Two front speakers, two rear
speakers, two side speakers,
a center speaker, and a
subwoofer (select models
only).
“Connecting 7.1 (7 speakers
and a subwoofer) audio
speakers” on page 23.
Home audio
system
Home stereo or home theater
audio system with passive
speakers.
“Connecting the PC to a
home audio system” on
page 25.
Digital audio Digital speakers or digital
input connector on audio
system.
“Connecting digital audio”
on page 29.
Multistreaming
audio
Two front speakers, two rear
speakers, two side speakers,
a center speaker, and a
subwoofer (select models
only).
“Configuring multistreaming
audio” on page 37.
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 19
Speaker types
Speakers may be included with the monitor (select models only) or sold separately.
Refer to the product documentation for your speakers.
Your PC supports only an active (powered) speaker system. An active speaker
system must have its own power cord. A home audio system does not require active
speakers because the receiver provides amplification.
A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system. A multichannel
audio speaker system has a left-right front and left-right rear channel, and it may
include a subwoofer and a center speaker. Side speakers are included in more
advanced systems. A subwoofer provides enhanced bass sounds.
“.1” indicates a subwoofer. For example, 7.1 channels refers to an eight-speaker
mode and uses two front speakers (left-right), two side speakers (left-right), two rear
speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer.
Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers and a subwoofer)
audio speakers
To connect simple left/right stereo active speakers or two speakers and a subwoofer
for 2.1 speaker output:
1 Turn off the PC.
2 Connect the speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that
matches the back of your PC.
• Type 3 is three connectors
• Type 6 is six connectors
• Type S is a sound card connector
3 Connect the cable to the audio system.
4 For 2.1 speakers that were shipped with your PC (select models only), connect
the Audio Line Out connector to the subwoofer.
5 Connect the left and right speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker
documentation.
6 Turn on the PC.
7 Plug in the speaker system power.
8 Turn on the speaker system.
Step 8 is optional for a two-speaker setup.
NOTE: Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.
OUT
3
6
S
20 Getting Started Guide
9 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for
sound output for your PC model:
• Type 3 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Multi-channel
Sound Manager” on page 31.
• Type 6 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Sound Effect
Manager” on page 33.
The following diagram shows a typical 2.1 audio installation:
Connecting 4.1 (4 speakers and a subwoofer)
audio speakers
To connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer for four-channel
(4.1 speaker) output:
1 Turn off the PC.
2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime-green Audio Line Out connector that
matches the back of your PC.
• Type 3 is three connectors
• Type 6 is six connectors
• Type S is a sound card connector
3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector that matches the back of
your PC.
For type 3 connectors, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a rear Line
Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.
4 Connect the cables to the audio system.
5 Connect the front and rear speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker
documentation.
OUT
OUT
3
6
S
IN
3
6
S
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 21
6 Turn on the PC.
7 Plug in the speaker system power.
8 Turn on the speaker system.
9 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for
sound output for your PC model:
• Type 3 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Multi-channel
Sound Manager” on page 31.
• Type 6 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Sound Effect
Manager” on page 33.
The following diagram shows a typical 4.1 audio installation:
Connecting 5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer)
audio speakers
To connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a
subwoofer for six-channel (5.1 speaker) output:
1 Turn off the PC.
2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that
matches the back of your PC.
• Type 3 is three connectors
• Type 6 is six connectors
• Type S is a sound card connector
NOTE: Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.
OUT
IN
OUT
3
6
S
22 Getting Started Guide
3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector that matches the back of
your PC.
For type 3 connectors, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a rear Line
Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.
4 Connect the center/subwoofer speaker cable to the gold (or pink) Mic
connector that matches the back of your PC.
For type 3 connectors, the pink Mic connector functions as a center/subwoofer
speaker Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.
5 Connect the cables to the audio system.
6 Connect the front, rear, and center speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the
speaker documentation.
7 Turn on the PC.
8 Plug in the speaker system power.
9 Turn on the speaker system.
10 After the speakers are connected to the PC, configure the audio software for
sound output for your PC model:
• Type 3 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Multi-channel
Sound Manager” on page 31.
• Type 6 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Sound Effect
Manager” on page 33.
• Type 6 connectors, multistreaming: See “Configuring audio output with
Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager” on page 35.
NOTE: Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.
IN
3
6
S
3
6
S
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