Gateway 610S, 610 User Manual

Gateway 610
Media Center PC
User’s Guide
2
Table of Contents
Chapter One: Setting Up Gateway 610 Media Center PC 7
About your Gateway 610 Media Center PC 8
Planning your Media Center setup 9
Setting up the hardware 10
Connecting the audio and video source 12
Connecting the IR control cable 13
Setting up the software 14
Chapter Two: Setting Up Gateway 610 Media Center PC Optional Connections 15
Setting up optional connections 16
Connecting a TV (optional) 16
Connecting the Media Center PC to an existing stereo or home theater (optional) 18
Chapter Three: Getting Started 21
Checking out your Gateway 610 Media Center PC 22
Starting the Media Center 28
Using the Media Center 29
Learning about the remote control 30
Using the remote control 31
Learning about the keyboard 32
3
Chapter Four: Using My TV 33
Watching TV 34
Using the remote to play TV recordings 35
Using the Guide 37
Manually updating the Guide 38
Recording TV programs 39
Using Recorded TV 41
Changing My TV Settings 42
Burning recorded TV programs to DVD 43
Chapter Five: Using My Music 45
Getting started with My Music 46
Adding music files to the Media Library 46
Adding music CDs to the Media Library 47
Playing My Music 49
Chapter Six: Using My Pictures 53
Getting started with My Pictures 54
Table of Contents
Organizing picture files 55
Viewing My Pictures 56
Using More Info 57
Playing audio during a slide show 58
Chapter Seven: Using My Videos 59
Getting started with My Videos 60
Organizing video files 61
4
Viewing My Videos 62
Using More Info 63
Chapter Eight: Using Play DVD 65
Playing a DVD 66
Chapter Nine: Using Radio 69
Playing the Radio 70
Using the remote to play Radio recordings 72
Changing Radio Settings 73
Chapter Ten: Using Other Features 75
Setting up the external video input 76
Changing Media Center Settings 77
Using More Programs 78
Using Online Spotlight 79
Chapter Eleven: Getting Help 81
Media Center FAQs 82
Getting more help 85
Table of Contents
Using Help and Support 86
Other Media Center resources 87
Documentation 87
Windows Update 87
Web site 87
Contacting Gateway 88
Appendix A: Safety, Regulatory, and Legal Information 89
5
6
Plan your Media Center PC setup
Set up hardware and software
SettingUp
Gateway 610
Media Center PC
ChapterOne
7
About your Gateway 610 Media Center PC
The Gateway 610 Media Center PC provides powerful computing and rich entertainment capabilities. You can run the Media Center while using other Microsoft Windows programs or just enjoy the Media Center in full-screen mode without using other programs.
Use the Media Center remote control the same way you use the remote for your home entertainment system. You can use the remote and Media Center to watch and record TV, play videos and music, and view pictures.
Use the wireless keyboard and mouse to run the Media Center and your Microsoft Windows programs.
8
Planning your Media Center setup
Locating connections
You’ve probably already decided where you want to locate your Media Center PC, but before you start setting up the Media Center, take a few minutes to make sure that all of these connections are available in the location you’ve selected.
Internet connection — Your computer needs an Internet connection to update the program guide and to access the Internet. Make sure that you have access to a dial-up or broadband Internet connection before starting your Media Center software setup. Contact your Internet service provider for more information about setting up your Internet connection.
In addition to the modem and Ethernet jacks on the back of your Media Center PC, your Media Center PC may also include wireless Ethernet capabilities. For more information about connecting to a network with your wireless Ethernet hardware, see the networking user’s guide included on the hard drive. To open the document click Start, Gateway Documentation, then click Networking User’s Guide.
Video source — Make sure that you have access to a video source before starting your Media Center setup. Your computer receives video input from a coaxial or an S-Video cable. The video source usually comes from an antenna, a direct cable TV connection, a cable box, or a satellite receiver. Cable boxes and satellite receivers are also called set-top boxes.
9
Setting up the hardware
2
4
3
10
1
Connect the modem (optional)
3
Connect the audio/video source
A coaxial (TV in) connection carries both the audio and video signals.
If you use an S-Video connection, then also connect audio using RCA stereo plugs.
For detailed instructions about connecting the audio/video source (step 3), see page 12.
1
3
Connect your broadband
2
Internet (optional)
4
Connect the IR control cable (optional)
Plug one end of the IR control cable into your computer, then adhere the other end to the set-top box sensor window.
Remove the adhesive paper from the back of the IR control.
For detailed instructions about connecting the IR control cable (step 4), see page 13.
5 Install the keyboard, mouse, and remote control batteries.
6 Plug in your computer 7 Turn on your computer
Press the power button on the top of your computer to turn it on.
8 Sync up wireless devices
keyboard sensor mouse sensor
Press the Media Center PC connect button, then press the keyboard connect button. Repeat the process with the mouse.
11
Connecting the audio and video source
Your Media Center PC has connectors for S-Video or coaxial (TV). Select the connector that your video source supports:
S-Video — The video signal provides the highest quality video for the Media Center PC. If you use S-Video, you also need to connect the audio using RCA stereo plugs.
Coaxial (TV) — The video and audio signals are both carried on one cable. The coaxial cable is the way to connect a direct cable or an antenna video source to the Media Center.
S-Video
Connect an S-Video cable (not included) from
1
a video source such as a cable set-top box, a satellite set-top box, or other video source device, to the S-Video In port on the back of your Media Center PC.
Connect an RCA cable (not included) from
2
the Audio Out jacks on the video device to the Audio In RCA jack on the back of your Media Center PC.
- OR -
Coaxial (TV)
Tip:
The quality of the video coming into the Media Center PC determines the quality of the video output to the Media Center display device. A direct cable connection, cable set-top box, or satellite set-top box usually provides a better quality signal than an antenna. Use the highest quality video source available for best video display results.
The quality of cable used to connect the video source to the Media Center PC has an affect on the video output quality from the computer. Use high quality video cables to connect the video source to the computer.
Caution:
If the video devices connected to your computer are not grounded correctly, your computer could be damaged. For more information about correct grounding, see the safety and regulatory information on page 90.
12
Connect a coaxial cable (not included) from a
video device, such as a direct cable connection, a cable set-top box, a satellite set-top box, or an antenna, to the Coaxial In (TV) port on the back of your computer.
Connecting the IR control cable
If your Media Center configuration uses a set-top box for the Media Center video source, connect the infrared (IR) control cable from the Media Center PC to the set-top box IR sensor window. The IR control cable sends input from the remote sensor to your set-top box to change channels.
Plug the IR control cable into the IR control port
1
on the back of the Media Center PC.
Locate the IR sensor by shining a flashlight
2
through the set-top box IR sensor window. Look for a 1/2 to 3/8 inch metallic rectangle with a 1/8 inch dark circle in the middle. This is the IR sensor.
Remove the adhesive paper from the back of the
3
IR control.
Place the sticky side of the IR control on the
4
set-top box sensor window. Make sure that the IR control is placed directly in front of the IR sensor that you located in step 2.
Tip:
The Media Center IR control cable sends infrared signals to your set-top box or satellite receiver. However, some set-top boxes are set to receive radio frequency (RF) signals from the remote control. Before using the Media Center remote control, make sure that the set-top box is set to accept infrared signals. See your set-top box guide for information about remote settings.
13
Setting up the software
1 Complete the Windows XP setup
After you’ve turned on your computer, wait for it to start up, then follow the on-screen instructions.
2 Complete peripheral devices setup
Connect devices, such as a printer or scanner, after you
complete the Windows setup. Follow the instructions that came with the device.
3 Start the Media Center
setup wizard
After you’ve completed the initial
Windows setup, press the Start button on your remote control.
Tip:
The Media Center setup wizard requires Internet access to complete the Media Center software configuration. Before starting the Media Center setup wizard in step 4, make sure that your Internet connection is set up. Contact your Internet service provider for more information about setting up your Internet connection.
Before starting the Media Center setup wizard, check for Windows Updates to make sure that Media Center has the most recent software releases and security updates installed. For more information, see “Windows Update” on page 87.
4 Confi gure the Media Center software for
your specifi c requirements
Follow the on-screen instructions.
14
SettingUp
Media Center PC
Optional Connections
Connect an optional TV
Connect to an existing sound system
ChapterTwo
15
Setting up optional connections
Connecting a TV (optional)
You can use a TV as an external display device. However, some older TVs provide a lower quality display than computer monitors or flat-panel TVs that are optimized for the Media Center.
The Gateway 610 Media Center PC provides a display output from the S-Video Out port. Connect the S-Video cable from the Media Center’s S-Video Out port to the TV’s S-Video In port. S-Video display quality is usually good for TV images. The display quality for computer functions, however, is not as good as the Gateway 610 Media Center PC’s display. S-Video display output is not optimized for computer video display.
Tip:
If you want the audio to play from the external TV you connected to, connect the Audio out ports (analog or digital) to your TV Audio in ports. If you do not connect the Audio out ports to your TV, then the sound will continue to play from the Media Center PC and other sound system connected to the Media Center PC.
16
Tip:
Many TVs use interlaced video. Interlaced video displays a video frame with two passes of alternating scan lines. The TV screen first displays the video image odd lines one at a time, sequentially from top to bottom, then it fills in the other half of the video image with the even lines. Because most TVs use this interlaced method to display the picture on the screen, a standard interlaced analog television will most likely flicker when displaying thin lines and small text. An interlaced video display device will produce a lower quality display, especially when viewing and using the Media Center computer functions.
Progressive scan video displays a video frame with one pass of sequential scan lines. A progressive scan TV displays the entire picture, drawn sequentially from top to bottom, without the odd/ even interlacing. This results in a fuller, sharper picture, and better display quality for viewing and using the Media Center computer functions. The progressive scan picture is also brighter and easier on your eyes.
Help:
By default, the Gateway 610 Media Center PC uses a screen resolution of 1280 x 768. Many TVs cannot display this high resolution and may shift, scramble, or scroll the picture. For a better picture on a TV display, you may need to lower the Media Center screen resolution to 800 x 600 or 640 x 480. For more information about adjusting display settings, click Start, then click Help and Support. Type the keyword changing display settings in the Search box, then press Enter.
Connect an S-Video cable (not included) to the
1
S-Video Out port on the back of your Media Center PC.
Connect the other end of the cable to the S-Video
2
In port on the back of your TV.
Turn the TV on and select the TV In video source.
3
For more information about selecting the TV In video source, see your TV’s documentation.
17
Connecting the Media Center PC to an existing stereo or home theater (optional)
The Media Center PC includes a built-in sound system. However, if you purchased an add-on sound system, use the setup poster and other documentation that was included with the sound system to set it up.
If you have an existing stereo or home theater, you can connect the Media Center PC to an existing sound system. Use 1/8” stereo to RCA plug Y-cables to connect the computer to an analog sound system or use a Toslink digital cable to connect your computer to digital audio outputs (S/PDIF). The setup varies, depending on your sound system audio inputs. See your sound system’s user guide for more information about connecting audio inputs.
Connect front analog speakers
Connect digital (S/PDIF) audio
Connect rear analog speakers
Connect center/subwoofer analog speakers
18
After you have connected your add-on sound system, use the sound and audio properties to select speaker setup options.
Click Start, Control Panel, Sounds, Speech,
1
and Audio Devices, then click Sounds and Audio Devices. The Sounds and Audio Devices
Properties dialog box opens.
Click the Volume tab, then click the Advanced
2
button in the Speaker Settings section. The Advanced Audio Properties dialog box opens.
Click the Speakers tab, click the arrow button
3
to open the Speaker setup list, then click the speaker setup that most closely matches your sound system type.
Click OK to save your speaker setup.
4
19
20
GettingStarted
Learn about your
Gateway 610 Media Center PC
Start the Media Center
Use the Media Center
Learn about the remote control
Learn about the wireless
keyboard
ChapterThree
21
Checking out your Media Center PC
Front
A
B
A
22
Left side
Item Component Icon Description
A Front speakers
Provides audio output when headphones or amplifi ed speakers are not plugged in.
B Infrared receiver
C USB port
D IEEE 1394 port
Memory Stick Pro
F
card reader
SecureDigital (SD) / MultiMedia
G
Card (MMC) card reader
CompactFlash /
H
MicroDrive card reader
SmartMedia (SM)
I
card reader
J Connect button
Receives Infrared (IR) signals from the remote control.
Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
Plug an IEEE 1394 (also known as Firewire or i.Link) device, such as a digital camcorder, into this 6-pin IEEE 1394 port.
Removable memory card drive.
Removable memory card drive.
Removable memory card drive.
Removable memory card drive.
Press to sync the wireless connections between the Media Center PC, keyboard, and mouse. See the setup instructions on page 11.
F
G
H
I
C D
J
23
Right side
Item Component Icon Description
24
Combination DVD +RW/+R / CD-RW
K
(recordable DVD and CD drive)
DVD/CD drive
L
eject button
M Microphone jack
N Headphone jack
K
L
M
N
Brightness -
O
button
Brightness +
P
button
Q Channel - button
R Channel + button
S Volume - button
T Volume + button
U Power button
Play and record CDs and DVDs in the combination drive.
R/RW
(recordable DVD is optional)
Press to remove a CD or DVD from the DVD/CD drive.
Connect a microphone and record voice fi les or transmit live audio.
Plug amplifi ed speakers or headphones into this jack.
Push to reduce the display brightness.
Push to increase the display brightness.
Push to change the channel sequentially to a lower channel number.
Push to change the channel sequentially to a higher channel number.
Push to reduce the volume level.
Push to increase the volume level.
Press to turn the power on or off. Press and hold for a few seconds to put the Media Center PC in standby mode.
Top
OP QR S T U
25
Back
CC
AA
BB
26
DD EE
FF
GG HH
II
SS RR QQ
PP
OO
JJ
KK
LL MM
NN
Item Component Icon Description
AA FM In antenna (external coaxial connector) Connect an external FM antenna into this port.
BB FM antenna selector (internal or external) Select to use the internal FM antenna or an external FM antenna (not included).
CC Subwoofer speaker Provides subwoofer audio output when headphones or amplifi ed speakers are not plugged in.
DD Power connector Plug the AC adapter cable into this connector.
EE Ethernet jack
FF Rear Analog Audio Out jack (line out)
GG Kensington lock slot Secure your computer to an object by connecting a Kensington cable lock to this slot.
Plug 10/100 Ethernet network cable into this jack. For more information about networking, see the “Networking Your Computer” guide. Click Start, All Programs, Gateway Documentation, then click the networking guide.
Plug powered, analog rear speakers, or an external amplifi er into this jack. Use a 1/8” stereo to RCA plug Y-cable.
HH Front Analog Audio out jack (line out)
II Digital Audio Out jack (S/PDIF) Plug an optical (Toslink) digital audio cable into this jack.
Center/subwoofer Analog Audio Out jack
JJ
(line out)
KK IR Control (controller) port
LL USB ports (4)
MM S-Video Out jack Provides video output for devices, such as monitors and camcorders, that support S-Video.
NN Modem jack
OO TV In jack (coaxial) Plug a coaxial cable from a video source, such as cable, satellite, or antenna, into this jack.
PP Video In jack (RCA) Plug an RCA cable from a video source, such as a VCR, into this jack.
QQ Audio In jack (left channel)
RR Audio In jack (right channel)
SS S-Video In jack
Plug powered, analog front speakers, or an external audio amplifi er into this jack. Use a 1/8” stereo to RCA plug Y-cable.
Plug powered, center/subwoofer speakers, or an external audio amplifi er into this jack. Use a 1/8” stereo to RCA plug Y-cable.
Sends input from the keyboard or remote control to a set-top box to change channels. Plug an IR control cable into this port.
Plug USB (Universal Serial Bus) devices (such as a USB printer, scanner, camera, keyboard, or mouse) into these ports.
Plug an RJ-11 modem cable into this jack.
Plug an RCA cable from a left channel audio out jack, such as cable, satellite, or antenna, into this jack.
Plug an RCA cable from a right channel audio out jack, such as cable, satellite, or antenna, into this jack.
Plug an S-Video cable from a video source, such as cable, satellite, or antenna, into this jack.
27
Starting the Media Center
You can take full control of the Media Center from your wireless keyboard, remote, and mouse. Use the device that is comfortable for your using and viewing situation.
To start Media Center from the Start menu
Click Start, then click Media Center.
To start Media Center with a remote device
Press the Start button on the remote.
28
Using the Media Center
You can switch to the Microsoft Windows desktop at any time. Media Center will continue to run in the background.
To switch between the Media Center and the desktop
Click the minimize button to view
the desktop.
Click the maximize button to
expand the active window to fit the entire screen.
Click the Media Center taskbar button or the
Start button on the keyboard or remote to return to the Media Center.
The Media Center menu bar and transport controls toolbar appear when you move the mouse. Use the keyboard, remote, or mouse to make selections.
Menu bar
Transport controls
29
Learning about the remote control
Shortcut buttons
give you direct access to
Media Center features.
Media Center Start button
starts the Media Center software.
Audio/Video (A/V) control buttons
control volume levels, volume mute,
channel selections, and the DVD menu.
Numeric keypad/
Data entry buttons
let you enter numbers
and characters from the
remote control.
Power control button
puts the Media Center PC in Standby mode (reduced power).
Transport buttons
let you replay buffered recorded (buffered) TV and radio programs and play the CD and DVD player.
Navigation buttons
let you move the cursor around the Guide and menus, make selections, navigate back to the previous screen, change the screen display aspect ratio, and get more information. Press the OK button to make a selection.
Tip:
The remote has a range of 23 feet (7.5 meters) and performs best with a maximum angle of 22.5-degrees from the center of the IR receiver in all directions. Make sure that there is a clear line of sight between the remote and the IR receiver.
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