Gateway Media Center User Manual

Media Center

User Guide

Notices

© 2005 Gateway, Inc. All rights reserved. Gateway, the Gateway stylized logo, and the black-andwhite spot design are trademarks or registered trademarks of Gateway, Inc. in the United States and other countries. All other brands and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Planning your Media Center setup 4 Getting ready to set up

Media Center resources 6 Setting up Media Center hardware 8 Setting up optional computer connections 11 Turning on and setting up software 14 Learning about the remote control 17 Using Media Center 18 Media Center FAQs 22 Getting more information 25

Note: Your computer may vary from the following illustrations.

Planning your Media C enter c omputer setup

Locate connections

You’ve probably already decided where you want to set up and use your Media Center computer, but before you start connecting computer components, 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.

Video source—Make sure that you have access to a video source before setting up your Media Center computer. Your computer can receive video input through coaxial and S-Video cables. The video source is usually 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

Identify Media Center computer components

Remove the computer components from the packaging and lay them out for easy access during the setup process.

Remote Control—Lets you remotely control the Media Center Guide, TV, videos, DVDs, music, pictures, recorded TV programs, volume levels, and more. The remote control included with your Media Center may look different than the one shown below.

Batteries—Two AA batteries for the wireless remote control.

Remote sensor (Infrared “IR” receiver)— Receives and sends signals to and from the remote control. The sensor included with your Media Center may look different than this.

Infrared (IR) control cable—Sends input from the remote sensor to a set-top box to change channels.

FM antenna—Receives FM radio signals. (optional)

Getting ready to set up Media Cen ter resourc es

Now that you’ve located an Internet connection and a video source and have identified the computer components, use the step-by-step instructions in this guide to help set up your Media Center computer and software. Also, use the other documents and information resources described here to help you set up and use the Media Center computer and software.

Documentation

Setup Poster

The setup poster helps you set up your computer and other devices.

Monitor Guide

The monitor or display device guide provides information about using and adjusting your display device settings.

Sound System Setup Poster

(Optional) The sound system setup poster helps you connect your audio system. If you purchased a sound system with your Media Center computer, follow the setup poster instructions. If you are connecting your Media Center computer to an existing sound system, see “Connecting the Media Center to an existing home stereo or home theater” on page 13.

Windows XP Media Center Edition Guide

The

Microsoft Windows XP Media

Center Edition

information about configuring the Media Center software, tips about using the Media Center, and troubleshooting information.

guide provides

Computer Guide

Your Gateway computer user guide provides instructions for using your Media Center computer and troubleshooting information to solve problems.

Windows Update

Remember to keep the Windows operating system updated by installing updates as they become available. When an update is available, Windows will automatically prompt you to install them.

Web site

You can get the latest FAQs, information, and tips and tricks about making the most of your Media Center experience by going to the Microsoft Media Center Web site at microsoft.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/ and the Gateway Support Web site at

support.gateway.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/.

Setting up Media Cent er hardware

Now that you’re familiar with the components, connect them to your Media Center computer.

Set up the computer

Before setting up the Media Center hardware,

•

make sure that you have:

• Set up your computer

• Set up your display device

• Set up the sound system (optional)

If you use a TV as the Media Center display device instead of a display device provided by Gateway, see

Connecting a TV

on page 11.

Install the remote control batteries

Insert two AA batteries into the remote control.

•

Match the + and – on the batteries with the + and – symbols inside the battery compartment.

Connect the remote sensor

Connect the remote sensor to any USB port on your computer. If your remote sensor does not

have the USB cable already attached to it, attach the USB cable to the USB port on the back of the sensor.

Note: Your computer’s ports may vary.

Position the remote sensor so the remote control has

a direct, unobstructed view of the sensor. The remote control has a range of 23 feet and can be used up to about 22° from the centerline of the sensor.

Connect the video and audio source

Your Media Center computer has connectors for S-Video or coaxial (TV) cables. Select the connector that your video source supports:

• S-Video—S-Video signals provide the sharpest picture. If you use S-Video, you also need to connect the audio using RCA stereo cables.

• 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.

Note: Your computer’s ports may vary.

The quality of the video coming into the Media Center computer 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 results.

The quality of cable used to connect the video source to the Media Center computer has an affect on the video output quality from the computer. Use high quality video cables to connect the video source to the computer.

If the video devices connected to your computer are not grounded correctly, your computer could be damaged. For more information about correct grounding, see your Gateway computer user guide.

Connect an S-Video cable (not included) from a video source (such as a cable set-top box,

a satellite set-top box, or other video device) to the S-Video In jack on the back of your computer.

Connect an RCA cable (not included) from the Audio Out jacks on the video device to

the audio In RCA jacks on the back of your computer.

- OR -

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.

S-Video

Coaxial (TV)

Connect the IR control cable

If your Media Center configuration uses a set-top box for the video source to the Media Center computer, connect the infrared (IR) control cable to the remote sensor and attach the IR control 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 any 1/8-inch jack on the back of the remote sensor. (The sensor

included with your computer may look different.)

Locate the IR sensor on the set-top box by shining a flashlight 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 IR control.

Place the sticky side of the IR control on the set-top box sensor window. Make sure that the

infrared control is placed directly in front of the IR sensor that you located in Step 2.

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.

Setting up optional computer connections

Connecting a TV

You can use a TV as a 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 Media Center computer provides display outputs from a VGA (monitor) port or an S-Video port. Select the highest quality port that your TV supports:

• VGA—Best. If your TV has a VGA port, use this.

• S-Video—Good. S-Video display quality is usually good for TV images. The display quality for the Media Center computer functions, however, is not as good as VGA output. S-Video display output is not optimized for computer video display.

If you did not purchase a display device when you purchased your Media Center computer and your video display does not provide the image quality that you expected, contact a Gateway sales representative to help you select a display device that is optimized for your Media Center computer. See “Contacting Gateway” on page 27 for Gateway contact information.

By default, if your display device was purchased with the Media Center computer, the computer uses a screen resolution of 1024 × 768 for computer monitors and 800 × 600 for the Gateway 42-inch Plasma TV. 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 × 600 or 640 × 480. See Windows Help & Support for more information about changing the screen resolution.

Many TVs use frame with two passes of alternating scan lines. The TV screen ﬁ rst displays the video image odd lines one at a time, sequentially from top to bottom, then it ﬁ lls 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 ﬂ icker 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

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.

interlaced video

video displays a video frame with one pass of

. Interlaced video displays a video

Connect a VGA cable (not included) or S-Video cable (not included) to the VGA port or S-Video

jack on the back of your computer.

Connect the other end of the cable to the VGA port or S-Video jack on the back of your TV.

Turn the TV on and select the TV In video source. For more information about selecting the TV In

video source, see your TV’s documentation.

Connecting the computer to an existing home stereo or home theater

Your Media Center computer includes audio jacks that support a 7.1 Surround Sound audio system. The sound system setup varies, depending on your sound system’s audio inputs. Use your computer and sound system’s setup posters and other documentation to connect your computer to the sound system.

Analog audio jacks. See your computer and sound system’s documentation for connection instructions.

Note: Your computer’s jacks may vary.

Turning on y our system and setting up software

After the computer components are connected, you’re ready to turn on the power and complete the Media Center set up.

Press the power button on the front of the monitor or TV, then press the power button on the front of

the Media Center computer. Make sure that your sound system (optional) is turned on.

Follow the Windows setup screens.

Turn on any peripheral devices, such as printers or scanners, and follow the on-screen instructions to

complete the device setup.

The Media Center setup wizard requires Internet access to complete the Media Center software conﬁ guration. 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 7.

After you complete the initial Windows setup, press the Start button on the remote to start the

Media Center setup wizard.

Follow the setup screens to configure the Media Center software for your specific

requirements.

Configuring your speakers

After you have connected your sound system and set up Media Center, select speaker setup options on your computer.

Turn on your Media Center computer.

Click Start, Control Panel, Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, then click Sounds and

Audio Devices. The

Properties

Click the Volume tab, then click the Advanced button in the Speaker Settings section. The

Advanced Audio Properties

dialog box opens.

Sounds and Audio Devices

dialog box opens.

Click the Speakers tab, click the arrow button 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.

Learning about the remote c ontrol

The Media Center remote control lets you take full control of your Media Center experience. You can quickly start the Media Center by pressing the Start button. (The remote control included with your Media Center may look different.)

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 computer in Standby mode (reduced power).

Transport buttons

let you replay 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.

Using Media C enter

Use the Media Center remote control to watch TV, videos, and DVDs, to listen to music, and to view pictures. Use the Media Center Guide to view TV program schedules, search for programs by genre, set up program recordings, and more.

Press the Start button on the remote control. The Media Center software starts.

Use the remote control navigation buttons to select

a Media Center menu option, then press OK.

- OR Press one of the menu

shortcut buttons on the remote control to select a Media Center menu.

Manually updating the Media Center Program Guide

When you use the Media Center setup wizard, the Media Center Program Guide is set up to download program information from your cable or satellite service provider. However, on occasion, you may need to update the Program Guide manually to refresh the program listings.

Before starting the Media Center, make sure that you are connected to the Internet.

The Media Center requires Internet access to update the Media Center Program Guide. Make sure that you connect to the Internet before continuing the manual Program Guide update instructions.

Press the Start button on the remote control. The Media Center software starts.

Navigate to Settings, then press OK. The Settings menu opens.

Navigate to TV, then press OK.

Navigate to Guide, then press OK.

Navigate to Get guide data, then press OK. The

Guide Data

Select Yes, then press OK. The Media Center downloads Program Guide updates.

dialog box opens.

Burning recorded video to a DVD with Nero Express

After you have recorded a program, you may want to save the program to a DVD for viewing on another computer that has a DVD player. You can use Nero Express to copy the recorded program to a DVD.

TV programs that have been recorded with Media Center can be recorded to DVD using Nero Express, then replayed on another Media Center computer or on a non-Media Center computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder software (such as WinDVD) installed. The non-Media Center computer must also have Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 1, Windows Media Player 9, and the Windows patch Q810243 Update.

Your Media Center computer also includes software that lets you create video DVDs that you can play on your home DVD player. See “Burning recorded video to DVD using Media Center” on page 21 for more information.

Insert a blank, writable DVD-R disc into your recordable DVD drive. You cannot use a DVD-RAM

disc with Nero Express.

If a

CD Drive

dialog box opens, click Cancel.

Click Start, All Programs,

Burn a CD or Data DVD, Nero Programs, then click Nero Express. Nero

Express opens.

Move your pointer over Data, then click Data Disc. The

4 5

6 7

Disc Content

Click the Add button to open the

Folders

where the files you want to add to the writable DVD are located. The TV program recordings are usually located in the \Shared Documents\ Recorded TV folder. If you do not see the folder you want, browse through the folders in the Location pane.

Click the file you want to record (hold down the CTRL or SHIFT key when you click to select multiple files) in the then click Add.

After you have added all of your files, click Finished. The

Click Next, then click Burn.

dialog box, then click the drive or folder

window opens.

Select Files and

Select Files and Folders

Disc Content

window opens.

dialog box,

Burning recorded video to a DVD with Media Center

If you save a recorded program to a DVD using Media Center, you can play the DVD on your home DVD player or on another computer that has a DVD drive.

TV programs that have been recorded with the Media Center can be recorded to DVD and replayed on another Media Center computer or on a non-Media Center computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder software (such as WinDVD) installed. The non-Media Center computer must also have Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 1, Windows Media Player 9, and the Windows patch Q810243 Update.

Insert a blank, writable DVD-R or DVD-RW disc into your recordable DVD drive.

Press the Start button on the remote control. The Media Center software starts.

Click More Programs.

Click Create CD/DVD.

Click Video DVD, then click OK.

Follow the on-screen prompts to finish burning the DVD. For more information, click the Media

Center’s Help icon.

Media Cen ter FA Qs

Following are Media Center Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). To view other Media Center FAQs that are not covered in this section, go to the Gateway support Web Site at

support.gateway.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/faqs/.

Q: Why does the Media Center video display look bad on my TV?

A: Many factors, such as the display type, quality of the video source, type of connection used, quality of video cables, display device screen resolution, size of TV, age of the TV, or the type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan), can affect the video quality significantly:

• Display type—The Media Center is best viewed on display devices that were offered with the Media Center computer when you purchased it from Gateway. Other types of display devices, including retail TVs, may provide lower quality video. If you did not order a display device when you purchased your Media Center computer, a progressive scan display device with a VGA input is the best choice.

• Quality of video source—The quality of the video signal coming into the Media Center computer has an affect on the video quality. The video displayed from the Media Center is only as good as the source video signal. Cable, digital cable, and satellite usually provide better quality than an antenna.

• Type of connection used—You can connect the Media Center computer video output to a TV. However, the connection type has an affect on the video quality. The Media Center has two video outputs:

VGA—If your TV includes a VGA port, connect the VGA cable from the Media Center computer’s VGA (monitor) port to the TV’s VGA In port for the best quality. Many TVs do not have a VGA port.

S-Video—If your TV does not have a VGA port, but includes an S-Video port, connect the S-Video cable from the Media Center computer’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 the Media Center computer functions, however, is not as good as VGA output. S-Video display output is not optimized for computer video display.

• Quality of video cables—Poor quality or the incorrect type of video cables can cause problems and affect the video quality. Gateway recommends using high-quality video cables that can be purchased from the Gateway Accessory Store. Note: Cable connections must be made correctly for optimal video quality. A poor cable connection can lower video quality.

• Screen resolution—By default, if your display device was purchased with the Media Center computer, the computer uses a screen resolution of 1024 × 768 for computer monitors and 800 × 600 for the Gateway 42-inch Plasma TV. Many TVs cannot display this high of a 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 × 600 or 640 × 480. See Windows Help & Support for more information about changing the screen resolution.

• Size of display device—Small computer monitors for standard computer applications are generally not optimized for motion video playback. Although they offer excellent resolutions and refresh rates, they are designed to make static white backgrounds with black text look readable. Some small display devices do not make colorful motion video look its best. Generally, video will look better on a larger display device.

• Age of the TV—Newer TVs usually have more advanced features, produce a better quality picture, and support higher screen resolutions. The Media Center video display will likely be better on a newer model TV.

• Type of TV (interlaced or progressive scan) Many TVs use

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 TV 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

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.

Q: How do I configure my Media Center to output to a TV?

A: Your Media Center computer detects whether you are using a VGA or an S-Video display device and automatically changes the display settings for the type of display device you are using. For more information, review the FAQ topic at:

support.gateway.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/faqs/

interlaced video

displays a video frame with

. Interlaced video

Q: What display settings can I change to get better TV or DVD image quality?

A: Adjust the display device brightness, contrast, hue, and saturation. For more information review the FAQ topic at:

support.gateway.com/windowsxp/mediacenter/faqs/

Q: Can I burn programs that were recorded with my Media Center computer to a DVD?

A: Yes. The Media Center saves recorded programs in the .DVR-MS format. You can burn a .DVR-MS file to a DVD with DVD recording (burning) software, such as Nero Express, and with the Media Center itself.

Q: Can I play recorded programs on other computers? A: Yes, a .DVR-MS file recorded to DVD can be replayed

on another Media Center computer or on a non-Media Center computer that has a DVD player and DVD decoder software (such as WinDVD). The non-Media Center computer must also have Windows XP with Service Pack (SP) 1, Windows Media Player 9, and the Windows patch Q810243 Update.

Q: Can I play recorded programs on my home DVD player?

Q: Why do I get this “Download Error” message when the Media Center tries to update the Program Guide?

A: You must be connected to the Internet to update the Program Guide. Make sure that your Internet account is set up and connected to the Media Center computer. For information about manually updating the Program Guide, see “Manually updating the Media Center Program Guide” on page 19.

A: Yes. DVDs recorded with the Media Center can be played on a home DVD player. DVDs recorded with Nero Express cannot be played on a home DVD player.

Getting more information

The Media Center is easy to use when you follow the on-screen menus. However, if you need additional help or information about using the Media Center features, help is available at your fingertips.

In the

Media Center

activate the Media Center tool bar. The tool bar

appears at the top of the window.

window, move the mouse to

Click the Help icon to view or search for information in the Media Center online help.

Using Help and Support

Your Media Center computer also includes Help and Support, an easily accessible collection of help information, troubleshooters, and automated support. Use Help and Support to answer questions about Windows and to help you quickly discover and use the many features of your Gateway Media Center computer.

To start Help and Support, click Start, then click Help and Support. Help and Support opens.

Click a topic link.

- OR Type a word or phrase (keyword) in the Search box

located at the top of any Help and Support screen, then click the arrow button to start the search. The search results appear below the search box.

Contacting Gateway

For Gateway contact information, see your computer’s

Note: Your computer may vary from the illustration.

User Guide

or the system label.

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p p

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(

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( C

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9 0 0 4 3 9 4

Online support: Tech Support Phone: (U.S.)

Tech Support Hours:

(Canada)

9004394

MAN MEDIA CENTER SETUP GDE R2 8/05

Gateway Media Center User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual