HP RC658AA, A1630n User Manual

Getting Started

Guid

The only warranties for Hewlett-Packard products and services are set forth in the express statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP.

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of HP.

Hewlett-Packard Company P.O. Box 4010 Cupertino, CA 95015-4010 USA

4,930,160 until August 28, 2008. Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. HP supports lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our

products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law. The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

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

Using HP and Compaq Products................................................................... 10

Transferring Files and Settings from Your Old PC to Your New PC.................... 10

Using HP Organize or Compaq Organize Software .......................................10

Using the Keyboard ..................................................................... 11

Customizing the keyboard buttons ........................................................... 13

Using Your PC Top ........................................................................ 15

Using Your Docking Bay.............................................................................. 15

Table of Contents iii

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options...................................... 19

Step 1: Connecting the speakers .................................................................. 19

Sound connector types........................................................................... 19

Speaker configurations .......................................................................... 22

Speaker types ....................................................................................... 23

Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 23

Connecting 4.1 (4 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 24

Connecting 5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 25

Connecting 7.1 (7 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers ................... 27

Connecting the PC to a home audio system .............................................. 29

2 or 2.1 home stereo installation............................................................. 30

5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) home audio installation......................... 31

5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) home audio installation procedure.......... 32

Connecting digital audio........................................................................ 33

Step 2: Configuring the Sound Software ....................................................... 34

Configuring audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager ..................... 35

Configuring audio output with Sound Effect Manager ................................ 37

Configuring audio output with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager................ 39

Configuring multistreaming audio............................................................ 41

Step 3: Configuring Sound for the Media Software Program ........................... 43

Selecting Recording Devices ........................................................................ 44

Resolving Sound Issues................................................................................ 44

Configuring the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card

(Select Models Only) .................................................................................. 45

Connecting the Speakers........................................................................ 45

Configuring the sound card software ....................................................... 46

Configuring the FlexiJack connector......................................................... 46

Recording with the sound card................................................................ 47

Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes .................................................... 47

More Information .................................................................................. 48

iv Getting Started Guide

Using the Memory Card Reader ................................................... 49

Using the Memory Card Reader................................................................... 50

Media Insertion Guide ................................................................................ 51

Using the HP Personal Media Drive .............................................. 53

Connecting the Drive .................................................................................. 54

Inserting the Drive ...................................................................................... 55

Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter.............................................. 56

Using the Drive .......................................................................................... 57

Disconnecting the Drive............................................................................... 58

Working with Digital Images........................................................ 59

Using HP Photosmart Premier ....................................................................... 60

Playing CDs and DVDs ................................................................. 63

Playing Music CDs ..................................................................................... 63

Playing DVDs............................................................................................. 63

Using country/region codes.................................................................... 64

Playing CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player ......................................64

Playing Video CDs (VCDs)...........................................................................65

Playing Video CDs (VCDs) with Windows Media Player.................................. 65

Creating Audio and Data Discs ..................................................... 67

Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording .................................................... 68

Working with Audio CDs ............................................................................68

Verifying audio disc recorded without errors ............................................. 69

Audio CD tips ....................................................................................... 69

Creating audio CDs............................................................................... 70

Creating jukebox discs........................................................................... 70

Working with Data DVDs and CDs............................................................... 71

Verifying data disc recorded without errors............................................... 71

Data disc tips........................................................................................ 71

Creating data discs................................................................................ 72

Copying a DVD or CD ................................................................................ 73

Archiving Files on a CD or DVD ................................................................... 73

Working with Image Files............................................................................74

Creating an image file ........................................................................... 74

Burning from an image file ..................................................................... 74

Disc Labeling with LightScribe ...................................................................... 75

LightScribe requirements.........................................................................75

Burning a LightScribe label with Sonic Express Labeler............................... 75

Using adhesive disc labels......................................................................76

Compatibility Information ............................................................................76

Disc Features and Compatibility Table .......................................................... 77

Optical Drive Quick Reference Table ............................................................ 78

Software Quick Reference Table................................................................... 79

Table of Contents v

Creating Video Discs and Movies.................................................. 81

Before You Begin Capturing Video ............................................................... 81

Sonic MyDVD Video Projects ....................................................................... 82

Creating a Video Project............................................................................. 82

Adding files to a video project ................................................................ 83

Capturing video to a video project .......................................................... 83

Adding slideshows to a video project ...................................................... 84

Adding submenus to a video project........................................................ 84

Editing the style of a video project........................................................... 85

Editing movie files ................................................................................. 85

Burning a video project to disc................................................................ 86

Creating a Video Project with the Direct-to-Disc Wizards................................. 87

Video Quality and Disc Size........................................................................ 88

DVD Recording Time .................................................................................. 89

Creating Movies Using muvee autoProducer................................. 91

Basic Steps to Make a Movie....................................................................... 91

Locating muvee autoProducer.................................................................. 92

Using muvee autoProducer .......................................................................... 93

Getting started ...................................................................................... 93

Capturing video from a DV camcorder..................................................... 94

Adding videos ...................................................................................... 95

Adding pictures..................................................................................... 97

Adding music ....................................................................................... 97

Selecting the style.................................................................................. 98

Changing the settings ............................................................................ 98

Adding an opening title and closing credits .............................................. 99

Making the movie................................................................................ 100

Previewing the movie........................................................................... 100

Modify the movie ................................................................................ 101

Saving the movie project ...................................................................... 102

Recording the movie project to disc ....................................................... 103

vi Getting Started Guide

Getting Help .............................................................................. 105

Finding Onscreen Guides.......................................................................... 105

Finding Guides on the Web ...................................................................... 105

Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center.............................................. 106

Using PC Help & Tools.............................................................................. 106

Using Updates from HP (or Compaq Connections)........................................ 106

Getting messages................................................................................ 107

Turning off messages ........................................................................... 107

Reactivating messages ......................................................................... 108

Index......................................................................................... 109

Setting Up Your PC

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.

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.

Setting Up Your PC 1

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.

NOTE: Your PC f eat ures and location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.

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)

2 Getting Started Guide

Monitor

Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial devices

Serial

Connector

Connector symbol Description

Audio Line Out (powered speakers)

OUT

Audio Line In

Headphones

Microphone

rear

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

Setting Up Your PC 3

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 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.

Windows® by following the onscreen instructions.

4 Getting Started Guide

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.

NOTE:

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.

Easy Internet Sign-up or Internet Services provides a list of Internet

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 Internet.

You can use any Web browser; most PCs have Internet Explorer. Click Start, All Programs, and Internet Explorer.

Setting Up Your PC 5

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 guides 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 are 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.

6 Getting Started Guide

Using the PC with Safety and Comfort

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.

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.

• 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.

Setting Up Your PC 7

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.

8 Getting Started Guide

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.

Setting Up Your PC 9

Using HP and Compaq Products

HP and Compaq PCs 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, turn it on, and your HP or Compaq PC automatically configures it so it is ready to use.

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 HP Organize or Compaq Organize Software

HP (or 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. HP (or Compaq) Organize makes all your information available with just a few mouse clicks.

HP (or 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 HP (or Compaq) Organize where you can select the search engine you want to use.

To open HP (or Compaq) Organize:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Click HP Organize or Compaq Organize.

10 Getting Started Guide

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.

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.

hp or

Compaq or

, or

User Switches between the PC users.

HP Links to an HP Web site.

Compaq My Presario

Help Opens the Help and Support Center.

Pictures (Photos)

Music Opens music software program. Can be

Links to Compaq Web site.

Opens an imaging software program. Can be reconfigured.

reconfigured.

Using the Keyboard 11

Icon Feature Description

Video Opens video software program. Can be

reconfigured.

Shopping

Sports

Finance

Connect to

Internet

Chat

E-Mail

Entertainment

Goes to popular Web sites. Can be reconfigured to open a site or software program.

Offers

Calculator Opens the calculator. Can be reconfigured.

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

12 Getting Started Guide

Icon Feature Description

–+

NOTE: The number, location, and labeling of buttons vary by keyboard model.

Volume control (Volume knob or Volume Up

and Volume Down buttons)

Mute Turns speaker sound on and off.

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.

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.

Using the Keyboard 13

14 Getting Started Guide

Using Your PC Top

Your PC may have a storage area or docking bay (select models only) on the top of the PC chassis.

Using Your Docking Bay

You can use the docking bay to:

• Store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards.

• Dock a peripheral device in the bay, such as a digital camera docking station.

• Install a special cover (optional) and an HP camera and HP camera docking

station. (Both the camera and the docking station are sold separately.)

The bay design allows you to place a device and thread the USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) data cable and the power cord underneath the rear top cover to the connectors on the back of the PC.

Your PC may look different from the one shown here. Components and location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.

Using Your PC Top 15

To store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards:

Gently press down on the bay lid and slide it open.

To install a peripheral device or an HP camera and HP camera docking station:

1 Gently press down on the bay lid and slide it open. 2 Place the peripheral device or the camera docking station (A) on the top of

the PC.

16 Getting Started Guide

3 For a camera, place the camera cradle (B) that came with the digital camera

on the camera docking station. The cradle clips onto the camera docking station.

4 Thread the cables that came with your peripheral devices or camera docking

station through the cable tunnel (C). Starting from the back of the PC, thread them to the front of the PC. Pull the cables to the center and connect them to the peripheral or the docking station (D).

5 Connect the cables to the back of the PC or to a power outlet (E).

For a peripheral, refer to the instructions that came with your peripheral device.

For an HP camera docking station:

• Plug the USB cable into the back of the PC.

• Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

Optionally, if you want to view the camera images on a TV, plug the red and yellow connectors (not shown) into the TV.

Refer to the instructions that came with the HP camera docking station.

Using Your PC Top 17

6 Place the correct camera docking station lid (F) on top of the PC. Gently guide

the edge of the lid into the top of the PC.

18 Getting Started Guide

7 When you want to use it, place the HP digital camera (G) into the docking

station.

8 Follow the instructions that came with your peripheral or docking station.

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.

Your PC supports many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker configurations. This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system may have different components.

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.

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.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 19

Connector Description Illustration Type

Three connectors

Six connectors

Sound card connector

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.

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.

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.

OUT

See below. S

20 Getting Started Guide

NOTE:

• Type 3 is three connectors

• Type 6 is six connectors

• Type S is a sound card connector

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

36S

OUT

Description

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

AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

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

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 21

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 23.

2.1 Left speaker, right speaker, and a subwoofer.

4.1 Two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer.

6/5.1 Two front speakers, two rear

speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer.

8/7.1 Two front speakers, two rear

speakers, two side speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer (select models only).

Home audio system

Digital audio Digital speakers or digital

Multistreaming audio

Home stereo or home theater audio system with passive speakers.

input connector on audio system.

Two front speakers, two rear speakers, two side speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer (select models only).

“Connecting 2.1 (2 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers” on page 23.

“Connecting 4.1 (4 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers” on page 24.

“Connecting 5.1 (5 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers” on page 25.

“Connecting 7.1 (7 speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers” on page 27.

“Connecting the PC to a home audio system” on page 29.

“Connecting digital audio” on page 33.

“Configuring multistreaming audio” on page 41.

22 Getting Started Guide

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.

OUT

• 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.

NOTE: Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.

7 Plug in the speaker system power. 8 Turn on the speaker system.

Step 8 is optional for a two-speaker setup.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 23

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 35.

• Type 6 connectors: See “Configuring audio output with Sound Effect

Manager” on page 37.

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.

OUT

24 Getting Started Guide

• 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.

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