HP Compaq Presario SR5402FH, Compaq Presario SR5404F, Compaq Presario SR5501P, Compaq Presario SR5502FH, Compaq Presario SR5556AP Getting Started Guide
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Getting Started
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Table of Contents
Setting Up the Computer ..........................................................................1
Putting the Computer Together .................................................................................1
Placing the computer in the proper location ..........................................................1
Using surge protection .......................................................................................1
Connecting to the computer ................................................................................ 2
Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)...........................................................4
Connecting Other Devices .......................................................................................6
Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs................................................................6
Adjusting the Monitor..............................................................................................7
Adjusting the screen resolution by using Vista .......................................................7
Adjusting the screen resolution by using the NVIDIA Control Panel ..........................7
Setting Up a Local Area Network ............................................................................. 8
Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection .................................................................9
Integrated Wireless Devices.....................................................................................9
Connecting the Wireless LAN Device......................................................................10
Checking the wireless LAN device installation .....................................................10
Using wireless security features .........................................................................11
Connecting a Modem ...........................................................................................12
Table of Contents iii
Connecting Speakers or Microphone ......................................................13
Sound Connector Types ........................................................................................13
Connecting a Microphone.....................................................................................16
Speaker Configurations.........................................................................................17
Speaker types .................................................................................................18
Connecting 2/2.1 (Two speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers......................18
Connecting 4.1 (Four speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers .........................19
Connecting 5.1 (Five speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers..........................20
Connecting 7.1 (Seven speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers .......................22
Connecting your home stereo system (optional) ................................................... 23
2.1 home stereo installation..............................................................................24
5.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................25
5.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................25
7.1 home audio installation ..............................................................................27
7.1 home audio installation procedure...............................................................28
Connecting digital audio ..................................................................................29
Connecting Headphones ....................................................................................... 30
Using a 2.1 speaker system with headphones..................................................... 30
Using a 5.1 to 7.1 speaker system with headphones ...........................................30
Connecting Speakers Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card.....................31
Connecting the speakers ..................................................................................31
Connecting the FlexiJack connector.................................................................... 32
Getting Help ..........................................................................................33
Finding Onscreen Guides......................................................................................33
Finding Guides on the Web...................................................................................33
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center.......................................................... 34
Using the PC Help & Tools Folder...........................................................................34
Using the hardware diagnostic tools .................................................................. 34
Using HP Total Care Advisor Software ....................................................................35
Turning On the Computer for the First Time ............................................37
Turning Off the Computer ...................................................................................... 38
Using Shut Down.............................................................................................38
Using Lock......................................................................................................39
Using Sleep mode ...........................................................................................39
Using Hibernate mode .....................................................................................40
Automatic Sleep, Hibernate, or Away mode .......................................................41
Restarting the Computer ........................................................................................ 41
Connecting to the Internet......................................................................................42
Using the Computer with Safety and Comfort...........................................................43
iv Getting Started (features vary by model)
Setting Up User Accounts ......................................................................................43
Protecting the Computer ........................................................................................44
Using passwords .............................................................................................45
Using antivirus software....................................................................................46
Using firewall software.....................................................................................47
Configuring the computer for automatic Microsoft software updates.......................47
Installing critical security updates.......................................................................48
Guidelines for Installing Software and Hardware Devices..........................................49
Transferring Files and Settings from an Old Computer to a New Computer.................. 50
Using the Keyboard...............................................................................51
Identifying Keyboard Features................................................................................51
Alphanumeric keys ..........................................................................................51
Function keys .................................................................................................. 52
Edit keys.........................................................................................................52
Arrow keys .....................................................................................................53
Numeric keys..................................................................................................53
Keyboard indicators ........................................................................................54
Special keyboard buttons .................................................................................54
Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons ......................................................................55
Customizing the keyboard buttons .....................................................................58
Keyboard Shortcuts...............................................................................................58
Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Troubleshooting.......................................................59
Synchronizing a wireless mouse and keyboard ................................................... 59
Using the Mouse ....................................................................................61
Using the Mouse Buttons .......................................................................................62
Scrolling.........................................................................................................62
Autoscrolling...................................................................................................63
Panning..........................................................................................................63
Changing Mouse Settings......................................................................................63
Switching mouse button functions.......................................................................63
Changing mouse pointer speed.........................................................................64
Changing the double-click speed.......................................................................64
Turning on the ClickLock option.........................................................................64
Changing the scroll wheel speed....................................................................... 65
Wireless Mouse and Keyboard Troubleshooting.......................................................65
Table of Contents v
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options ...............................................67
Adjusting speaker volume.................................................................................68
Selecting a microphone....................................................................................69
Configuring audio output..................................................................................69
Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi or X-Fi Fatality audio card............................70
Configuring the FlexiJack connector ...................................................................71
Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes .............................................................. 71
Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager ........................................72
The Realtek HD Audio Manager control screens ..................................................73
Configuring sound for recording with the Realtek HD Audio Manager....................75
Retasking front panel audio connectors ..............................................................76
Configuring multistreaming audio ......................................................................77
When to use multistreaming audio.....................................................................78
Setting up multistreaming audio......................................................................... 78
Selecting recording devices ..............................................................................79
Resolving sound issues .....................................................................................80
Introducing Your Computer Software .....................................................81
Learning More About Software...............................................................................81
Using the Desktop.................................................................................................81
Removing desktop icons ...................................................................................82
Retrieving desktop icons ...................................................................................82
Removing files permanently...............................................................................82
Using the Windows Start Button Menu .................................................................... 82
Using the All Programs menu ............................................................................82
Organizing the All Programs list........................................................................83
Using the Control Panel.........................................................................................83
Resizing Windows................................................................................................84
Working with Digital Images .................................................................................85
About the Internet .................................................................................................85
Using a Browser...................................................................................................86
Searching the Internet ......................................................................................86
Restricting Internet content.................................................................................87
Using the Norton Internet Security Antivirus Software ................................................88
Configuring and registering Norton Internet Security software ............................... 88
Manually running a scan .................................................................................. 88
Setting a Full System Scan time .........................................................................89
Setting up a Custom Scan time.......................................................................... 89
Sending and Receiving E-Mail................................................................................90
Using Windows Mail .......................................................................................90
Using the e-mail program provided by your ISP................................................... 90
Software Quick Reference Table.............................................................................91
vi Getting Started (features vary by model)
Managing Files ......................................................................................95
Organizing Files with Folders.................................................................................95
Creating Folders...................................................................................................96
Moving Files ........................................................................................................96
Finding Files ........................................................................................................97
Renaming Files.....................................................................................................98
Deleting Files ....................................................................................................... 98
Retrieving Files from the Recycle Bin .......................................................................99
Copying Files....................................................................................................... 99
Using a Printer ...................................................................................................100
Using CD and DVD Media Drives ..........................................................101
Using the CD and DVD Drives.............................................................................. 101
Handling CDs and DVDs ................................................................................102
Inserting and removing CDs and DVDs............................................................. 102
Compatibility Information ....................................................................................104
Disc Features and Compatibility Table ..................................................................105
Optical Drive Quick Reference Table ....................................................................106
Using Blu-ray and HD Disc Drives.........................................................................107
Using the Memory Card Reader ...........................................................109
Media Insertion Guide ........................................................................................ 110
Understanding the Activity Light ...........................................................................113
Formatting a Memory Card .................................................................................113
Troubleshooting the Memory Card Reader............................................................. 114
Using the HP Personal Media Drive and HP Pocket Media Drive ...........115
Connecting the Drive ..........................................................................................116
Inserting the Drive into an HP Drive Bay ................................................................ 116
Connecting the Drive to a Computer Without a Drive Bay .......................................117
Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter ......................................................118
Using the Drive ..................................................................................................119
Transferring files to another computer manually.................................................119
Disconnecting the Drive.......................................................................................120
Troubleshooting the HP Media Drive..................................................................... 121
Table of Contents vii
Playing CDs, DVDs, or VCDs .................................................................123
Playing Music CDs .............................................................................................123
Playing CDs with Windows Media Player..............................................................123
Playing DVDs.....................................................................................................124
Troubleshooting poor playback when playing DVDs ..........................................124
Using country/region codes............................................................................ 125
Playing DVDs with Windows Media Player............................................................ 125
Using DVD Play to Play DVDs, Videos, High-Definition DVDs, and Blu-ray DVDs......... 126
Playing Video CDs (VCDs)...................................................................................128
Playing video CDs (VCDs) with Windows Media Player ..................................... 128
Creating Audio and Data Discs.............................................................129
Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording ............................................................ 130
Working with Audio CDs ....................................................................................130
Audio CD tips ...............................................................................................131
Before you begin creating discs.......................................................................132
Creating audio CDs.......................................................................................132
Creating video discs ...................................................................................... 133
Copying a disc .............................................................................................134
Creating data discs........................................................................................135
Making a disc label using LightScribe Technology .............................................136
Making a paper disc label..............................................................................137
Creating Movies by Using muvee autoProducer....................................139
Basic steps for making a movie .......................................................................139
Using muvee autoProducer ..................................................................................141
Getting started ..............................................................................................141
Capturing video from a digital video camera.................................................... 143
Adding videos...............................................................................................144
Adding pictures.............................................................................................146
Adding music................................................................................................ 147
Selecting the style ..........................................................................................147
Changing the settings.....................................................................................147
Making the movie.......................................................................................... 149
Previewing the movie .....................................................................................149
Modifying the movie ......................................................................................150
Saving the movie project ................................................................................151
Recording the movie project to disc .................................................................151
Upgrading muvee autoProducer ......................................................................153
Supported muvee autoProducer output file types ................................................153
Index...................................................................................................155
viii Getting Started (features vary by model)
Setting Up the Computer
WARNING: The power supply is preset for the country/region in which you
purchased your computer. If you move, please check the voltage requirements
for your new location before plugging the computer into an AC power outlet.
WARNING: Please read “Safety Information” in the Limited Warranty
and Support Guide before installing and connecting the computer to
the electrical power system.
Putting the Computer Together
Follow the steps on the setup poster to set up the computer. Read the topics in this section
to learn more about the location of components and connectors on the computer, and to
learn about some setup alternatives.
Look in the computer box for printed details or updates regarding the computer.
Placing the computer in the proper location
When setting up your new computer, place it where ventilation openings are unobstructed.
Make sure that all connections are secure and that all cabling is out of the way. Do not
place cabling in walkways or where it can be stepped on or damaged from placing
furniture on it.
Using surge protection
Help protect the monitor, computer, and accessories by connecting all power cords for the
computer and peripheral devices (such as a monitor, printer, or scanner) to a surge
protection device, such as a power strip with surge protection or an uninterruptible power
supply (UPS). Many surge protection devices have surge protection inputs and outputs for
modem or telephone lines. Telephone lines are a common path for lightning spikes to get
into the system. Some surge protection devices have surge protection for television cable
connections as well. Use those if the computer has a television tuner installed.
Setting Up the Computer 1
Not all power strips provide surge protection; the power strip must be specifically labeled
as having this capability. Use a power strip whose manufacturer offers a damage
replacement policy that replaces the equipment if surge protection fails.
Connecting to the computer
Connect the main hardware devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, and mouse, to the
back of the computer. Other peripheral devices, such as a printer, scanner, or camera,
also plug into connectors on the back of the computer. Some computers also have
connectors on the front of the computer. The following table shows some, but not all,
connectors:
NOTE:
Connector Icon/Label Description and function
The location, availability, and number of connectors on the computer may vary.
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 (features vary by model)
Serial
Serial port for some digital cameras or other
serial devices.
Connector Icon/Label Description and function (continued)
Audio Line Out (powered speakers).
Audio Line In.
Headphones.
Microphone.
FireWire
®
(IEEE 1394) for video cameras or other
devices with very fast transfer rates.
NOTE: You must use a 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394)
transfer cable with this 6-pin connector.
Digital audio in and digital audio out.
Side speaker out.
Rear speaker out.
Center/Subwoofer.
Setting Up the Computer 3
Connecting a Digital Camera (Photo or Video)
The following instructions apply only to digital photo cameras and digital video cameras.
NOTE: When connecting an analog video camera to the computer, use the Video and
Audio In connectors on the front or back of the computer.
Refer to the documentation that came with your digital photo camera or digital video
camera.
To connect a digital photo camera or a digital video camera:
®
1 Turn on the computer, and wait for the Microsoft
to start.
NOTE: If a Digital Video Device AutoPlay window appears when you connect the
camera, click Cancel.
2 Connect the 6-pin video camera transfer cable into the camera, and then into an open
port on the front or back of the computer. Most digital video cameras use either the
FireWire (IEEE 1394) port or the USB port.
Windows Vista® operating system
4 Getting Started (features vary by model)
3 A Found New Hardware message appears. Wait 2 or 3 minutes for Windows Vista to
make the necessary settings for the new device. When installation is complete, a
message appears, indicating that the camera is ready to use.
4 You may need to install driver software for your camera. If so, Windows displays a
message asking if you want to locate and install driver software. Insert the driver
software CD, click Locate and install driver software, and then follow any
onscreen instructions to install the software.
If the computer does not recognize the digital photo camera or the digital video camera:
1 Click the Windows Start Button
®
on the taskbar, and then click
Control Panel.
2 Click System and Maintenance, and then click System.
3 Click Device Manager.
4 Click the plus sign (+) next to the camera port. If the name of the camera appears, the
device is ready. If the name is not there, try the following:
Click Action, and then click Scan for hardware changes. Look in Device
Manager for a new addition under the port.
Unplug the video camera transfer cable from the computer, and plug it into a
different port. Look in Device Manager for a new addition under the port.
Setting Up the Computer 5
Connecting Other Devices
Other peripheral devices can be connected to the front or back of the computer by using
USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) ports. These peripheral devices include printers, scanners,
video cameras, digital photo cameras, memory card readers, and PDAs (personal digital
assistants) or handheld computers. Refer to the documentation that came with your device.
NOTE: Some peripheral devices are not included with the computer.
NOTE: You must use a 6-pin (not a 4-pin) FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable with the 6-pin
FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the computer.
Storing Documentation and Recovery Discs
Store all computer user manuals and warranty information in an easy-to-find, safe location.
It is a good idea to store the system recovery discs with the documentation. This allows
easy access to all important computer documents and files.
6 Getting Started (features vary by model)
Adjusting the Monitor
Adjusting the screen resolution by using Vista
To change the screen resolution by using Vista:
1 Right-click an empty area of the desktop, and then click Personalize.
2 Click Display Settings.
3 If necessary, select the monitor, and then adjust the screen resolution by using the
slider under Resolution.
4 Click Apply.
5 Click Yes, if it is present.
6 Click OK.
NOTE: You can connect more than one display device (CRT monitor, flat panel monitor,
TV, and so on) to the computer at a time (select models only). You can quickly change
which device displays the computer desktop by pressing Alt+F5. Each time you press
Alt+F5, the computer desktop appears on the next device. If pressing Alt+F5 does not
work, restart the computer and try again.
Adjusting the screen resolution by using the NVIDIA Control Panel
To change the screen resolution by using the NVIDIA Control Panel:
1 Right-click an empty area of the desktop, and then click NVIDIA Control Panel.
2 Select Standard or Advanced and then click OK.
3 Under Display, click Change resolution.
4 If necessary, select the display, and then adjust the screen resolution by using the
slider under Display resolution.
5 Click Apply, and then click Yes if you want to apply that resolution.
Or
Click No, and change the resolution by using the slider under Display resolution
again, click Apply and then click Yes.
Setting Up the Computer 7
Setting Up a Local Area Network
A home local area network (LAN) may consist of either a wired or a wireless network that
you can use to connect the computer to other devices on the network, including other
computers. The network components may include a hub or a switch, which can connect
multiple devices to the network, or a router, which can connect computers or a broadband
Internet connection to the network. This network connection also enables you to share data
and printers or other devices among your computers. The network connection to the
Internet is usually through a dial-up or cable modem.
A wired network uses Ethernet cables to connect the devices on the network. For example,
the Ethernet cable plugs into the computer network interface adapter and the router.
A wireless network uses radio waves to connect the devices on the network. For example,
both the computer and the router have an antenna and adapter that use the same
Wi-Fi industry standard: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a.
The preceding illustration shows a home LAN. The desktop computer has a wired
connection to a wireless router. The desktop computer also has a printer that it shares with
the other computers on the network. Each notebook computer has a wireless connection to
the network router.
8 Getting Started (features vary by model)
Setting Up a Wired (Ethernet) Connection
The Ethernet connection, which may be called network interface adapter, Network
Interface Card, or NIC, provides a high-speed or broadband connection to an
Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network. After you connect this interface to
a network, such as a LAN, you can connect to the Internet through the network.
1 Connect an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet connector (A) on the back of the computer,
and to the network router or LAN device.
NOTE: Your computer may not come with an Ethernet connector.
A Ethernet connector (RJ-45 port)
B Ethernet indicator lights
2 With the computer turned on, check the indicator lights (B) next to the Ethernet
connector for the status:
ACTIVITY — Lit yellow during network data transfer activity
LINK — Lit green when there is a valid network connection
NOTE: Your Ethernet connector may have only one indicator light.
Integrated Wireless Devices
Wireless technology transfers data across radio waves instead of wires. Your computer
may be equipped with one or more of the following integrated wireless devices:
Wireless local area network (WLAN) devices connect the computer to
wireless local area networks (commonly referred to as wireless networks, wireless
LANs, or WLANs) in corporate offices, your home, and public areas such as airports
and restaurants. In a WLAN, each mobile wireless device communicates with a
wireless access point, which can be several hundred feet away.
Computers with WLAN devices may support one or more of the four IEEE physical
layer industry standards: 802.11n, 802.11b, 802.11g, or 802.11a.
Bluetooth devices create a personal area network (PAN) to connect to other
Bluetooth-enabled devices such as computers, phones, printers, headsets, speakers,
and cameras. In a PAN, each device communicates directly with the other devices,
and the devices must be relatively close together—within 33 feet (10 meters) of each
other.
Setting Up the Computer 9
Wireless wide area network (WWAN) devices provide access to information
anytime and anywhere that you have cellular (data) coverage. In a WWAN, each
mobile device communicates to a public carrier’s base station. Public carriers install
networks of base stations (similar to cell phone towers) throughout large geographic
areas, effectively providing coverage across entire states, or even entire countries/
regions.
For more information about wireless technology, go to:
http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless
Connecting the Wireless LAN Device
(Select models only)
You can connect the computer to an 802.11n (select models only), 802.11b or
802.11g wireless network by using the external antenna that was included with the
system. This device enables you to establish a wireless network using the computer as a
wireless access point, or you can use the computer as a wireless client (Station Mode) if
you already have a wireless network running.
You need an existing wireless LAN with an Internet connection (consult your Internet
Service Provider for further information). An external antenna is supplied with the system;
you must connect it to the 802.11 module to increase the range and sensitivity of
the radio.
To connect the wireless LAN antenna:
1 Screw the wireless LAN antenna
cable into the wireless LAN
connector on the back of
the computer.
2 For the best wireless performance,
place the antenna on the computer
or in an elevated and open area.
NOTE: The appearance of your wireless antenna may vary.
Checking the wireless LAN device installation
To set up your wireless network, verify that the integrated WLAN device is installed on the
computer correctly:
1 Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.
2 Type Device Manager into the Start Search box, and then click Device Manager to
open the Device Manager window.
10 Getting Started (features vary by model)
3 Click Network adapters. Your WLAN device should be listed here. The WLAN
device may include the term wireless, wireless LAN, or 802.11.
NOTE: If no WLAN device is listed, either the computer does not have an integrated
WLAN device, or the driver for the device is not properly installed.
4 Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar.
5 Type Network and Sharing Center into the Start Search box, and then click Network
and Sharing Center to open the Network and Sharing Center window.
6 Click Connect to a network, and then follow onscreen instructions.
For more information about setting up a wireless network:
Click the Windows Start Button on the taskbar, click Help and Support,
and then type Setting up a wireless network into the Search Help box.
Go to: http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless (English only).
Go to: http://hp.com/support and search for wireless topics.
Using wireless security features
When you set up a home WLAN or access an existing public WLAN, always enable
security features to protect the network from unauthorized access. The most common
security levels are Wi-Fi Protected Access Personal (WPA-Personal) and Wired Equivalent
Privacy (WEP).
When setting up a network, Hewlett-Packard recommends that you use one or more of the
following security measures:
Enable WPA-Personal or WEP security encryption on the router.
Change the default network name (SSID) and password.
Set up a firewall.
Set security on your Web browser.
For more information about setting up wireless security features, go to:
http://www.hp.com/go/techcenter/wireless
Setting Up the Computer 11
Connecting a Modem
For information on connecting to the Internet, see “Connecting to the Internet” in this guide.
The modem is used for connecting to an ISP that provides a telephone dial-up connection
to the Internet.
NOTE: Your computer may not come with a modem.
Before you can use telephone dial-up to connect to the Internet and send or receive e-mail
and faxes, you must connect your telephone service line to the modem (A), which is on the
back of the computer (B). The setup poster shows you how to plug a modem/telephone
cable into the computer modem connector and into the telephone service line wall jack
connector.
A Modem connector
B Back of computer
12 Getting Started (features vary by model)
Connecting Speakers or Microphone
Speakers are included with the monitor (select models only), or they are sold separately.
NOTE: For product information on the HP Support Web site, go to:
http://www.hp.com/support
For details about connecting stereo speakers to the computer, see the setup poster.
NOTE: Speakers may be passive (no power button or power cord) or active (power button
or power cord). Your computer supports only active (powered) speaker systems; the
speaker system must have its own power cord.
A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system. A multichannel audio
speaker system is a system with more than two channels, and it may include a subwoofer.
For example, 5.1 channels, referred to as six-speaker mode, uses two front speakers
(left-right), two rear speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer.
If the computer has multichannel audio speaker capacity (select models only), you can
connect four channels for four-speaker output, or six channels for 5.1 speaker output.
Connect the speaker system to the computer, and then configure the audio software for
sound output.
Sound Connector Types
Your model may include one of three analog sound connector types on the back of
the computer:
Three connectors
Six connectors
Audio card
The connectors are 3.5 mm (1/8-inch) stereo mini-jacks that connect from the back of the
computer to speakers and microphones.
Connecting Speakers or Microphone 13
Your system may also have a separate Digital Out connector (select models only).
Software configuration is different for each connector type, as noted in the instructions.
NOTE:
Type 3 has three connectors.
Type 6 has six connectors.
Type S has audio card.
Sound connector Illustration Type
Three
connectors
Six
connectors
Audio card
connector
Your computer model may include
three sound connectors. You can
connect up to a 5.1 audio system to the
computer.
Your computer model may include six
sound connectors on the back of your
computer. You can connect up to a
7.1 audio system to the computer.
Your computer may include a audio
card. You can connect up to a
5.1 audio system (7.1 audio system for
select models) or digital speakers to the
audio card on the computer.
See the following
illustrations.
3
6
S
When installing cables, use the sound connectors that match your computer model, as
shown in the installation procedure steps.
14 Getting Started (features vary by model)
The following table shows the sound connectors on the back panel of computer systems.
Sound connector
Type 3 Type 6 Type S Description
Line Side (gray) connects to side left and right
analog speakers in an eight-speaker system (7.1).
Line C/Sub (gold) connects to front center/
subwoofer speakers in a multichannel audio
configuration.
Line Rear (black) connects to rear left and right
analog speakers in a multichannel audio
configuration.
Line Out (lime green) connects to front left and right
analog speakers.
Mic (pink) connects to a microphone.
(Type 3 also functions as center/subwoofer Line Out
when a multichannel audio configuration is enabled.)
Line In (light blue) connects to an analog audio
device such as a CD player for input into computer.
(Type 3 also functions as rear Line Out when a
multichannel audio configuration is enabled.)
Digital Audio Out or SPDIF Out (orange)
connects to a digital audio device with digital input
(such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or to
digital speakers (select models only).
FlexiJack (pink) connects to analog Line In devices
or a microphone.
The FlexiJack supports two functions. You must select
either the microphone or the Line In function in the
Creative Console Launcher. See “Configuring the
FlexiJack connector.”
Connecting Speakers or Microphone 15
Sound connector (continued)
Type 3 Type 6 Type S Description
FlexiJack (blue) connects to analog Line In devices
or a microphone.
The FlexiJack supports two functions. You must select
either the microphone or the Line In function in the
Creative Console Launcher. See “Configuring the
FlexiJack connector.”
Optical In (optical SPDIF input) connects recording
devices such as a mini disc recorder, digital audio
tape recorder, or external hard disk recorder.
Optical Out (optical SPDIF output) connects
playback devices such as a mini disc player, digital
audio tape player, or DVD player.
NOTE:
Type 3 has three connectors.
Type 6 has six connectors.
Type S has audio card.
Connecting a Microphone
Your computer comes with one microphone connector in the back of the computer. Some
models have a second microphone connector in the front of the computer. Only one
microphone connector works at a time, and the back connector is ready to use unless you
have the multichannel audio speakers option. For computers with the multichannel audio
speakers option, the microphone connector in the front of the computer, if present, is ready
to use.
To use a microphone connected to the front of your computer (select models only), select
the working microphone. See “Selecting a microphone.”
HP computers support many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker
configurations. You may set up your computer for two stereo speakers or for multichannel
audio speaker systems. Connect your speaker system to the computer, and then configure
the audio software for sound output. For more details about connecting stereo speakers to
the computer, see the setup poster.
16 Getting Started (features vary by model)
This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system may have different
components.
Speakers are included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately.
NOTE: For additional information on connecting the speakers, refer to the setup poster
that came with the computer and the documentation that came with your speakers.
Speaker Configurations
You may set up your computer for the following supported configurations:
Name Speaker system See
Headphones None, muted. “Connecting Headphones.”
2 (stereo) Left speaker, right speaker. “Connecting 2/2.1 (Two speakers and
a subwoofer) audio speakers.”
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 2/2.1 (Two speakers and
a subwoofer) audio speakers.”
“Connecting 4.1 (Four speakers and a
subwoofer) audio speakers.”
“Connecting 5.1 (Five speakers and a
subwoofer) audio speakers.”
“Connecting 7.1 (Seven speakers and
a subwoofer) audio speakers.”
“Connecting your home stereo system
(optional).”
“Connecting digital audio.”
“Configuring multistreaming audio.”
Connecting Speakers or Microphone 17
Speaker types
Speakers may be included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately.
Refer to the product documentation for your speakers.
Your computer 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 2/2.1 (Two speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers
To connect simple left/right stereo active speakers or two speakers and a subwoofer for
two-channel (2.1 speaker) output:
1 Turn off the computer.
2 Connect the speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches
the back of your computer.
36S
NOTE:
Type 3 is three connectors.
Type 6 is six connectors.
Type S is sound card.
3 Connect the cable to the audio system. For 2.1 speakers that were shipped with your
computer (select models only), connect the Audio Line Out connector to the subwoofer.
4 Connect the left and right speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker
documentation.
5 Turn on the computer.
NOTE: Always turn on the computer before you turn on the speaker system.
6 Plug in the speaker system power.
7 Turn on the speaker system.
18 Getting Started (features vary by model)
Step 8 is optional for a two-speaker setup.
8 After the speakers are connected to the computer, configure the audio software for
sound output for your computer model. See “Connecting Speakers or Microphone.”
Type 3: See “Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager.”
Type 6: See “Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager.”
Type S (audio card): See “Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi or X-Fi Fatality
audio card.”
The following diagram shows a typical 2.1 audio installation:
Connecting 4.1 (Four 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 computer.
2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that
matches the back of your computer.
36S
NOTE:
Type 3 is three connectors.
Type 6 is six connectors.
Type S is sound card.
3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector that matches the back of
your computer.
36S
For type 3-connector systems, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a Rear Line
Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.
Connecting Speakers or Microphone 19
4 Connect the cables to the audio system.
5 Connect the front and rear speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker
documentation.
6 Turn on the computer.
NOTE: Always turn on the computer before you turn on the speaker system.
7 Plug in the speaker system power.
8 Turn on the speaker system.
9 After the speakers are connected to the computer, configure the audio software for
sound output for your computer model. See “Configuring Speaker and Sound
Options.”
Type 3: See “Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager.”
Type 6: See “Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager.”
Type S (audio card): See “Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi or X-Fi Fatality
audio card.”
The following diagram shows a typical 4.1 audio installation:
Connecting 5.1 (Five 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 computer.
2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector that
matches the back of your computer.
36S
NOTE:
Type 3 is three connectors.
Type 6 is six connectors.
Type S is sound card.
20 Getting Started (features vary by model)
3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black connector that matches the back of
your computer.
36S
For type 3-connector systems, 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 computer.
36S
For type 3-connector systems, 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 computer.
NOTE: Always turn on the computer before you turn on the speaker system.
8 Plug in the speaker system power.
9 Turn on the speaker system.
10 After the speakers are connected to the computer, configure the audio software for
sound output for your computer model. See “Configuring Speaker and Sound
Options.”
Type 3: See “Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager.”
Type 6: See “Configuring speakers with Realtek HD Audio Manager.”
Type 6 — multistreaming: See “Configuring multistreaming audio.”
Type S (audio card): See “Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi or X-Fi Fatality
audio card.”
Connecting Speakers or Microphone 21
The following diagram shows a typical 5.1 audio installation:
Connecting 7.1 (Seven speakers and a subwoofer) audio speakers
(Select models only)
To connect two front speakers, two side speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker,
and a subwoofer for eight-channel (7.1 speaker) output:
1 Turn off the computer.
2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime green Audio Line Out connector on the
back of your computer.
3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black Audio Line Rear connector on the back of
your computer.
4 For type 6 connectors only, connect the side speaker cable to the gray Audio Line Side
connector on the back of your computer.
5 Connect the center speaker and subwoofer speaker cable to the gold Audio
Line C/Sub connector on the back of your computer.
22 Getting Started (features vary by model)
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