HP Compaq Presario V6000T CTO, Compaq Presario V6100 CTO, Compaq Presario V6102EA, Compaq Presario V6104NR, Compaq Presario V6104US Multimedia Guide

Multimedia

User Guide

© Copyright 2006 Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.

Microsoft and Windows are U.S. registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.

The information contained herein is subject
to change without notice. The only
warranties for HP products and services are
set forth in the express warranty 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.

First Edition: September 2006

Document Part Number: 430100-001

Table of contents

1 Using multimedia hardware

Using the audio features ...................................................................................................................... 1

Using the audio-in (microphone) jack .................................................................................. 3

Using the audio-out (headphone) jack ................................................................................. 3

Using S/PDIF digital audio (select models only) .................................................................. 3

Adjusting the volume ........................................................................................................... 4

Using the QuickPlay buttons ................................................................................................................ 5

Media button—QuickPlay installed ...................................................................................... 5

Media button—QuickPlay not installed ................................................................................ 5

DVD button—QuickPlay installed ........................................................................................ 6

DVD button—QuickPlay not installed .................................................................................. 6

Using the video features ....................................................................................................................... 7

Using the external monitor port ............................................................................................ 7

Using the S-Video-out jack .................................................................................................. 8

Using the camera (select models only) ................................................................................................ 9

Capturing and streaming video .......................................................................................... 10

Capturing video ................................................................................................. 10

Streaming video with an instant message program .......................................... 10

Taking still photographs with the integrated camera ......................................................... 11

Adjusting camera properties .............................................................................................. 11

Using an optical drive ......................................................................................................................... 13

Identifying the installed optical drive .................................................................................. 13

Inserting an optical disc ..................................................................................................... 13

Removing an optical disc when running on battery or external power .............................. 14

Removing an optical disc when no computer power is available ....................................... 15

Using the media activity functions ...................................................................................................... 16

Using the media activity hotkeys ....................................................................................... 16

Using the media activity buttons (select models only) ....................................................... 17

Previous/rewind button ...................................................................................... 17

Play/pause button ............................................................................................. 17

Next/fast forward button .................................................................................... 18

Stop button ........................................................................................................ 18

2 Working with multimedia software

Opening preinstalled multimedia software ......................................................................................... 20

Installing multimedia software from a disc .......................................................................................... 20

Using multimedia software ................................................................................................................. 20

Preventing playback disruptions ......................................................................................................... 21

Changing DVD region settings ........................................................................................................... 22

ENWW iii

Observing the copyright warning ........................................................................................................ 22

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 23

iv ENWW

1 Using multimedia hardware

Using the audio features

The following illustration and table describe the audio features of the computer.

NOTE Your computer may look slightly different from the illustration in this section.

Component Description

(1) Internal microphones (2) (select models only) Record sound.

NOTE A microphone icon next to each microphone

opening indicates that the computer has internal
microphones.

(2) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(3) Audio-in (microphone) jack Connects an optional computer headset microphone, stereo array

microphone, or monaural microphone.

(4) Audio-out (headphone) jack Connect optional powered stereo speakers, headphones, ear

ENWW Using the audio features 1

buds, a headset, or television audio.

Component Description

(5) Audio-out (headphone) S/PDIF jack (select

models only)

(6) Volume mute button Mutes and restores computer sound.

(7) Volume scroll zone Adjusts speaker volume. Slide your finger to the left to decrease

Provides enhanced audio performance, including surround sound
and other high-end audio output.

volume and to the right to increase volume. You can also tap the
minus sign on the scroll zone to decrease volume, or you can tap
the plus sign on the scroll zone to increase volume.

2 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Using the audio-in (microphone) jack

The computer is equipped with a stereo (dual-channel) microphone jack that supports an optional stereo
array or monaural microphone. Using sound recording software with external microphones allows for
stereo recordings.

When connecting a microphone to the microphone jack, use a microphone with a 3.5-mm plug.

Using the audio-out (headphone) jack

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the volume before putting on

headphones, earbuds, or a headset.

CAUTION To prevent possible damage to an external device, do not plug a single sound

channel (monaural) connector into the headphone jack.

In addition to connecting headphones, the headphone jack is used to connect the audio input function
of an audio/video device such as a television or VCR.

When connecting a device to the headphone jack, use only a 3.5-mm stereo plug.

When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the speakers are disabled.

Using S/PDIF digital audio (select models only)

S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interface) or digital audio provides enhanced audio performance, including
surround sound and other high-end audio output.

For digital audio connections, connect the S/PDIF digital audio plug to the digital audio connector on
your audio/video equipment.

NOTE In order to use S/PDIF with the headphone jack, you will need an optional mini TOS link

cable and/or adapter.

ENWW Using the audio features 3

Adjusting the volume

You can adjust the volume using the following controls:

Computer volume buttons:

●

To mute or restore volume, press the mute button.

●

To decrease volume, slide your finger across the volume scroll zone from right to left.

●

To increase volume, slide your finger across the volume scroll zone from left to right.

●

Microsoft® Windows® volume control:

●

a. Click the Volume icon in the notification area, at the far right of the taskbar.

b. Increase or decrease the volume by moving the slider up or down. Select the Mute check box

to mute the volume.

– or –

a. Double-click the Volume icon in the notification area.

b. In the Master Volume column, you can increase or decrease the column by moving the

Volume slider up or down. You can also adjust the balance or mute the volume.

If the Volume icon is not displayed in the notification area, follow these steps to add it:

a. Select Start > Control Panel > Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices > Sounds and Audio

Devices.

b. Click the Volume tab.

c. Select the Place volume icon in the taskbar check box.

d. Click Apply.

Program volume control:

●

Volume can also be adjusted within some programs.

4 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Using the QuickPlay buttons

Media button and DVD button (select models only) functions vary, depending on the software installed
on your computer.

The media button (1) and the DVD button (2) allow you to listen to music, play DVDs, and watch movies
with the touch of a button.

Media button—QuickPlay installed

Computer power state Media button function

On or off Opens a music program or the Media menu so that you can

Standby Exits standby.

select a multimedia program.

NOTE Press the power button to exit the

program.

Media button—QuickPlay not installed

Computer power state Media button function

On Opens the default media player.

Off None.

Standby Exits standby.

NOTE The media button does not affect the restoration from hibernation.

ENWW Using the QuickPlay buttons 5

DVD button—QuickPlay installed

Computer power state DVD button function

On Opens the default DVD program so that you can play a DVD

Off Opens QuickPlay so that you can play a DVD in the optical

Standby Exits standby.

in the optical drive.

NOTE Press the power button to exit the

program.

drive.

NOTE Press the power button to exit QuickPlay.

DVD button—QuickPlay not installed

Computer power state DVD button function

On Opens the default DVD program so that you can play a DVD

Off None.

Standby Exits standby.

NOTE The DVD button does not affect the restoration from hibernation.

in the optical drive.

6 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Using the video features

Using the external monitor port

The external monitor port connects an external display device, such as a television, an external monitor,
or a projector, to the computer.

To connect a display device, connect the device cable to the external monitor port.

NOTE If a properly connected external display device does not display an image, press fn+f4

to transfer the image to the device.

ENWW Using the video features 7

Using the S-Video-out jack

The 7-pin S-Video-out jack connects the computer to an optional S-Video device such as a television,
VCR, camcorder, overhead projector, or video capture card.

To transmit video signals through the S-Video-out jack, you need an S-Video cable, available from most
electronics retailers. If you are combining audio and video functions, such as playing a DVD movie on
your computer and displaying it on your television, you also need a standard audio cable, available from
most electronics retailers, to connect to the headphone jack.

The computer can support one S-Video device connected to the S-Video-out jack, while simultaneously
supporting an image on the computer display or on any other supported external display.

NOTE The S-Video connection provides a higher quality image than a composite-video

connection.

To connect a video device to the S-Video-out jack:

1. Plug one end of the S-Video cable into the S-Video-out jack on the computer.

NOTE If the S-Video-out jack on the computer is not accessible because the computer is

docked in an optional docking device, connect the S-Video cable to the S-Video-out jack on
the docking device.

2. Plug the other end of the cable into the video device, as instructed in the user guide included with

the device.

3. Press the fn+f4 keys to switch the image between display devices connected to the computer.

8 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Using the camera (select models only)

Select computer models include an integrated camera, located on the top of the display. The camera
can be used with a variety of software for the following functions:

Capturing video.

●

Streaming video with instant message software.

●

Taking still photos.

●

The camera light (1) turns on when video software accesses the camera (2).

For optimum performance, observe the following guidelines while using the integrated camera:

Be sure that you have the latest version of an instant message program before attempting a video

●

conversation.

Your integrated camera may not work properly across some network firewalls. If you are having

●

trouble viewing or sending video to someone on another LAN or outside your network firewall,
contact your network administrator for assistance.

Whenever possible, place bright light sources behind the camera and out of the picture area.

●

ENWW Using the camera (select models only) 9

Capturing and streaming video

To illustrate how each camera feature works, the following examples use specific software, not available
on all computers. Select Start > All Programs to locate the video software installed on your computer,
and refer to the individual program's online Help for further information.

Capturing video

You can capture video for playback at a later time. The following example uses MovieMaker software:

1. Select Start > Programs > Windows MovieMaker.

2. Click Capture from Video Device. The Video Capture Wizard opens.

3. Click the listing for the integrated camera from the list of available devices.

4. Check the microphone and camera settings, and adjust if necessary.

5. Click Next.

6. Select the file name and path where you want to save the video file, and then click Next.

7. Select the video settings, and then click Next.

8. Click Start Capture. When you finish recording, click Stop Capture.

9. Click Finish to save the video file and close the wizard.

Streaming video with an instant message program

You can send real-time video through an instant message program. The following example uses
Windows Messenger:

1. Open Windows Messenger by double-clicking the icon in the notification area, at the far right of the

taskbar.

2. Sign in to Windows Messenger.

3. Select Actions > Voice/Video > Start a Video Conversation.

4. Click the name of the person you want to connect with, and then click OK. An instant message

window is displayed, and the camera image is displayed next to the message area.

5. If the Audio and Video Tuning Wizard opens, follow the instructions to adjust your camera and

microphone settings.

10 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Taking still photographs with the integrated camera

1. Select Start > Control Panel > Scanners and Cameras.

2. Double-click the listing for the integrated camera, and then click Next.

3. Click Take Picture.

4. Follow the directions on the Picture wizard to select any of the following options:

Publish the pictures to a Web site.

●

Order prints of the pictures.

●

Save the pictures on your computer.

●

Adjusting camera properties

You can adjust the following camera properties:

Brightness—Controls the amount of light that is incorporated into the image. A higher brightness

●

setting creates a brighter image; a lower brightness setting creates a darker image.

Contrast—Controls the difference between lighter and darker areas on the image. A higher contrast

●

setting intensifies the image; a lower contrast setting maintains more of the original information’s
dynamic range but leads to a flatter image.

Hue—Controls the aspect of color that distinguishes it from another color (what makes a color red,

●

green, or blue). Hue is distinct from saturation, which measures the intensity of the hue.

Saturation—Controls the strength of color in the final image. A higher saturation setting creates a

●

bolder image; a lower saturation setting creates a more subtle image.

Sharpness—Controls the definition of edges in an image. A higher sharpness setting creates a

●

more defined image; a lower sharpness setting creates a softer image.

Gamma—Controls the contrast affecting the mid-level grays or midtones of an image. Adjusting

●

the gamma of an image allows you to change brightness values of the middle range of gray tones
without dramatically altering the shadows and highlights. A lower Gamma setting makes greys look
black, and makes dark colors even darker.

White Balance—Controls the color temperature of the dominant light sources. This enables white

●

objects in the image to appear truly white. The white balance settings in the Properties dialog box
are displayed as WB (Red) and WB (Blue). A higher white balance setting increases the
concentration of the color (red or blue); a lower white balance setting decreases the concentration
of the selected color.

Exposure—Controls the relative amount of light that enters the camera sensor. A higher exposure

●

setting allows more light; a lower exposure setting allows less light.

Gain—Controls the intensity range, thus altering the color contrast of the image. A higher gain

●

setting stretches the intensity range; a lower gain setting shrinks the intensity.

Light Source—Controls the settings to adjust the camera exposure for the ambient light.

●

Flip—Reverses the captured image vertically.

●

Mirror—Reverses the captured image horizontally.

●

ENWW Using the camera (select models only) 11

Privacy—Turns off the capture function.

●

Low Light—Lowers the frame rate automatically in a poor lighting environment to maintain the

●

brightness of the captured image.

The Properties dialog box is accessible from various programs that use the integrated camera, usually
from a configuration, settings, or properties menu.

12 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Using an optical drive

Depending on the type of optical drive and software installed on your computer, the optical drive plays,
copies, and creates CDs or DVDs.

Identifying the installed optical drive

Select Start > My Computer.

▲

The type of optical drive installed in the computer is displayed under Devices with Removable
Storage.

Inserting an optical disc

1. Turn on the computer.

2. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the media tray.

3. Pull out the tray (2).

4. Hold the disc by the edges to avoid touching the flat surfaces and position the disc label-side up

over the tray spindle.

NOTE If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully to position it over the spindle.

5. Gently press the disc (3) down onto the tray spindle until the disc snaps into place.

6. Close the media tray.

NOTE After you insert a disc, a short pause is normal. If you have not selected a media player,

an AutoPlay dialog box opens. It prompts you to select how you want to use the media content.

ENWW Using an optical drive 13

Removing an optical disc when running on battery or external power

1. Press the release button (1) on the drive bezel to release the media tray, and then gently pull out

the tray (2) until it stops.

2. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer

edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.

NOTE If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it.

3. Close the media tray and place the disc in a protective case.

14 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Removing an optical disc when no computer power is available

1. Insert the end of a paper clip (1) into the release access in the front bezel of the drive.

2. Press in gently on the paper clip until the tray is released, and then pull out the tray (2) until it stops.

3. Remove the disc (3) from the tray by gently pressing down on the spindle while lifting the outer

edges of the disc. Hold the disc by the edges and avoid touching the flat surfaces.

NOTE If the tray is not fully accessible, tilt the disc carefully as you remove it.

4. Close the media tray and place the disc in a protective case.

ENWW Using an optical drive 15

Using the media activity functions

The media activity hotkeys and the media activity buttons (select models only) control the play of an
audio CD or a DVD that is inserted into the optical drive.

Using the media activity hotkeys

A media activity hotkey is a combination of the fn key (1) and a function key.

NOTE To control the play of an inserted video disc, use the media activity controls in your video

disc player program.

To play, pause, or resume an audio CD or a DVD, press fn+f9 (2).

●

To stop an audio CD or a DVD that is playing, press fn+f10 (3).

●

To play the previous track of an audio CD or the previous chapter of a DVD that is playing,

●

press fn+f11 (4).

To play the next track of an audio CD or the next chapter of a DVD that is playing, press fn+f12

●

(5).

16 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

Using the media activity buttons (select models only)

The following illustration and tables describe the functions of the media activity buttons when a disc is
in the optical drive.

Previous/rewind button (1)

●

Play/pause button (2)

●

Next/fast forward button (3)

●

Stop button (4)

●

Previous/rewind button

Disc status Button Function

Playing Previous/rewind button Plays a previous track or chapter.

Playing fn + previous/rewind button Rewinds the playback.

Play/pause button

Disc status Button Function

Not playing Play/pause button Plays the disc.

Playing Play/pause button Pauses the playback.

ENWW Using the media activity functions 17

Next/fast forward button

Disc status Button Function

Playing Next/fast forward button Plays the next track or chapter.

Playing fn + next/fast forward button Fast forwards the playback.

Stop button

Disc status Button Function

Playing Stop button Stops the playback.

18 Chapter 1 Using multimedia hardware ENWW

2 Working with multimedia software

The computer includes preinstalled multimedia software. Some computer models also include additional
multimedia software on an optical disc.

Depending on the hardware and software included with the computer, the following multimedia tasks
may be supported:

Playing digital media, including audio and video CDs, audio and video DVDs, and Internet radio

●

Creating or copying data CDs

●

Creating, editing, and burning audio CDs

●

Creating, editing, and burning a video or movie to a DVD or video CD

●

CAUTION To prevent loss of information or damage to a disc:

Before writing to a disc, connect the computer to a reliable external power source. Do not write
to a disc while the computer is running on battery power.

Before writing to a disc, close all open programs except the disc software you are using.

Do not copy directly from a source disc to a destination disc or from a network drive to a
destination disc. Instead, copy from a source disc or network drive to your hard drive, and then
copy from your hard drive to the destination disc.

Do not use the computer keyboard or move the computer while the computer is writing to a disc.
The write process is sensitive to vibration.

NOTE For information about using software included with the computer, refer to the software

manufacturer's instructions that may be provided on disc, as online Help files, or on the software
manufacturer's Web site.

ENWW 19

Opening preinstalled multimedia software

1. Select Start > All Programs.

2. Click the program that you want to open.

Installing multimedia software from a disc

1. Insert the disc into your optical drive.

2. When the installation wizard opens, follow the on-screen instructions.

3. Restart the computer if prompted to do so.

Using multimedia software

1. Select Start > All Programs, and then open the multimedia program you want to use. For example,

if you want to use Windows Media Player to play an audio CD, click Windows Media Player.

NOTE Some programs may be located in subfolders.

2. Insert the media disc, such as an audio CD, into the optical drive.

3. Follow the instructions on the screen.

– or –

1. Insert the media disc, such as an audio CD, into the optical drive.

An AutoPlay dialog box opens.

2. Click a multimedia task from the list of tasks.

NOTE The AutoPlay dialog box allows you to select a multimedia program for the media

disc. After you select a program from the list, click the Always do the selected action box.

3. Click OK.

20 Chapter 2 Working with multimedia software ENWW

Preventing playback disruptions

To reduce the possibility of playback disruption:

Save your work and close all open programs before playing a CD or a DVD.

●

Do not connect or disconnect hardware while playing a disc.

●

Do not initiate standby or hibernation while playing a disc. Otherwise, you may see the warning message
“Putting the computer into hibernation or standby might stop the playback. Do you want to continue?”
If this message is displayed, click No. After you click No:

Playback may resume.

●

– or –

Playback may stop and the screen may clear. To return to playing the CD or DVD, press the power

●

button and then restart the disc.

ENWW Preventing playback disruptions 21

Changing DVD region settings

Most DVDs that contain copyrighted files also contain region codes. The region codes help protect
copyrights internationally.

You can play a DVD containing a region code only if the region code on the DVD matches the region
setting on your DVD drive.

CAUTION The region settings on your DVD drive can be changed only 5 times.

The region setting you select the fifth time becomes the permanent region setting on the DVD
drive.

The number of allowable region changes remaining on the drive is displayed in the Changes
remaining box on the DVD Region tab. The number in the field includes the fifth and permanent
change.

To change settings through the operating system:

1. Select Start > My Computer.

2. Right-click in the window and select Properties > Hardware tab > Device Manager.

3. Click DVD/CD-ROM drives, right-click the DVD drive for which you want to change region settings,

and then click Properties.

4. Make the desired changes on the DVD Region tab.

5. Click OK.

Observing the copyright warning

It is a criminal offense, under applicable copyright laws, to make unauthorized copies of copyright­protected material, including computer programs, films, broadcasts, and sound recordings. Do not use
this computer for such purposes.

22 Chapter 2 Working with multimedia software ENWW

Index

A

audio features 1
audio-in (microphone) jack 1, 3
audio-out (headphone) jack 1, 3

B

button

Media 5

buttons

DVD 5
next/fast forward 17
play/pause 17
previous/rewind 17
stop 17
volume mute 2, 4

C

camera

capturing video 10
identifying 9
properties 11
taking still photographs 11

CD

inserting 13
playing 21
protecting 19
removing, with power 14
removing, without power 15
writing to 19

copyright warning 22

D

DVD

changing region setting 22
inserting 13
playing 21
protecting 19
removing, with power 14
removing, without power 15
writing to 19

DVD button 5
DVD region settings 22

E

earbuds 1
external monitor port 7

H

headphones 1

J

jacks

audio-in (microphone) 1, 3
audio-out (headphone) 1, 3
S-Video-out 8

M

media activity buttons 17
media activity hotkeys 16
Media button 5
microphones, supported 3
monitor, connecting 7
multimedia software

described 19
using 20

mute button 2, 4

O

optical disc

inserting 13
removing, with power 14
removing, without power 15
writing to 19

optical drive

playing 21
protecting 19

P

ports

external monitor 7

programs

multimedia 19

using 20
projector, connecting 7
protecting playback 21

Q

QuickPlay 5
QuickPlay buttons 5

R

region codes, DVD 22

S

S-Video-out jack 8
S/PDIF digital audio 3
software

multimedia 19

using 20
speakers 1

T

TV 3

V

VCR 3
volume mute button 2, 4
volume scroll zone 2, 4
volume, adjusting 4

ENWW Index 23