HP (Hewlett-Packard) dv4-2045dx, dv4-2145dx User Manual

Multimedia

User Guide

Windows is a U.S. registered trademark 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.

Second Edition: August 2009

First Edition: August 2009

Document Part Number: 539977-002

Product notice

This user guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.

Table of contents

1 Multimedia features

Identifying your multimedia components .............................................................................................. 2

Using the MediaSmart button (select models only) .............................................................................. 3

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

Using the media activity hotkeys .......................................................................................................... 5

2 Multimedia software

Using HP MediaSmart software ........................................................................................................... 6

Using other preinstalled multimedia software ....................................................................................... 7

Installing multimedia software from a disc ............................................................................................ 7

3 Audio

Connecting external audio devices ...................................................................................................... 9

Checking your audio functions ............................................................................................................. 9

4 Video

Connecting an external monitor or projector ...................................................................................... 10

Connecting an HDMI device ............................................................................................................... 11

Watching TV (select models only) ...................................................................................................... 12

5 Optical drive

Identifying the installed optical drive ................................................................................................... 14

Using optical discs .............................................................................................................................. 15

Selecting the right disc ....................................................................................................................... 16

Playing music ..................................................................................................................................... 18

Watching a movie ............................................................................................................................... 19

Changing DVD region settings ........................................................................................................... 20

Creating or “burning” a CD or DVD .................................................................................................... 21

Removing an optical disc (CD or DVD) .............................................................................................. 22

Configuring audio for HDMI ............................................................................................... 12

CD-R discs ......................................................................................................................... 16

CD-RW discs ..................................................................................................................... 16

DVD±R discs ..................................................................................................................... 16

DVD±RW discs .................................................................................................................. 16

LightScribe DVD+R discs .................................................................................................. 17

Blu-ray Disc ....................................................................................................................... 17

6 Webcam

iii

7 Troubleshooting

The optical disc tray does not open for removal of a CD or DVD ....................................................... 24

The computer does not detect the optical drive ................................................................................. 25

A disc does not play ........................................................................................................................... 25

A disc does not play automatically ..................................................................................................... 26

A DVD movie stops, skips, or plays erratically ................................................................................... 26

A DVD movie is not visible on an external display ............................................................................. 27

The process of burning a disc does not begin, or it stops before completion .................................... 27

A DVD playing in Windows Media Player produces no sound or display ........................................... 27

A device driver must be reinstalled .................................................................................................... 28

Obtaining the latest HP device drivers ............................................................................... 29

Obtaining the latest Windows device drivers ..................................................................... 29

Index ................................................................................................................................................................... 30

1 Multimedia features

Your computer includes multimedia features that allow you to listen to music, watch movies, and view pictures. Your computer may include the following multimedia components:

Optical drive for playing audio and video discs

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Integrated speakers for listening to music

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Integrated microphone for recording your own audio

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Integrated webcam that allows you to capture and share video

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Preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play and manage your music, movies, and

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pictures

Multimedia buttons and hotkeys that provide fast access to multimedia tasks

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NOTE: Your computer may not include all of the components listed.

The following sections explain how to identify and use the multimedia components included with your computer.

Identifying your multimedia components

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

Component Description

(1) Internal digital dual array microphones (2) Record sound.

(2) Webcam light Turns on when video software accesses the webcam.

(3) Webcam Captures video.

(4) Speakers (2) Produce sound.

(5) TV antenna/cable jack (select models only) Connects a TV antenna, a digital cable device, or a satellite device

(6) Audio-out (headphone) jacks (2) Produce sound when connected to optional powered stereo

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

2 Chapter 1 Multimedia features

that receives standard or high-definition TV broadcasts.

speakers, headphones, earbuds, a headset, or television audio.

WARNING! To reduce the risk of personal injury, adjust the

volume before putting on headphones, earbuds, or a headset. For additional safety information, refer to the Regulatory, Safety and

Environmental Notices.

NOTE: When a device is connected to the headphone jack, the

computer speakers are disabled.

microphone, or monaural microphone.

Component Description

(8) Volume mute button Mutes and restores speaker sound.

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

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

Using the MediaSmart button (select models only)

The function of the MediaSmart button varies by model and installed software. With this button, you can watch movies, listen to music, and view pictures.

Pressing the MediaSmart button launches the HP MediaSmart program.

NOTE: If the computer has been set up to require a logon password, you may be asked to log on to

Windows. MediaSmart launches after you log on. Refer to Help and Support for more information.

Using the MediaSmart button (select models only) 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 (1).

◦

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

◦

the volume down button (2).

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

◦

the volume up button (3).

Windows® volume control:

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a. Click the Speakers 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. Click the Mute

Speakers icon to mute the volume.

– or –

a. Right-click the Speakers icon in the notification area, and then click Open Volume Mixer.

b. In the Speakers column, increase or decrease the volume by moving the slider up or down.

You can also mute the volume by clicking the Mute Speakers icon.

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

a. Right-click the Show hidden icons icon (the arrow at the left side of the notification area).

b. Click Customize notification icons.

c. Under Behaviors, select Show icon and notifications for the Volume icon.

d. Click OK.

Program volume control:

●

Volume can also be adjusted within some programs.

4 Chapter 1 Multimedia features

Using the media activity hotkeys

A media activity hotkey is a combination of the fn key (1) and a function key (2).

When an audio CD or a DVD is not playing, press fn+f9 (3) to play the disc.

●

When an audio CD or a DVD is playing, use the following hotkeys:

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To pause or resume playing the disc, press fn+f9 (3).

◦

To stop the disc, press fn+f10 (4).

◦

To play the previous track of an audio CD or the previous chapter of a DVD, press fn+f11

◦

(5).

To play the next track of an audio CD or the next chapter of a DVD, press fn+f12 (6).

◦

Using the media activity hotkeys 5

2 Multimedia software

Your computer includes preinstalled multimedia software that allows you to play music, watch movies, and view pictures. The following sections provide details about MediaSmart and other preinstalled multimedia software.

Using HP MediaSmart software

MediaSmart turns your computer into a mobile entertainment center. With MediaSmart, you can enjoy music and DVD movies. You can also play and sing along with karaoke CDs and view and record live TV (select models only). MediaSmart includes the following features:

Internet TV—Classic oldies, a range of TV shows and channels, as well as the HP-TV channel

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streamed in full-screen to computers with an Internet connection.

Playlist upload support:

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Upload your MediaSmart photo playlists to Internet photo albums, such as Snapfish.

◦

Upload your MediaSmart video playlists to YouTube.

◦

Export your MediaSmart playlist to the CyberLink DVD Suite.

◦

Pandora Internet radio (North America only)—Listen to music selected just for you, streamed from

●

the Internet.

To start MediaSmart:

Press the MediaSmart button on your computer.

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For more information on using MediaSmart, refer to Help and Support.

6 Chapter 2 Multimedia software

Using other preinstalled multimedia software

To locate other preinstalled multimedia software:

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.

Installing multimedia software from a disc

To install any multimedia software from a CD or DVD, follow these steps:

1. Insert the disc into the optical drive.

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

3. Restart the computer if you are prompted to do so.

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

manufacturer’s instructions, which may be provided on disc, in the software Help, or on the manufacturer's Web site.

Using other preinstalled multimedia software 7

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