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®
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This guide can help you get started using your new
HP Media Center PC. You may want to browse
some of the other documentation that came with
your HP Media Center PC.
1 Read the “Safety Information” section in the
documentation that came with your PC.
2 Identify the items included with your HP Media
Center PC.
PC Setup Tips
Before Getting Started
w
3 Follow the setup information that came with
your PC to connect your PC.
4 Read this guide for information about using
your HP Media Center PC.
A warning describes
information you need
to avoid possible
personal injury
or damage to
equipment or data.
Read and follow all
warnings.
Choosing a PC setup location
If you intend to connect your PC to your TV, a set-top
box, or a surround sound system, HP recommends
that you choose a clear working area with easy
access to the connectors of these devices. If your TV
is wall-mounted, make sure that you have access to
the rear ports on the TV before attempting to
connect it to the PC.
Choosing a display
HP recommends using a PC monitor to initially set
up the PC because it may be difficult to view text
and images on a TV due to the higher resolution of
Microsoft
Using additional video cables
If you plan to connect your TV to the PC, you may
need additional cables that are not included with
your PC. HP Media Center PC models have different
video output options, depending on your PC model.
The options are: S-Video, composite video,
component, VGA, and DVI. For best video quality
use the DVI then VGA, then component option (only
available on a digital TV). The next best option is
Svideo, followed by composite video. Check the
®
Windows® XP.
documentation that came with your PC and TV to
determine which cables you need. HP does not
recommend video cable lengths over 1.5 meters
(4.9 feet).
Using additional sound cables
If you plan to connect the PC audio to an amplifier
or a TV, you may need additional sound cables that
are not included with your PC. Your PC is able to
output sound in several modes. Your PC has 3.5 mm
female stereo headphone jacks for most outputs.
Many amplifiers have RCA inputs. You need one
3.5 mm male-to-RCA stereo cable for stereo sound.
You need three 3.5 mm male-to-RCA cables for
surround sound. Check the documentation that came
with your audio equipment for the best input
method.
Using a video game console
If you are using a video game console device, HP
recommends that you connect it directly to your
display device using video signal switching
hardware (not included) or connect it to a separate
TV, rather than connecting it directly to the PC.
n
A note describes
important
information
you need.
n
Component video
output is available on
select models only.
Utility Programs
HP provides special utility programs in the
PC Help & Tools folder that display support
information and initiate Application or System
Recovery.
Before Getting Started 1
To find these programs, click Start, choose All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then select a
program or folder.
Updates from HP
HP may send updated information or patches to
your desktop (not available in all countries/regions).
You must be connected to the Internet to receive
these updates. If you have turned off the Updates
from HP feature, you will not receive these updates.
To turn it back on, click Start, choose All
Programs, PC Help & Tools, Updates from
HP, and Re-enable Updates from HP.
w
Please read the
“Safety Information”
section in the other
documentation that
came with your PC
before installing and
connecting your PC to
the electrical power
system.
Important Safety Information About Your HP Media Center PC
This product has not been evaluated for connection
to an “IT” power system (an AC distribution system
with no direct connection to earth, according to
IEC 60950).
Safety and Comfort
After assembling your PC, but before using it, make
sure the computer and your work area are properly
set up to maintain your comfort and productivity.
See the Safety & Comfort Guide for important
ergonomic information. Click Start, choose All
Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then click
Safety & Comfort Guide.
You can find important ergonomic information on
the Internet. Just type http://www.hp.com/ergo
into your Web browser address box, and then press
Enter on the keyboard.
Online Guides
You can find online guides and information for your
PC. To view online manuals for your PC, go to the
Support Web address that is listed in the other
documentation that came with your PC, and then
search for your product name and number.
Online manuals are associated with specific PC
model numbers. Some models do not have online
manuals.
Starting the PC for the First Time
Read the safety information included with your HP
Media Center PC before you turn on the PC.
2 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Selecting an Internet Service Provider
As part of the startup screens, you can select an
Internet service provider (ISP). Before you can
connect to the Internet, you must sign up with an ISP.
You must have an Internet connection to use some of
the Media Center features.
Easy Internet Sign-up helps you sign up for a new
Internet account, set up an existing account, or
configure Internet access using a LAN (local
area network), cable modem, or DSL (digital
subscriber line).
Open Easy Internet Sign-up:
■ Double-click the Easy Internet
Sign-up icon on the desktop.
Or
HP Products Work Better Together
HP computers include preloaded software for select
HP All-In-One, camera, scanner, and printer
peripheral products. Preloaded software simplifies
and speeds product setup for HP peripherals.
Simply connect the HP peripheral product and turn it
on, and your HP PC automatically configures it so it
is ready to use.
■ Click Start on the taskbar, choose All
Programs, choose Online Services, if available, and then click Easy Internet
Sign-up.
The Easy Internet Sign-up screen appears.
Follow the onscreen instructions.
Transferring Old PC Information to a New PC
See the built-in Microsoft Windows Help and
Support Center; search for transfer wizard, and
select the overview article, Files and Settings Transfer Wizard overview. This information
describes a Microsoft solution for moving your files
onto your new PC.
Or as an alternative, double-click
the PC Tune Up & Repair icon
(select models only) on your
desktop, and review the products
and services offered under
Backup Data.
Before Getting Started 3
Protecting the PC
n
After you’ve
completed
registering, install
any software
programs that may
have come on CDs or
DVDs included in the
PC box.
HP provides a virus-scanning software program to
help protect your PC (select models only).
The virus-scanning program manufacturer provides
free virus scan updates through your Internet
connection for an initial period after your PC
purchase. You can purchase a subscription service
for updates after the initial free period expires.
New types of viruses are invented all the time.
Protect your PC by getting regular updates of your
virus-scanning software from the program
manufacturer.
Installing Software
After you turn on the PC the first time and restart it,
you can install any software programs that came
on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box (select
models only).
You may wish to install additional software
programs or hardware devices on your PC.
Restart the PC after installation.
If a software program or the operating system gets
damaged, reinstall the software. Refer to “Using
Application Recovery and System Recovery” in the
other documentation that came with your PC for
more information.
When your PC has software problems, it is possible
that a voltage spike, power outage, or brownout
has occurred. Symptoms of voltage spikes include a
flickering video display, unexpected PC startups,
and the PC not responding to your commands. A
voltage spike can occasionally corrupt or destroy
files, so it is a good idea to consistently make
backup copies of your data files. Prevent voltage
spikes by installing a surge suppressor made for use
with PCs between the power outlet and the PC
power cord.
Choose software that is compatible with your PC;
check the operating system, memory, and other
requirements listed for the new software for
compatibility with your PC.
Install the new software according to the directions
provided by the software manufacturer. Check the
manufacturer’s documentation or customer service
information for help if you need it.
4 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Setting Up the PC
Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the PC
and then read the topics in this section to find out
more about the location of components and
connectors on your PC, and to find out about some
setup alternatives.
Most of the hardware devices such as the monitor,
keyboard, printer, and mouse can be connected at
the back of the PC. Some peripheral devices, such
as a digital video camera, can be plugged into the
connectors on the back or the front of the PC.
Front-Panel PC Connectors
Connector Icon/labelDescription and function
S-video 2
Composite
video 2
L audio 2
R audio 2
S-video connector to connect your VCR, video camera, or
other analog source to the PC
Composite video connector to connect VCR, video camera, or
other analog source to the PC
Left audio input connector
Right audio input connector
1394
Headphones Out
Microphone In
Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) for mouse, keyboard, digital
cameras, or other devices with USB connectors
®
FireWire
high-speed devices
(IEEE 1394) connector for video cameras and other
Setting Up the PC 5
Back-Panel PC Connectors
Connector Icon/labelDescription and function
n
Location, availability,
and number of
connectors may vary.
SERIAL
Power connector
Mouse
Keyboard
Serial port for digital cameras or other serial devices
(Select models only)
Printer (parallel)
Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) for mouse, keyboard, digital
cameras, or other devices with USB connectors
6 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector for video cameras and other
high-speed devices
1394
Connector Icon/labelDescription and function
ETHERNET
ETHERNET
OUT
Ethernet LAN connector
The network interface adapter (also called a network interface
card, or NIC) connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast
Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub. Connect this adapter in
your PC to your local area network (LAN) hub or any
broadband connection.
Plug a network cable into the Ethernet (RJ-45) port on the back
of the PC. Plug the other end of the network cable
into a 10BaseT or 100BaseT port on the network hub.
The green LED indicates a valid connection.
Digital video output connector for TV/monitor
See the documentation that came with your display device.
Microphone In (pink connector)
Audio Line Out (powered speakers, green connector)
Audio Line In (blue connector)
IN
CenterCenter/Subwoofer audio (gold)
RearL – R rear audio (black)
SideL – R side audio (gray)
S-Video
S-video In from set-top box output connector
Setting Up the PC 7
Connector Icon/labelDescription and function
Composite Video
L audio
R audio
TV/Cable Ant
Composite Video In from set-top box connector
Left audio input from set-top box connector
Right audio input from set-top box connector
TV In (TV antenna or cable input from wall outlet with
no set-top box)
FM Ant
FM In (radio antenna input)
Plug the FM radio antenna cable into the FM In port on the
back of the PC. The FM connector is found on the TV tuner
card. You may want to extend the ends of the cable to
improve your FM radio signal reception.
Modem (Line In RJ-11)
LINE
Plug the modem cable (provided in the PC box) into the
computer modem connector on the back of the PC. Plug the
other end to your telephone line wall jack connector.
Analog VideoAnalog Video Out, S-video, composite video, or component
video (select models only)
inout
digital audio
8 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
VGAVGA display output
Digital audio
In and Out
Digital audio input
Digital audio output
Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC
When connecting an analog camera to the PC, use
the Video and Audio In connectors on the front of
the PC. The following instructions only apply to
digital cameras.
See the documentation that came with your digital
video camera.
1 Turn on the PC, and wait for Windows XP
to start.
2 Connect the video camera transfer cable into
the camera and then into an open port on the
front or back of the PC. Most digital video
cameras use either the FireWire (IEEE 1394)
or the USB port.
3 A Found New Hardware message appears.
Wait 2 or 3 minutes for Windows to make the
necessary settings for the new device. When
installation is complete, a message appears
telling you the camera is ready to use.
If the PC doesn’t recognize your digital video camera:
1 Click Start on the taskbar, and then click
Control Panel.
2 Click Performance and Maintenance,
if available, and then double-click the
System icon.
3 Click the Hardware tab, and then click the
Device Manager button.
4 Click the plus sign (+) next to imaging
devices. If the name of the camera appears
under imaging devices the device is ready. If
the name is not there, try the following:
.
n
If a Digital Video
Device Auto Play
window appears
when you connect
your camera, click
Cancel.
■ Click Action, and then Scan for
hardware changes. Look in Device
Manager for a new addition under
imaging devices.
■ Unplug the video camera’s transfer cable
from the PC, and plug it into a different
port. Look in Device Manager for a new
addition under imaging devices.
Setting Up the PC 9
n
Some peripheral
devices are not
included with the PC.
Connecting to Other Devices
Other peripheral devices can be connected to the
front or back of your HP Media Center PC by using
USB or FireWire ports. You can connect peripheral
devices such as a printer, scanner, video camera,
digital camera, memory card reader, and PDA
(personal digital assistant) or handheld computer to
the PC. See the documentation that came with your
device.
10 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Using TV Cables
Connecting the Television Signal
You may need purchase some cables separately,
depending on your TV and the TV signal setup you
choose. For example, when your TV has an S-video
connector, you may want to use an S-video cable
to connect the TV out on the PC to your TV.
An S-video cable provides separate color and
black-and-white image signals and delivers a
sharper image than a composite video cable does.
.
Audio and Video Cables Included
Your HP Media Center PC comes with the following cables.
CableNameDescription
Composite videoRCA yellow end. Plug cable into an RCA
connector such as Composite Video Out
or TV Source In connector.
Infrared transmitter
(1 with single TV tuner or 2
with dual-tuner option)
TV coaxial cableUsed for TV source input from cable
Analog video cable (select
models only)
Remote IR cable. Used for set-top boxes.
set-top boxes, or antennas.
Used with analog video output
connector. Provides S-video, composite
video, and component video input.
(select models only)
n
Select the signal
source for TV in the
Media Center
program settings.
AC power
You must purchase additional cables separately.
Black 125V 10A.
Connecting the Television Signal 11
Optional Audio and Video Cables Not Included
You might need the following extra cables. Your HP
Media Center PC does not come with the following
cables.
CableNameDescription
SplitterUsed with coaxial cable for VHF and UHF
2 Way Splitter
DVI-I or DVI-DDigital Video Out. Connect to DVI-I or DVI-D
RCA stereoRCA red, white ends. Used for Audio In/Out
Component videoRCA red, blue, green ends. Plug cable into a
S-videoY/C, 4-pin. Plug cable into an S-video
antenna combinations.
input of the HDTV capable TV or monitor.
connectors.
connector such as Component Video Out.
Used for progressive scan component video.
connector such as S-video Video Out or TV
Source In connector.
12 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Using the Analog Video Cable
A
(Select models only)
D
E
If you are using the analog video cable to connect
your PC display to your PC, you need to connect the
cable and then set the Output switch on the cable to
match the correct video output. If you are using
component cables, you must also set the resolution
of your TV or other video display on the analog
video cable.
To use the analog video cable:
Analog Video
n
Refer to the Start
Here guide for more
information about the
various display
connection options.
1 Make sure the PC power is disconnected.
2 Connect the analog video cable to the Analog
Video Output connector on the back of
the PC.
3 If you are using a composite or S-video cable
to connect your display to the PC, set the
switch labeled Output near the arrows toward
the S-video and composite (A) connectors.
See (D) above. Go to step 7.
4 If you are using Component video cables to
connect your display to the PC, set the switch
labeled Output near the arrows toward the
three (Y, Pb, and Pr) component connectors
(B). See (E) above. Go to step 5.
B
5 Check the documentation for your display to
find out the optimal resolution.
Connecting the Television Signal 13
6 Set the switch to match your display
resolution. Move 2 (1080i), or 3 (720p), or
4 (480p/576p) to the On position (C). Or
leave all of the switches in the Off position for
480i/576i only resolution.
7 Connect the S-video, composite, or
component video cables to the analog video
cable and then to the back of the PC.
8 Connect the power and turn on the PC.
9 If the resolution is not correct, turn off the PC
and disconnect the power.
10 Move the correct switch to the On position on
C
the analog video cable to match the new
resolution.
11 Connect the power, and then turn on the PC.
14 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Connecting the TV Signal Source
Connect the signal source for the TV by using the
TV In coaxial connector or the composite/S-video In
connector.
Plug the connector of a coaxial cable from your TV
or from your TV cable into the TV/Cable Ant
connector on the back of the PC, and then turn the
connector to tighten it.
Or
Plug a cable into the S-video or composite video In
connector on the back of the PC; use an S-video
cable (not provided) or the composite video cable.
Connecting a dual tuner
(Select models only)
If your HP Media Center PC has the dual tuner
option, you must connect a second set of inputs if
you are using a cable or satellite set-top box. If you
are using an antenna or standard cable connecting
the signal is routed to both tuners internally.
Otherwise, connect a second set-top box to the
second set of back-panel connectors
For dual-tuner configurations, both TV sources must
be of the same type: either cable TV, digital cable
TV, satellite TV, or antenna. The TV sources must also
have the same, identical channel lineup; for
Plug the other end of the cable into your set-top box
or other device that is providing the signal source
for the TV.
You must also plug audio cables (not provided)
from your set-top box into the Audio In right (red)
connector and the Audio In left (white) connector on
the back of the PC, if you are using a set-top box
with S-video or composite video output.
Refer to “Front-Panel PC Connectors” on page 5 and
“Back-Panel PC Connectors” on page 6.
You must also connect the Remote Emitter cable if
you are using a set-top box. See “Connecting the
Remote Sensor” on page 16.
example, if you are using two satellite TV sources
they must provide the exact same channels. All TV
viewing and scheduling is provided through the
Televis i o n P r o gram Guide in Media Center, so both
TV sources must have identical Television Program
Guides.
The HP Media Center PC records television and
allows you to control the television channels. The HP
Media Center PC has two tuner configurations
available:
n
Location and number
of connectors may
vary by model.
n
The Television
Program Guide is not
available in all
countries/regions.
Single-tuner TV SourceA single tuner allows you to watch or record one program at a time.
Dual-tuner optionYou can have dual TV inputs, if your PC includes the two TV tuner
option. You can watch a show on one channel while Media Center
records another show on a different channel. Or you can record two
different programs at the same time.
Connecting the Television Signal15
Connecting the Remote Sensor
The remote sensor is a small device that connects to
the PC and allows the remote control to work with
the Media Center program.
1 If you have a cable TV set-top box, a satellite
set-top box, or other set-top box that controls
your TV signal, connect the remote control
sensor cable (emitter) (A) into connector (1)
on the back of the remote sensor.
2 Remove the paper from the backing tape on
the end of the cable (B), and then press the
end of the cable over the remote infrared (IR)
receiver window on your cable TV set-top
box (C).
2
3 Plug the remote control sensor cable into a
USB connector (D) on the back of the PC.
4 Place the remote sensor so that you can easily
point at it with the remote control. (An ideal
spot would be on top of the monitor or desk.)
P
C
1
A
B
16 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
D
Connecting the TV Signal Source
When You Have an Existing Setup
This section describes how to connect the PC to an
existing setup for your TV signal source.
Wall to VCR to TV using coaxial cable
Remove the coaxial cable at the input to the VCR,
and connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal
splitter (not included; available at electronics stores).
Connect two coaxial cables to the splitter outputs.
Connect one of these cables to the input of the VCR
and the other one to the TV connector on the back of
the PC.
Existing setupAdd the PC with a splitter
A
B
C
D
E
C
F
A
B
C
G
H
C
D
E
C
F
C
J
AWall
BCable
CCoaxial cable
DVCR In
EVCR Out
FTV In
G Splitter In
H Splitter Out
JTV In on back of PC
Connecting the Television Signal 17
Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite
box to VCR to TV using coaxial cable
Remove the coaxial cable at the input to the VCR,
and connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal
splitter (not included; available at electronics stores).
Connect two coaxial cables to the splitter outputs.
Connect one of these cables to the input of the VCR
and the other one to the TV connector on the back of
the PC. Be sure to connect the remote control sensor
cable (emitter) and position it on your set-top box or
satellite box. This allows the PC to change the
channel on the box. See “Connecting the Remote
Sensor” on page 16.
18 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Add the PC with a splitterExisting setup
A
B
C
D
E
A
B
C
D
M
E
C
N
J
C
K
C
L
F
G
C
H
F
G
C
H
AWall
BCable
CCoaxial cable
D Set-top box/Satellite In
ESet-top box/Satellite Out
FVCR In
GVCR Out
HTV In
JSplitter In
K Splitter Out
LTV In on back of PC
M Remote control sensor
cable
N Remote control sensor
Connecting the Television Signal 19
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