HP m7181uk, m7248hk, m7260in, m7268hk, m7280in Getting Started Guide

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HP Media Center PC

Getting Started Guide

The information in this document is subject to change without notice.

Hewlett-Packard Company® makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of

merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

HP shall not be liable for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

The warranty terms contained in this statement, except to the extent lawfully permitted, do not exclude, restrict, or modify and are in addition to any mandatory statutory rights applicable to the sale of this product or service to you.

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USA

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This product incorporates copyright protection technology that is protected by method claims of certain U.S. patents and other intellectual property rights owned by Macrovision Corporation and other rights owners. Use of this copyright protection technology must be authorized by Macrovision Corporation, and is intended for home and other limited viewing uses only unless otherwise authorized by Macrovision Corporation. Reverse engineering or disassembly is prohibited. Apparatus Claims of U.S. Patent Nos. 4,631,603, 4,577,216, 4,819,098, and 4,907,093 licensed for limited viewing uses only.

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not endorse or encourage the use of its products for purposes other than those permitted by

Before Getting Started..................................	1
PC Setup Tips.......................................................................	1
Utility Programs ....................................................................	1
Important Safety Information About Your
HP Media Center PC ........................................................	2
Safety and Comfort...............................................................	2
Online Guides .....................................................................	2
Starting the PC for the First Time .............................................	2
Selecting an Internet Service Provider......................................	3
HP Products Work Better Together ..........................................	3
Transferring Old PC Information to a New PC..........................	3
Protecting the PC ..................................................................	4
Installing Software ................................................................	4
Setting Up the PC .........................................	5
Front-Panel PC Connectors.....................................................	5
Back-Panel PC Connectors .....................................................	6
Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC ........................	9
Connecting to Other Devices ..............................................	10
Connecting the Television Signal .................	11
Using TV Cables.................................................................	11
Audio and Video Cables .....................................................	11
Using the Analog Video Cable.............................................	13
Connecting the TV Signal Source .........................................	15
Connecting the Remote Sensor .............................................	16
Connecting the TV Signal Source
When You Have an Existing Setup...................................	17
Using the TV as a Monitor ...................................................	22
Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for
Optional Setup of Your TV Display...................................	24
Changing the Display for a GeForce 6600
Graphics Card ..............................................................	25
Changing the Display for an ATI Graphics Card ....................	25

Configuring Speaker and
Sound Options ...........................................	27
Sound Connector Types.......................................................	27
Speaker Configurations .......................................................	29
Connecting 2/2.1 Audio Speakers .......................................	30
Connecting 4.1 Audio Speakers...........................................	31
Connecting 5.1 Audio Speakers...........................................	32
Connecting 7.1 Audio Speakers...........................................	34
Connecting 7.1 Speakers to a Sound Card............................	35
Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System ..........................	36
Connecting Digital Audio ....................................................	40
Configuring Audio Output ...................................................	41
Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel
Sound Manager.............................................................	42
Sound Effect Manager.........................................................	44
Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager ............	45
Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card........................	47
Configuring Audio for Media Center.....................................	48
Configuring Audio for WinDVD Player ..................................	48
Using Headphones .............................................................	49
Resolving Sound Issues ........................................................	50
Using the PC Hardware..............................	51
Using the Keyboard ...........................................................	51
Special Keyboard Buttons ...................................................	51
Using the Remote Control ....................................................	53
Memory Card Reader .........................................................	54
Using Your Storage or Docking Bay ......................................	57
Connecting the Wireless LAN...............................................	62
Troubleshooting .........................................	63
Audio................................................................................	63
Video ................................................................................	63
System and Hardware.........................................................	65
Index .........................................................	67

Table of Contents iii

iv HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

Before Getting Started

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.

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.

PC Setup Tips

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® Windows® XP.

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

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.

A note describes important information you need.

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

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.

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.

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.

Open Easy Internet Sign-up:

■Double-click the Easy Internet Sign-up icon on the desktop.

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).

■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.

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.

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

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.

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.

After you’ve completed registering, install any software programs that may have come on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box.

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.

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/label	Description and function

	S-video 2	S-video connector to connect your VCR, video camera, or
		other analog source to the PC

	Composite	Composite video connector to connect VCR, video camera, or
	video 2	other analog source to the PC

	L audio 2	Left audio input connector

	R audio 2	Right audio input connector

Headphones Out

Microphone In

Universal Serial Bus (USB 2.0) for mouse, keyboard, digital cameras, or other devices with USB connectors

FireWire® (IEEE 1394) connector for video cameras and other high-speed devices

1394

Setting Up the PC 5

Back-Panel PC Connectors


n	Connector	Icon/label	Description and function
	Connector	Icon/label	Description and function

Location, availability,			Power connector
Location, availability,
and number of
connectors may vary.

Mouse

						Keyboard



	SERIAL					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

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector for video cameras and other high-speed devices

1394

6 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Connector

ETHERNET

Icon/label	Description and function
ETHERNET	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)
OUT
	Audio Line In (blue connector)
IN
Center	Center/Subwoofer audio (gold)
Rear	L – R rear audio (black)
Side	L – R side audio (gray)
S-Video	S-video In from set-top box output connector

Setting Up the PC 7

Connector	Icon/label	Description and function

	Composite Video	Composite Video In from set-top box connector

	L audio	Left audio input from set-top box connector

	R audio	Right audio input from set-top box connector

	TV/Cable Ant	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)
		Modem (Line In RJ-11)
	LINE	Plug the modem cable (provided in the PC box) into the
		Plug the modem cable (provided in the PC box) into the
		computer modem connector on the back of the PC. Plug the
		computer modem connector on the back of the PC. Plug the
		other end to your telephone line wall jack connector.

	Analog Video	Analog Video Out, S-video, composite video, or component
		video (select models only)


	VGA	VGA display output

audio digital out in

Digital audio	Digital audio input
In and Out	Digital audio output

8 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

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	.
2	to start.
	to start.
	Connect the video camera transfer cable into
	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:

■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.

If a Digital Video Device Auto Play window appears when you connect your camera, click

Cancel.

Setting Up the PC 9

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

Connecting the Television Signal

Using TV Cables

Your HP Media Center PC includes video and audio cables to connect the television signals.

Use video and audio cables to connect:

■Video out from the HP Media Center PC to the TV

■TV signal source video in to the HP Media Center PC

■Audio out from the HP Media Center PC to the TV

■TV signal source audio in to the HP Media Center PC

Location and number of connectors may vary by model.

Audio and Video Cables

The following table shows cable types that may be required to connect your HP Media Center PC to your television system. The number and type of cables included with your PC may vary by model.

Cable	Name	Description
	Composite video	RCA yellow end. Plug cable into an RCA
		connector such as Composite Video Out
		or TV Source In connector.
	S-video (Delivers a sharper image	Y/C, 4-pin. Plug cable into an S-video
	than composite video by	connector such as S-video Video Out or
	providing separate color and	TV Source In connector.
	black-and-white image signals.)
	Component video	RCA red, blue, green ends. Plug cable
		into a connector such as Component
		Video Out. Used for progressive scan
		component video.
	Analog video cable	Used with analog video output
	(select models only)	connector. Provides S-Video, composite
		video, and component video input.
		(select models only)
	DVI-I or DVI-D	Digital Video Out. Plug cable into a DVI-I
		or DVI-D input of an HDTV capable TV or
		monitor.

The number and type of cables required to connect your PC may vary by model. Some cables are included for select models only.

Connecting the Television Signal 11

Cable	Name	Description
	TV coaxial cable	Plug cable into a TV signal source input
		connector from cable set-top boxes or
		antennas.
	Infrared transmitter	Remote IR cable. Used to control TV
	(1 with single TV tuner or 2 with	signal source from set-top box.
	dual-tuner option)
	Splitter	Used to connect one signal source to two
	2 Way Splitter	RF inputs on your PC.
	RCA stereo	RCA red, white ends. Used for TV signal
		source Audio In and Audio Out
		connectors to TV.

You may need to purchase extra cables separately. Your HP Media Center PC box may not include all the cables you need for your PC setup, and may vary by model.

For example, you may want to use an S-video cable to connect the TV out on the PC to your TV, if your TV has an S-video input connector.

12 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

HP m7181uk, m7248hk, m7260in, m7268hk, m7280in Getting Started Guide

Using the Analog Video Cable

(Select models only)

E	Analog Video

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:

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.

5 Check the documentation for your display to find out the optimal resolution.

Refer to the Start Here guide for more information about the various display connection options.

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.

C10

Move the correct switch to the On position on the analog video cable to match the new resolution.

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.

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.

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.

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

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 Television Program 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:

Single-tuner TV Source	A single tuner allows you to watch or record one program only
	in NTSC.

Dual-tuner option	You 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.

Location and number of connectors may vary by model.

Connecting the Television Signal 15

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).

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.)

2 1

16 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

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 setup

Add the PC with a splitter

Wall

Cable

Coaxial cable

VCR In

VCR Out

TV In

Splitter In

Splitter Out

TV 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

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

Existing setup		Add the PC with a splitter
	A		A



	B		B
	C		C

D	D	M
D	D
E	E
	C	N
	J
	C
		K
		C
F	F	L
F	F
G	G

C		C	A	Wall
C		C
H	H		B	Cable
H	H		C	Coaxial cable


			D	Set-top box/Satellite In
			E	Set-top box/Satellite Out
			F	VCR In
			G	VCR Out
			H	TV In



			J	Splitter In
			K	Splitter Out
			L	TV In on back of PC
			M	Remote control sensor
				cable
			N	Remote control sensor

Connecting the Television Signal 19

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