HP Media Center PC User Manual

HP Media Center PC

Getting Started Guide

The only warranties for Hewlett-Packard products and services are set forth in the express 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.

HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP.

This document contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. No part of this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated to another language without the prior written consent of HP.

Hewlett-Packard Company P.O. Box 4010 Cupertino, CA 95015–4010 USA

May be licensed in the United States by one or both of U.S. Patents Nos. 4,930,158 and 4,930,160 until August 28, 2008.

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

HP supports lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.

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

Before Getting Started.................................. 1

PC Setup Tips....................................................................... 1

Choosing a PC setup location ................................................1

Choosing a display .............................................................. 1

Using additional video cables................................................ 1

Using additional sound cables ...............................................1

Using a video game console..................................................1

Important Safety Information About Your HP Media

Center PC .......................................................................2

Finding Guides on Your PC and on the Web ...........................2

Onscreen guides ..................................................................2

Online guides ......................................................................2

Using the PC with Safety and Comfort..................................... 3

Using PC Help & Tools.......................................................... 3

Connecting to the Internet...................................................... 3

Connecting to the Internet requirements................................... 3

Configuring and Registering Norton Internet Security

Software......................................................................... 4

Signing Up for Software Updates ...........................................5

Updates from HP .................................................................. 5

Automatic Updates ...............................................................5

Getting messages ................................................................. 6

Turning off messages ............................................................6

Setting Up Accounts on Your New PC.....................................7

Creating user accounts.......................................................... 7

Creating passwords.............................................................. 8

Installing Software and Hardware Devices............................... 8

Transferring Files and Settings from Your Old PC to

Your New PC .................................................................. 9

HP Products Work Better Together ..........................................9

Protecting the PC .................................................................. 9

Installing Software .............................................................. 10

Getting Help...................................................................... 10

Setting Up the PC ....................................... 11

HP Media Center PC Front Connectors..................................11

HP Media Center PC Rear Connectors ..................................12

Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC .......................15

Connecting to Other Devices ...............................................16

Connecting the Television Signal ................. 17

Using TV Cables.................................................................17

Audio and Video Cables .....................................................17

Connecting the TV Signal Source..........................................19

Connecting a dual tuner ......................................................20

Connecting the Remote Sensor .............................................21

Connecting the TV Signal Source When You Have an

Existing Setup ................................................................22

Wall to VCR to TV using coaxial cable ..................................22

Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR to TV

using coaxial cable ........................................................23

Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR and TV

using S-video cable or composite video cable between

the box and the VCR or TV..............................................24

Using the TV as a Monitor ...................................................26

Cables for connecting the PC to a TV ....................................26

Viewing the PC Image on Your TV Screen..............................26

Adjusting the Screen Resolution ............................................26

Connecting the PC to a TV ...................................................27

Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for Optional Setup

of Your TV Display .........................................................28

Changing the Display for a GeForce Graphics Card...............29

Changing the Display for an ATI Graphics Card.....................29

Changing the Display for an ATI Catalyst Control Center

Graphics Card...............................................................30

Viewing the PC image on the TV ..........................................30

Viewing the PC image on the TV using the GeForce graphics

card .............................................................................31

Viewing the PC image on the TV using the ATI graphics

card .............................................................................31

Enabling and disabling the TV option using the GeForce

graphics card ................................................................32

Enabling and disabling the TV option using the ATI Displays

graphics card ................................................................32

Enabling and disabling the TV option with ATI Catalyst

Control Center ...............................................................33

Disconnecting the TV...........................................................33

Changing Your Display Using Windows XP ...........................34

Table of Contents iii

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options.... 35

Sound Connector Types.......................................................35

Speaker Configurations .......................................................37

Speaker types ....................................................................38

Connecting 2/2.1 (2 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................39

Connecting 4.1 (4 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................40

Connecting 5.1 (5 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................41

Connecting 7.1 (7 Speakers and a Subwoofer)

Audio Speakers .............................................................42

Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System ..........................43

Y adapter cables ................................................................44

2.1 home stereo installation .................................................44

5.1 home audio installation .................................................45

5.1 home audio installation procedure ..................................46

Connecting Digital Audio ....................................................47

Configuring Audio Output ...................................................48

Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel

Sound Manager.............................................................48

Enabling digital audio output with Multi-channel

Sound Manager (optional) ..............................................49

Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager ............50

The Sound Effect Manager control screens .............................50

Using the Audio Wizard in the Sound Effect Manager

(type 6 connectors).........................................................51

Retasking front-panel connectors...........................................52

Disabling digital audio output with Sound Effect Manager

(optional) ......................................................................52

Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card........................53

Enabling digital audio output with a sound card

(optional) ......................................................................53

Disabling digital audio output with Sound Effect

Manager (optional) ........................................................54

Configuring Audio Output with Realtek HD Sound Effect

Manager.......................................................................54

The Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager control screens ............55

Configuring the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager .................55

Configuring sound for recording with the Realtek HD

Sound Effect Manager ....................................................56

Retasking front panel audio connectors..................................56

Configuring Multi-streaming Audio ....................................... 56

Audio output overview........................................................ 57

Audio input overview ......................................................... 57

When to use multi-streaming audio....................................... 57

Setting up multi-streaming audio .......................................... 58

Configuring Audio for Media Center .................................... 59

Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player .................. 60

Using Headphones............................................................. 60

Using a 2.1 speaker system with headphones ....................... 60

Using a 5.1 to 7.1 speaker system with headphones.............. 61

Selecting recording devices................................................. 61

Resolving Sound Issues ....................................................... 61

Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card ................. 62

Connecting the speakers..................................................... 62

Configuring the sound card software .................................... 63

Configuring the FlexiJack connector ..................................... 63

Recording with the sound card ............................................ 64

Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes................................. 64

Using the Sound Blaster X-Fi documentation........................... 65

Using the PC Hardware...............................67

Using the Keyboard ........................................................... 67

Special Keyboard Buttons ................................................... 67

Access buttons................................................................... 67

Media control or playback buttons ....................................... 68

Customizing the keyboard buttons........................................ 68

Using the Remote Control.................................................... 69

Remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote

control ......................................................................... 70

Memory Card Reader......................................................... 70

Formatting a memory card .................................................. 71

Using the memory card reader ............................................ 71

Understanding the activity light ............................................ 71

Memory Insertion Guide ..................................................... 72

Troubleshooting the memory card reader .............................. 74

Safely Remove Hardware Utility........................................... 74

Using Your Storage or Docking Bay ..................................... 75

Storing CDs, DVDs, or memory cards ................................... 75

Installing an HP camera docking station................................ 75

Connecting the Wireless LAN.............................................. 78

Index..........................................................79

iv HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

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

Warranty and Support Guide that came with your PC.

2 Identify the items included with your

HP Media Center PC.

PC Setup Tips

Before Getting Started

3 Follow the setup information that came with

your PC to connect your display.

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 may not be supported by some older or LCD displays. Also, high resolutions may result in a blank display if your display does not support it.

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, VGA, and DVI. For best video quality use DVI, then VGA, then S-video, 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).

Windows® XP. Some high resolutions

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.

Before Getting Started 1

Important Safety Information About Your HP Media Center PC

Please read the “Safety Information” section in the

Warranty and Support Guide that

came with your PC before installing and connecting your PC to the electrical power system.

This product has not been evaluated for connection to an “IT” power system (an AC distribution system with no direct connection to the earth, according to IEC 60950).

Finding Guides on Your PC and on the Web

Onscreen guides

Onscreen guides are available in the User’s Guides folder on your PC (select models only).

Click Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs,

User’s Guides, and then click an item to view.

Online guides

You can find guides and information for your PC using the Internet to access the Support Web site. Online manuals are associated with specific PC model numbers. Some models do not have online manuals.

1 Go to http://www.hp.com/support in

your Web browser.

2 Select your country/region and language. 3 From the Support and Drivers page, click See

support and troubleshooting information, enter the model number of your PC, and then click Search.

4 Click Manuals. 5 Locate the manual you want and do one of the

following:

■ Click the title to display the file in Adobe

Acrobat Reader (you can download it from the Manuals page if it is not currently installed on your PC).

2 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

■ Right-click the title, select Save Target

As, specify a location on your PC where

you want to save the file, rename the file (retaining the .pdf extension), and then click Save.

Using the PC with Safety and Comfort

Before you begin using the PC, arrange the PC and your work area to maintain your comfort and productivity. Refer to the Safety & Comfort Guide for important ergonomic information:

■ Click Start, choose All Programs, choose

User’s Guides, and then click Safety & Comfort Guide.

Using PC Help & Tools

HP provides special utility programs in the PC Help & Tools folder that provide support information and initiate Application or System Recovery. To find these programs, click Start, choose All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then select a program or folder to view.

Connecting to the Internet

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.

■ Type http://www.hp.com/ergo into your

Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard.

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).

To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide. It describes proper workstation setup, posture, and health and work habits for PC users. It also provides important electrical and mechanical safety information.

Easy Internet Sign-up or Internet Services provides a list of Internet service providers; however, you may choose another ISP or transfer an existing account to this PC. To transfer existing accounts, follow the instructions provided by the ISP.

Connecting to the Internet requirements

■ A PC.

■ A dial-up modem or a cable or DSL modem

for high-speed broadband connections. Contact your ISP for any specific software and hardware you may need.

■ Internet service with an ISP.

■ A Web browser.

A modem connector is included with select models only.

Before Getting Started 3

To set up and connect to the Internet:

1 Make sure the modem or other Internet access

cable is connected.

2 Sign up with an ISP. If you already have an

account with an ISP, skip this step and follow the instructions provided by the ISP. If Internet service was not set up during the initial setup of the PC, it can be set up now using the Easy Internet Sign-up or the Internet Services wizard (select models only).

3 Click Start on the taskbar, choose All

Programs, Online Services, and then click Easy Internet Sign-up or Internet Services.

4 Follow the onscreen instructions to select an

ISP and set up Internet service.

5 Connect to the Internet. You must connect

through the ISP to connect to the Internet. Double-click the ISP-provided icon on the desktop.

6 Open your Web browser and browse the

Web. You can use any Web browser; most PCs have Internet Explorer. Click Start, All

Programs, and Internet Explorer.

Configuring and Registering Norton Internet Security Software

Norton Internet Security software is preinstalled on your PC and includes a complimentary 60-day subscription to protection updates. You can enable Symantec’s LiveUpdate™ to obtain protection updates automatically whenever you are online.

When you first set up the PC, the Norton Internet Security Information Wizard helps you to configure and register your copy of Norton Internet Security.

Be sure to set up Norton Internet Security before you start surfing the Internet. Just click the Norton Internet Security icon after you’ve established an Internet service account, and a wizard will guide you through the simple setup process.

1 Double click the Norton Internet

Security icon in the system tray to

launch the Configuration Wizard.

2 Click Next and follow the instructions to:

■ Complete registration.

■ Schedule post-installation tasks including

running LiveUpdate™, scanning for viruses, and scheduling weekly scans of local hard drives.

4 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

3 On the Summary page, click Finish. 4 When registration and initial setup is finished,

Norton Internet Security automatically begins the post-installation tasks you selected.

For information about using and updating the Norton Internet Security software, click Start, All Programs, Norton Internet Security, and then click Help and Support.

Signing Up for Software Updates

Updates from HP

HP may send support information or special offers to your desktop (not available in all countries/regions). You must be connected to the Internet to receive these messages.

Messages arrive while you are connected to the Internet and display an alert or a notice on your desktop. You can view the messages as they arrive or read them later. Most Support updates delivered by Updates from HP messages are also available to you through the Support Web site under information for your PC model.

Automatic Updates

Microsoft continually updates the Windows operating system. It is recommended that you check for, download, and install these updates at least monthly. Take advantage of the Automatic Updates feature, a convenient way to keep the operating system up to date. When you are connected to the Internet, Windows Update automatically notifies you through a pop-up message or icon in the notification area when critical updates are available. When you see the Windows Update message, allow the updates to download to the system. If you update the system weekly, or at least monthly, the time required for download is minimal.

If you have turned off the Updates from HP feature, you will not receive these updates. To turn Updates from HP back on, click Start, choose

All Programs, PC Help & Tools, Updates from HP.

In the Automatic Updates window, select the desired configuration:

■ Automatic (recommended) — This is the

default setting, and it allows you to specify a day and time to automatically download and install recommended updates.

■ Download updates for me, but let me choose

when to install them.

■ Notify me but don’t automatically download

or install them.

To configure Automatic Updates:

■ Click Start, Control Panel, Other

Control Panel Options, and then Automatic Updates.

The Turn off Automatic Updates option makes the PC more vulnerable and is not recommended.

Before Getting Started 5

Getting messages

After you view or close a message, it will not automatically display again.

To read a previously received message, open Updates from HP:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose PC Help & Tools. 4 Click Updates from HP. Updates from HP

displays.

Turning off messages

You cannot receive Updates from HP messages, including important information that may be critical to the operation of your PC, while the service is off.

To turn off the Updates from HP Service:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose PC Help & Tools.

■ If Updates from HP has been activated on

your system, click View messages to view a list of previously received messages. To read a message, double-click the message title in the window. You can exit this window, and Updates from HP remains active.

■ If Updates from HP has not been activated on

your system, the screen contains an Activate button to activate the service. Click Activate to start the service and view a list of messages that may have been received previously.

4 Click Updates from HP. Updates from HP

displays.

5 Click Choose preferences and then

Deactivate to deactivate the service. The

service is turned off until you reactivate it.

6 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Setting Up Accounts on Your New PC

User accounts allow you to set the privileges for each user of your PC. For example, you can set the software programs that each user is allowed to access. Follow the simple steps in this section when setting up your PC to create user accounts.

Creating user accounts

The information below describes the different account types in Windows XP and explains how to change account types.

Creating multiple user accounts on the same PC has certain advantages as well as some drawbacks.

■ Advantages to multiple user accounts:

■ Ability to create individual user settings

■ Ability to limit access to software for

certain users

■ Drawbacks to multiple user accounts:

■ More memory (RAM) usage

■ Multiple Temporary Internet Files folders to

remove during disk cleanup

■ More data to back up

■ Longer time to complete virus scan

Windows XP provides three types of user accounts:

■ Administrative

Allowed to change account types for other users, change passwords, change systemwide settings, and install Windows XP-compatible software and drivers.

■ Limited

Not allowed to change other user settings, or passwords. Limited account may not be able to install or run some software.

Allowed to change the limited account picture, and create, edit, or delete the account password.

■ Guest

Not allowed to change other user settings or passwords.

Users who log on to the PC using the guest account do not have access to password-protected files, folders, and settings.

Before Getting Started 7

Creating passwords

Passwords help protect your PC and information from unauthorized access and help ensure that information on the PC stays private and secure. Use the following list as a basic guide when choosing your password:

After you’ve completed registering, you may install any software programs that may have come on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box and are not preinstalled.

Only use licensed original software. Installing copied software may be illegal, may result in an unstable installation, or may infect your PC with a virus.

■ Choose a password that is easy for you to

remember but difficult for others to guess.

■ Choose a long password (minimum of 6

characters).

■ Use a combination of uppercase and

lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.

■ Don’t use personal information that others can

easily figure out, such as your birthday, child’s name, or phone number.

■ Don’t write down your password.

Installing Software and Hardware Devices

After you set up the PC, you may wish to install additional software programs or hardware devices. Keep in mind these important guidelines:

■ Before installation, make a restore point using

the Microsoft System Restore program.

■ Click Start, All Programs, PC Help &

Too ls, and then System Restore.

■ The restore point is a snapshot of your PC

configuration. By using System Restore, you ensure that you have a point to return to before an issue occurred. For information about System Restore, refer to the Microsoft Web site at:

http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide

■ 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.

■ For antivirus software, uninstall the existing

software program before reinstalling it or installing a new antivirus program.

8 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Transferring Files and Settings from Your Old PC to You r Ne w PC

You can copy the old PC files to the new PC using media such as CD or DVD discs, Memory Sticks, or personal media drives. You can also copy certain settings such as Web browser Favorites and address books using Microsoft’s Files and Settings Transfer Wizard.

For more information click Start, All Programs, and then Help and Support.

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.

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.

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.

If a software program or the operating system gets damaged, reinstall the software. See the PC Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide that came with your PC for information about System Recovery, Application Recovery and System Restore. System Restore is a software that creates restore points, memory of the system file settings on the PC at a particular point in time.

New types of viruses and spyware are invented all the time. Protect your PC by getting regular updates of your virus-scanning software from the program manufacturer.

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.

Before Getting Started 9

Installing Software

After you’ve completed registering, you may install any software programs that may have come on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box and are not preinstalled.

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 and are not preinstalled (select models only).

You may wish to install additional software programs or hardware devices on your PC. Restart the PC after each installation.

Getting Help

If you need more information about using or

troubleshooting Media Center, refer to the Media Center online Help or Help and Support in the Start menu.

For help on general and miscellaneous problems you may be experiencing with the PC, refer to:

■ The other troubleshooting documentation that

came with your PC.

■ The pages in this section.

■ The topics in Help and Support. Press the Help

button on your keyboard, or click Start on the taskbar and select Help and Support.

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.

10 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.

HP Media Center PC Front Connectors

Connector Icon/label Description and function

S-video

Video

S-Video 2

Composite Video 2

A/V In Audio 2 L

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

Secondary Composite video connector (yellow) to connect to a VCR, video camera, or other analog source to the PC.

Secondary Left audio input connector (white).

NOTE: This Audio In connector is connected to the TV tuner. You must use the Audio In connector, which is connected to the motherboard and located on the back of the PC, to record audio only. (Select models only.)

Location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.

A/V In Audio 2 R

Secondary Right audio input connector (red).

Headphones Out connector (green) to connect to headphones.

Microphone In connector (pink) to connect to a microphone.

Setting Up the PC 11

Connector Icon/label Description and function (Continued)

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connector to connect to a mouse, keyboard, digital camera, or another device with a USB connector.

FireWire other devices with very fast transfer rates.

NOTE: You must use a 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) transfer cable with this 6-pin connector.

(IEEE 1394) connector to connect video cameras and

HP Media Center PC Rear Connectors

Connector Icon/label Description and function

Power connector

Mouse connector to connect a mouse.

Keyboard connector to connect a keyboard.

Printer (parallel) connector to connect a parallel printer.

(Select models only)

12 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0 connector to connect a mouse, keyboard, digital camera, or another device with a USB connector.

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector to connect video cameras and other devices with very fast transfer rates.

NOTE: You must use a 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) transfer cable with this 6-pin connector.

Connector Icon/label Description and function (Continued)

ETHERNET

ETHERNET Ethernet LAN connector is a network interface adapter (also called

a network interface card, or NIC) which 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.

The green LED indicates a valid connection.

Digital video output connector to connect a TV or monitor.

(select models only)

See the documentation that came with your display device.

Microphone In (Mic) (pink) to connect to a microphone. The Mic connector also functions as a center/subwoofer Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

OUT

Audio Line Out (green) to connect front speakers.

OUT

Audio Line In (blue) connector to connect to an analog audio device such as a CD player for input into PC. The Audio Line In connector

also functions as rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

Center Line C/Sub (gold) connector to connect Center/Subwoofer

speakers in a multichannel audio configuration.

Rear Line Rear (black) connector to connect rear speakers in a

multichannel audio configuration.

Side Line Side (gray) connector to connect side speakers in an eight-

speaker system (7.1).

S-Video S-video In connector to connect from a set-top box output connector.

Composite Video

Composite Video In connector (yellow) to connect to a TV set-top box.

Setting Up the PC 13

Connector Icon/label Description and function (Continued)

A/V In

Primary left audio input from set-top box connector (white). Audio 1 L

NOTE: Audio can be recorded by using this Audio In connector,

which is connected to the motherboard. Some PC models include

this primary left audio input connector on the front of the PC.

(Select models only.)

A/V In

Primary right audio input from set-top box connector (red). Audio 1 R

NOTE: Audio can be recorded by using this Audio In connector

which is connected to the motherboard. Some PC models include

this primary right audio input connector on the front of the PC.

(Select models only.)

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) connects to the FM antenna cable.

Plug the FM radio antenna cable into the FM In port on the back of

the PC 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) (select models only).

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 Video

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

connects to a TV.

VGA Monitor/VGA (blue) display output connector connects to a VGA

Digital Audio

In and Out

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

Digital Audio Out

14 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

monitor.

Digital audio input (white) connects to a digital audio device with

digital input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or digital

speakers (select models only).

Digital audio output (red) connects to a digital audio device with

digital output (select models only).

Digital Out (orange) connects to a digital audio device with digital

input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers

(select models only).

Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC

The following instructions only apply to digital cameras.

See the documentation that came with your digital camera or your digital video camera.

To connect a digital camera or a digital video camera:

1 Turn on the PC, and wait for Windows XP

to start.

If the PC does not recognize your digital camera or your digital video camera:

1 Click Start on the taskbar, and then click

Control Panel.

When connecting an analog video camera to the PC, use the Video and Audio In connectors on the front or back of the PC.

2 Connect the 6-pin video camera transfer cable

into the camera and then into an open port on the front or back of the PC. Most digital video cameras use either the FireWire (IEEE 1394) or the USB port.

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.

You must use a 6-pin (not a 4-pin) FireWire (IEEE 1394) cable with the 6-pin FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on your HP Media Center PC.

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.

Setting Up the PC 15

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 (IEEE 1394) 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.

16 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 to following:

■ 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

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.

Cable Name Description

Composite video cable

S-video cable (Delivers a sharper image than composite video by providing separate color and black-and-white image signals.)

RCA yellow end. Plug cable into an RCA connector such as Composite Video Out or TV Source In.

Y/C, 4-pin. Plug cable into an S-video connector such as S-video Video Out or TV Source In.

Location and number of connectors may vary by model.

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

Analog video cable/ adapter (select models only)

Used with analog video output connector. Provides S-video and composite video output.

Connecting the Television Signal 17

Cable Name Description (Continued)

DVI-I or DVI-D cable Digital Video Out. Plug cable into a

DVI-I or DVI-D input of an HDTVcapable TV or monitor.

TV coaxial cable Plug cable into a TV signal source

input connector from cable set-top boxes or antennas.

Remote IR cable (Infrared transmitter) NOTE: PC includes 1 with single TV tuner or 2 with dual-tuner option.

Splitter Used to connect one signal source to

2 Way Splitter

RCA stereo RCA red and white ends. Used for 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.

Remote IR cable. Used to control TV signal source from set-top box.

two RF inputs on your PC.

signal source Audio In and Audio Out connectors to TV.

18 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 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 “HP Media Center PC Front Connectors” on page 11.

You must also connect the Remote Emitter cable if you are using a set-top box. See “Connecting the Remote Sensor” on page 21.

Location and number of connectors may vary by model.

Connecting the Television Signal 19

Connecting a dual tuner

(Select models only)

The HP Media Center PC records television and allows you to control the television channels. The HP Media Center PC supports two tuner configurations:

TV Tuner Description Requirements

The Television Program Guide is not available in all countries/regions.

Single-tuner TV source

Dual-tuner TV source

Watch or record one program only in NTSC or PAL.

You can watch a show on one channel while Media Center records another show on a different channel. You can also record two different programs at the same time.

■ If you are using a TV antenna or standard cable

connector, the signal is routed to a single tuner.

■ If you are using a TV antenna or standard cable

connector, the signal is routed to both tuners internally.

■ You must connect a second set of inputs if you

are using a cable or satellite set-top box. Otherwise, connect a second set-top box to the second set of back-panel connectors.

■ 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 (Electronic) Program Guide in Media Center, so both TV sources must have identical Television Program Guides.

20 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

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; otherwise skip to step 3. Connector (2) can also be used if you have a second set-top box.

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). You can locate the remote infrared receiver window by using a flashlight to shine through the plastic on the front of most devices.

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.)

You can locate the remote infrared receiver window on your cable TV set-top box by using a flashlight to shine through the plastic on the front of most devices.

Connecting the Television Signal 21

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

AWall

BCable outlet

C Coaxial cable

DVCR In

EVCR Out

FTV In

G Splitter In

H Splitter Out

J TV In on back of PC

22 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

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 21.

Add the PC with a splitterExisting setup

AWall

BCable outlet

C Coaxial cable

D Set-top box/Satellite In

E Set-top box/Satellite Out

FVCR In

GVCR Out

HTV 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 23

Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR and TV using S-video cable or composite video cable between the box and the VCR or TV

1 Do not detach any cables from your existing

setup.

2 Connect an additional cable:

■ Using S-video (not included): Connect an

additional S-video cable to a second output on the set-top box or satellite box. Plug the other end of the cable into the S-video In connector on the back of the PC.

■ Using composite video: Connect an

additional composite video cable to a second output on the set-top box or satellite box. Connect the other end of the cable to the S-video to composite video adapter cable; connect the adapter to the S-video In connector on the back of the PC.

3 When using a composite video or S-video

cable, you must also plug audio cables (not provided) from your satellite or set-top box into the Audio In right (red) and Audio In left (white) connectors on the back of the PC.

4 Be sure to connect the remote sensor control

cable 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 21.

24 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Add the PCExisting setup

AWall

BCable outlet

C Set-top box/Satellite In

D Set-top box/Satellite Out

E S-video or composite cable

FVCR In

GVCR Out

HTV In

J Add an S-video or composite cable with

adapter

K S-video In on back of PC

L Remote control sensor cable

M Remote control sensor

N Set-top box/second output

OR-Audio

PL-Audio

Connecting the Television Signal 25

Using the TV as a Monitor

If your Media Center PC has TV-out capability (select models only), you can connect it to a TV to view the PC image on a TV screen. With the TV-out feature, you can view the PC image, watch DVD movies, or play games on your TV. This is an optional feature.

Cables for connecting the PC to a TV

To connect the PC to a TV, you need a video cable and an audio cable. The type of video cable you need depends on your TV:

■ If your TV has an S-video input jack, you need

an S-video cable.

Viewing the PC Image on Your TV Screen

The type of video card on your PC determines how the PC selects the TV-out option.

Adjusting the Screen Resolution

To change the screen resolution:

1 Right-click an empty area of the desktop, and

then click Properties.

2 On the Settings tab, adjust the screen

resolution. Moving the sliderbar toward Less increases the size of text on your screen. Moving the sliderbar toward More decreases the size of text.

3 Click Apply.

■ If your TV has a composite video jack, you

need a composite video cable, and depending on the jacks on the back of your PC, you may also need an S-video adapter cable.

When you want to disconnect the TV from your PC, you may need to disable the TV option to return your PC display to its original resolution.

4 Click Yes, if it is present. 5 Click OK.

You can connect more than one display device (CRT monitor, flat panel monitor, TV, and so on) to the PC (select models only). You can quickly change where the PC desktop appears by pressing Alt+F5. Each time you press the Alt+F5 key combination, the PC display appears on the next device. If Alt+F5 does not work, restart the PC and try again.

26 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Connecting the PC to a TV

1 Turn off the PC. 2 Connect the TV cable using one of the

following arrangements, depending on the connection jacks on your TV.

4 If your TV has a composite video input jack

and your PC has a composite video output jack, connect a composite video cable (C) to the Video In jack on the TV and to the composite video out jack (D) on the back of the PC (select models only).

3 If your TV has an S-video jack, connect

an S-video cable (A) (not provided) from the S-video In jack on the TV to the S-video Out jack (B) on the back of the PC (select models only).

A B

C D

There may be two S-video connectors on the back of the PC: S-video Out on the video card (select models only) and S-video In on the TV tuner card.

5 Turn on the TV and select the TV In video

source; refer to the documentation for your TV set.

6 Enable the image for the TV. For more

information about this step, see “Viewing the PC image on the TV” on page 30.

Connecting the Television Signal 27

If you choose the option Preview

Automatic Adjustment, the

screen may appear black or seem to halt for approximately 20 seconds. Wait until the wizard screen reappears, choose Do not adjust

any settings, click Next, and then

continue with the next step in this procedure.

The type of video card on your PC determines how the PC selects the TV-out option. Some options and menus in this procedure may be different for your PC.

Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for Optional Setup of You r T V D i s play

If your TV connects to the system using a composite or S-video connection, the Media Center setup wizard cannot make automatic adjustment of settings for your TV display.

This automatic adjustment is available during the Optional Setup, within the “Optimize how Media Center looks on your display” option. Instead of using the wizard for automatic adjustment, set the TV display by using the Windows Desktop Properties.

The following procedure describes what to do within the Media Center setup wizard and how to use the Windows Desktop Properties to adjust settings for your TV display:

1 During the Media Center setup wizard, at the

Optional Setup, select Optimize how Media Center looks on your display, and then click Next.

5 Continue using the wizard, and then either

close or minimize Media Center.

6 Right-click a free area of the Windows

desktop, and choose Properties.

2 When the Display Configuration window

appears, click Next.

7 Click the Settings tab, and then click the

Advanced button on that tab.

3 Select the display type for, and then select the

connection type for your TV display:

■ If you choose the option Composite or

S-video,click Next, and then continue

with step 4.

■ If you choose the options DVI or VGA or

Component (YPbPr), you do not need

to continue with this procedure. Continue using the wizard to adjust your TV display.

4 On the next screen, select Keep my current

Settings and continue, and then click Next. Do not select the option Preview Automatic Adjustment.

8 Select the GeForce tab. If you have a

GeForce tab, see “Changing the Display for a GeForce Graphics Card” on page 29.

Select the ATI Displays tab. If you have an ATI Displays tab, see “Changing the Display for an ATI Graphics Card” on page 29.

If you have the ATI Catalyst Control Center graphics card, see “Changing the Display for an ATI Catalyst Control Center Graphics Card” on page 30.

28 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Changing the Display for a GeForce Graphics Card

1 Follow the “Using the Media Center Setup

Wizard for Optional Setup of Your TV Display” on page 28.

2 Click the GeForce tab. 3 Click TV Settings.

4 Select the Device Adjustment button, and

then you can select the various screen adjustment settings.

5 Click Apply, and then click OK. 6 Click OK again to close the window.

Changing the Display for an ATI Graphics Card

1 Follow the “Using the Media Center Setup

Wizard for Optional Setup of Your TV Display” on page 28.

2 Click the ATI Di splay s tab. 3 Click the TV button (the small bar above the

TV icon). The TV Properties window opens. (Your TV must be connected to the system.)

4 Click the Adjustments tab. 5 Adjust the screen position or screen size, and

then click Apply.

6 Click OK as needed to close the windows.

You m a y n ee d t o cl i c k the On button (at the left corner of the TV button bar) to make the On button green, and then click Apply.

Connecting the Television Signal 29

Changing the Display for an ATI Catalyst Control Center Graphics Card

1 Follow the “Using the Media Center Setup

Wizard for Optional Setup of Your TV Display” on page 28.

2 Right-click the desktop, and then select ATI

Catalyst Control Center.

3 Click the ATI Catalyst Control Center

button to open the display control window.

4 Click the Displays Manager button. The

Desktop and Display Setup window appears on the right side of the window.

5 Select the Wizard button. 6 Select your display type. 7 Select type of content you want to view:

Windows Desktop

Full screen video

8 Click Next. 9 Select Apply to enable the recommended

settings.

10 Select Ye s or No to keep settings. 11 Click Finish.

Viewing the PC image on the TV

To view your PC image on the TV:

1 Make sure the video and audio cables are

connected before you turn on the TV and

The type of video card on your PC determines how the PC selects the TV-out option. Some options and menus in this procedure may be different for your PC.

30 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

the PC.

2 Turn on the TV. Make sure the Video input

setting is selected, not the TV setting.

3 Turn on the PC. 4 When the Windows desktop appears,

right-click an empty area of the desktop, and choose Properties. The Display Properties window opens.

5 Click the Settings tab. 6 Click the Advanced button. 7 Look at the tabs and follow the steps that

apply to your PC:

■ If you see the GeForce tab, see “Viewing

the PC image on the TV using the GeForce graphics card” on page 31.

■ If you see the ATI Displays tab, see

“Viewing the PC image on the TV using the ATI graphics card” on page 31.

Viewing the PC image on the TV using the GeForce graphics card

1 Click the GeForce tab. 2 To view the PC image on your PC monitor and

your TV simultaneously, in the nView Modes area select Clone from the drop-down list.

3 Click the Apply button. 4 When the PC image appears on the TV

screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting.

5 Click the OK button to save changes, and

To view the PC image on just the TV, in the area nView Modes, select Single display from the drop-down list, and then, if necessary, in the Current display area select

TV from the drop-down list.

Viewing the PC image on the TV using the ATI graphics card

1 Click the ATI Displays tab. This tab shows a

monitor and a TV. The upper-left corner of each display icon is a button and a status indicator. A red corner indicates an inactive display; a green corner indicates an active display.

2 To view the PC image on your PC monitor and

your TV simultaneously, click the upper-left corner of the TV icon so that it is green. Click Apply.

then click OK again to close the Display Properties window.

3 When the PC image appears on the TV

screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting.

4 Click the OK button to save changes, and

then click OK again to close the Display Properties window.

Your TV must be connected to the PC to change the display.

To view the PC image on just the TV, click the TV corner so it is green, and then click the monitor corner so it is red. Click Apply.

Connecting the Television Signal 31

Your TV must be connected to the PC to change the display.

Enabling and disabling the TV option using the GeForce graphics card

When you want to disconnect the TV from the PC, you may need to disable the TV option to return your PC display to its original resolution.

To enable or disable the TV option to view your PC image on the original display:

1 Right-click an empty area of the screen, and

choose Properties.

6 Click the Apply button. 7 When the PC image appears on the TV

2 Click the Settings tab. 3 Click the Advanced button.

screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting.

Your TV must be connected to the PC to change the display.

4 Click the GeForce tab. 5 Click the Current Display drop-down list,

and then select Analog Display or Digital Display.

Enabling and disabling the TV option using the ATI Displays graphics card

When you want to disconnect the TV from the PC, you may need to disable the TV option to return your PC display to its original resolution.

To enable or disable the TV option to view your PC image on the original display:

1 Right-click an empty area of the screen, and

choose Properties.

2 Click the Settings tab. 3 Click the Advanced button. 4 Click the ATI Displays tab. This tab shows a

monitor and a TV. The upper-left corner of each display icon is a button and a status indicator. A red corner indicates an inactive display; a green corner indicates an active display.

8 Click the OK button to save changes, and

then click OK again to close the Display Properties window.

5 Click the upper-left corner of the TV icon so

it is red, and then click the upper-left corner of the monitor icon so it is green. Click the

Apply button.

6 When the PC image appears on the TV

screen, click Yes to keep the setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting.

7 Click the OK button to save changes, and

then click OK again to close the Display Properties window.

32 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Enabling and disabling the TV option with ATI Catalyst Control Center

When you want to disconnect the TV from the PC, you may need to disable the TV option to return your PC display to its original resolution.

To disable the TV option to view your PC image on the original display:

1 Right-click an empty area of the screen, and

choose ATI Catalyst Control Center.

2 Click the ATI Catalyst Control Center

button.

3 Click Displays Manager button. The

Desktop and Display Setup window appears.

4 Right-click the icon that represents the TV

display, and select Enable.

5 Select Yes or No to keep your settings. 6 Click Finish.

Disconnecting the TV

1 Disable the TV option. See “Viewing the PC

image on the TV” on page 30.

2 Turn off the TV and the PC.

3 Remove the video cable from the TV and

the PC.

Connecting the Television Signal 33

Changing Your Display Using Windows XP

1 Right-click a free area of the Windows

desktop, and choose Properties.

2 Click the Settings tab. 3 Select the display you want to view by clicking

the 1 or 2 in the window or by selecting the correct display by clicking the drop-down arrow under Display.

4 Select your display settings, and then click

Apply to save your changes.

34 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options

HP Media Center PCs support many different audio options, sound connections, and speaker configurations. You may set up your PC for two stereo speakers or for multichannel audio speaker systems. Connect your speaker system to the PC, and then configure the audio software for sound output. For more details about connecting stereo speakers to the PC, see the setup poster.

This chapter describes the most typical options. Your system may have different components.

Speakers are included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately.

Sound Connector Types

Your model may include one of three analog sound connector types on the back of your PC:

■ Three connectors

■ Six connectors

■ Sound card

Connector Description Illustration Type

Three connectors

Six connectors

Your PC model may include three sound connectors. You can connect up to a

5.1 audio system to the PC. If you want to connect multichannel audio, follow the instructions carefully.

Your PC model may include six sound connectors on the back of your PC. You can connect up to a 7.1 audio system to the PC.

The connectors are 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo minijacks that connect from the back of your PC to speakers and microphones.

Your system may also have a separate Digital Out connection (select models only).

Software configuration is different for each connector type, as noted in the instructions.

OUT

For additional information on connecting the speakers, refer to the setup poster that came with the PC and the documentation that came with your speakers.

Type 3 is three connectors.

Typ e 6 is six

connectors.

Type S is sound card.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 35

Connector Description (Continued) Illustration Type

Type 3 is three connectors.

Sound card connector

Use the sound connectors that match your PC model when installing cables, as shown in the installation procedure steps.

The following table shows the sound connectors on the back panel of PC systems.

Sound connector

Your PC may include a sound card. You can connect up to a 5.1 audio system (7.1 audio system for select models) or digital speakers to the sound card on the PC.

DescriptionType 3 Type 6 Type S

Line Side (gray) for side speakers in an eight-speaker system (7.1).

See below. S

Typ e 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

OUT

36 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

A Line C/Sub (gold) for center/subwoofer speakers in a

multichannel audio configuration.

B Line Rear (black) for rear speakers in a multichannel audio

configuration.

C Line Out (lime green) for front speakers.

Sound connector

Description (Continued)Type 3 Type 6 Type S

DMic (pink) connects to microphone.

(Type 3 also functions as center/subwoofer Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.)

E Line In (light blue) connects to an analog audio device such

as a CD player for input into PC. (Type 3 also functions as rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.)

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

FDigital Out (orange) connects to a digital audio device

with digital input (such as a home audio receiver/amplifier) or digital speakers (select models only).

Speaker Configurations

You may set up your HP Media Center PC for the following supported configurations:

Name Speaker system See

Headphones None, muted. “Using Headphones” on page 60.

2 (stereo) Left speaker, right speaker. “Connecting 2/2.1 (2 Speakers and a

Subwoofer) Audio Speakers” on page 39.

2.1 Left speaker, right speaker, and a subwoofer.

“Connecting 2/2.1 (2 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers” on page 39.

4.1 Two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer.

6/5.1 Two front speakers, two rear

speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer.

8/7.1 Two front speakers, two rear

speakers, two side speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer (select models only).

“Connecting 4.1 (4 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers” on page 40.

“Connecting 5.1 (5 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers” on page 41.

“Connecting 7.1 (7 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers” on page 42.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 37

Name Speaker system (Continued) See

Home audio system

Digital audio Digital speakers or digital input

Multistreaming audio

Home stereo or home theater audio system with passive speakers.

connector on audio system.

Two front speakers, two rear speakers, two side speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer (select models only).

Speaker types

Speakers may be included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately. Refer to the product documentation for your speakers.

Your PC supports only an active (powered) speaker system. An active speaker system must have its own power cord. A home audio system does not require active speakers because the receiver provides amplification.

A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system. A multichannel audio speaker system has a left-right front and left-right rear

“Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System” on page 43.

“Connecting Digital Audio” on page 47.

“Configuring Multi-streaming Audio” on page 56.

channel, and it may include a subwoofer and a center speaker. Side speakers are included in more advanced systems. A subwoofer provides enhanced bass sounds.

“.1” indicates a subwoofer. For example, 7.1 channels refers to an eight-speaker mode and uses two front speakers (left-right), two side speakers (left-right), two rear speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer.

38 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Connecting 2/2.1 (2 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

To connect simple left/right stereo active speakers or two speakers and a subwoofer for 2.1 speaker output:

1 Turn off the PC. 2 Connect the speaker cable to the lime green

Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your PC.

OUT

5 Turn on the PC. 6 Plug in the speaker system power. 7 Turn on the speaker system.

Step 8 is optional for a two-speaker setup.

8 After the speakers are connected to the PC,

configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model:

Type 3 is three connectors.

Typ e 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

3 Connect the cable to the audio system. For

2.1 speakers that were shipped with your PC (select models only), connect the Audio Line Out connector to the subwoofer.

4 Connect the left and right speakers to the

subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation.

The following diagram shows a typical 2.1 audio installation:

■ Type 3: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 48.

■ Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50.

■ Sound card: See “Configuring Audio

Output with a Sound Card” on page 53.

OUT

Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 39

Connecting 4.1 (4 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

To connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, and a subwoofer for four-channel (4.1 speaker) output:

Type 3 is three connectors.

Typ e 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.

1 Turn off the PC.

2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime

green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your PC.

OUT

4 Connect the cables to the audio system. 5 Connect the front and rear speakers to the

6 Turn on the PC. 7 Plug in the speaker system power. 8 Turn on the speaker system. 9 After the speakers are connected to the PC,

3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black

connector that matches the back of your PC.

For type 3-connector systems, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a Rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

The following diagram shows a typical 4.1 audio installation:

subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation.

configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model:

■ Type 3: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 48.

■ Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50.

■ Sound card: See “Configuring Audio

Output with a Sound Card” on page 53.

40 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

OUT

Connecting 5.1 (5 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

To connect two front speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer for six-channel (5.1 speaker) output:

1 Turn off the PC.

2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime

green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your PC.

OUT

3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black

connector that matches the back of your PC.

For type 3-connector systems, the blue Audio Line In connector functions as a Rear Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

4 Connect the center/subwoofer speaker cable

to the gold (or pink Mic) connector that matches the back of your PC.

5 Connect the cables to the audio system. 6 Connect the front, rear, and center speakers to

the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation.

7 Turn on the PC. 8 Plug in the speaker system power. 9 Turn on the speaker system.

10 After the speakers are connected to the PC,

configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model:

■ Type 3: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 48.

■ Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50.

■ Type 6: — multi-streaming: See

“Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50.

■ Sound card: See “Configuring Audio

Output with a Sound Card” on page 53.

Type 3 is three connectors.

Typ e 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.

For type 3-connector systems, the pink Mic connector functions as a center/subwoofer speaker Line Out when a multichannel audio configuration is activated.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 41

The following diagram shows a typical 5.1 audio installation:

OUT

Connecting 7.1 (7 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

(Select models only)

To connect two front speakers, two side speakers, two rear speakers, a center speaker, and a subwoofer for eight-channel (7.1 speaker) output:

1 Turn off the PC.

2 Connect the front speaker cable to the lime--

green Audio Line Out connector on the back of your PC.

3 Connect the rear speaker cable to the black

connector on the back of your PC.

42 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

4 For type 6 connectors only, connect the side

speaker cable to the gray connector on the back of your PC.

5 Connect the center speaker and subwoofer

speaker cable to the gold connector on the back of your PC.

6 Connect the cables to the audio system.

11 After the speakers are connected to the PC,

7 Connect the front, rear, side, and center

speakers to the subwoofer. Refer to the speaker documentation.

8 Turn on the PC. 9 Plug in the speaker system power.

10 Turn on the speaker system.

The following diagram shows a typical 7.1 audio installation:

configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model:

■ Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50.

■ Type 6 — multi-streaming: See

“Configuring Audio Output with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager” on page 54.

Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.

Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System

You can connect your HP Media Center PC to your home stereo or home theater multichannel audio receiver/amplifiers using your existing speakers.

For example, see “2.1 home stereo installation” on page 44, or “5.1 home audio installation” on page 45.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 43

Y adapter and extension cables are purchased separately.

A: PC back-panel connectors (type 3, type 6, or sound card)

Y adapter cables

Most home receiver/amplifiers have RCA-type input connectors. You may need to connect Y adapter cables between your PC and your receiver/ amplifier. Y adapter cables have one 1/8-inch (3.5 mm) stereo minijack on one end and two RCA connectors on the other end. These cables are purchased separately.

2.1 home stereo installation

The following diagram shows a typical two-channel (2.1) speaker installation that uses passive stereo speakers and plugs into a home stereo standard left and right input.

OUT

The number of Y adapter cables you need to connect to your home stereo system depends on the number of speakers you install:

■ 2/2.1 speaker system: 1 Y adapter cable

■ 4/4.1 speaker system: 2 Y adapter cables

■ 6/5.1 speaker system: 3 Y adapter cables

■ 8/7.1 speaker system: 4 Y adapter cables

Connecting a home stereo to a PC typically requires audio cables that are long enough to connect from the PC to the stereo. You may also need to purchase RCA or mini-extension cables.

This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may be different.

B: Y adapter cables

C: Receiver/amplifier

D: Subwoofer

E: Front speakers (left and right)

PC to 2.1 multichannel audio system connection

44 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

5.1 home audio installation

The following diagram shows a typical advanced home theater audio six-channel 6/5.1 speaker installation that requires multichannel inputs on a receiver/amplifier.

OUT

This is only a suggested configuration. Your system may be different.

A: PC back-panel connectors (type 3, type 6, or sound card)

B: Y adapter cables

C: Receiver/amplifier

D: Subwoofer

E: Enter speaker

DE F G

PC to 5.1 multichannel audio system connection

F: Front speakers (left and right)

G: Rear speakers (left and right)

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 45

5.1 home audio installation procedure

To connect a six-channel (5.1 speaker) home audio system to the PC:

Receiver/amplifier input connectors may be labeled Surround,

5.1, or 6 Channel inputs, CD, DVD, or DVD In.

Type 3 is three connectors.

Typ e 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

1 Turn off the PC. 2 Turn off the receiver/amplifier. 3 Connect the front stereo minijack end of a

Y adapter cable into the lime green Audio Line Out connector that matches the back of your PC.

OUT

Connect the left and right ends of the Y adapter cable into the front left (L) and right (R) inputs on the back of the receiver/ amplifier.

4 If you have rear speakers, connect the rear

stereo minijack end of a Y adapter cable into the Audio Line In (blue) or the Rear Speaker Out (black) connector that matches the back of your PC.

5 If you have a center/subwoofer speaker,

connect the stereo minijack of a Y adapter cable into the microphone (pink) connector or the center speaker/subwoofer (gold) connector that matches the back of your PC.

■ Connect the left and right ends of the

Y adapter cable into the center/subwoofer inputs on the back of the receiver/amplifier (6/5.1- or higher-channel system).

■ Plug the Y adapter cable into the

subwoofer connector on the back of the receiver even if a subwoofer is not used.

6 Turn on the receiver/amplifier. 7 Select the receiver/amplifier input that the

Y adapter cables are plugged into.

8 Turn on the PC. 9 After the audio system is connected to the PC,

configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model:

■ Connect the left and right ends of the

Y adapter cable into the rear left (L) and right (R) inputs on the back of the receiver/amplifier.

46 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

■ Type 3: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 48.

■ Type 6: See “Configuring Audio Output

with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50.

■ Sound card: See “Configuring Audio

Output with a Sound Card” on page 53.

Connecting Digital Audio

(Select models only)

If you have a sound card and you are connecting your home stereo AV receiver via digital out, plug the 3.5 mm stereo plug into the Digital Out connector on the sound card. Connect the red RCA stereo plug on the 3.5 mm Y cable to the AV receiver’s digital input connector. If the red RCA stereo plug does not work, try the white stereo plug. One of the connectors is not used.

To connect digital audio, your PC must include a digital out connector on the sound card or on the back panel. You do not need to connect multichannel speaker outputs if you connect the digital output.

To connect digital audio speakers:

1 Turn off the PC. 2 Connect the Digital Out connector on the back

panel of your PC to the digital input (S/PDIF) on digital speakers or a digital audio system.

DIGITAL

AUDIO OUT

DIGITAL

3 Turn on the PC. 4 Plug in the speaker system power. 5 Turn on the speaker system.

6 After the speakers are connected to the PC,

configure the audio software for sound output for your PC model:

■ Audio card with digital output and type

3 connectors: See “Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager” on page 48. Follow the instructions to enable digital audio output.

■ Audio card with digital output and type

6 connectors: See “Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50. Digital audio output is already enabled as the default.

■ Sound card: See “Configuring Audio

Output with a Sound Card” on page 53. Follow the instructions to enable digital audio output.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 47

Type 3 is three connectors.

Typ e 6 is six connectors.

Type S is sound card.

Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.

Configuring Audio Output

You can configure your speaker’s audio output with the following software. Use the software that applies to your PC model:

■ Multi-channel Sound Manager (type 3)

■ Sound Effect Manager (type 6)

■ Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager (multi-

streaming audio)

■ Creative Speaker Settings (sound card)

■ Media Center (all systems)

■ WinDVD Player (all systems)

Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager

Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has type 3 connectors.

To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Multi-channel Sound Manager:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs.

3 Click Multi-channel Sound Manager.

The Multi-channel Audio Configuration window opens with one of five control screens.

48 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

■ Sound Effect — Select the environment

settings.

■ Equalizer — Equalize the audio

frequencies.

■ Speaker Configuration — Select the

number of speakers. An Audio Connector Switch indicates the speaker configuration.

5 Select the option describing the number

of speakers in your system, in a range from 2/2.1 speaker mode to

6/5.1 speaker mode.

6 Enable digital audio if you want digital audio

output. See “Enabling digital audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager (optional)” on page 49.

■ Speaker Test — Test all connected

speakers for correct configuration.

7 Click OK. 8 Test the speakers. Click the Speaker Test

■ General — View driver and audio

information.

tab. Follow the instructions.

9 Configure audio output for the Media Center.

4 Click the Speaker Configuration tab near

the top of the window to open the control screens. (Your speakers may need to be plugged in to see this tab.)

Enabling digital audio output with Multi-channel Sound Manager (optional)

Your PC must include a digital audio out connector on the back panel.

To enable digital audio output:

1 Follow steps 1 through 5 of the previous

procedure, “Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager.”

See “Configuring Audio for Media Center” on page 59.

10 Configure audio output for the WinDVD

Player. See “Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player” on page 60.

6 Test the speakers. (If you test using a DVD, you

need to configure WinDVD first. See “Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player” on page 60.)

2 Place a check next to Enable digital audio

output. The Output digital and analog

option is automatically selected.

7 Configure audio output for the Media Center.

See “Configuring Audio for Media Center” on page 59.

3 Connect the digital audio output connector on

the back of your PC to your home audio system’s digital audio input.

8 Configure audio output for the WinDVD

Player. See “Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player” on page 60.

4 Select your stereo system’s digital audio input. 5 Click OK.

If you select Enable digital audio output, the microphone volume setting becomes not muted, and the recording source is fixed in Stereo Mix. If you place the microphone too close to the speakers, feedback can occur.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 49

Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager

Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has type 6 connectors.

To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Sound Effect Manager:

If you do not see the device for your configuration, change the speaker selection in the Speaker Configuration window.

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Sounds, Speech and Audio

Devices (or Sounds and Audio Devices).

4 Click Sound Effect Manager. The window

opens.

5 Click a button near the top of the window to

see that control screen.

6 Select the option describing the number of

speakers in your system in a range from

2.1 Speaker to 7.1 Speaker.

The Sound Effect Manager control screens

■ Sound Effect — selects the Environment and

the Equalizer settings. You can select an Environment such as Under Water or Auditorium. To use the Equalizer, click the Power button in the center of the circular equalizer control to turn on the Equalizer. You can click a preset button, such as Pop or Live, or manually adjust the settings and then save them for easy selection later.

7 Click the Speaker Test button to test the

speakers.

8 Click OK. 9 Configure audio output for the Media Center.

See “Configuring Audio for Media Center” on page 59.

10 Configure audio output for the WinDVD

Player. See “Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player” on page 60.

■ Digital Audio — selects the digital audio

output and digital audio frequency for the digital audio connectors on the PC.

■ Audio Wizard — opens a window that

shows the connector panel on the front of the PC. To close the window without enabling the wizard, click OK.

■ Speaker Configuration — selects the

number of speakers, shows the Connection Guide, and has the Speaker Test button to

test the speakers. A connector with no descriptive text in the Connection Guide indicates that the connector is not used for the selected speaker configuration.

50 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

To enable the Audio Wizard

Make sure the Enable Auto Detection check box is selected to enable the wizard. Click OK to close the window.

Using the Audio Wizard in the Sound Effect Manager (type 6 connectors)

The Sound Effect Manager Audio Wizard can help you connect front-panel audio.

To use the Audio Wizard:

1 Turn on the PC. 2 Click Start on the taskbar. 3 Choose Control Panel. 4 Click Sounds, Speech and Audio

Devices (or Sounds and Audio Devices).

5 Click Sound Effect Manager. The window

opens.

6 Click Audio Wizard. A window opens

that shows the connector panel on the front of the PC.

7 Place a check in the Enable jack detection

check box to enable the wizard.

8 Connect the speaker system audio cable plugs

into the connectors on the front of your PC. The panel display highlights a cable that is properly inserted in a connector.

9 Close the window.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 51

Retasking front-panel connectors

To retask using the Audio Wizard (type 6 connector):

With the Audio Wizard enabled, both the microphone connector and the headphones connector on the front of the PC can be retasked to perform a different audio function. These two connectors are universal audio jacks. When you plug in a cable, the wizard asks you to select the function for the cable from a list, and then it sets the universal audio jack to perform as the selected function. The functions are:

■ Stereo speaker (out)

■ Microphone (in)

■ Headphone (in)

■ Audio line in

1 Follow steps 1 through 7 of the procedure

“The Sound Effect Manager control screens.”

2 When you plug in a cable, the wizard asks

you to select the device you plugged in from alist.

3 Close the window.

Disabling digital audio output with Sound Effect Manager (optional)

To disable digital audio output:

1 Follow the procedure “Configuring Audio

Output with Sound Effect Manager” on page 50.

2 Click the Digital Audio button. Select

Digital output off (you can also select Digital-in to Digital-out pass through mode).

3 Close the window.

52 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

If you select Enable digital audio output, the microphone volume setting becomes not muted and the recording source is fixed in Stereo Mix. If you place the microphone too close to the speakers, feedback can occur.

Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card

Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers.

To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with the Creative Sound Blaster Audigy sound card:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose Creative, SoundBlaster Audigy.

Click Creative Speaker Settings. The speaker settings window opens.

4 Select a speaker setting from the Speaker/

Headphone Selection drop-down menu. Enter a speaker configuration from 2/2.1 to 2/7.1.

5 Enable digital audio if you want digital audio

output. See “Enabling digital audio output with a sound card (optional)” on page 53.

Enabling digital audio output with a sound card (optional)

To enable digital audio output:

1 Follow steps 1 through 4 of the previous

procedure, “Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card.”

2 Place a check mark in the Digital Output

Only check box.

6 Click the Channel button to test the speakers. 7 Adjust the speaker volume settings on the PC.

Click the Calibrate button. The wizard starts. Follow the wizard’s basic instructions.

8 Close the window. 9 Configure audio output for the Media Center.

See “Configuring Audio for Media Center” on page 59.

10 Configure audio output for the WinDVD

Player. See “Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player” on page 60.

6 Adjust the speaker volume settings on the PC.

Click the Calibrate button. The wizard starts. Follow the wizard’s basic instructions.

7 Close the window. 8 Configure audio output for the Media Center.

3 Connect the digital audio output connector on

the back of your PC to your home audio system’s digital audio input.

See “Configuring Audio for Media Center” on page 59.

9 Configure audio output for the WinDVD

4 Select your stereo system’s digital audio input.

Player. See “Configuring Audio for Media Center” on page 59.

5 Play a DVD to test the speakers.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 53

Disabling digital audio output with Sound Effect Manager (optional)

To disable digital audio output:

If you do not see the device for your configuration, change the speaker selection in the Speaker Configuration window.

1 Open the Sound Effect Manager:

Click Start, Control Panel, Sounds, Speech and Audio, and then Sound Effect Manager.

2 Click Audio Wizard. A window opens,

displaying the connector panel on the front of the PC.

3 Click the Digital Audio button. Select

Digital output off (you can also select Digital-in to Digital-out pass through mode).

4 Close the window.

If you select Enable digital audio output, the microphone volume setting becomes active, the recording source is fixed in Stereo Mix, and if you place the microphone too close to the speakers, feedback can occur.

Configuring Audio Output with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager

Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers, if your PC model has type 6 connectors and is capable of multi-streaming audio.

To configure multichannel audio output for PCs with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager:

1 Click Start on the taskbar.

4 Click Realtek HD Sound Effect

Manager. The window opens.

2 Click Control Panel.

5 Click a button near the top of the window to

3 Click Sounds, and then Speech and

Audio Devices (or Sounds and Audio Devices).

see that control screen.

54 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

The Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager control screens

■ Sound Effect — selects the Environment and

the Equalizer settings. You can select an environment, such as Under Water or Auditorium. To use the Equalizer, click the Power button in the center of the circular equalizer control to turn it on. You can click a preset button, such as Pop or Live, or manually adjust the settings and then save them for easy selection later.

■ Mixer — allows control over

volume, playback, mute, recording and multi-streaming audio. Click the Multi-streaming setting button to set up multi-streaming.

■ Audio I/O — selects the number of

speakers, shows whether the plugs are analog or digital, and selects the digital audio output and digital input device. Only speakers being used are displayed.

■ Microphone — allows fine control over the

microphone/recording quality. Includes buttons for noise suppression and acoustic echo cancellation.

Configuring the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager

1 Click the Audio I/O tab. 2 Select the option describing the number of

speakers in your system — for example,

7.1 speakers.

3 Only connectors being used are shown; if the

connector is not shown it means that it is not used for the selected speaker configuration.

4 Click OK.

To hear DVD movies recorded with multi-channel audio from all speakers, change the audio properties for the DVD player software program to match your speaker configuration (if your DVD program supports more than two channels).

To use a microphone or set up the PC for recording, see “Configuring sound for recording with the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager” on page 56.

To use Multi-streaming Audio, see “Configuring Multi-streaming Audio” on page 56.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 55

The front pink and green connectors can be retasked to perform other audio functions; refer to “Retasking front panel audio connectors” on page 56.

Configuring sound for recording with the Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager

The microphone connector is ready to use for recording sound. If you want to use another connector for recording, such as the Digital Audio In connector, use these steps to select it:

1 Click Start on the taskbar; Control Panel,

Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices, and then Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager.

3 In Record click the drop-down list. Choose:

■ RealTek HD Digital Input to use the

digital audio in connector (select models only).

2 Click the Mixer tab.

■ Line in/Mic in to use the Audio Line In

(In) or the Microphone (Mic) connectors.

4 Click OK to close the window.

Retasking front panel audio connectors

The pink and green connectors on the front of the PC connectors can be retasked as needed.

1 Click Start on the taskbar; Control Panel,

Sounds, Speech, Devices, and then Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager.

2 Click the Audio I/O tab.

Configuring Multi-streaming Audio

The Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager software allows you to listen to two different audio sources on two different speaker sets.

56 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

3 Click the Tool icon in the Front Panel

section. The connector settings window displays.

4 Select Enable Jack detection when

device is plugged in, and click OK.

The front pink and green connectors can now be used as input or output devices.

For example, you hear one audio source through a rear-panel speaker connection and a second source through a front-panel headphone or speaker connection. You must configure Multi-streaming Audio for your system if you want to hear two audio sources on separate speakers.

Audio output overview

The front-panel audio output is the stereo headphone (green) connector only.

Audio input overview

You can select two of the following audio sources to play through front-panel headphone and rear-panel speaker connectors:

The rear-panel outputs are the speaker connectors that can be set up as multi-channel out from stereo (2.0) to 7.1 (select models only) configurations. Refer to your user documentation for powered speakers or AV receiver setup information.

1 From an externally connected device source,

such as:

■ A microphone with cable connected to

Mic In (pink).

■ An MP3 player cable connected to

Line In (blue).

When to use multi-streaming audio

You may multi-stream two audio sources as described in the following typical examples:

1 For online gaming, where you hear 5.1 game

sound on your AV receiver or powered speakers: While you also hear gaming conversation on your headset. See “Example 1: For online gaming” on page 58.

2 For digital home entertainment, where

you hear:

■ DVD sound on your living room TV/display

or AV receiver from the rear-speaker connections.

2 From an internal source inside, or directly

connected to, the PC, audio files may reside on: Hard disk drives, DVDs, CDs, USB drives, HP Personal Media Drives, or any connected device. Play internal media files through programs such as:

■ Windows Media Player

■ WinDVD

■ Other installed media player software

■ While you also hear your PC headphone

or powered speakers that are connected to the front-panel green headphone jack, from one of the following external PC audio sources:

a Front-panel Line In.

b Internal source residing on: A hard disk

drive, DVD, CD, USB drive, or other external device.

See Example 2.

Digital Audio In cannot be multistreamed.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 57

Setting up multi-streaming audio

Example 1: For online gaming

To configure multi-streaming audio output for online gaming with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager, you must enable Voice-over-IP software (software used to converse over the Internet). Other players hear your voice from the microphone via the Internet and you hear the game audio from the rear speakers:

To ensure you have sound output, go to the Mixer window and check that the setting of the front pink microphone is not on mute.

1 Connect the audio input and output

connectors to:

■ A headphone set to the front Headphone

Out (green) connector.

■ A microphone to the front Mic In (pink)

connector for online conversation.

■ A set of powered stereo 5.1 or 7.1

speakers to the rear Speaker Out connectors for gaming sound output.

2 Click the Realtek HD Audio

Manager icon on the system tray to

open the Realtek HD Audio Sound Effect Manager window.

3 Choose the Mixer tab. 4 Click the Multi-streaming

setting audio button. The dialog

box opens.

5 Select the Enable multi-streaming

playback check box.

6 Select one of the following options to

determine how you would like to hear your own voice.

■ Check the Output Mic In/Line In to

front panel check box, and select OK.

■ Check the Output Mic In/Line In to

rear panel check box, and select OK.

7 Select Realtek HD Audio rear output

from the drop-down list.

8 Start the game that you are about to play. You

should hear the gaming sound on the rear stereo, 5.1 or 7.1 speakers.

9 At the Mixer tab, select Realtek HD Audio

front output to enable audio conversation

with your teammates.

58 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Example 2: For digital home entertainment

To configure multi-streaming audio output for digital home entertainment with Sound Effect Manager:

1 Connect the audio output connectors to:

■ A headphone set or powered speakers

connected to the front Headphone Out (green) connector for stereo music playback.

■ A set of powered stereo, 5.1, or 7.1

speakers connected to the rear Speaker Out connectors for DVD playback sound output.

6 Select Realtek HD Audio rear output

7 Open WinDVD to play a DVD movie. You

8 Select Realtek HD Audio front output

9 Open Windows Media Player to play music.

2 Click the Realtek HD Audio

Manager icon on the system tray to

open the Realtek HD Audio Sound Effect Manager window.

10 To hear an external device source from the

3 Choose the Mixer tab. 4 Click the Multi-streaming setting

audio button. The dialog box opens.

5 Select the Enable multi-streaming

playback check box, and select OK.

Configuring Audio for Media Center

from the drop-down list.

should hear the DVD sound on the rear speakers.

from the drop-down list.

You should hear the music sound on the front headphone connection.

Line In or Mic In connection:

a Click the Multi-streaming

setting audio button. The dialog

box opens.

b Check the Output Mic In/Line In to front

panel check box in the dialog box, and select OK.

Follow these steps after you have installed, connected, and configured your speakers.

To configure multichannel audio output for the Media Center:

1 Click Start on the taskbar, scroll down, and

select Media Center.

2 Click Settings, click DVD. Scroll down and

click Audio.

3 Select Speaker Configuration.

4 Select your Speaker Configuration by clicking

the (+) or (–). If you select Analog-2 Channel, then select the channel mode by clicking the (+) or (–).

5 Click Save. 6 Close the window.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 59

Configuring Audio for InterVideo WinDVD Player

Follow these steps after you have installed, connected, and configured your speakers.

The InterVideo WinDVD program (select models only) is set up for two-speaker (stereo) output. To hear all speakers from DVD movies recorded with multichannel audio, change the audio properties for WinDVD to match your speaker configuration (if your InterVideo WinDVD program supports more than two channels).

If you want to play a stereo DVD, you may change the audio properties of WinDVD to match the recorded DVD audio output.

1 Insert a DVD.

Click Start, choose All Programs, InterVideo WinDVD, InterVideo WinDVD Player, and then click InterVideo WinDVD. The WinDVD video

window opens.

2 Right-click anywhere in the WinDVD video

window, and then click Setup. The Setup window opens.

Using Headphones

Your PC comes with a Headphones connector (lime green) on the front of the PC. The headphones connector is labeled with a headphones icon.

Using a 2.1 speaker system with headphones

For select models with the 2.1 speaker system, look for the headphones connector on the right side of the main speaker. When headphones are plugged in, the sound to the speakers and the subwoofer is muted.

You can also connect headphones to the Line Out connector (lime green) on the back of your PC.

3 Click the Audio tab. 4 Select Audio Output Configuration.

Choose Analog or Digital (S/PDIF). Click Apply.

5 Select Audio Speaker Configuration.

Click the option for the number of speakers to match your multichannel speaker system.

6 You can click the Test button to test the

speakers. You should be able to hear the speakers. Click Stop, and then click OK.

OUT

60 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Using a 5.1 to 7.1 speaker system with headphones

For select models that include a 5.1 or higher speaker system, a headphones connector is located on the right side of the control tower.

■ Push and hold the On button on the control

tower for several seconds to enable sound from the speakers.

If the control tower displays HP (for headphones), the headphones are enabled; the sound to the speakers and the subwoofer is muted.

Selecting recording devices

(Type 6 connectors only)

To select a sound recording device:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose Control Panel. 3 Click Sounds and Audio Devices (or

Sounds, Speech and Audio Devices).

The Sounds and Audio Devices window opens.

Resolving Sound Issues

If you don’t have sound from your speakers, check the following:

■ Press the On button briefly to enable the

headphones.

4 Click the Audio tab. The window opens. 5 In Sound Recording, select a recording

device; for example, Realtek HD Front Pink Jack.

6 Click OK. 7 Close the window.

■ Check volume and mute settings. See “Using

Headphones” on page 60.

■ Use active, powered speakers, or speakers

with an amplifier.

■ Verify sound cable connections.

■ Make sure the software program and sound

software are configured.

■ Some programs may result in low volume,

even when the Volume knob is turned to the maximum position. If this is the case, double-click the Vol ume icon on the taskbar, and increase the volume.

■ Reconfigure the sound software for

surround sound.

■ Reinstall the sound card drivers by using

HP Application Recovery. See “Application Recovery” in the PC Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 61

For additional information on connecting the speakers, refer to the documentation that came with your speakers.

Using the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card

This section provides an overview of connecting to, configuring, and recording with the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card.

Connecting the speakers

Connector Description

AD-Link for AD_Link X-Fi I/O Console (the X-Fi console is sold separately)

Line Out_3 (orange or yellow)

To connect the X-Fi sound card to your speakers:

5.1 audio setup: Front center, subwoofer

6.1 audio setup: Front center, subwoofer, and rear center

7.1 audio setup: Front center, subwoofer, and side left

Line Out_2 (black)

4.1, 5.1, 6.1 audio setup: Rear left and right

7.1 audio setup: Rear left, rear right, and side right

Line Out_1 (lime green)

2/2.1 audio setup: Front left and right

FlexiJack (white) for Line In, Microphone, Digital In/Out

The FlexiJack supports three functions. You must select the function in the Creative Console Launcher. See “Configuring the FlexiJack connector” on page 63.

1 Use the audio connection table to connect

your audio system to the sound card.

2 Turn on the PC.

After connecting the speaker system to the sound card, follow the steps in “Configuring the sound card software” on page 63 to configure the speaker settings in the Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi software.

3 Plug in and turn on the speaker system power.

62 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Configuring the sound card software

Follow these steps after you have installed and connected your speakers to configure multi-channel audio output for PCs:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose Creative,

SoundBlaster X-Fi and then click Creative Console Launcher. The Entertainment

Mode window displays. If a different mode displays, click the Mode button, and then select Entertainment Mode.

4 Select a speaker setting from the Speakers

and Headphones Selection drop-down menu. Select speaker configuration from

2/2.1 to 7.1.

Configuring the FlexiJack connector

The FlexiJack connector performs three functions:

■ Digital Input/Output

■ Line In

■ Microphone

You must select the function in the Creative Console Launcher.

1 Connect your audio cable to the FlexiJack

connector on the sound card (white).

2 Follow steps 1 through 4 of the “Configuring

the sound card software” on page 63.

5 If your speakers support digital audio, and

you want to enable digital audio, see “Configuring the FlexiJack connector” on page 63.

6 Close the window.

Now that the sound card software has been configured, you need to configure audio output for your media software program. The procedure is different for each program. See the instructions that came with the media software program.

3 Click the Digital I/O button. The Digital I/O

window displays.

4 Under FlexiJack Mode, select either Digital

I/O or Mic-In/Line-In.

5 Close the window.

Three modes are available; Entertainment Mode is selected here. For information about other modes, see “Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes” on page 64.

If you are using the FlexiJack as your Digital In connection and you want to connect digital speakers as your output device, you need a special connector from Creative.

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 63

Recording with the sound card

The Sound Blaster X-Fi enables sound recording from multiple audio sources using Smart Recorder.

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs, Creative,

SoundBlaster X-Fi, and then Smart Recorder. The Smart Recorder window

displays.

Smart Recorder tools Description

RecordNow Configure settings for

audio source, recording format, output location, and audio quality on one screen.

Record Wizard Configure recording

settings with the help of a wizard.

Schedule Set Smart Recorder to

automatically record at a time of your choosing.

My Recording Access your saved

recordings.

Sound Blaster X-Fi configuration modes

The Sound Blaster X-Fi sound card includes three modes: Audio Creation Mode, Entertainment Mode, and Game Mode.

Audio Creation Mode

Optimizes the sound card for advanced recording functions.

Available features:

■ Recording from several audio sources

■ Applying studio quality effects

64 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

The main functions, such as speaker configuration, equalizer, and volume control, are available in all three modes. However, each mode optimizes the sound card resources to provide the best audio performance for the activity.

■ Mixer settings

■ Equalizer settings

Entertainment Mode

Optimizes the sound card for playing movies and music.

Available features:

■ Configuring speakers and headphones

■ Configuring surround sound, DTS, and THX

Game Mode

Optimizes the sound card for playing games.

Available features:

■ Volume, base, and treble controls

■ Mixer settings

Using the Sound Blaster X-Fi documentation

For additional information on configuring and using the sound card:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs, Creative,

SoundBlaster X-Fi, and then click Documentation.

3 Click Online Manual.

■ Volume, base, and treble controls

■ Mixer settings

■ Configure speakers and headphones

■ Configure surround sound

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options 65

66 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Using the Keyboard

Using the PC Hardware

Your PC may include a standard keyboard or a wireless keyboard.

A standard keyboard connects to the keyboard connector in the back of the PC.

A wireless keyboard (select models only) uses a receiver/transmitter, instead of a connector cable, to communicate with your PC. A light on the receiver indicates receiver activity.

The keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys, indicator lights, and special buttons.

Special Keyboard Buttons

Your keyboard may not include some of the buttons listed.

Access buttons

Icon Feature Description or function

Standby Puts PC into or out of power-saving mode. May take

10–30 seconds before screen reappears.

? Information Opens the Help and Support Center.

Internet Opens your Internet browser. Can be reconfigured to open any

Web site or software program.

Club

Search Opens a Web page designed to search the Internet. Can be

reconfigured to open any Web site or software program.

E-mail Opens an e-mail program. Can be reconfigured to open any

Web site or software program.

HP Club Links to an HP Web site.

Using the PC Hardware 67

Media control or playback buttons

The number, location, and labeling of buttons may vary by keyboard model.

The Volume knob can continue to be turned, even after maximum sound has been reached.

Clicking the Restore Defaults button on

the Buttons tab restores all of the buttons to factory settings.

Icon

Customizing the keyboard buttons

Label

Eject 1 and Eject 2

Rec Starts recording to selected media.

Stop Stops media.

Play/Pause Plays or pauses media.

Prev Rewinds media.

Next Fast-forwards media.

Volu me

Volume Volume buttons control speaker volume.

Mute Turns speaker sound on and off.

Description

Opens or closes upper and lower optical drive trays.

Volume knob controls speaker volume.

1 Click Start on the taskbar, choose Control

Panel, and then click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present.

2 Double-click Keyboard. 3 In the Keyboard Properties window that

opens, click the Buttons tab.

4 On the Buttons tab, double-click the button

you want to change.

5 Click the Down arrow to the right of the list,

and choose the button capability.

6 Enter a display label and address information.

For a Web page, enter the complete URL in the Address box.

7 Click OK. 8 On the Buttons tab, click Apply. 9 Repeat steps 5 through 9 for each button you

want to customize.

10 Click OK to finish.

68 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Using the Remote Control

Use the remote control to open the Media Center program, and use it to view TV, record TV programs, play previously recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video.

To open Media Center using the remote control, simply point it at the remote sensor, and press the Start button.

Use the remote control at a maximum distance of 8 meters (26 feet) from the remote sensor and at a maximum of 22.5 degrees (45 degrees total) from the center of the remote sensor.

Troubleshooting the remote control

If your remote doesn’t work:

■ Make sure that the batteries for the remote

control are charged and installed correctly.

■ Make sure the front of the remote sensor

(IR receiver) is not blocked.

Use alkaline batteries in the remote control.

45˚

■ Point the remote control within a 45-degree

angle range and less than 8 meters (26 feet) away.

■ If a pressed key repeats itself or sticks, unplug

the remote sensor from the USB connector, wait 1 minute, and plug the remote sensor back in. Try altering the lighting conditions in the room or moving the location of the remote sensor if this continues.

■ Press the Enter button on the remote control

after changing a channel.

■ Point the remote control toward the remote

sensor, and press a button. A faint red light should appear on the remote sensor. If the light appears, then the problem is probably in the Media Center software. Close Media Center, restart the PC, and then open Media Center again.

■ If the remote control works in Media Center

but not when changing channels, you need to reconfigure the Media Center software settings for the cable set-top box or satellite receiver.

26 feet

(8 meters)

Using the PC Hardware 69

Remote sensor is not receiving a signal from the remote control

If a faint red light doesn’t appear when you point the remote control at the remote sensor and press the OK button, try the following:

1 Click Start, right-click My Computer, and

then select Properties.

2 Click the Hardware tab, and then click

Device Manager.

3 Click the plus (+) sign next to Universal Serial

Bus Controllers.

4 If the eHome Infrared Receiver is listed under

Universal Serial Bus Controllers, Windows is properly detecting the IR Receiver. If it is not listed, go to the next step.

Memory Card Reader

Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards, or media, to store digital picture files. The optional memory card reader can read and can write to a variety of types of memory cards and the Microdrive disk drives.

The card reader is accessible directly on the front of the PC. It has four horizontal card slots, which accept the memory cards and the Microdrive disk drive.

5 Unplug the end of the USB cable on the

remote sensor from the PC, and plug it into the same USB port.

6 Disconnect all other USB devices, leave the

remote sensor plugged in, and then restart the PC. Plug in other USB devices after the remote sensor appears in the Device Manager window.

You can place media in one or more of the card slots and use each media independently. Place only one piece of media in a slot at one time. Each card slot has its own drive letter and icon. When you insert media, the display label may change to the title of the media, if the title is present.

70 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Formatting a memory card

If you have not used the memory card before or the card has become corrupted, you may need to format it before using it:

1 Format your memory card in your digital

camera. Follow the instructions that came with your digital camera.

Insert the media into the correct card slot on the reader until it stops and locks into place. The light on the reader lights, and the computer automatically detects the media.

2 Click Start, and then click My Computer.

Using the memory card reader

3 Under Devices with Removable Storage,

right-click the correct memory card icon.

4 Select Format, and then type a label name

into the label field. For best compatibility, select FAT as the file system settings.

5 Click Start. 6 Click OK on the Format Complete window,

and then click Close.

Some memory cards have a lock position. To view or edit your photos, make sure the memory card is in the unlocked position.

1 Insert the media into the card slot until it stops.

The activity light (A) on the memory card reader lights, and the PC automatically detects the media.

2 An Autoplay window opens. Select a program

to access your files. The PC opens a program so you can access the media contents. You can copy files from or to the media.

Understanding the activity light

The memory card reader activity light is off when there are no media cards plugged into the four slots.

The light turns on when a media card is inserted into a slot. The light blinks when data is being transferred between the card and the PC.

If the Autoplay window does not open, you can click Start, click My Computer, and then double-click the memory card icon to display the files on the memory card.

3 When you are finished, right-click the drive

icon, select Eject, check that the activity light is on but not blinking, and then remove the media. A steady light indicates that the PC is not reading or writing the media.

Do not try to remove media when the inuse light is blinking. Doing so may cause loss of data.

Media must be inserted correctly. Note the direction of the notched corner on the media. See the “Memory Insertion Guide” on page 72. CompactFlash and Microdrive are keyed and cannot be inserted incorrectly. Insert the receptacle edge (holes) of this media into the slot.

Using the PC Hardware 71

Memory Insertion Guide

Some memory cards, such as CF Ultra/III, are not compatible with the memory card reader that came with your HP Media Center PC.

A Activity light

B Upper-left slot

C Lower-left slot

Card Insert the media 4-slot reader location

CompactFlash Type 1 media Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left)

CompactFlash Type II media Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left)

IBM Microdrive disk drive Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left)

Secure Digital (SD) memory card Facing up

Mini Secure Digital (MiniSD) Memory Card

MultiMediaCard (MMC) Facing up

Facing up

D Upper-right slot

E Lower-right slot

D (upper-right)

MiniSD

Reduced size MultiMediaCard (RSMMC)

72 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Facing up

D (upper-right)

MMC

RSMMC

Card (Continued) Insert the media 4-slot reader location

MultiMediaCard Plus (MMC +)

MultiMediaCard Mobile (MMC Mobile)

Facing up

Memory Stick (MS) memory card Facing up

Memory Stick (MS-Pro) memory card Facing up

Memory Stick (MS-Pro Duo) memory card

Memory Stick (MS-Duo) memory card

Facing up

SmartMedia (SM) memory card Facing up

D (upper-right)

E (lower-right)

MMC

xD media Facing up

*Select models only. Not available in all countries/regions.

B (upper-left)

Using the PC Hardware 73

Troubleshooting the memory card reader

If you are having problems reading to or writing to a memory card, try the following:

CompactFlash and Microdrive are keyed and cannot be inserted incorrectly. Insert the receptacle edge (holes) of this media into the slot.

■ Some cards have a read/write or security

switch on the card. Make sure the read/write switch is set to Write Enabled before attempting to write data to it.

■ Make sure the amount of data you want to

store is not larger than the storage limit of the memory card.

■ Make sure the memory card is one of the

supported types: CompactFlash Type I and II, Microdrive, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMediaCard, Secure Digital, SmartMedia, or xD media.

■ Make sure the memory card is fully inserted

into the correct slot.

■ Remove the memory card when the light is not

flashing, and shine a flashlight into the empty slot. If any of the pins are bent, replace the memory card reader, or have the PC serviced if a pin is touching another pin. To straighten slightly bent pins, use the tip of a fine-point retracted ballpoint pen with the computer off.

■ Inspect the ends of the memory cards for

anything that could be blocking a proper connection. Clean the contacts with a lint-free cloth and small amounts of alcohol. Replace the memory card, if necessary.

■ The memory card reader is a device that uses

the Safely Remove Hardware task. This appears as a system tray icon next to the time. Do not click Stop in the Safely Remove Hardware window. If you do click Stop, the drive is disconnected. If this happens, restart the PC.

■ Do not insert or remove memory cards when

the in-use light is flashing. To do so may cause data loss, or it may permanently damage the card reader.

■ Format a memory card before you use it. See

“Formatting a memory card” on page 71.

Safely Remove Hardware Utility

If you inadvertently open the Safely Remove

Do not click Stop in the Safely Remove Hardware window while the USB Mass Storage Device is selected. Doing so removes the operating system recognition of the memory card reader from your PC. You must restart the PC to use your reader again.

Hardware window, click Close.

If you click Stop while the USB Mass Storage Device is selected, the operating system will not recognize the memory card reader. You will need to restart the PC for it to recognize the memory card reader.

74 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Using Your Storage or Docking Bay

Your PC may have a storage or docking bay (select models only) on the top of the PC. You can use the docking bay to do the following:

■ Store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards.

■ Dock a peripheral device, such as a digital

camera docking station.

■ Install a special cover (optional) and an HP

digital camera and HP digital camera docking station. (Both the HP digital camera and the camera docking station are sold separately.)

Storing CDs, DVDs, or memory cards

To store your CDs, DVDs, or memory cards in the storage bay, gently press down the CD storage lid and slide it open.

Installing an HP camera docking station

Some HP Media Center PCs include a camera docking bay. This bay is designed to hold an HP camera docking station and some HP digital cameras. The following items are optional and can be purchased separately:

■ Camera docking station

■ Place a device and thread a FireWire

(IEEE 1394) or USB data cable and power cord underneath the rear top cover to the connectors on the back of the PC.

■ Digital camera cables

■ PC camera docking bay lids

■ HP digital camera and bracket

Using the PC Hardware 75

The camera bracket clips onto the camera dock base. This bracket comes with the digital camera.

To install the HP camera docking station:

1 Gently press down the CD storage lid and

slide it open.

2 Place the camera docking station (A) on the

top of the PC.

3 Place the camera bracket (B) that came with

your digital camera on the camera docking station.

4 Thread the cables (C) that came with your

camera docking station through the cable tunnel, starting from the back of the PC and threading them to the front of the PC. Pull cables to the center.

76 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

DC IN

5 Connect the cables:

■ Plug the USB cable into the back of the PC.

(The location of USB ports varies by PC model.)

■ Plug the red and yellow connectors (not

shown) into a TV if you want to view the camera images on a TV (optional).

■ Plug the power cord into a power outlet.

D C

I N

SERIAL

Refer to the instructions that came with the HP camera docking station.

6 Place the correct camera docking station lid

(D) on top of the PC. Gently guide the edge of the lid into the top of the PC.

7 Place the HP digital camera (E) into the

camera docking station.

8 Follow the instructions that came with your

camera docking station.

ETHERNET

O UT

T V

-OU

LCD

S-VID IN

VID IN

Using the PC Hardware 77

Connecting the Wireless LAN

(Select models only)

The wireless LAN antenna connector is located in one of the I/O slots on the back of the PC.

You can connect the HP Media Center PC to an

802.11b/g wireless network. An external antenna is supplied with your system. You must connect this antenna to connect to the wireless network. You need an existing wireless LAN with an Internet connection (consult your ISP for further information).

You can establish a wireless network using your HP Media Center PC as a wireless access point or you can use your PC as a client if you already have a wireless network functioning.

An external antenna is supplied with your system and must be connected to the 802.11 module to increase the range and sensitivity of the radio.

1 Screw the wireless LAN antenna into the

wireless LAN connector on the back of the PC.

2 You may want to move the end of the antenna

away from the PC to improve your signal reception.

78 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

Index

analog video cable/adapter 17 antivirus, installing program 8 audio connector 13

audio connector switch 49 Audio Line Out 13 digital audio connector 50 retasking (multi-streaming) 56

Audio input

left and right connectors 11

batteries

installing in remote control 69 type for remote control 69

buttons

media control or playback 68

cables

connecting PC to TV 26 included 17

TV 17 camera docking station, installing 75 carpal tunnel syndrome 3 coaxial cable

connecting the TV signal source 23 Composite video cable 17 Composite video connector 11, 13 computer

connecting the remote sensor 21

connecting the TV signal source 19

getting started 1 connecting

digital video camera 15, 43

headphones 60

connector

Audio Line In 13 Audio Line Out 13 back panel 12 Composite Video In 13 FireWire (IEEE 1394) 12 FM In 14 front panel 11 headphones 11 keyboard 12 Microphone In 11 modem 14 monitor 13 mouse 12 printer 12 S-video In 13 TV/Cable Ant 14 USB 12

Creative Sound Blaster X-Fi Sound Card

audio modes 64 configuring 63 recording 64 using 62

devices

connecting 16

digital camera

connecting 15, 16 using 70

digital video camera

connecting to PC 15, 43 recording videos 15, 43 troubleshooting 15

drives

memory card reader 70

DVI-I or DVI-D cable 18

Index 79

equalizer

Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager 55

Ethernet network hub 13

FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector 12 FM In connector 14 FM radio antenna

connecting 14

Found New Hardware message,

connecting a digital camera 15

headphones

connector 11 using 60

home stereo system

connecting to the PC 43 home videos 15, 43 HP

updates from 5

installing

camera docking station 75 Internet

Internet service provider 3

signing up with an ISP 4

keyboard

connector 12

keys 67

using 67 keyboard buttons

access 67

configuring 68

media playback 68

special 67

LAN antenna 78

Media Center

opening with remote control 69

memory card reader

in-use light 71 troubleshooting 74

using 70, 71 memory card, formatting 71 microphone connector 11, 13 modem connector 14 monitor connector 13 mouse connector 12 multi-channel speakers

configuring 55 Mute button 68

network interface adapter 13 Norton Internet Security

configuring 4

registering 4

passwords

creating 8 PC

choosing a setup location 1

connecting the remote sensor 21

connecting the TV signal source 19

connecting TV signal source with set-top box and VCR 23

front-panel connectors 11

protecting with virus-scanning software 9

setup tips 1

transferring files and settings to new PC 9

virus scanning program 9 PC Help & Tools, using 3 power connector 12 printer

connecting 16

connector 12

80 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide

RCA stereo cable 18 recording

videos from digital video camera 15, 43 with Realtek HD Sound Effect Manager, 56

remote control

range 69 type of battery to use 69 using 69

remote sensor 70

connecting 21 Remote IR cable 18 using 69

repetitive strain injury (RSI) 3

Safely Remove Hardware utility 74 Safety & Comfort Guide 3 safety information 2 safety warnings 3 scanner, connecting 16 screen resolution

adjusting 26

settings

remote control and remote sensor 70

software

installing 8, 10

sound

using additional sound cables 1 speaker systems 35 speakers

configuring multichannel audio for Sound Manager 48

connecting multichannel audio speakers to the

PC 36, 39–47, 50 enable digital audio output 49, 52, 54 multichannel audio

connecting 54 resolving sound issues 61 setting up digital speaker output 53

splitter cable

using 18 standby mode button 67 stereo

connecting to the PC 43 S-video cable 17 S-video In connector 11, 13

transferring information to your new PC 9 troubleshooting

remote sensor 70 TV

connecting 26

connecting the TV signal source 19, 22, 24

disabling the TV option 33

disconnecting 33

setting up 30

using as a monitor 26, 27 TV coaxial cable

using 18 TV tuner

connecting TV to PC 27

signal source 19

USB connector 12 User accounts

creating 7

video game console

using 1 video, using additional video cables 1 videos

working with home videos 15 virus-scanning program 9

Windows update 5 working in comfort 3

Index 81

Part Number 5991-5820

HP Media Center PC User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual

Table of Contents

PC Setup Tips

Before Getting Started

Choosing a PC setup location

Choosing a display

Using additional video cables

Using additional sound cables

Using a video game console

Important Safety Information About Your HP Media Center PC

Finding Guides on Your PC and on the Web

Onscreen guides

Online guides

Using the PC with Safety and Comfort

Using PC Help & Tools

Connecting to the Internet

Connecting to the Internet requirements

Configuring and Registering Norton Internet Security Software

Signing Up for Software Updates

Updates from HP

Automatic Updates

Getting messages

Turning off messages

Setting Up Accounts on Your New PC

Creating user accounts

Creating passwords

Installing Software and Hardware Devices

Transferring Files and Settings from Your Old PC to You r Ne w PC

HP Products Work Better Together

Protecting the PC

Installing Software

Getting Help

Setting Up the PC

HP Media Center PC Front Connectors

HP Media Center PC Rear Connectors

Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC

Connecting to Other Devices

Connecting the Television Signal

Using TV Cables

Audio and Video Cables

Connecting the TV Signal Source

Connecting a dual tuner

Connecting the Remote Sensor

Connecting the TV Signal Source When You Have an Existing Setup

Wall to VCR to TV using coaxial cable

Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR to TV using coaxial cable

Wall to cable TV set-top box or satellite box to VCR and TV using S-video cable or composite video cable between the box and the VCR or TV

Using the TV as a Monitor

Cables for connecting the PC to a TV

Viewing the PC Image on Your TV Screen

Adjusting the Screen Resolution

Connecting the PC to a TV

Using the Media Center Setup Wizard for Optional Setup of You r T V D i s play

Changing the Display for a GeForce Graphics Card

Changing the Display for an ATI Graphics Card

Changing the Display for an ATI Catalyst Control Center Graphics Card

Viewing the PC image on the TV

Viewing the PC image on the TV using the GeForce graphics card

Viewing the PC image on the TV using the ATI graphics card

Enabling and disabling the TV option using the GeForce graphics card

Enabling and disabling the TV option using the ATI Displays graphics card

Enabling and disabling the TV option with ATI Catalyst Control Center

Disconnecting the TV

Changing Your Display Using Windows XP

Configuring Speaker and Sound Options

Sound Connector Types

Speaker Configurations

Speaker types

Connecting 2/2.1 (2 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

Connecting 4.1 (4 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

Connecting 5.1 (5 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

Connecting 7.1 (7 Speakers and a Subwoofer) Audio Speakers

Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System

Y adapter cables

2.1 home stereo installation

5.1 home audio installation

5.1 home audio installation procedure