HP Media Center PC User Manual

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HP Media Center PC

User’s Guide

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

Hewlett-Packard Company® makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.

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

THE WARRANTY TERMS CONTAINED IN THIS STATEMENT, EXCEPT TO THE EXTENT LAWFULLY PERMITTED, DO NOT EXCLUDE, RESTRICT OR MODIFY AND ARE IN ADDITION TO ANY MANDATORY STATUTORY RIGHTS APPLICABLE TO THE SALE OF THIS PRODUCT OR SERVICE TO YOU.

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. All rights are reserved. 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

Hewlett-Packard is a registered trademark of Hewlett-Packard Company in the United States of America and other countries/regions.

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

Other brand or product names are trademarks of their respective holders.

ii HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

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Table of Contents

Welcome ...................................................... 1

Safety Information ....................................... 2

Before you get started, please read this important safety

information about your HP Media Center PC ....................... 2

AC Power Safety Warnings ................................................... 2

How to Use this Guide .............................................. 3

Safety and Comfort .................................................. 3

Where Can I Find Information? ..................... 4

Getting Help ........................................................................ 4

Help and Support ................................................................. 5

HP Utility Programs ............................................................... 5

HP Web Site and HP Support ................................................ 5

HP Customer Care ................................................................ 5

Online Spotlight ................................................................... 5

Inventory ..................................................... 6

PC and Main Components ..................................................... 6

Media Center Components .................................................... 6

2.1 Speaker System Components ........................................... 7

Getting the Most Out of Media Center .................................... 8

Setting Up My PC ......................................... 9

Checklist ............................................................................. 9

PC Installation checklist ......................................................... 9

Front of PC ........................................................................ 10

Back of PC ........................................................................ 13

Connecting the Monitor ....................................................... 14

Connecting the Printer or Scanner ....................................... 15

Connecting to the Internet Through a Modem Connection ....... 15

Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port (LAN) ........ 16

Connecting the Remote Sensor ............................................. 17

Connecting the Signal Source ............................................. 18

Connecting the FM Radio Antenna ...................................... 18

Connecting the Television Signal ................. 19

Optional Connections ......................................................... 19

Using the TV Cables ........................................................... 19

Connecting the TV ............................................................. 20

Connecting the TV Signal Source

When You Have an Existing Setup ................................... 21

Wall to Cable TV Set-top Box or Satellite Box to

VCR to TV Using Coaxial Cable ...................................... 22

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

Enabling TV Out Image for nVidia Graphics Card .................. 26

Enabling TV Out Image for ATI Graphics Card ....................... 26

Connecting the Speakers ............................ 27

Speaker Systems ................................................................. 27

2.1 Klipsch Speaker System ................................................. 29

2.1 Altec Lansing Speaker System ........................................ 30

5.1 Speaker System ............................................................ 31

Adjusting the Volume .......................................................... 34

Using the Microphone ......................................................... 35

Using the Headphones ........................................................ 35

Resolving Sound Issues ........................................................ 35

Starting My PC ........................................... 37

Starting the PC for the First Time ........................................... 37

Selecting an ISP .................................................................. 37

Media Center PC Desktop View ............................................ 38

Software Programs .............................................................. 40

Using PC Help and Tools ..................................................... 41

Turning Off the PC .............................................................. 41

Manual Standby Mode ........................................................ 42

Manual Hibernation Mode ................................................... 43

Automatic Standby or Hibernation Mode ............................... 44

Installing Software .............................................................. 45

Using Media Center Help ................................................... 45

Using the PC Hardware .............................. 47

Using the Keyboard ........................................................... 47

Special Keyboard Buttons ................................................... 48

Using the Mouse ................................................................. 51

Wireless Keyboard Set ........................................................ 54

Remote Control ................................................................... 55

CD and DVD Drives ............................................................ 57

DVD-ROM Drive ................................................................. 58

CD Writer Plus ................................................................... 58

DVD Writer ........................................................................ 59

DVD/CD Writer Plus (Combo) Drive ..................................... 59

Opening the RecordNow! program ...................................... 60

Diskette (Floppy) Drive ......................................................... 60

7-In-1 Memory Card Reader ................................................. 61

Understanding the 7-In-1 Memory Card Reader ...................... 64

Using the Digital Camera Dock ............................................ 65

Using Media Center .................................... 67

Getting Started with Microsoft Windows XP

Media Center Edition ..................................................... 67

Media Center Overview ...................................................... 68

Media Center Start Menu .................................................... 71

Setting PC Location for Program Guide .................................. 72

Media Center Setup ............................................................ 73

Using the Media Center Setup Wizard .................................. 74

Media Center Menu bars ..................................................... 78

Setting Media Center as the Automatic CD Player ................... 79

Using Shortcut Buttons ......................................................... 79

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Remote Control .......................................... 81

What Can I Do with the Media Center Remote Control? .......... 81

Remote Control Buttons Overview ......................................... 82

Remote Control Buttons ........................................................ 85

My TV ........................................................ 91

What Can I Do in My TV? ................................................... 91

Watching TV ...................................................................... 92

Using Remote Control in My TV ............................................ 93

Watching Live TV Using the Digital Video Recorder ................ 94

Using the Television Program Guide ...................................... 95

Downloading the Television Program Guide ........................... 96

Changing Your Postal Code to Receive the Correct

Television Program Guide ............................................... 97

Setting up an Internet Dial-Up Connection .............................. 97

Adding Missing Channels to Guide ....................................... 98

Removing Channels from Your Guide .................................... 98

Searching for Programs in My TV ......................................... 99

Recording TV Programs ..................................................... 101

My TV Settings ................................................................. 106

Recorded TV History .......................................................... 107

Recorded TV .................................................................... 108

Playing Recorded TV Programs ........................................... 109

About Recording Errors ..................................................... 110

Resolving Recording Conflicts ............................................. 111

Deleting a Scheduled Program or Series .............................. 112

Deleting a Recorded Program or Series ............................... 112

Blocking Unwanted TV Programs and Movies ....................... 113

Setting Movie/DVD or TV Ratings ....................................... 113

Setting Caption Display ..................................................... 114

Displaying Teletext ............................................................ 114

Safeguarding Your Recorded TV Programs ........................... 115

Managing Hard Disk Space ............................................... 119

About Recorded TV Storage Space Settings ......................... 121

Freeing up space on your hard disk drive ............................ 122

My Music ................................................. 125

What Can I Do in My Music? ............................................. 125

What Can I Do in Windows Media Player? ......................... 126

Using Supported File Types for My Music ............................ 127

Using Remote Control in My Music ..................................... 127

Creating Your Music Library ............................................... 128

Searching Computer for Music Files .................................... 129

Adding CD Tracks to the Music Library ................................ 130

Playing Digital Music Files ................................................. 131

Finding Music Files in My Music ......................................... 132

Playing a Song ................................................................. 133

Setting Up an Automatic Disc Jockey ................................... 133

Finding and Playing an Album ........................................... 134

Creating a Playlist ............................................................. 135

Selecting a Visualization .................................................... 136

My Pictures .............................................. 137

What Can I Do in My Pictures? ........................................... 137

Using Supported File Types for My Pictures .......................... 138

Using Remote Control in My Pictures ................................... 139

Organizing Your Pictures ................................................... 140

Viewing Your Pictures in Media Center ................................ 141

Viewing Pictures as a Slide Show ........................................ 142

Rotating pictures ............................................................... 143

Editing pictures ................................................................. 144

Printing Your Pictures ......................................................... 144

Copying Pictures to CDs .................................................... 145

Zoom In and Pan Across a Picture ....................................... 146

Using HP Image Zone ........................................................ 147

Changing Picture Settings for Slide Shows ............................ 149

My Videos ............................................... 151

What Can I Do in My Videos? ............................................ 151

Using Remote Control When Playing a Video ....................... 152

Organizing Your Videos .................................................... 153

Playing Digital Videos ....................................................... 154

Playing a Video Stored on Removable Media ....................... 155

Playing a Video in Full Screen Mode ................................... 155

Sorting Videos .................................................................. 156

Viewing Video Details ....................................................... 156

Working with Home Videos ............................................... 157

Using Supported File Types for My Videos ........................... 158

Play DVD ................................................. 159

Playing DVDs in Media Center ........................................... 159

Using Remote Control When Playing a DVD ......................... 160

Changing DVD Movie Language ......................................... 162

Changing DVD Audio ........................................................ 162

FM Radio ................................................. 163

What Can I Do in Radio? ................................................... 163

Playing FM Radio Stations .................................................. 164

Organizing Your Preset Radio Stations ................................ 165

Listening to Internet Radio .................................................. 165

Using Remote Control When Playing a Radio Station ............ 166

Media Center Settings .............................. 167

Changing Media Center Settings ........................................ 167

Changing General Settings ................................................ 168

Changing TV Settings ........................................................ 169

Changing Other Settings .................................................... 170

Recording CDs and DVDs .......................... 171

About Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD ..................... 171

Copying Recorded TV Programs to DVD or CD ..................... 172

Watching Recorded TV Programs on DVD ............................ 175

Recording Music, Data, and Video files to CDs and DVDs ..... 175

Capturing Analog Home Video ........................................... 177

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Upgrading and Servicing .......................... 181

Preparing the Computer .................................................... 181

Removing the Side Panels .................................................. 182

Replacing the Side Panels .................................................. 183

Locating Components in the PC Chassis .............................. 183

Removing the Fan Duct ...................................................... 184

Replacing the Fan Duct ..................................................... 184

Removing the Front Panel .................................................. 185

Replacing the Front Panel .................................................. 185

Accessing the Optical Drives .............................................. 186

Removing the Optical Drive ............................................... 187

Installing a New Optical Drive ........................................... 188

Replacing and Adding Drives ........................................... 189

Adding Memory ............................................................... 193

Removing Add-In Cards ..................................................... 195

Replacing Add-In Cards .................................................... 195

Installing an HP Camera Docking Station ............................ 196

Application and System Recovery ............. 199

Using Application Recovery and System Recovery ................ 199

Application Recovery ........................................................ 204

System Recovery ............................................................... 205

Troubleshooting ....................................... 209

Problems and Solutions ...................................................... 209

Index ....................................................... 219

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vi HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

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Welcome

Welcome to the exciting new HP Media Center PC experience!

HP has combined the features of the HP Pavilion home PC with the Microsoft Center Edition operating system to create a powerful entertainment center for you.

This PC includes an impressive sound system, a DVD+RW/+R player, a 7-In-1 memory card reader, and powerful 3-D graphics capability. It is simple and easy to use. It allows you to assemble your music, videos, and pictures, and to enjoy them with a click of the remote control.

Windows® XP Media

The built-in TV capabilities include an Electronic Program Guide which gets updated over the Internet. Whether you are recording TV programs or sharing a digital photo album, you can do all your entertaining using the powerful remote control.

You will find yourself quickly at ease and in full control using the HP Media Center PC.

PC features and contents may vary by model.

The digital camera and the camera docking station displayed below are each sold separately.

Welcome 1

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Safety Information

Before you get started, please read this important safety information about your HP Media Center PC.

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

AC Power Safety Warnings

A warning describes information you need to avoid possible personal injury or damage to equipment or data.

Read and follow all warnings.

The power supply is pre-set for the country/region in which you purchased the PC. If you move to another country/region, please make sure you check its voltage requirements before plugging your PC into an AC power outlet.

Install the computer near an AC outlet. The AC power cord is your PC’s main AC disconnecting device and must be easily accessible at all times. For your safety, the power cord provided with your system has a grounded plug. Always use the power cord with a properly grounded wall outlet to avoid the risk of electrical shock.

To reduce the possibility of an electric shock from the telephone network, plug your computer into the AC outlet before connecting it to the telephone line. Also, disconnect the telephone line before unplugging your computer from the AC power outlet.

Your system is provided with a voltage select switch for use in a 115-VAC or 230-VAC power system. The voltage select switch has been pre-set to the correct voltage setting for use in the particular country/region where it was initially sold. Changing the voltage select switch to the incorrect position can damage your PC and void any implied warranty.

Do not operate the computer with the cover removed.

The power supply is not user-serviceable. To prevent damage to the power supply, have a qualified person repair or replace it. All other components are user-serviceable.

Electrostatic discharge (ESD) can damage disk drives, add-in cards, and other components. If an ESD station is not available, wear a wrist strap attached to a metal part of the computer. Place cards on a conductive foam pad or inside the card wrapper, if possible, but never on the card wrapper.

The PC is heavy; be sure to use ergonomically correct lifting procedures when moving the computer.

Always disconnect the modem cord from the telephone system before installing or removing your computer cover.

2 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

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How to Use this Guide

This guide can help you get started using your new PC right away.

1 Read “Safety Information” at the beginning of

this book.

2 Identify the items included with your computer.

Refer to “Inventory” on page 6.

Safety and Comfort

Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the computer.

After assembling but before using the computer, make sure the computer and your work area are properly set up to maintain your comfort and productivity. Refer to “Safety & Comfort Guide” for important ergonomic information. Just click Start, choose All Programs, PC Help & Tools, and then click Safety & Comfort Guide.

You can find important ergonomic information on the Internet. Just type http://www.hp.com/ergo into your Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard.

3 Follow the setup poster to connect your

computer. See “Setting Up My PC” on page 9.

4 Read “Starting the PC for the First Time” on

page 37 to learn how to turn on your PC and what to do next.

5 Read the remaining sections of this guide for

information about using your PC.

0–15˚

50–70 cm

(20–28 inches)

0–15˚

A note describes important information you need.

Safety Information 3

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Where Can I Find Information?

Getting Help

This guide can help you get started setting up your Media Center PC and using the Media Center program. Other sources of help are:

Help and Support Center and HP Instant Support are available for select models only.

Setup poster, in the computer box, shows how to

connect your computer. For additional information and setup alternatives, refer to “Setting Up My PC” on page 9.

Help and Support Center is onscreen Help. Press Help (the ? button) on the keyboard, or click

Start on the taskbar, and then click Help and Support. In Help and Support, click My HP Pavilion PC to read Help topics and run tests.

Click HP Instant Support (select models only) to get troubleshooting help by using the Internet. To run a test or submit a problem to HP Instant Support, click Request Help and follow the onscreen instructions.

Warranty & Support Guide lists the terms of your PC warranty coverage, license information, regulatory information, safety information, and support contact numbers and addresses. You can get help over the telephone from HP.

Regulatory and Safety information, including operating specifications for the PC, is in the Warranty & Support Guide.

Upgrading and Servicing information, including information about accessing internal parts of the computer chassis, is in “Upgrading and Servicing” on page 181.

Online Information and technical support for your PC is available at the HP Web site. Press the HP button on your keyboard, or type http://www.hp.com into your Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard. Select your country/region from the drop-down list, and then press the arrow button next to the list.

Microsoft Windows XP Media Center program lets you use a remote control to watch or record TV programs, view video, play music and movies, and view slide shows with music. Microsoft and HP provide printed books in the computer box about the program. The Media Center program also includes Help topics about using the program. You can also go to the Microsoft Web site and search for Media Center to find the latest updates and information for your Media Center PC.

Troubleshooting help and information can help you solve a problem with your PC. For help with general and miscellaneous problems, refer to “Troubleshooting” on page 209.

Problems with software programs may be caused by corruption or damage to an individual program (application or software driver) or to part of the system operating software. You can reinstall the software; refer to “Using Application Recovery and System Recovery” on page 199.

Creating DVDs and CDs guide in the computer box is an instructional guide about how to record audio and video CDs and DVDs.

Program Help for many software programs is available within the program. Open the program and click the Help button or select Help from the menu.

■ Media Center Help for using and

troubleshooting the Media Center program.

■ Windows Media Player Help for using

the Windows Media Player program.

4 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

Record Support information for your PC here.

(To open the HP Pavilion Support Information window, press the Ctrl key, the Alt key, and the S key at the same time.)

Product name: HP Me dia Ce nt er PC

Model number: ____________ _____

Serial number: ____________ _____

Service ID: ____________ __________

Date of purchase: ____________ ___

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Help and Support

HP provides many kinds of information and help for your PC.

■ Go to the HP Utility programs in the PC

Help & Tools folder to run an application or asystem recovery.

■ Go to the Help and Support Center when you

want to read about your computer, view tutorials, run tests, or get troubleshooting help by using the Internet.

■ The Help and Support Center also gives

you access to the latest news and updates for your PC.

■ The HP Web site provides a place where

you can get supplemental information about HP computers and products and contact HP Support.

■ HP Customer Care provides HP Help over the

telephone.

Always try using your onscreen Help before contacting your reseller.

HP Utility Programs

HP provides special utility programs in the PC Help & Tools folder that display 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.

HP Web Site and HP Support

1 Connect to the Internet: Open your

Web browser, or press Connect on your keyboard.

2 Type http://www.hp.com into your Web

browser address box, and press Enter on your keyboard.

3 Select your country/region from the drop-

down list, and click the arrow to the right of the list (scroll down to see the box).

4 Click the support link.

HP Customer Care

You can get help over the telephone from HP. See the Warranty and Support Guide, included with

the computer documentation, for the terms of your HP warranty coverage, for license information, and for support telephone numbers and addresses.

Online Spotlight

Online Spotlight is a link to the Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Web site. To get the latest news and information about your Media Center program,

press the Start button on your remote control and then select Online Spotlight from the Media Center Start menu.

The Help and Support Center is available for select models only.

When you call HP Customer Care, have your PC model number and serial number available.

Where Can I Find Information? 5

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Inventory

Components may vary by model.

PC and Main Components

hp pavilion home pc

warranty

videos

s e r

tu ic p

sic u m

D S

/ C

v t

Memory Stick

pactFlash I/II

Com

pe o

support guide

Before contacting HP Customer Support Center, it’s important to have the following information handy.

Please take a moment to write down your product information for future reference.

Product Name: ____________________________________

Model #: _________________________________________ System or Product #: ________________________________________

Serial #: __________________________________________

Purchase Date: ____________________________________ Operating

System: ___________________________________________ Type & Revision: __________________________________________ Applicable error

messages: ________________________________________ Additional third-party hardware and/or software installed: ___________________________ Any detailed, specific questions: _________________________________

Media Center Components

DVD

what’s inside:

where to get help

✔ ✔

warranty and license

information

✔

declaration of

conformity

✔

operating specifications

✔

regulatory and safety

information

RADIO

RECORD

REW

REPLAY

BACK

LIVE TV

VOLUME

GHI

PQRS

CLEAR

hp media center

MUSIC

PICTURES

MORE INFO

VIDEOS

CHANNEL/

STOP

FWD

SKIP

GUIDE

RECORDED

PAGE

DEF

321

MNO

654

WXYZ

987

ENTER

PLAY

PAUSE

MUTE

ABC

JKL

TUV

caps lock

AComputer

BPower Cord

C Modem Cable

D Documentation

E Wireless Mouse (select models only)

FMouse

G Keyboard/Wireless Keyboard (wireless

receiver not shown)

6 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

H Remote control

J Remote control sensor cable (emitter)

K FM radio antenna (select models only)

L Two AA batteries for remote control

M 10’ Coaxial cable

N S-video to composite video adapter

O Composite video cable

P Remote Sensor

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2.1 Speaker System Components

Your Media Center PC came with either the Klipsch or Altec Lansing set of 2.1 Speakers. If your PC came with 5.1 speakers, refer to “Connecting the Speakers” on page 27.

A 2.1 Klipsch Subwoofer (power cord attached)

B 2.1 Klipsch Speakers

C 2.1 Klipsch Speaker cables

D 2.1 Altec Lansing Subwoofer

E 2.1 Altec Lansing Speakers

(speaker cables are attached)

Inventory 7

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Getting the Most Out of Media Center

It is best to have the following items completed before trying to use the Media Center program; otherwise, many of the program features won’t be available to you. Before using Media Center, make sure:

Connections to the Internet and to a TV signal source are optional, but they are recommended to get the most out of Media Center.

■ HP Media Center PC is set up correctly. For

setup information, refer to the setup poster and to “Setting Up My PC” on page 9.

■ Remote control has two AA alkaline batteries

installed.

■ Remote Sensor is properly plugged into a USB

connector on your PC and is placed where you can point the remote control at it.

■ Remote Sensor control cable (emitter) is

securely plugged into the remote sensor and attached to your cable or satellite set-top box, if present.

■ PC has a properly configured and working

Internet connection.

■ PC is properly connected to your TV signal

source.

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Setting Up My PC

Follow the steps in the setup poster to set up the computer. Connect the keyboard, mouse, speaker system, and remote sensor to the connections on the back of the PC. Match the colors.

Your connector locations and system components may vary.

Checklist

The following items are not provided with your PC. Be sure you have them on hand if you need them for your setup:

■ Monitor (required)

■ TV

■ Internet Service Provider (ISP), selected during

initial setup (required for Media Center features, such as the Program Guide)

■ Coaxial cable splitter

The following pages identify the location of components and connectors on your PC and provide some setup alternatives.

■ S-video cable(s), to connect your TV if it

requires S-video

■ Audio Y-cable, to connect to a stereo system

■ FM radio antenna cable

PC Installation checklist

■ Connect the keyboard, mouse, and remote

sensor.

■ Connect the monitor (not included) and the

optional TV (not included).

■ Connect the speakers.

■ Connect the TV antenna, cable, or satellite

signal source.

■ Connect the FM radio antenna cable.

■ Connect the camera docking station (not

included) and digital camera (not included).

■ Connect the modem to the telephone line and

connect a network cable (not provided) if one is needed.

■ Turn on the monitor, the PC, and then turn on

the speaker system.

■ Follow the onscreen instructions, including

selecting an ISP using Easy Internet Sign-up.

■ Set up the Media Center. See “Using Media

Center Help” on page 45.

■ Enable the TV Out Image (optional); refer to

“Enabling TV Out Image for nVidia Graphics Card” and “Enabling TV Out Image for ATI Graphics Card” on page 26.

■ After you’ve completed the initial startup and

registration, connect optional devices, such as a printer or scanner, one at a time.

Setting Up My PC 9

Page 16

Front of PC

(Features and Locations May Vary)

A 1st Optical (CD or DVD+RW/+R) drive

Eject button

B 2nd Optical (CD or DVD+RW/+R) drive

Eject button

C Media Center Shortcut buttons (see following

page for more information)

10 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

D 7-In-1 memory card reader

(Some PCs come with a 6-In-1 card reader)

E Diskette (floppy) drive

F On button with power indicator light

G Hard disk activity indicator light

H Front connector ports (see following page for

more information)

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Media Center Shortcut Buttons

Your Media Center PC has five shortcut buttons on the front of the PC. Each button opens a window in Media Center.

Button Media Center Shortcut

Opens My TV window where you can watch and record TV programs.

Opens the Program Guide where you can search for a TV program to watch or record.

Opens the My Music Window in Media Center where you can listen to your music CDs.

Opens the My Pictures window in Media Center where you can browse your picture files and play a slide show.

Opens the My Videos window in Media Center where you can play back your videos.

Setting Up My PC 11

Page 18

Front connector ports

(Features and Locations May Vary)

Location and number of connectors may vary by model.

A S-video Input_2 connector

B Composite video Input_2 connector (yellow) C Left Audio Input_2 connector (white) D Right Audio Input_2 connector (red)

E FireWire F 2 USB 2.0 ports G Headphone (Audio Out) connector (green) H Microphone connector (pink)



(IEEE 1394) connector

12 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

Page 19

Back of PC

(Features and Locations May Vary)

OUT

B C

QR S

TUVWX

APower LED

B Voltage selector

C Power Cord connector

D PS/2 Mouse connector

E PS/2 Keyboard connector

F Serial port

G Parallel port

H FireWire (IEEE 1394) port

J 4 USB 2.0 (Universal Serial Bus) ports

K LAN (Ethernet)

L Microphone connector

MAudio Line Out

N Modem (Line In RJ-11)

O Digital Audio Out (select models only)

PAudio Line In

Q A VGA monitor (DB-15) port

RS-video (TV Out)

S LCD DVI connector (select models only)

T Audio in right

U Audio in left

VS-video In

W TV/RF-In antenna/Cable connector

X FM-In radio antenna connector

(select models only)

Y Slot for 5.1 Sound Card (select models only)

See the following pages for more information about the 5.1 sound card.

Setting Up My PC 13

Page 20

Connecting the Monitor

Connect your monitor to the PC. The monitor is not included with the PC. Refer to the documentation that came with your monitor.

Switching Display Devices

When you connect more than one display device (CRT monitor, flat panel monitor, TV, etc.) to the PC, 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.

14 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

Page 21

Connecting the Printer or Scanner

Connect peripheral devices to the PC one at a time. The printer or scanner is not included with the PC. Refer to the documentation that came with your device.

Connecting to the Internet Through a Modem Connection

Connect the telephone line to the modem, which is inside the computer.

1 Plug the modem cable (provided in the

computer box) into the computer modem connector on the back of the PC.

2 Plug the other end to your telephone line wall

jack connector.

Setting Up My PC 15

Page 22

Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port (LAN)

The network interface adapter (also called a network interface card, or NIC) connects to an Ethernet (10BaseT) or Fast Ethernet (100BaseT) network hub. Connect this adapter in your PC to your LAN (local area network) hub or any broadband connection.

1 Plug a network cable into the Ethernet (RJ-45)

port on the back of the PC.

2 Plug the other end of the network cable

into a 10BaseT or 100BaseT port on the network hub.

The green LED (light-emitting diode) indicates a valid connection.

16 HP Media Center PC User’s Guide

Page 23

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.

For information on using the control cable in an existing setup, see “Optional Connections” on page 19.

1 If you have a cable TV set-top box, satellite, or

other set-top box that controls your TV signal, connect the remote sensor control cable (emitter) (A) into the back of the remote sensor.

2 Remove the paper from the backing tape on

the end of the cable (B) and then press the end of the cable over the remote IR receiver window on your cable TV set-top box (C).

3 Plug the remote 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.)

Setting Up My PC 17

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Connecting the Signal Source

This section describes connecting the signal source for TV.

Connect the signal source for the TV by using the TV (in) coaxial connector or the S-VID IN (S-video) connector:

■ Plug the connector of a coaxial cable from

your TV antenna or from your TV cable (wall or set-top box) into the TV/RF-IN (D) connector on the back of the PC, and then turn the connector to tighten it.

■ Plug a cable into the S-VID IN (C) connector

on the back of the PC; use an S-video cable (not provided) or use the S-video to composite video adapter cable and the composite video cable. Plug the other end of the cable into your set-top box, VCR, or other device that is providing the signal source for the TV.

ABC D E

You can also plug audio cables (not provided) from your set-top box or VCR into the Audio in right (red) (A) connector and the Audio in left (white) (B) connector on the back of the PC.

Connecting the FM Radio Antenna

(Select Models Only)

1 Plug the FM radio antenna cable into the

FM-IN (E) port on the back of the PC. The FM connector is found on the TV tuner card.

2 You may want to extend the ends of the cable

to improve your FM radio signal reception.

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Connecting the Television Signal

Optional Connections

Connecting the TV is optional and not required to enjoy Media Center.

Using the TV Cables

Your PC comes with the following cables for the TV signal:

■ One coaxial cable (10 feet) (A). Use a

coaxial cable for a BNC connector, such as the TV source signal.

■ One S-video to composite video adapter

cable (2 inches) (B). Connect this adapter to an S-video connector, and then attach a composite video cable to the adapter.

■ One composite video cable (6 feet) (C). Use

this cable to connect a composite video connector on the back of the PC, such as COMP for the TV out signal, to your TV.

You may need other or additional cables, depending on your TV and your TV signal source. For example, when your TV has an S-video connector, you may want to use an S-video cable to connect the TV OUT on the PC to your TV. An S-video cable provides separate color and black and-white image signals, and delivers a sharper image than a composite video cable does.

Select the signal source for TV in the Media Center program settings.

Connecting the Television Signal 19

Page 26

Connecting the TV

Location and number of connectors may vary by model.

1 Plug a cable into the TV OUT S-video (A)

connector or the COMP (A) composite video connector on the back of the PC. If you use a composite video cable, you also need to use an S-video to composite video adapter cable. Choose the cable type you TV needs.

S-VIDEO IN

COMPOSITE

VIDEO IN

2 Plug the other end of the cable into the

TV IN (Video In or Video Input) connector on your TV.

3 Turn on the TV and select the TV IN video

source; refer to the documentation for your TV set.

4 Be sure to enable the image for the TV; see

“Using Media Center Help” on page 45.

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Connecting the TV Signal Source When You Ha v e an Exi s ti ng Set up

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

Existing Setup Add the PC with a splitter

Not shown in diagram: To view your images from your TV, use an S-video In or a composite video In cable to connect the TV to the PC. To view your images from your monitor, use a monitor cable to connect the fast forward to the PC.

AWall B Cable C Coaxial Cable DVCR In EVCR Out FTV In G Splitter In H Splitter Out J TV (in) On back of PC

Connecting the Television Signal 21

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Wall to Cable TV Set-top Box or Satellite Box to VCR to TV Using Coaxial Cable

Remove the coaxial cable at the input to the VCR, and connect it to the input of a coaxial cable signal splitter (not included; available at electronics stores). Connect two coaxial cables to the splitter outputs. Connect one of these cables to the input of the VCR and the other one to the TV connector on the back of the PC. Be sure to connect the remote sensor control 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 17.

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Add the PC with a splitterExisting Setup

AWall B Cable 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

Connecting the Television Signal 23

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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 cable (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-VID IN connector on the back of the PC.

■ Using composite video cable: 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-VID IN connector on the back of the PC.

3 When using a composite video cable, you

can also plug audio cables (not provided) from your satellite or set-top box or VCR 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 17.

Not shown in diagram: To view your images from your TV, use an S-video or a composite video cable to connect the TV to the PC. To view your images from your monitor, use a monitor cable to connect the fast forward to the PC.

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Add the PC with a splitterExisting Setup

AWall BCable 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-VID IN on back of PC L Remote sensor control cable

Connecting the Television Signal 25

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Enabling TV Out Image for nVidia Graphics Card

You must enable the TV out image in order to view Media Center using your TV. Skip these steps if you are not using a television.

1 Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See

“Connecting the TV” on page 20.

2 Turn on the TV.

7 Click the tab that has the video adapter name

(for example, GeForce FX 5600).

8 Click the nView Display Mode from the

menu that appears on the left.

3 If you have Media Center open, close it.

9 Click Device Settings and then click Select

4 Right-click an empty part of the PC desktop

and click Properties.

Output Device.

10 Select the TV option.

5 Click Settings tab.

11 Click OK.

6 Click the Advanced button.

Enabling TV Out Image for ATI Graphics Card

You must enable the TV out image in order to view Media Center using your TV. Skip these steps if you are not using a television.

1 Check that the TV is connected to the PC. See

“Connecting the TV” on page 20.

6 Click the Advanced button. 7 Click the Displays tab.

2 Turn on the TV.

8 Select the on/off switch on the TV icon. You

3 If you have Media Center open, close it.

can also click the on/off switch for the monitor.

4 Right-click an empty part of the PC desktop

and click Properties.

9 Click OK.

5 Click Settings tab.

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Speaker Systems

Connecting the Speakers

Speaker systems are not included with all PC models. Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system.

The 2.1 speaker system and the 5.1 speaker system are powered by the sound card that has a suite of software applications from Creative.

Accessing sound programs

To learn more about the sound programs, click

Start, choose All Programs, Sound Blaster Audigy 2, Documentation, and then click Online Manual or Music Creation Guide.

2.1 Audio Connectors

Use the Line out connector to connect your 2.1 speakers. Refer to “2.1 Klipsch Speaker System” on page 29 or “2.1 Altec Lansing Speaker System” on page 30 for more information.

Creative PlayCenter 3 is an integrated player for multiple media formats you can use to create various audio formats. Sound Blaster Audigy allows you to set up and audition various audio devices.

OUT

Connecting the Speakers 27

Page 34

5.1 Audio Connectors

(Select Models Only)

The audio connectors on the back of the PC include analog and digital outputs as well as a microphone and an audio input. Refer to “5.1 Speaker System” on page 31 for more information.

ABCDE F

ALine out (light orange) for the central/subwoofer

speaker, connects to an active multi-channel six speaker system such as the 5.1 speaker system.

B Line out (black) for rear speakers, connects to an

active multi-channel six speaker system such as the 5.1 speaker system.

C Line out (lime green) connects to an active stereo

or multi-channel speaker system.

Setting up digital speaker output

1 Click Start, choose All Programs,

Creative, Sound Blaster Audigy 2, and then click Creative Speaker Settings.

2 Select a speaker setting from the Speaker/

Headphone Selection drop-down menu.

D Microphone Mic (pink) connects to a

microphone.

E Line in (blue) connects to an analog audio

device for sound input to the PC.

F Digital Line out (dark orange) connects to a

digital device such as a stereo system with digital input.

3 For digital speakers, place a check mark in

the Digital Output Only check box.

4 Close the Sound Settings window.

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2.1 Klipsch Speaker System

1 Put the rubber feet on the bottom of the

speakers.

2 Place the two speakers on the left and right of

your monitor or TV.

3 Connect the green (or black) connector from

the speakers to the Line-Out connector (A) on the back of the PC.

4 Connect the Preamp Input connector to the

Preamp Input connector on the back of the PC (C).

5 Place the subwoofer on the floor beneath your

computer desk or TV. Do not block the side or front of the subwoofer, and allow for ventilation to reach the rear of the subwoofer. Do not place the subwoofer by the computer monitor; to avoid interference, place the subwoofer 10 inches or more away from the monitor.

6 Connect the speakers to the subwoofer (B). 7 Refer to the setup poster for connecting the

2.1 speaker system.

8 You can test the speaker system. Click Start,

choose All Programs, Creative, Sound

Blaster Audigy 2, and then click Creative Speaker Settings. The Speaker Settings

window opens. Select your speakers from the drop-down list. Click Channel to test the speakers. Click Calibrate to adjust the speaker volume settings.

Location and number of connectors may vary by model.

LINE OUT

Connecting the Speakers 29

Page 36

2.1 Altec Lansing Speaker System

Select the signal source for TV in the Media Center program settings.

When Digital Output Only is selected, the analog Line out-2 and Line out-3 do not receive any signals.

1 Put the rubber feet on the bottom of the

speakers.

2 Place the two speakers on the left and right of

your monitor or TV.

3 Connect the green (or black) connector from

the speakers to the Line-Out connector (D) on the back of the PC.

4 Connect the orange connector from the

speakers to the connector on the back of the subwoofer (E).

5 Refer to the setup poster for connecting the

2.1 speaker system.

6 You can test the speaker system. Click Start,

choose All Programs, Creative, Sound

Blaster Audigy 2, and then click Creative Speaker Settings. The speaker Settings

window opens. Select your speakers form the drop-down list. Click Channel to test the speakers. Click Calibrate to adjust the speaker volume settings.

If your PC uses an integrated 5.1 audio solution (no audio card), refer to “Connecting Multichannel Audio Speakers to the PC” on page 32.

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5.1 Speaker System

Your PC may have a sound card with connectors on the back of the PC for analog and digital audio outputs (Line out – 1; Line out – 2; and Line out – 3); a microphone; and an audio input (Line in). If your PC has a sound card with these connectors, perform the procedures in the next section.

Some PCs have the multi-channel audio capability that uses the microphone; Audio (Line) In; and Audio (Line) Out connectors on the back of the PC.

Connecting 5.1 Speakers

If your PC model came with the Altec Lansing Speakers System Model 251, use the following procedure to connect the speakers to a Sound Blaster Audigy Audio Card on the back of the PC. Also, refer to the setup information that came with your PC and your speaker system.

Your speaker system has a yellow plug that does not match the color of the corresponding connector on the back of the PC.

If your PC has these connectors, you can connect and install a multi-channel audio speaker system. To do this, follow the procedures in the next section.

Because your 5.1 speaker system may vary, to set up your speakers, please refer to the instruction package included with the 5.1 speaker system box.

To connect the 5.1 speaker system, refer to the table listing connector information.

1 Plug this yellow tip of the subwoofer cable into

the orange audio card connector on the back of your PC.

2 Plug the other two tips of the audio cable into

their matching color-coded connectors on the back of the PC.

3 Follow the speaker system documentation to

connect the other speakers to the subwoofer.

Connecting the Speakers 31

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Connecting Multi-channel Audio Speakers to the PC

If you do not see the Speaker Configuration tab, your PC may not have the multichannel option.

If your PC has multi-channel speakers capability (select models only), you can connect speakers for 4-channel or 6-channel output. You must connect your speaker system to the PC, and then configure the audio software for sound output. Your PC may include the Multi-channel Sound Manager or the Creative SoundBlaster Audigy sound manager. Refer to the correct procedure to configure your multi-channel speakers.

Connect speaker channels (plugs)

Front speakers Audio (Line) Out (K)

Rear speakers Audio (Line) In (blue) (L)

Center/subwoofer speakers

To P C back connector

(lime-green)

Mic-1 (pink) (J)

1 Turn off the PC. 2 Connect the three audio cable plugs from the

speaker system to the connectors on the back of the PC (see the table).

3 Turn o n the PC. 4 Turn on your speaker system. 5 Configure the multi-channel audio output; refer

to the next procedure.

OUT

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Configure Multi-Channel Audio for Sound Manager

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

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose Music and then click Multi-

channel Sound Manager. The Multi-

channel Audio Configuration window opens.

4 Click the Speaker Configuration tab.

(Your speakers may need to be plugged in to see this tab.)

5 Select the option describing the number of

speakers in your system, for example, 6/5.1 speaker mode. You can click the Speaker

Test tab and then click each speaker to test it.

6 Click OK.

If you select Enable digital audio out:

■ Microphone

volume setting becomes not muted.

Enable Digital Audio Output (Optional)

1 Follow steps 1–5 of the previous procedure. 2 Place a check next to Enable digital audio

output. The Output digital and analog

option is automatically selected.

■ If you place the

microphone too close to the speakers, feedback can occur.

■ The recording

source is fixed in Stereo Mix.

Connecting the Speakers 33

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Configure Multi-Channel Audio Output

To configure multi-channel audio output for PCs with Creative SoundBlaster Audigy:

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

Audigy 2, and then click Creative Speaker Settings. The speaker window

opens.

Configure Multi-Channel Audio for Media Center

To configure multi-channel audio output for Media Center:

You should perform this procedure if you have Creative SoundBlaster Audigy sound manager or the Multi-channel Sound Manager.

1 Click Start on the taskbar and then select

Media Center.

4 Select your speakers from the drop-down list. 5 Click Channel to test the speakers. 6 Click Calibrate to adjust the speaker volume

3 Select 6 speaker mode (5.1 channel). 4 Click Apply, and then click OK.

2 Click Settings, DVD, and then click Audio.

settings.

Adjusting the Volume

Adjust the volume for the speaker sound level any of these ways:

■ Turn the Volume knob on the keyboard.

■ Double-click the Vol ume icon on the

taskbar, and then adjust the volume.

■ Adjust the Volume Controls within a program,

such as the Volume buttons on the Media Center navigation bar or on the remote control.

34 hp media center pc user’s guide

■ Adjust the 2.1 speaker system Volume knobs

on the main speaker.

■ Adjust the 5.1 speaker system Volume knobs

on the control tower (subwoofer).

Page 41

Using the Microphone

Your PC comes with a microphone connector on the back of the PC.

The microphone connector is pink and is labeled with a microphone icon.

Using the Headphones

You can connect headphones to Line out-1 (lime green) on the back of the PC, to the 2.1 speaker system, or to the 5.1 speaker system.

For 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.

Resolving Sound Issues

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

It is already set up to work as soon as you plug in your microphone.

For the 5.1 speaker system, look for the headphones connector on the right side of the control tower. If the control tower displays HP, the headphones are enabled; the sound to the speakers and the subwoofer is muted. Push and hold the On button on the control tower for several seconds to enable sound from the speakers. Press the On button briefly to enable the headphones.

■ Check volume and mute settings. See

“Adjusting the Volume” on page 34.

■ Verify sound cable connections.

■ Reinstall the Audigy sound card drivers by

using HP Application Recovery.

■ Reconfigure the Audigy software for

Surround Sound.

Connecting the Speakers 35

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Starting the PC for the First Time

After you’ve completed connecting the components of your PC by using the setup poster steps, you are ready to turn on the computer.

Starting My PC

1 Press the Power button on the monitor. 2 Press the On button (A) on the front of the PC. 3 Follow the onscreen instructions for the initial

Microsoft

Selecting an ISP

As part of the startup screens, you can select an Internet Service Provider (ISP). Before you can connect to the Internet, you must sign up with an ISP. You must have an Internet connection to use some of the Media Center features.

Easy Internet Sign-up helps you sign up for a new Internet account, set up an existing account, or configure Internet access using a LAN (local area network); cable modem; or DSL (digital subscriber line).

Windows setup.

videos

pictures

music

guide

MMC/SD

SmartMedia

ry Stic

CompactFlash I/II

open

Open Easy Internet Sign-up:

■ Double-click the Easy Internet

Sign-up icon on the desktop.

■ Click Start on the taskbar, choose All

Programs, and click Easy Internet Sign-up.

The Easy Internet Sign-up screen appears. Follow the onscreen instructions.

Read “Safety Information” at the beginning of this book before you turn on the computer.

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Page 44

Your Media Center PC desktop may not appear exactly like the one displayed here.

Media Center PC Desktop View

The Media Center PC desktop has shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need. To find out more information about a program, click its icon.

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Using the Start Menu

To open the Start menu, click the Start button. Use this menu to:

■ Open Media Center by clicking Start on the

taskbar, choose All Programs, Accessories, Media Center, and then click Media Center again.

■ Select programs or documents.

■ Open the Help and Support Center.

■ Start a search.

Desktop shortcuts (select models only)

Icon Opens Use it to

Windows XP Start menu Find all your software programs, turn off the PC, open

Help and Support View onscreen help information about your PC (select

Media Center Access all the Media Center features: watch and record TV

Easy Internet Signup wizard Sign up with a new or existing account with an Internet

■ Run a program.

■ To view or change settings, open the

Control Panel.

■ To end your current computer session and to

switch between users, click the Log Off button.

■ To turn off the computer or to restart it, click

the Turn Off Comp ute r button.

Help and Support, and access all the PC utilities and features.

models only).

program; listen to and record music CDs; view your digital pictures; watch DVD movies; and much more.

Service Provider.

HP Image Zone program Organize your digital photos.

Internet Explorer window Opens your Internet browser.

Windows Media Player Create a music library, listen to CDs, and get information

about your CD.

HP Recovery Start Application or System Recovery.

Starting My PC 39

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Software Programs

Select Models Only

The software listed on this page may not be available for your country/region.

HP provides software programs and offers to help you use and enjoy your new computer. To open a program, click its icon on the desktop (select programs) or click Start, choose All Programs, and then click the folder or program name. Programs and offers may change.

InterVideo WinDVD Player lets you watch DVD movies and video using an interactive menu.

MusicMatch Radio MX allows you to play music CDs, play Internet Radio stations and get CD artist, title, and other information from the Internet.

Windows Media Player, from Microsoft, lets you play, save, and organize your music and audio files. Media Center uses this program. HP includes a 30-day trial use of the InterVideo MP3 XPack plug-in for Windows Media Player that allows you to create MP3 format files.

Windows Movie Maker, from Microsoft, lets you import, edit, and play your digital video files.

RecordNow! lets you write (record) audio or data files to recordable discs.

Encyclopedia Britannica 2002 On-line is a link to the Encyclopedia Britannica Web site and includes a one-year free subscription provided by HP.

ArcSoft ShowBiz 2 lets you transfer, edit, and record full-motion video from a variety of digital and analog sources to DVDs (select models). You choose video clips, arrange them, and then add titles, scene transitions, music narration, special effects, backgrounds, and more. You organize your own videos with menus, and by using the hp dvd writer drive (select models), create a DVD disc to watch in a home DVD player.

Microsoft Money 2003 lets you set up an online connection to view stock quotes and news, pay recurring bills, and monitor deposits.

HP Picture Toolkit appears within the My Pictures

folder and provides easy access to software and

services exclusively from HP:

■ Greeting Card Creator creates cards to print

and share.

■ Photo Impression edits photos.

■ Funhouse combines your photo with fun

backgrounds.

■ HP Print Creator creates album pages of

photos for printing.

■ HP Memories Disc Creator combines photos

with sound to store on CD and watch on a home DVD player or PC.

■ Simple Backup for My Pictures.

HP Image Zone appears within the My Pictures

folder and provides easy access to software and

services exclusively from HP.

Detto IntelliMover is a demonstration video

for the data transfer program that moves your

e-mail, files, folders, preferences, and settings

between PCs. Click the link to the Web site

http://www.detto.com/hp to purchase the data

migration kit (the program and a special data

cable).

Acrobat Reader 5.0 displays documents that are

in the Adobe Portable Document Format (PDF). You

can navigate through the document and print all or

part of it.

WordPerfect Productivity Pack provides

WordPerfect 10, a word processing program, and

Quattro Pro 10, a spreadsheet program, along with

a task manager that makes choosing templates easy.

For example, you could choose fax in the task

manager program and it would open the word

processor program and present a blank fax form for

you to complete.

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Norton AntiVirus 2003 (Symantec/ NAV2002) is the Symantec Norton AntiVirus™

program that scans for viruses and protects your PC by removing them. Norton offers free virus definition updates through your Internet connection for 60 days after your PC purchase. You can purchase a subscription service for updates after your initial free period expires.

Using PC Help and Tools

The PC Help & Tools folder in the All Programs menu contains special utilities for PC owners. This folder also contains any onscreen guides included with your PC.

To see the items in the PC Help & Tools folder:

Energy Star Block makes changes to settings for your power settings of the PC in order to conserve power.

Online @Backup is a flash demonstration video and a Web site about this convenient way to use the Internet to move large amounts of information between PCs. You can purchase the service from the Web si t e .

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

Turning Off the PC

Turn off the PC by using the following steps:

1 Close any open software programs.

To close programs, click X in the upper-right corner of each window.

2 Click Start on the taskbar.

3 Choose PC Help & Tools. 4 To view an item or to use it, click an item.

3 Click Tur n Off Compute r at the bottom of

the menu.

4 Click Tur n Off . 5 Turn off the monitor.

Before turning off the PC, remove media from all drives: CD, DVD, diskette, and the 7-In-1 memory card reader. Media left in a drive may cause an error when you turn on the PC.

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Manual Standby Mode

Putting the PC into Standby

You can put the PC in Standby in several ways:

■ Press the Standby button on the

keyboard.

■ Press the Standby button on the

remote control.

■ Briefly press the On button on the front of the

PC. The screen goes dark, and the computer goes into standby mode. The On button on the front of the PC has a power indicator light that flashes when the PC is in standby.

Taking the PC out of Standby

When you want to use the computer again, to make the screen display reappear just as you left it, do one of the following:

■ On the front of the PC, briefly press the On

button.

■ On the keyboard, press the Esc key or the

Standby button.

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click Turn Off Compute r at the bottom of

the menu.

3 Click Stand By.

■ On the remote control, press and hold the

Standby button for 1 or 2 seconds and then, when the screen display appears, press the Start button.

■ Press the Alt + F4 buttons on the keyboard to

close the Standby program.

Standby Mode Tips

If the computer does not work properly when you wake it from standby, reset the PC by pressing and holding the On button on the front of the PC for approximately 5 seconds until the computer turns off. Then turn the computer back on.

If you are using Media Center to record television programs, put the PC into standby mode (instead of turning it off or using hibernation) so that the PC can “wake” at the proper time to record TV programs.

42 hp media center pc user’s guide

If both standby and hibernation timers are set, the

system hibernates timer must be set for a longer time

than the system standby timer.

If Live TV or other media is playing in Media Center,

the PC won’t go into Standby mode automatically.

Page 49

Manual Hibernation Mode

Hibernation differs from standby. When the PC enters standby, it is still active and able to respond to scheduled activities. When the PC enters hibernation, it copies everything currently displayed and on the desktop to the hard disk and then turns itself off.

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click Turn Off Compute r at the bottom of

the menu.

3 Press the Shift key on the keyboard and click

Hibernate. The PC saves everything that is

in computer memory to the hard disk, turns off the monitor and the hard disk, and then turns itself off.

4 When you want to use the computer again,

press the On button on the front of the PC. The PC returns everything (programs, folders, and documents) to the screen.

If the computer does not work properly when you wake it from hibernation, restart the PC.

When you press Shift, the Stand By button changes to Hibernate. If Hibernate is not present, you first need to set up your PC for hibernation by setting the Power Options in the Control Panel.

Do not use hibernate if you have scheduled TV recordings in Media Center.

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Do not use auto-hibernate if you have scheduled TV recordings in Media Center; instead, set System hibernates to Never.

Automatic Standby or Hibernation Mode

To automatically put the computer into standby or hibernation mode when the PC is idle, modify the power management settings:

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Performance and Maintenance,

if it is present.

4 Double-click Power Options. 5 Click the Hibernate tab, select the Enable

hibernation check box, and then click Apply.

6 To set the timers for standby or hibernation,

click the Power Schemes tab. In the Power Schemes box, select a power scheme from the drop-down list. Choose the timers:

■ To turn on auto-standby for the computer,

click a time (such as After 20 mins) in the System standby list.

■ To turn on auto-hibernate, click a time

(such as After 1 hour) in the System hibernates list.

7 Click OK.

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Installing Software

After you turn on the PC the first time and restart it, you can install any software programs that came on CDs or DVDs included in the PC box (select models only).

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

Using Media Center Help

1 Press the Start button on the remote

control.

2 Move the mouse to show the Media

Center navigation bar, and then select the Help (?) icon from any window in Media Center.

3 When Media Center Help files appear:

■ To open available files, select the

Contents tab and then click the + next to the topic. To view text about a topic, select the topic. The text appears on the right side of the window.

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.

■ Select the Index tab and then scroll down

the list of topics, or type a descriptive word and click the Display button. To view a topic, double-click it.

■ Select the Search tab and then type a

descriptive word. Click the List Topics button. To view a topic, double-click it.

4 To return to Media Center, close the Help files

by clicking the Close button on the taskbar of the Help window.

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

When Media Center is open, you can also press F1 on the keyboard to display the Media Center Help.

Starting My PC 45

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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.

Alphanumeric keys are the main keys found on a standard typewriter.

Function keys are the F1 through F12 keys located above the main keys. F1 opens a Help window for the software program being used. F3 opens a search window. Other function key operations may depend on the software program you are using.

Arrow keys are controls for up, down, right, and left. You can use these keys instead of the mouse to move the cursor in a Web site, in a document, or in a game.

Numeric keys are locked when the Num Lock LED (light-emitting diode) on the keyboard is lit. When locked, the numeric keys are the number keys and arithmetic function keys found on a basic calculator. When the Num Lock LED on the keyboard is off, the numeric keys are directional keys used during games or to move the cursor.

Special buttons are at the top of the keyboard. These buttons operate the CD or DVD player, connect you to the Internet, or provide quick access to specific functions. See “Special Keyboard Buttons” on page 48 for descriptions of these buttons.

Using the PC Hardware 47

Page 54

Special Keyboard Buttons

Access buttons

user

Icon Feature Description

Standby Puts PC into or out of power-saving mode. May take 10–30

user User Log off or switch between PC users.

hp HP Links to an HP Web site.

? Help Opens the Help and Support Center.

photo HP Picture Toolkit Opens an imaging software program. Can be reconfigured.

music Music Starts MusicMatch Jukebox or Windows Media Player. Can be

video Video Opens a video software program. Can be reconfigured.

hp ? photo music video

seconds before screen reappears.

reconfigured.

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Internet buttons

shopping sports finance connect search chat e-mail

Icon Feature Description

Shopping Goes to a popular shopping Web site. Can be reconfigured to open

any Web site or software program.

Sports Goes to a popular sports Web site. Can be reconfigured to open any

Web site or software program.

Finance Goes to a popular finance Web site. Can be reconfigured to open

any Web site or software program.

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

site or software program.

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

reconfigured to open any Web site or software program.

Chat Opens an HP-related Web site for chatting. 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.

Using the PC Hardware 49

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Media Control or Playback Buttons

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

eject1

eject2

Button Function

eject1 Opens or closes upper optical drive tray.

eject2 Opens or closes lower optical drive tray.

rec Opens RecordNow! program.

stop Stops media.

play/pause Plays or pauses media.

prev Rewinds media.

next Fast-forwards media.

rec

play pause

stop

volume

volume knob Controls speaker volume.

50 hp media center pc user’s guide

Turns speaker sound on and off.

Page 57

Configuring the keyboard buttons

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 Double-click the button you want to change.

The button configuration window opens.

Using the Mouse

Your PC may include a wireless or an optical scrolling mouse.

An optical scrolling mouse uses light and an optical sensor, instead of a roller ball, to sense movement. Use the optical mouse on an opaque surface.

Using the mouse buttons

Like an ordinary mouse, the scrolling mouse has two buttons on the top: the left button, called the primary button, and the right button, called the secondary button.

5 Choose the button capability from the drop-

down list. Enter the Display label and Address information. (For a Web site, enter the complete Web site URL in the Address box.)

6 Click OK. 7 On the Buttons tab, click Apply. Repeat steps

4 through 6 for other buttons.

8 Click OK when you are finished.

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

The mouse has two or three buttons on the top:

■ To position the cursor or to select an item,

click the left mouse button.

■ To display a menu or commands available for

the item you clicked, click the right mouse button.

■ On select models, use the scroll wheel button

in the center for scrolling and panning.

The optical mouse cannot work on a glass, translucent, or reflective surface.

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Dragging and dropping

You can click and drag an item to move it.

1 Left-click the item, and then press and hold

down the left mouse button.

2 Move the mouse to position the cursor; the

item is dragged along.

3 To drop the item into place, release the button.

Switching mouse button functions

You can change the configuration of the primary and secondary mouse buttons for left-handed use.

1 Click the Start button. 2 Click Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware, if it

is present.

Scrolling

Use the wheel button in the middle of the mouse to scroll or select items. You can use the scrolling mouse to scroll, to autoscroll, or to pan.

If you press and hold down the right mouse button

when you click and drag, a menu appears when

you release the button to drop the item. The

menu lets you move, copy, or create a shortcut for

the item.

4 Double-click Mouse. 5 Check Switch primary and secondary buttons

on the Buttons tab.

6 Click Apply (using the new primary button),

and then click OK.

1 To place the cursor in a document, click the

left mouse button.

2 To scroll toward the beginning of the

document, roll the mouse wheel up (away from you). To scroll toward the end of a document, roll the wheel down (toward you).

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Autoscrolling

1 Place the cursor in the document next to the

text where you want to begin scrolling and press the wheel button once. An autoscroll icon appears.

Panning

1 Place the cursor in the document. Press and

hold down the mouse wheel button.

2 Slowly move the mouse in the direction you

want to scroll. The farther you move the pointer from the starting point, the faster the document pans.

2 To begin autoscrolling, move the mouse in the

direction you want to scroll. The farther you move the pointer from the starting point, the faster the document scrolls.

3 To stop autoscrolling, press the wheel button

again.

3 To stop panning, release the wheel button.

Autoscrolling does not work with some software programs.

Panning only works if the window’s horizontal scroll bar is active. Panning does not work with some software programs.

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Wireless Keyboard Set

(Select Models Only)

A wireless keyboard uses a receiver/transmitter unit (A) instead of a connector cable to communicate with your PC. The wireless keyboard (B), mouse (C), and receiver set is available with select models only.

Wireless receiver

B Wireless keyboard

C Wireless mouse

For more information about installing your wireless

keyboard set, refer to the specific wireless keyboard

documentation included in the PC box.

Wireless Receiver

A light on the receiver indicates receiver activity.

ACBD

A Number lock on

B Caps lock on

C Scroll lock on

D Receiver activity

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Remote Control

Use the remote control to open the Media Center program, and use it to view television, record television programs, play previously recorded TV programs, and play music, movies, or video. See “Remote Control” on page 81 for detailed instructions on using the features of the remote control.

To use the remote control, simply point it at the remote sensor and press the Start button .

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

DVD

MUSIC

RADIO

RECORD

REW

REPLAY

BACK

LIVE TV

VOLUME

GHI

PQRS

CLEAR

hp media center

PLAY

PAUSE

MORE INFO

MUTE

ABC

JKL

TUV

PICTURES

VIDEOS

STOP

FWD

SKIP

GUIDE

RECORDED

CHANNEL/

PAGE

DEF

321

MNO

654

WXYZ

987

ENTER

[

45˚

26 feet

(8m)

Using the PC Hardware 55

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Use alkaline batteries in the remote control.

Install the remote control batteries

1 Slide the battery cover off the back of the

remote control.

2 Insert the two AA batteries (provided).

3 Replace the battery cover.

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CD and DVD Drives

Your PC comes with one or two of the following optical drives:

■ CD-RW (cd writer plus)

■ DVD-ROM

Handling a CD or DVD

To avoid damaging CDs or DVDs, follow these guidelines:

■ Return the disc to the case when you are

finished using it.

■ Handle the disc by its outside edges or center

hole only.

Inserting a CD or DVD

1 Make sure the computer is on. (If the PC is in

standby mode, the On button light flashes; press the Esc key on the keyboard to wake the PC.)

2 To eject the tray, press the Eject button (A) on

the drive. (Or, press the Eject button for the drive on the keyboard.)

■ DVD+RW/+R (dvd writer)

■ Combo DVD/CD-RW (dvd/cd writer plus)

■ Do not touch the unlabeled side of a CD or

place the unlabeled side down on your desk. Doing so could scratch the surface of the CD.

■ Store CDs at room temperature.

3 Holding on to the disc edges only, gently

place the disc in the tray with the label facing up.

4 Close the disc tray by gently pushing the tray

into the computer (B). (Or, press the Eject button for the drive on the keyboard.)

There can be a delay of several seconds after inserting a CD or DVD until the appropriate program opens.

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DVD-ROM Drive

The DVD-ROM drive can play movie DVDs and music CDs, read data DVDs and CDs, and run CD-based and DVD-based software programs.

Using the DVD-ROM drive

When you insert a disc into the DVD-ROM drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc.

Do not try to insert or remove media when the In-use light is lit. Doing so may cause data loss.

■ If you insert a software program or data CD

or DVD, it is available for use.

■ If you insert a music CD, a program opens so

you can play the CD.

CD Writer Plus

The CD Writer Plus is a CD-RW drive. It can play music CDs, read data CDs, run CD-based software, create, or write, music and data CDs, and copy CDs.

Using the CD Writer Plus

When you insert a disc into the drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc.

■ If you insert a software program or data CD, it

is available for use.

■ If you insert a music CD, a program opens so

you can play the CD.

■ If you insert a DVD movie, a program opens

so you can play the DVD.

■ If you insert a blank recordable disc (CD-R or

CD-RW), you can use RecordNow! to copy files to your blank CD.

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DVD Writer

The dvd writer is a DVD+RW/+R drive. It can play movie DVDs and music CDs, read data CDs and DVDs, and record files to DVD+RW, DVD+R, CD-R, and CD-RW discs.

Using the DVD Writer

When you insert a disc into the dvd writer drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc.

■ If you insert a software program or data CD

or DVD, it is available for use.

■ If you insert a music CD, a program opens so

you can play the CD.

DVD/CD Writer Plus (Combo) Drive

The DVD/CD writer plus is a DVD/CD-RW drive. It can play music CDs, read data DVDs and CDs, run CD-based and DVD-based software programs, create, or write, music and data CDs, copy CDs, and play DVD movies.

Using the combo drive

When you insert a disc into the combo drive, the computer automatically detects the type of disc.

■ If you insert a software program or data CD, it

is available for use.

■ If you insert a DVD movie, a program opens

so you can play the DVD.

■ If you insert a blank recordable disc

(DVD+RW, DVD+R, CD-R, or CD-RW), you can use the software programs provided with the drive to copy files to your blank disc.

■ If you insert a DVD movie, a program opens

so you can play the DVD.

There are two types of DVD rewriteable discs: DVD-RW and DVD+RW. DVD-RW discs do not work in the DVD+RW drive.

■ If you insert a music CD, a program opens so

you can play the CD.

■ If you insert a blank recordable disc (CD-R or

CD-RW), you can use RecordNow! to copy files to your blank CD.

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Opening the RecordNow! program

RecordNow! is a program that copies and creates CDs and DVDs using your CD Writer or DVD Writer drives.

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose CD (DVD) Recorder.

Diskette (Floppy) Drive

The diskette (floppy disk) drive can read and write diskettes.

Using the diskette drive

Insert the diskette into the drive until it locks in place. Make sure you insert the diskette with the round metal disk face down and the arrow on the top pointing into the drive.

You can copy files from or to the diskette.

When you are finished, check that the light on the drive is not lit, indicating that the PC is not writing to the diskette; then press the Eject button on the PC and remove the diskette.

4 Choose RecordNow! 5 Click RecordNow! again.

For information about recording onto CDs, refer to

the Help menu in the RecordNow! program.

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7-In-1 Memory Card Reader

(Select Models Only)

The 7-In-1 memory card reader can read and write seven types of memory media. You can use these memory cards to import pictures from digital cameras or to share data between other card readers.

A SmartMedia

B In-use light (indicates data is being read

or written)

C MMC/SD (MultiMedia Card/Secure Digital)

D CompactFlash I/II or Microdrive

E MS/MS Pro (Memory Stick or Memory

Stick Pro)

Some PCs come with a 6-In-1 card reader.

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.

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Formatting a memory card

If you have not used the memory card, you may need to format it first.

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 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. 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.

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Using the 7-In-1 memory card reader

If you have not used the memory card, you may need to format it first. See “Formatting a memory card” on page 62.

1 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 An Autoplay window opens. Select a program

to view your digital photos. The computer opens a program so you can access the media contents. You can copy files from or to the media.

3 If the program 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.

Troubleshooting the memory card reader

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

■ Make sure the read/write switch on the

memory card, if available, is set to Write Enabled.

■ Make sure the amount of data you want to

store is not larger than the capacity of the memory card.

■ Make sure the memory card is one of the

supported types: CompactFlash (1, 2 and Microdrive), Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, MultiMedia, Secure Digital, or SmartMedia.

4 When you are finished, check that the light on

the drive is not flashing, and then simply remove the card from the card reader. A flashing light indicates that the PC is still accessing the media. A good procedure to follow is to click Start, click My Computer, right-click the memory card icon, and then select Eject. This will close the session and the card can be removed.

■ Make sure memory card is fully inserted into

the correct slot.

■ Remove the memory card and shine a

flashlight into the empty slot to see if any pins are bent. Replace the memory card reader or have the PC serviced if a pin is bent to the point of touching another pin. Straighten slightly bent pins with the PC off using the tip of a fine tip retracted ballpoint pen.

■ 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.

You can place media in one or more of the card reader slots and access each media independently. Each drive has its own drive letter.

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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 7-In-1 memory card reader from your PC. You must restart the PC to use your reader again.

Understanding the 7-In-1 Memory Card Reader

Special Note about the Safely Remove Hardware utility

If you inadvertently open the Safely Remove Hardware window, click Close.

Understanding the in-use light

The 7-In-1 memory card reader in-use 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.

7-In-1 Media Types

Compact Flash type I/II — CF 1, CF II, IBM Micro Drive (50 pins)

Smart Media (SM) — 4 MB to 128 MB (22 pins)

Multimedia Card (MMC) — 8 MB to 32MB (7 pins)

Secure Digital (SD) — 32MB to 128MB (7 pins)

Memory Stick (MS) — 4 MB to 128 MB (10 pins)

Memory Stick Pro — 4 MB to 128 MB (10 pins)

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Using the Digital Camera Dock

(Select Models Only)

Some HP Media Center PCs come with a camera docking bay designed to hold an HP camera docking station (model 8886) and several HP digital cameras which are purchased separately.

To install the HP camera docking station refer to “Installing an HP Camera Docking Station” on page 196.

videos

pictures

music

guide

C/SD

SmartMedia

Memory Stick

CompactFlash I/II

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

Using the PC Hardware 65

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Using Media Center

Getting Started with Microsoft Windows XP Media Center Edition

With Media Center you can play all kinds of audio, video, and picture media by using a specially designed remote control.

When using the remote control and the Media Center program, you can:

■ Watch, record, and play back television

programs.

■ Pause, rewind, and fast forward TV programs

(select models only).

■ Watch an instant replay.

■ Play back your digital videos.

■ View your digital pictures or play them as a

slide show with music. Easily print your photos.

■ Browse, select, and play music CDs files with

full-screen visualizations.

■ Record CD tracks to your media library.

■ Play DVD movies. Resume playing your DVDs

where you left off.

■ Access streaming music and video (media on

demand) subscription services.

Links to mediaon-demand Web sites are for select models only.

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■ Navigate the Media Center program by using

either the remote control or the mouse and keyboard.

■ Watch TV or a DVD movie while doing other

tasks on your computer.

■ Record your TV shows automatically while you

are doing something else.

Media Center Overview

■ Quickly open specific windows in Media

Center by using the shortcut buttons on the remote control or on the front of your computer.

■ Easily update the Program Guide from the

Internet (select models only).

■ Listen to FM radio stations (select models

only).

Connections to the Internet and to a TV signal source are optional, but they are recommended to get the most out of Media Center.

You can control the Media Center functions and navigate Media Center windows by using the remote control, the keyboard, or the mouse. You can easily switch back and forth between them by moving the mouse or by pressing a button on the remote control or the keyboard.

You can run Media Center side by side with other Windows software programs. It’s possible to browse through your pictures, watch videos, play music, and even record TV while using other Windows programs.

Getting the Most out of Media Center

It is best to have the following items completed before trying to use Media Center; otherwise, many of the program features won’t be available to you. Before opening Media Center, make sure:

■ HP Media Center PC is set up correctly. For

setup information, refer to the setup poster.

■ Remote control has two AA alkaline batteries

installed.

■ Remote Sensor is properly plugged into a USB

connector on your PC and is placed where you can point the remote control at it.

To open Media Center, simply point the

remote control at the remote sensor and press the

Start button . Media Center opens in full

screen mode.

■ Remote Sensor control cable is securely

plugged into the remote sensor and attached to your cable or satellite set-top box, if present.

■ PC has a properly configured and working

Internet connection.

■ PC is properly connected to your TV signal

source.

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Opening Media Center

To open the Media Center program:

■ Press the Start button on your remote

control.

■ Click Start on the taskbar, and

then click Media Center.

■ Click the Media Center

icon on your desktop. You can create a Media Center shortcut icon by clicking and dragging the Media Center icon in the Start menu to your desktop.

When you open Media Center, you’ll see the Media Center Start menu. Use the arrow buttons on the remote control or the keyboard, or use the mouse to navigate and select menu options. You may need to use the scroll buttons to view all items in some Media Center menus. To enter a selection, press OK on the remote control, press the Enter key on the keyboard, or click the mouse.

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Navigating Media Center

In the Media Center windows, a selected item such as a folder, file, or menu item is outlined with a green border.

To select items in Media Center, use the arrow buttons on the remote control, and then use the OK button to enter your selection.

If you have media playing, such as music or

television, it appears in an inset window in the

lower left corner. To switch from watching your

media in the inset window to watching it in full

screen mode, use the arrows on the remote control

to select it and then press OK.

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Media Center Start Menu

CDE FGH

L M

A Log off to end your Media Center session or

to switch users

B Use media playback controls

C Open Media Center Start menu

D Go back one screen

E Open Media Center Help

F Minimize Media Center window

G Resize Media Center window

H Close Media Center window

J Play FM radio stations

KWatch your home videos

L View digital pictures or play a slide show,

print photos

M Watch, record, and play back live TV

programs

N Play music files or music CDs

O Watch DVD movies

P Change Media Center program settings

Other menus not shown:

■ Online Spotlight — link to the Media Center

Web site for the latest information about your Media Center PC and software.

■ Link to an Internet radio Web site,

MusicMatch Radio MX (select models only).

■ More Programs — link to other programs.

You can use the Minimize and Resize buttons to run Media Center side by side with another program from your desktop.

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Setting PC Location for Program Guide

During the initial setup of the PC, you specify your PC country/region location. Media Center uses this information to select the country/region for the Program Guide.

The Media Center PC uses United States as the PC location by default. If you did not select your correct location and if this location does not match the ZIP Code or postal code location you entered in the

To set the PC location

1 Click Start on the taskbar, and then click

Control Panel.

2 Click Date, Time, Language, and

Regional Options, if it is present.

3 Double-click Regional and Language

Options.

4 Click the Regional Options tab.

Media Center Program Guide setting, an error

message may appear. You may also see No data

available in the Program Guide, or you may not be

able to get the correct Program Guide.

To resolve this problem, set the location for your PC

in the Control Panel first and then in the Media

Center Settings window.

5 In Standards and formats, select your

language and country/region; for example,

English (Canada), from the drop-down list.

6 Select your location from the drop-down list. 7 Click Apply, and then click OK.

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Media Center Setup

The first time you open Media Center, a setup wizard opens. Use the setup wizard to test your remote control and to configure your Internet connection, TV signal, and Program Guide. The Media Center setup wizard may take approximately 10 to 40 minutes to complete.

To complete the setup wizard you need to:

■ Be logged on as the administrator. For more

information, go to Microsoft Help.

■ Have an Internet connection already set up to

download your television service provider’s program guide.

■ Provide your ZIP Code or postal code.

■ Provide the name of your television service

provider, if you subscribe to either cable or satellite TV.

■ Provide the brand of your set-top box, if you

use one.

You can click the Help button any time while completing the setup wizard.

Using Media Center 73

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Use Media Center Settings to:

■ Change settings for

your television service provider.

■ Change settings for

your Internet Service Provider.

■ Manually update

the My TV Program Guide.

■ Check your remote

control.

■ Change your postal

code to receive the correct Program Guide for your area.

Using the Media Center Setup Wizard

It is best to complete each step in the Media Center setup wizard to be able to use all the features in Media Center. You can select to bypass these steps and complete them later in the Settings window in Media Center.

Press the Start button on the remote control. The Media Center setup wizard opens. Follow onscreen instructions to complete the following

four steps:

1 Check Your Remote Control

This step is an interactive test to make sure the remote control is working with the remote sensor. Before performing this test:

■ Make sure the remote control has two AA

alkaline batteries installed.

■ Make sure the remote control sensor is

plugged into a USB port on the PC.

■ Make sure you point the remote control at

the remote sensor.

■ Make sure the LED on the remote control

and the remote sensor blinks when a button is pressed.

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2 Select download method for your

Internet connection

In this step, you select options for your Internet connection so that Media Center can download and update your Program Guide and display information about your music CDs and other media.

a You can have Media Center automatically

download the Guide when connected, or you can manually download the Guide when you connect to the Internet. If you manually download the Guide, you need to connect to the Internet and then select Settings from the Media Center Start menu, select TV, Guide, and then select

Get Guide data.

b Test your connection to the Internet by

selecting the Test button.

To set this up later or change your settings, you can select Settings from the Media Center Start menu, select General, and then select Set up Internet connection.

If you choose to manually download the Program Guide, it is best that you download it once per day.

If you are unable to identify which set top box you have, the Media Center wizard prompts you to manually program the remote control buttons that control the set top box.

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3 Set up Television Signal

This step makes sure your computer receives the correct TV signal and the correct Program Guide information. If you have a set-top box, the setup wizard programs your remote control to work with your set-top box so that you can view premium channels. Make sure the TV signal source is properly connected to your PC and the correct TV provider is selected.

a Select your TV service. b Select if you have a set-top box. Sometimes

a set-top box receives a TV signal. If you have a set-top box, the Media Center remote control needs to work with it.

c Prepare for set-top box setup. Make sure:

■ Your set-top box is turned on.

■ Your TV signal is connected to your

set-top box.

■ Your set-top box is connected to your

computer.

■ Your remote sensor control cable is

connected properly.

d Choose a working TV signal to use with

Media Center.

e Select how you change channels.

f Select your set-top box brand.

g Select remote control code.

h Test channel changing.

i Set IR Signal Speed.

j Your Guide is automatically downloaded

To set this up later, select Settings from the Media Center Start menu, select TV, and then select Set up TV signal.

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when you complete all onscreen instructions.

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4 Set up Program Guide

An Internet connection is needed to complete this step. If your computer isn’t connected to the Internet or if Media Center hasn’t configured your ISP information in step 2, you will see No data available in the Program Guide.

To set this up later, select Settings from the Media Center Start menu, select TV, and then select Guide, and then Reset Guide lineup.

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Media Center Menu bars

When you move the mouse, the Media Center menu bars appear. When you use the remote control, or when you stop using the mouse (after 5 seconds), the menu bars disappear.

You can switch to the desktop at any time without closing or minimizing Media Center.

You don’t need to minimize the Media Center window to open another program or go to a Web site. You can just resize the Media Center window and then open another program by using the Start menu.

To display the desktop, select the Minimize icon by using the arrow buttons on the remote control or by using the mouse. You can also resize the window to display Media Center and a part of the desktop.

To return to Media Center, use the mouse to click the Media Center icon on the taskbar.

Menu bar icon Action

Media Center Start icon

Open Media Center Help files in a separate window

Go back one screen

78 hp media center pc user’s guide

Minimize Media Center window and view the desktop

Resize Media Center window

Close Media Center

Play

Stop

Record

Replay, Rewind (Previous)

Skip, Fast Forward (Next)

Page 85

Setting Media Center as the Automatic CD Player

When you insert a CD while Media Center is active, your CD plays automatically after a few seconds. If you are not in Media Center, Windows asks you what you want to do with the CD. To avoid this message, you can select Media Center as the primary program to play CDs.

To select Media Center as the primary CD playing program:

1 Close Media Center. 2 Insert a CD into the drive. A message appears

asking you what you want Windows to do.

3 Select Play Audio CD using Media

Center.

4 Check the Always do the selected

action check box, and then click OK.

Using Shortcut Buttons

Remote control

You can use the remote control shortcut buttons, such as DVD Menu, Radio, TV, Music, Pictures, and Videos to open specific windows in Media Center. Refer to “Remote Control” on page 81 for more information about the shortcut buttons on the remote

control.

DVD

RADIO

MUSIC

PICTURES

VIDEOS

Using Media Center 79

Page 86

Front of computer

You can use the shortcut buttons on the front of the PC to open Media Center when the computer is already turned on.

Keyboard

The keyboard shortcut buttons do not open the Media Center program. Refer to “Using the Keyboard” on page 47 for more information about your keyboard shortcut keys.

The shortcut buttons on the front of the PC are TV,

Guide, Music, Pictures, and Videos. The front of

your PC may display text or icons.

caps lock

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Remote Control

What Can I Do with the Media Center Remote Control?

Your remote control is designed to work with Media Center. You can use your remote control with Media Center to play CDs, DVDs, and videos, to view pictures, and to watch and record television programs.

This remote control helps you navigate the Media Center windows on your computer just as a cable TV remote control navigates cable TV options or controls the playback of a movie in a VCR or DVD player.

Remote control can:

■ Navigate and control all Media Center

windows.

■ Control the video or live TV display.

■ Place the computer in and out of

standby mode.

Remote control cannot:

■ Navigate the Windows desktop or control

other computer programs outside of Media Center.

■ Be used as a VCR, DVD player, or stereo

remote control.

■ Turn the computer on or off (shut down PC).

DVD

RADIO

RECORD

REPLAY

BACK

LIVE TV

VOLUME

REW

MUSIC

PLAY

PAUSE

MORE INFO

PICTURES

VIDEOS

STOP

FWD

SKIP

GUIDE

RECORDED

CHANNEL/

PAGE

Your remote control can send a strong signal to the remote sensor from within a range of about 26 feet.

Make sure there is nothing blocking the pathway between your remote control and the remote sensor.

■ Turn a TV that is connected to your computer

on or off.

MUTE

ABC

GHI

PQRS

CLEAR

JKL

TUV

[

hp media center

DEF

321

MNO

654

WXYZ

987

ENTER

Remote Control 81

Page 88

Remote Control Buttons Overview

Features and location may vary.

A Standby puts the PC into and out of a

power reduced state.

B DVD Menu opens main menu on a DVD

movie, if available.

CMusic opens My Music window.

DRadio opens FM Radio window.

ERecord records selected television program

and stores it on the hard disk.

F Rew (Rewind) moves the media backward at

2 speeds.

GReplay moves media backward seven

seconds.

HPause pauses audio or video track, or pauses

live or recorded TV programs.

JBack returns PC to the previous window within

Media Center.

KArrow buttons move cursor to navigate within

all Media Center windows. Moves to next picture in a slideshow.

G H

DVD

B C

MUSIC

RADIO

PICTURES

VIDEOS

Q R

S T

RECORD

PLAY

REW

REPLAY

PAUSE

STOP

FWD

SKIP

BACK

GUIDE

LIVE TV

RECORDED

VOLUME

MORE INFO

CHANNEL/

PAGE

LLive TV is a shortcut to the full screen view of

live TV. It also moves to the current point in live TV program after pausing live TV.

MMute turns computer sound off. The word

Mute is displayed on the screen when Mute is turned on.

NVolume increases (+) and decreases (–)

sound.

OMore Info displays available information

about selected media file. Allows you to rotate a picture in My Pictures.

PClear deletes selection and works as the

backspace button does on a keyboard.

82 hp media center pc user’s guide

MUTE

ABC

GHI

PQRS

CLEAR

JKL

TUV

DEF

321

MNO

654

WXYZ

987

ENTER

[

hp media center

Page 89

QTV opens My TV window.

RPictures opens My Pictures window.

SVideos opens My Videos window.

TPlay plays selected media.

UStop stops media currently playing.

V FWD (Fast forward) moves media forward

at 3 speeds.

WSkip moves media forward, for example, 30

seconds in videos and live TV, or one music track.

XGuide opens Television Program Guide to

display available TV channels and programs to watch and record.

YOK selects desired action or window option. It

acts as the Enter key. If watching TV in full screen mode, pressing OK switches back to the previous channel watched. Press again to toggle back. It acts the same way as a Jump button on some TV remote controls.

ZRecorded TV opens Recorded TV window.

AA Start opens Media Center to the main

Start menu.

BB Channel/Page up (+) and down (–) changes

TV channel or moves page up and down, depending on available options. It also moves to next DVD chapter. The name of TV show and channel are displayed.

CC 0 to 9 changes channels or enters text into

Media Center search or text box.

DD Enter selects desired action or window option.

In full-screen mode, press Enter to jump to the last channel you were watching.

EE Print prints your pictures that you select in the

My Pictures window.

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Page 90

To begin using your remote control:

1 Point the remote control at the remote sensor.

The remote sensor should be located near your monitor or in a convenient place. Make sure there is nothing blocking the pathway between your remote control and the remote sensor.

2 To start Media Center and to open the

Media Center Start menu, press the Start button .

3 If this is your first time using the remote

control, the Media Center setup wizard opens. Follow onscreen instructions to complete the remote control setup steps.

If you have completed the Media Center setup wizard, the Media Center Start menu opens. Use the arrow keys on the remote control to select an item, and then press OK to select an option and to begin using Media Center.

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Page 91

Remote Control Buttons

Direct access buttons

The direct access buttons open the main Media Center windows.

DVD

MUSIC

RADIO

Button Function

DVD

TV Opens the My TV window where you can watch and record TV, open your television

Radio Opens the FM radio and Internet radio station window where you can select FM radio

Music Opens the My Music window where you can browse and play music CDs and your music

Pictures Opens the My Pictures window where you can search for, sort, and view pictures and

Opens the Play DVD main menu where you can play your DVD movies.

program guide, schedule future TV recordings, and find your recorded TV programs.

Internet radio stations to listen to.

files.

slide shows that are stored in the My Pictures or the Shared Pictures folder in Windows Explorer. You can also view your pictures on other media such as a digital camera or a memory card.

PICTURES

VIDEOS

Some older DVDs may not include a DVD menu.

Videos Opens the My Videos window where you can search for, sort, and play back your video

files that are stored in the My Videos or the Shared Video folder in Windows Explorer. You can also view your videos on other media such as a memory card.

Remote Control 85

Page 92

Make sure you turn off the monitor and turn down or mute the volume, for example, if you have a scheduled recording in the middle of the night and don’t want to be disturbed.

The PC will not automatically go into standby mode if Media Center is open. It is best to close Media Center before you manually place the PC in standby mode.

If you turn off (shut down) your PC, Media Center will not record a scheduled TV program. Your PC must be turned on or in standby mode to record TV programs.

Standby button

The Standby button puts the computer into and out of a power reduced state, called standby, which runs the computer with minimal power until you give it a command. To take the computer out of standby, press the Standby button for at least one to two seconds on the remote control. It is recommended that you use this button when Media Center is closed.

You must press Standby for 1–2 seconds.

An LED located under the Standby button blinks

when the remote control is transmitting a signal to

the remote sensor.

Recording in standby mode

Media Center can record TV programs when the computer is in standby mode because Media Center takes the PC out of standby mode when a scheduled show begins recording. The PC returns to standby mode when recording is complete.

Media Center begins recording with the monitor

and sound turned on unless you manually turn them

off before the scheduled recording.

Media Center cannot record TV programs if the

computer is turned off.

Remote control LED and the remote sensor LED

Under the Standby button is an LED (light-emitting diode) that blinks when the remote control is sending a signal to the remote sensor.

The remote sensor displays a red LED when you

press a button on the remote control (select models

only). Some kinds of lighting may cause the remote

sensor to blink without you pressing the remote

control.

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Media playback buttons

These buttons allow you to play back picture slide shows, music files, playlists, music CDs, DVD

RECORD

PLAY

STOP

movies, home videos, and live TV, from within the Media Center program.

REW

PAUSE

REPLAY

FWD

SKIP

Button Function

Record Records TV programs. The Record button works only when My TV is used to play a TV show.

It is inactive when other media is playing.

■ Press Record once to record a TV show while watching live TV or in the Guide.

■ Press Record twice to record a TV series while in the Guide.

■ Press Record repeatedly until the record icon disappears from the Guide to cancel a

recording.

Play Plays selected media.

Stop Stops selected media. When Stop is pressed while you are watching TV, the Media Center

pause buffer continues to record in the background.

Rew

Rewinds selected media. Press REW again to increase the rewinding speed.

■ Moves the video backward.

■ Moves live TV program to the beginning of the 30-minute pause buffer.

■ Moves the television program guide back 3 hours.

Pause Pauses selected media. Press Pause and then FWD repeatedly to play media frame by frame

in slow motion. To continue slow motion, you must press the FWD button more than once.

FWD Moves selected video media forward. Press FWD up to three times to increase the fast

forwarding speed.

■ Moves MP3 music files forward.

■ Moves a video forward.

■ Moves the television program guide forward 3 hours.

Press the REW or the Replay button and then the Play button to watch an instant replay.

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Navigation and other direct access buttons

These buttons allow you to move the cursor and to select actions within the Media Center windows.

BACK

GUIDE

LIVE TV

RECORDED

Button Function

Back Returns to the previous window.

Guide Opens the electronic Television Program Guide.

Arrows Move between menus, windows, or activities. Moves the cursor to select actions within the

Media Center windows.

OK Select a desired action, and works as an Enter button. If you are watching live TV, press

OK to go to the previous channel. Press OK again to toggle back to the original channel you were watching.

Live TV Moves a TV program forward to the end of the pause buffer and resumes playing live TV.

When you pause a TV program, you can use the Live TV button to move forward to live TV.

Opens Media Center and then begins playing live TV in full screen mode.

Recorded TVOpens the Recorded TV window where all your recorded TV programs are stored. From

this window, you can search for and play back a recorded show.

Start Opens the Media Center Start menu if you are in Media Center or if you are at the

desktop.

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Page 95

Audio and Video buttons

The audio and video buttons change channels, adjust volume, and show details of selected media.

VOLUME

MORE INFO

MUTE

CHANNEL/

PAGE

Button Function

Vol ume

(+ and –)

More Info

Channel/Page

(+ and –)

ABC

DEF

321

GHI

JKL

MNO

654

PQRS

TUV

WXYZ

987

CLEAR

ENTER

hp media center

Increases or decreases PC volume.

Displays media information. Some media may not include this information. This button displays details such as TV program summary or music artist. You may need to be connected to the Internet to receive TV programming or CD artist information. Displays options to rotate or print your pictures.

Changes channels up and down or moves the cursor to the next or previous page of options. Changes channels for live TV or moves to the next chapter of a DVD movie.

Mute Turns off the PC sound. The word Mute appears in the window when it is turned on.

Numeric

keypad

Clear

Enter

Changes channels and enters text. Enters text in the Media Center search feature. Each time you press a number key, a different character appears. When you find the character you want, press the Enter button or wait a few seconds.

Deletes the last character entered. Clear works the same way as a backspace command on a keyboard.

Selects a desired action, menu, or window. Enter works the same way as the OK button.

Prints picture files from the My Pictures window of Media Center. This button does not print files from Windows Explorer.

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90 hp media center pc user’s guide

Page 97

What Can I Do in My TV?

The Media Center PC acts as a digital video recorder (DVR) which works with the Media Center remote control so you can watch and record TV programs at your own convenience and pace.

In My TV you can:

■ Watch your favorite television programs in full

screen mode or in an inset window.

■ Pause, stop, rewind, and fast forward live TV,

similar to the way you would control a DVD from a DVD player.

■ Record a single TV program or an entire

series. My TV manages the recordings for you and gives advanced warning if there are any recording conflicts.

■ Create a recorded TV library.

■ Search for TV programs to watch or record

using the Television Program Guide. Check the details of TV programs in the Guide.

■ Quickly check which TV programs you have

scheduled to record.

■ Browse for TV programs in Search by title,

keyword, or category.

■ Simultaneously watch a recorded program

and record a live program.

■ Set Media Center to block certain channels.

■ Quickly find your favorite television programs

by organizing the Television Program Guide by different categories such as movies or sports. Also, view a lineup for a specific channel.

My TV

The digital video recording features are for select models only.

A Scroll through the Television Program Guide

for programs to watch and record

B View a list of all your recorded programs

and find out why your program wasn’t recorded

C Quickly find a TV program or series to watch

or record using a descriptive word, program title, or program category

D Change recording priorities, TV Guide

settings, and other settings

E TV channel currently playing

My TV 91

Page 98

Watching TV

Before you can watch TV by using Media Center, make sure:

You can change the channel by using the remote control while in full screen mode or when the inset window is selected.

You can go to live TV from anywhere in Windows Media Center by pressing Live TV on the remote control.

You can select a channel to see upcoming programs for that channel.

■ Your computer is set up correctly for your TV

signal source. Refer to the setup poster for more information.

■ You have completed the Media Center setup

wizard.

To watch a television program

1 Press the TV button on the remote control.

The last channel selected or the first channel available begins playing next to the My TV menu.

2 Select a channel by using the

Channel/Page (+ or –) buttons or by using the numeric keypad on the remote control, and then select Enter. The channel number and program information is displayed in the window.

3 To watch TV in full screen mode, press the

Live TV button, or select the TV video screen, and then press OK.

4 To exit full screen mode and return to the

previous window, press Back on the remote control.

5 Press the More Info button to display the

following information:

■ Channel number

■ Channel station identifier

■ Title of program

■ Time period of program

■ Actual time

■ Brief summary of the program

■ TV rating, if available

■ Type of program, for example, Sports

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Using Remote Control in My TV

Remote Control

button Action

To freeze the live TV image, press Pause. While paused, My TV continues to record a pause buffer for up to 30 minutes. To resume watching TV where you left off, press Play.

To stop live TV or a recorded program, press Stop once. To resume watching the program, press Play.

To move forward in the live TV program that has been paused, or in a recorded program, press Fast Forward (FWD). To speed up the fast forwarding, press FWD two or three times. FWD allows you to skip 3 hours in the television program guide.

To resume watching the program after pressing the Pause, Fast-Forward, Rewind, Replay, or Skip buttons, press Play.

To advance in live TV or in a recorded program by 30 seconds, press Skip once. You can repeatedly skip forward but only to the end of the pause buffer or the recorded program. Allows you to skip 12 hours in the television program guide.

To move backward in live TV or a recorded program, press Rewind (REW). To speed up rewinding, press REW three times. To resume watching the program, press Play. REW allows you to go back 3 hours in the guide.

To move backward in live TV by seven seconds, press Replay. You can repeatedly rewind with the instant replay option but only to the beginning of the pause buffer or recorded program. Allows you to go back 12 hours in the guide.

If you close Media Center or leave the Guide page, Media Center defaults back to displaying all available channels.

Live TV

More Info

Channel/Page

Guide

To maximize the TV viewing window to full screen mode, press Live TV. Also, to advance to the end of the pause buffer and resume watching the actual point in the live TV program, press Live TV.

To see channel number, station identifier, title of program, time slot, and category of program press the More Info button while in full-screen mode.

To move to the next channel in the television program guide, press the Channel/Page + and – buttons.

To open the television program guide, press Guide. When in the guide window, press Guide again to view a categories menu. To filter your guide to display only programs in a category, you can select a category, such as drama.

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Watching Live TV Using the Digital Video Recorder

The 30-minute pause buffer applies only when pausing, rewinding, and fast forwarding live TV. Media Center allows you to record a program for longer than 30 minutes.

When you select a channel and then press OK on the remote control, you can view two weeks of programming. Use the scroll arrows at the bottom of the window.

When you open the My TV window and begin watching live TV, Media Center begins recording the selected program in the background for up to 30 minutes.

This allows you to use your remote control to stop, pause, rewind, and fast forward live TV programs within a 30-minute time range. Recording continues in the background. When you pause a live TV program while watching in full-screen mode, the time shifting window appears.

You can always move to the actual point in the live broadcast by pressing the Live TV button on the remote control.

When you change the channel, Media Center

deletes the previously recorded portion and begins

recording again after a short delay.

You cannot use time shifting when recording a TV

program. For example, you can’t pause a live TV

program and then rewind to the beginning of the

pause buffer and then begin recording. You can

record a TV program only from live TV.

In the illustration below, note that the pause buffer

time is highlighted in green. The pause buffer began

recording around 3:55 and has recorded until

4:16. The program was then rewound and paused

at 4:12 p.m.

The digital video recording features are for select models only.

94 hp media center pc user’s guide

HP Media Center PC User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual