HP Pavilion a1100n, Pavilion a1101n, Pavilion a1102n, Pavilion a1104x, Pavilion a1106n Getting Started Guide

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Getting Started Guide
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The only warranties for Hewlett-Packard products and services are set forth in the express statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.
HP assumes no responsibility for the use or reliability of its software on equipment that is not furnished by HP.
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Table of Contents

Setting Up Your PC ......................................................................... 1
Putting Your PC Together............................................................................... 1
Connecting to the PC ...............................................................................2
Turning On Your PC for the First Time .............................................................3
Setting Up and Connecting to Your Internet Account ......................................... 4
Installing Software and Hardware Devices....................................................... 5
Using HP products ................................................................................... 5
Transferring your old PC information and files to your new PC ......................5
Using Desktop Icons...................................................................................... 6
Using HP Organize software..................................................................... 6
Using the Keyboard ....................................................................... 7
Customizing the keyboard buttons ............................................................. 9
Setting Up Sound ......................................................................... 11
Using Speakers .......................................................................................... 11
Setting up 3-connector sound ....................................................................... 12
Configuring multi-channel audio output for the DVD player ......................... 13
Setting up 6-connector sound ....................................................................... 14
Configuring the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector) ................................. 15
Configuring sound for recording with the
Sound Effect Manager (6-connector) ........................................................16
Using the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector) .......................................... 17
Using Your PC Top ........................................................................ 19
Using Your Docking Bay.............................................................................. 19
Using Your Multistorage Bay........................................................................ 22
Storing CDs, DVDs, or memory cards....................................................... 23
Docking a peripheral device ................................................................... 23
Placing a peripheral device on the multistorage bay (top)........................... 24
Using the optional camera station PC top ................................................. 25
Removing cables from the multistorage bay cable tunnel ............................ 28
Table of Contents v
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Using the Memory Card Reader ................................................... 29
Working with the Safely Remove Hardware utility .......................................... 30
Using the memory card reader..................................................................... 30
Using a TV as a Monitor............................................................... 33
Identifying Cables You May Need ............................................................... 33
Connecting to a TV Set ............................................................................... 33
Viewing the PC Image on Your TV Screen ..................................................... 34
nView tab............................................................................................. 35
Ge Force tab ........................................................................................ 35
Displays tab.......................................................................................... 36
Disabling the TV Option.............................................................................. 36
nView tab (disabling)............................................................................. 37
Ge Force tab (disabling) ........................................................................ 37
Displays tab (disabling).......................................................................... 37
Disconnecting the TV .................................................................................. 38
Using the HP Personal Media Drive .............................................. 39
Connecting the Drive .................................................................................. 39
Inserting the Drive ...................................................................................... 40
Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter.............................................. 41
Using the Drive .......................................................................................... 42
Disconnecting the Drive............................................................................... 43
Working with Digital Images........................................................ 45
Working with Digital Images ....................................................................... 45
Using HP Image Zone Plus........................................................................... 45
Burning a label on a LightScribe media disc ............................................. 47
Creating disc labels with HP Image Zone Plus........................................... 47
Playing CDs and DVDs ................................................................. 51
Playing Music CDs with iTunes..................................................................... 51
Playing CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player ...................................... 52
Playing DVD Movies with InterVideo WinDVD ............................................... 52
Using country/region codes ................................................................... 54
Playing Video CDs (VCD) with InterVideo WinDVD ........................................ 54
Playing Video CDs (VCD) with Windows Media Player 9................................ 55
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Creating Audio and Data Discs ..................................................... 57
Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording .................................................... 58
Working with Audio CDs ............................................................................58
Verifying audio disc recorded without errors ............................................. 59
Audio CD tips ....................................................................................... 59
Creating audio CDs............................................................................... 60
Creating jukebox discs........................................................................... 60
Working with Data DVDs and CDs............................................................... 61
Verifying data disc recorded without errors............................................... 61
Data disc tips........................................................................................ 62
Creating data discs................................................................................ 62
Copying a DVD or CD ................................................................................ 63
Archiving Files on a CD or DVD ................................................................... 64
Working with Image Files............................................................................64
Creating an image file ........................................................................... 65
Burning from an image file ..................................................................... 65
Disc Labeling with LightScribe ...................................................................... 65
LightScribe requirements.........................................................................66
Burning a LightScribe label with Sonic Express Labeler............................... 66
Burning a LightScribe label after burning with iTunes.................................. 67
Using adhesive disc labels......................................................................68
Compatibility Information ............................................................................68
Disc Features and Compatibility Table .......................................................... 69
Optical Drive Quick Reference Table ............................................................ 70
Software Quick Reference Table................................................................... 71
Creating Video Discs and Movies.................................................. 73
Before You Begin Capturing Video ............................................................... 73
Sonic MyDVD Video Projects ....................................................................... 74
Creating a Video Project ............................................................................. 74
Adding files to a video project ................................................................ 75
Capturing video to a video project ..........................................................75
Adding slide shows to a video project...................................................... 76
Adding submenus to a video project ........................................................ 76
Editing the style of a video project ........................................................... 77
Editing movie files.................................................................................. 77
Burning a video project to disc................................................................78
Creating a Video Project with Direct-to-Disc Wizard ....................................... 79
Video Quality and Disc Size........................................................................ 80
DVD Recording Time................................................................................... 81
Table of Co nten ts vii
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Creating Movies Using muvee autoProducer................................. 83
Basic Steps to Make a Movie....................................................................... 83
Locating the muvee autoProducer ............................................................ 84
Using muvee autoProducer .......................................................................... 85
Getting started ...................................................................................... 85
Capturing video from a DV camcorder..................................................... 87
Adding videos ...................................................................................... 88
Adding pictures..................................................................................... 89
Adding music ....................................................................................... 89
Selecting the style.................................................................................. 90
Changing the settings ............................................................................ 90
Adding an opening title and closing credits .............................................. 91
Making the movie.................................................................................. 92
Saving the movie project ........................................................................ 92
Recording the movie project to disc ......................................................... 93
Upgrading muvee autoProducer................................................................... 93
Getting Help ................................................................................ 95
Finding Onscreen Guides............................................................................ 95
Finding Guides on the Web ........................................................................ 95
Using the Onscreen Help and Support Center................................................ 96
Using Updates from HP............................................................................... 96
Getting messages.................................................................................. 96
Turning off messages ............................................................................. 97
Reactivating messages ........................................................................... 97
Using PC Help & Tools................................................................................ 97
viii Getting Started Guide
Index........................................................................................... 99
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Setting Up Your PC

WARNING: Please read “Safety Information” in the Warranty and Support Guide before installing and connecting your PC to the electrical power system.
WARNING: The power supply is preset for the country/region in which you purchased your PC. If you move, please check the voltage requirements before plugging your PC into an AC power outlet.

Putting Your PC Together

Follow the steps on the quick setup poster to set up your PC.
Look in the PC box for printed details or updates regarding your model PC.
After assembling your PC, but before you begin using it, arrange the PC and your work area to maintain your comfort and productivity. Refer to the Safety & Comfort Guide for important ergonomic information.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious injury, read the Safety & Comfort Guide. It describes proper workstation setup, posture, and health and work habits for computer users. It also provides important electrical and mechanical safety information.
To view the Safety & Comfort Guide:
Click Start, choose All Programs, choose Documentation, and then click Safety & Comfort Guide.
Or
Type
http://www.hp.com/ergo/
into your Web browser address box, and then press Enter on the keyboard.
Setting Up Your PC 1
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Connecting to the PC

Your PC features and location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.
Connect your main hardware devices like the monitor, keyboard, and mouse to the back of the PC. Other peripheral devices like a printer, scanner, camera, or other equipment also plug into connectors on the back of your computer. Some PC models also have connectors on the front of the PC. The table does not show all connectors.
Connector Connector
symbol
Description
Mouse (PS/2 connector)
Keyboard (PS/2 connector)
Universal Serial Bus (USB) for mouse, keyboard, digital cameras, or other devices with USB connectors
2 Getting Started Guide
Printer (parallel)
Monitor
Serial port for some digital cameras or other serial devices
Serial
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Connector Connector
symbol
OUT
IN
Description
Audio Line Out (powered speakers)
Audio Line In
Headphones
Microphone
®
FireWire
(IEEE 1394) for video cameras
or other devices with very fast transfer rates

Turning On Your PC for the First Time

After you have completed the steps on the quick setup poster, you are ready to turn on your PC.
1 Press the Power button on the monitor. 2 Press the On button on the front of the PC. 3 Turn on the speakers, if they are present. 4 Click an option to select your language (if applicable for your model). Click
OK, and then confirm your selection by clicking Yes. Wait until the PC makes
preparations. (It may take up to 30 minutes for this one-time language setup on the PC.)
5 Set up Microsoft
®
Windows® by following the onscreen instructions.
Setting Up Your PC 3
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6 Double-click the large Internet Access icon, if it is present on your desktop.
Wait until the PC displays the Easy Internet Sign-up window, and then follow the onscreen instructions.
7 Register your PC.

Setting Up and Connecting to Your Internet Account

Before you can connect to the Internet, you must sign up with an Internet service provider (ISP). HP has made arrangements with leading ISPs to help you sign up for Internet service using Easy Internet Sign-up (available on select models only).
NOTE: You may use any other ISP of your choice, or transfer your existing ISP
account to this PC.
Use Easy Internet Sign-up to sign up for a new or transfer an existing ISP account (select ISPs only). The software programs for available ISPs are part of your PC. If you decide to subscribe to high-speed broadband, cable or digital subscriber line (DSL), contact your ISP for any specific software and hardware you may need.
1 Make sure the modem or other Internet access cable is connected.
NOTE: Easy Internet Sign-up finds and obtains updated information about ISP
services by temporarily connecting to the Internet. The PC uses either the PC modem connected to an active telephone service line or an active broadband (cable or DSL) connection.
2 Choose an ISP using Easy Internet Sign-up. To open Easy Internet Sign-up:
a Double-click the Easy Internet Sign-up icon on the desktop.
Or
Click Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, choose Online Services, and then click Easy Internet Sign-up.
b Follow the onscreen instructions.
NOTE: The folder called Online Services includes icons for accessing various
online services, but they may not be present in all countries/regions.
3 Connect to your ISP and the Internet (after you established your ISP account on
this PC). Use one of these methods:
Double-click the ISP-provided icon on the desktop.
Or
Press the Connect (or Internet) button on the keyboard (select
models only).
Or
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If your PC is always connected to your ISP, open your browser program,
such as Internet Explorer: Click Start, choose All Programs, choose
Online Services, and click Internet Explorer.
NOTE: If you are using MSN, AOL, or others and have questions, contact the ISP
directly.

Installing Software and Hardware Devices

After you turn on the PC the first time, 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. Before installation, make a restore point using the Microsoft System Restore program, and then restart the PC after installation. By using System Restore, you insure you have a point to return to before an issue occurred. For information about System Restore, refer to the Microsoft Web site at:
http://www.microsoft.com/worldwide/
Choose software that is compatible with your PC — check the operating system, memory, and other requirements listed for the new software for compatibility with your PC.
NOTE: Only use original licensed software. Installing copied software may be
illegal or may infect your PC with a virus.
Install the new software according to the directions provided by the software manufacturer. Check the manufacturer’s documentation or customer service information for help if you need it.
For antivirus software, uninstall the existing software program before reinstalling it or installing a new antivirus program.

Using HP products

HP computers include preloaded software for select HP All-In-One, camera, scanner, and printer peripheral products. Preloaded software simplifies and speeds product setup for HP peripherals. Simply connect the HP peripheral product, turn it on, and your HP PC automatically configures it so it is ready to use.

Transferring your old PC information and files to your new PC

See the built-in Microsoft Windows Help and Support Center; search for transfer wizard, and select the overview article, “Files and Settings Transfer Wizard
overview.” This information describes a Microsoft solution for moving your files onto your new PC.
Setting Up Your PC 5
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Using Desktop Icons

The desktop has shortcut icons that make it easy to find the things you need.
Icon Opens Use it to
Help and Support (select models only)
Easy Internet Sign-up Set up a new or an existing Internet
HP Image Zone Plus Manage and protect your still photos,
HP Organize (select models only)
View onscreen Help information about your PC.
account.
scanned images, and video clips.
Organize your PC shortcuts and your favorite Internet destination links.

Using HP Organize software

HP Organize software (select models only) is a desktop tool you use to organize both your PC shortcuts and your favorite Internet destination links. You use it to organize the important things you do on the PC and the Internet and to arrange them the way you want. HP Organize makes all your information available with just a few mouse clicks.
HP Organize looks like a window with multiple category frames. Each category has links to Internet destinations or shortcuts to software programs or files on your PC. Use the player area for viewing pictures, for listening to your MP3 music files stored on your computer, or for watching video clips. For searching, there is a search bar at the top of HP Organize where you can select the search engine you want to use.
6 Getting Started Guide
To open HP Organize:
Double-click the desktop icon.
Or
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs. 3 Choose HP. 4 Click HP Organize.
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Using the Keyboard

Your keyboard has an arrangement of standard keys, indicator lights, and special buttons (select models only).
Identifying Special Keyboard Buttons
There are special buttons (select models only) at the top of the keyboard. (Some models have some of these special buttons on the left side of the main keys.) These buttons operate a CD or DVD player, connect you to the Internet, or provide quick access to specific functions.
NOTE: The number, location, and labeling of buttons vary by keyboard model.
Icon Feature Description
Standby Puts PC into power-saving mode (screen is
blank but PC is still on). To make screen reappear, press the Esc key, or press Standby again. May take 10–30 seconds before screen reappears.
hp or
or
or
or
User Switches between the PC users.
HP Links to an HP Web site.
Help Opens the Help and Support Center.
Pictures (Photos)
Music Starts iTunes or Windows Media Player.
Opens an imaging software program. Can be reconfigured.
Can be reconfigured.
Using the Keyboard 7
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Icon Feature Description
Video Opens video software program. Can be
reconfigured.
Shopping
or
Sports
or
Finance
or
Goes to popular Web sites. Can be reconfigured to open a site or software program.
or
Connect, Internet
Search
or
Chat
or
E-Mail
A
B or
Burn CD/DVD
C
D
E
F
or
Media controls (CD/ DVD/MP3)
Operates a disc player.
A Open and close disc tray B Record C Play or pause D Stop
E Skip to the previous track F Skip to the next track
Volume control (Volume knob or Volume Up and Volume Down buttons)
Volume knob: Increases speaker volume when turned clockwise and decreases volume when turned counterclockwise. It can be turned indefinitely, even after maximum sound has been reached.
Volume Up and Down buttons: Press the Volume Up button to increase volume and the Volume Down button to
decrease volume.
Mute Turns speaker sound on and off.
8 Getting Started Guide
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NOTE: The number, location, and labeling of buttons vary by keyboard model.

Customizing the keyboard buttons

You can customize some of the special buttons on the keyboard (select models only) to open different programs or files or to connect to favorite Web sites:
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose Control Panel. 3 Click Printers and Other Hardware, if it is present. 4 Double-click Keyboard. 5 On the Buttons tab, double-click the button you want to change. 6 For the Button configuration, click the Down arrow to the right of the list and
choose the button capability, such as Simple web page with label.
7 Enter a display label and the address information. For a Web page, enter
the URL.
8 Click OK.
9 On the Buttons tab, click Apply. 10 Repeat steps 5 through 9 for each button you want to customize. 11 Click OK to finish.
NOTE: Clicking the Restore Defaults button on the Button tab restores all of the
Internet buttons to the factory settings.
Using the Keyboard 9
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10 Getting Started Guide
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Setting Up Sound

Using Speakers

Speakers are included with the monitor (select models only) or are sold separately. Your PC supports only an active (powered) speaker system; the speaker system must have its own power cord.
NOTE: A stereo speaker set is a left-right, two-channel speaker system. A multi-
channel audio speaker system is a system with more than two channels, and it may
include a subwoofer. For example, 7.1 channels, referred to as an eight-speaker mode, uses two front speakers (left-right), two side speakers (left-right), two rear speakers (left-right), a center speaker, and a subwoofer.
The PC supports a variety of sound options and speaker configurations. You may set
NOTE: If your PC includes a sound card (select models only), refer to the documentation that came with the sound card.
up your PC for two stereo speakers or for multi-channel audio speaker systems. Connect your speaker system to the PC, and then configure the audio software for sound output. For details on connecting stereo speakers to the PC, see the quick setup poster. Location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.
If your PC model includes three sound connectors (select models only) on the
back of the PC, see “Setting up 3-connector sound” on page 12.
IN
OUT
If your PC model includes six sound connectors (select models only) on the back
of the PC, see “Setting up 6-connector sound” on page 14.
Setting Up Sound 11
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Setting up 3-connector sound

PC models that include three sound connectors (select models only) on the back of the PC support up to six channels of sound (5.1 speaker output) and use the Multi-channel Sound Manager to configure the software settings.
Connecting the speaker system to the PC (3-connector)
The 3-connector audio speaker system uses the Audio In, Audio Out, and Mic connectors on the back or front of the PC. Refer to the quick setup poster for the location of the connectors.
1 With the speaker system off, assemble the speakers and, if used, the subwoofer.
Refer to the speaker documentation.
2 Turn off the PC. 3 Connect the three audio cable plugs from the speaker system to the connectors
on the back of the PC. (See the following table.)
Connect speaker plugs for:
4/4.1 2 Speaker Mode
Front speakers
Not used for speakers
Not used for speakers
4 Turn on the PC. 5 Turn on the speaker system. 6 Configure the audio output for this 3-connector multi-channel speaker system by
performing the following procedure.
Speaker
Mode
Front
speakers
Rear speakers Rear speakers Audio In
Not used for
speakers
6/5.1 Speaker Mode
Front speakers
Center/ subwoofer speakers
To PC connector
Audio Out (lime green)
(blue)
Mic-1 (pink)
Connector icon
OUT
IN
Configuring the Multi-Channel Sound Manager (3-connector)
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose All Programs.
12 Getting Started Guide
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3 Click Multi-channel Sound Manager. The Multi-channel Audio
Configuration window opens.
NOTE: If you do not see the Speaker Configuration tab, your PC does not have
the multi-channel capability. However, it still has two-channel (stereo) output.
4 Click the Speaker Configuration 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 a speaker icon to test it.
6 Click OK.
To use a microphone for recording, see “Using the microphone with the Multi­Channel Sound Manager (3-connector)” on page 13.
To hear DVD movies recorded with multi-channel audio from all speakers, change the audio properties for WinDVD to match your speaker configuration (if your InterVideo WinDVD program supports more than two channels). Refer to “Configuring multi-channel audio output for the DVD player” on page 13.
Using the microphone with the Multi-Channel Sound Manager (3-connector)
The 3-connector multi-channel speaker system (select models only) connects to the PC using the Microphone, Audio (Line) In, and Audio (Line) Out connectors on the back of the PC. Your PC may have a second microphone connector on the front of the PC. If present, this microphone connector is ready to use and does not affect the use of the multi-channel audio speaker system.
To use the microphone connector on the back of the PC with a 3-connector multi­channel audio speaker system, you must disconnect the cables for the multi-channel speakers and change the audio configuration to a two-channel audio system. Refer to “Configuring the Multi-Channel Sound Manager (3-connector)” on page 12 to set the audio configuration.

Configuring multi-channel audio output for the DVD player

The InterVideo WinDVD program (select models only) is set up for two-speaker (stereo) output. To hear all speakers from DVD movies recorded with multi-channel audio, change the audio properties for WinDVD to match your speaker configuration (if your InterVideo WinDVD program supports more than two channels):
1 Insert a DVD, or start InterVideo WinDVD. (Click Start, choose All
Programs, choose InterVideo WinDVD, select InterVideo WinDVD Player, and then click InterVideo WinDVD.) The WinDVD video window
opens.
2 Right-click anywhere in the WinDVD video window, and then click Setup. The
Setup window opens.
Setting Up Sound 13
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3 Click the Audio tab.
A
4 Click the option for the number of speakers to match your multi-channel speaker
system.
NOTE: When using the digital out connector for sound (6-connector, select
models only), select Digital (S/PDIF) out to External Processor.
5 Click Apply.
NOTE: To test the speakers (multi-channel speakers only), click the Test button.
The WinDVD control panel shows the speaker number being used. Click Stop.
6 Click OK.
NOTE: If you want to play a stereo DVD, change the audio properties of WinDVD to
match the recorded DVD audio output.

Setting up 6-connector sound

PC models that include six sound connectors (select models only) on the back of the PC, support up to eight channels of sound (7.1 speaker output) and use the Sound Effect Manager to configure the software settings.
Identifying the audio connectors (6-connector)
The PC supports a maximum of eight speakers in a multi-channel speaker system by using four of the six audio connectors on the back of the PC.
This PC also has digital audio out and digital audio in connectors for digital sound devices such as a DVD recorder or a digital stereo receiver/amplifier.
The four connectors (A, B, C, and E) for the 6-connector multi-channel speaker
Side speaker port (side)
B Rear speaker port
(rear)
C Center speaker/
subwoofer port (c/sub)
D Microphone (mic) E Audio line out (out) for
front speakers
F Audio line in (in)
system are on the back of the PC.
A
D
B C
E F
14 Getting Started Guide
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The previous figure shows the six audio connectors arranged on the back of the PC: the four connectors (A, B, C, and E) used for eight-channel audio and the connectors for the microphone (D, mic) and the audio line in (F, in).
Connecting the speaker system to the PC (6-connector)
1 With the speaker system off, assemble the speakers and, if used, the subwoofer.
Refer to the speaker documentation.
2 Turn off the PC. 3 Connect the audio cable plugs from the speaker system subwoofer to the
connectors on the back of the PC. (See the following table.)
Connect speaker cable (plug) for: To PC port (label, name,
color):
Front speakers (or two stereo speakers) Audio line out (E, out, lime green)
Side speakers Side speaker (A, side, gray)
Rear speakers Rear speaker (B, rear, black)
Center speaker/subwoofer Center speaker/subwoofer
(C, c/sub, gold)
4 Turn on the PC. 5 Turn on the speaker system. 6 Configure the audio output for this 6-connector multi-channel speaker system by
performing the following procedure.

Configuring the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector)

1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose Control Panel. 3 If it is present, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices. 4 Click Sound Effect Manager. The window opens. 5 Click the Speaker Configuration button. 6 Select the option describing the number of speakers in your system, for
example, 7.1 speakers. A connector with no descriptive text in the Connection Guide indicates that the
connector is not used for the selected speaker configuration.
NOTE: You can click the Speaker Test button to test the speakers.
7 Click OK.
Setting Up Sound 15
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To hear DVD movies recorded with multi-channel audio from all speakers, change the audio properties for WinDVD to match your speaker configuration (if your InterVideo WinDVD program supports more than two channels). Refer to “Configuring multi-channel audio output for the DVD player” on page 13.
To use a microphone or set up the PC for recording, see “Configuring sound for recording with the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector)” on page 16.
To use the other features of the Sound Effect Manager, see “Using the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector)” on page 17.

Configuring sound for recording with the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector)

The microphone connector on the front of the 6-connector audio PC is ready to use for recording sound. If you want to use another connector for recording, such as the digital audio in connector, use these steps to select it.
NOTE: The pink and green connectors on the front of a PC with 6-connector
sound can be retasked to perform other audio functions; refer to “Using the Audio Wizard in the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector)” on page 18.
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose Control Panel. 3 If it is present, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices. 4 Click Sounds and Audio Devices. 5 Click the Audio tab. 6 In Sound recording select the default device from the drop-down list. Choose:
RealTek HD Front Pink Jack to use the microphone connector on the
front of the PC.
RealTek HD Digital Input to use the digital audio in connector on the
back of the PC.
RealTek HD Front Green Jack to use the green connector on the front
of the PC.
Back Line in/Mic, Front Line in to use the audio line in (in) or the
microphone (mic) connectors on the back of the PC, or to use the audio line in connector on the front of the PC.
16 Getting Started Guide
NOTE: For this selection, the audio line in connector is ready to use. To use
the back mic connector, follow the steps in “Selecting the Back Line in/Mic, Front Line in connectors for recording (6-connector)” that follows this procedure.
7 Click Apply, and then click OK to close the window.
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Selecting the Back Line in/Mic, Front Line in connectors for recording (6-connector)
Perform these steps when you select Back Line in/Mic, Front Line in for the sound recording in step 6 of the previous procedure.
NOTE: If you want to record from the mic connector on the back of the PC, you must
perform these steps.
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose Control Panel. 3 If it is present, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices. 4 Click Sounds and Audio Devices. 5 On the Volume tab, in the Device volume area click the Advanced button. The
Master Volume window opens.
6 Click Options and choose Properties. 7 In the Mixer device area, select Back Line in/Mic, Front Line in from the
drop-down list. Click OK.
8 The recording control window opens and shows Line In 1 or 2 selected. The line
in connector you plug into is used. However, to use the mic connector on the back of the PC, click the Select check box under Microphone so a check mark appears in the box.

Using the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector)

The Sound Effect Manager has four buttons that display its control screens.
To open the Sound Effect Manager:
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Choose Control Panel. 3 If it is present, click Sounds, Speech, and Audio Devices. 4 Click Sound Effect Manager. The window opens. 5 Click a button near the top of the window to see that control screen.
The Sound Effect Manager control screens:
• Sound Effect — selects the Environment and the Equalizer settings. You can
select an Environment, such as Under Water or Auditorium. To use the Equalizer, click the Power button in the center of the circular equalizer control to turn on the Equalizer. You can click a preset button, such as Pop or Live, or manually adjust the settings and then save them for easy selection later.
• Speaker Configuration — selects the number of speakers, shows the
Connection Guide, and has the Speaker Test button to test the speakers. A connector with no descriptive text in the Connector Guide indicates that the connector is not used for the selected speaker configuration.
Setting Up Sound 17
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• Digital Audio — selects the digital audio output and digital audio frequency
for the digital audio connectors on the PC.
•Audio Wizard — opens a window that shows the connector panel on the front of the PC. To close the window without enabling the wizard, click OK.
To enable the Audio Wizard:
Make sure the Enable auto detection check box is selected to enable the wizard. Click OK to close the window.
Using the Audio Wizard in the Sound Effect Manager (6-connector)
When you click the Audio Wizard button, a window opens that shows the three audio connectors on the front of the PC.
NOTE: The connectors on the front of your PC may be of a different type or may be
in a different arrangement; look for the connector icon and color. Location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.
/
A B C
C
A
B
Connector Name Icon Color
A Audio Line In Light blue
IN
B Microphone Pink
C Headphones
Or Audio Line Out
Or
OUT
Lime green
Retasking using the Audio Wizard (6-connector)
With the Audio Wizard enabled, both the microphone connector (B) and the headphones connector (C) on the front of the PC can be retasked to perform a different audio function. These two connectors are universal audio jacks. When you plug in a cable, the Wizard asks you to select the function for the cable from a list, and then it sets the universal audio jack to perform as the selected function. The functions are:
18 Getting Started Guide
Stereo speaker (out)
Microphone (in)
Headphone (out)
Audio line in
Page 25

Using Your PC Top

Your PC may have a storage area (select models only) on the top of the PC chassis. For more information:
See “Using Your Docking Bay” on page 19.
See “Using Your Multistorage Bay” on page 22.

Using Your Docking Bay

Your PC may have a docking bay (select models only) on the top of the PC chassis.
You can use the docking bay to:
Store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards.
Dock a peripheral device in the bay, such as a digital camera docking station.
Install a special cover (optional) and an HP camera and HP camera docking
station. (Both the camera and the docking station are sold separately.)
Install a special cover (optional) and an iPod Dock for use with an iPod, a
portable music player. (Both iPod and iPod Dock are sold separately.)
Using Your PC Top 19
Page 26
The bay design allows you to place a device and thread the USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) data cable and the power cord underneath the rear top cover to the connectors on the back of the PC.
Your PC may look different from the ones shown here. Components and location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.
To store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards:
Gently press down on the bay lid and slide it open.
To install a peripheral device, an iPod Dock, or an HP camera and HP camera docking station:
1 Gently press down on the bay lid and slide it open. 2 Place the peripheral device, the iPod Dock (H), or the camera docking station
(A) on the top of the PC.
B
H
A
3 For a camera, place the camera cradle (B) that came with the digital camera
on the camera docking station. The cradle clips onto the camera docking station.
20 Getting Started Guide
Page 27
4 Thread the cables that came with your peripheral device, iPod Dock (K) or
camera docking station (C) through the cable tunnel; starting from the back of the PC, thread them to the front of the PC. Pull the cables to the center and connect them to the peripheral or the docking station.
K
H
5 Connect the cables to the back of the PC or to a power outlet.
C
B
For a peripheral, refer to the instructions that came with your peripheral device. For an iPod Dock, connect the iPod cable to the USB. Refer to the
documentation that came with your iPod.
Using Your PC Top 21
Page 28
For an HP camera docking station:
Plug the USB cable into the back of the PC.
Plug the power cord into a power outlet.
Optionally, if you want to view the camera images on a TV, plug the red and yellow connectors (not shown) into the TV.
Refer to the instructions that came with the HP camera docking station.
6 Place the iPod Dock lid (L) or the correct camera docking station lid (D) on top
of the PC. Gently guide the edge of the lid into the top of the PC.
M
L
E
D
7 When you want to use it, place the iPod (M) or the HP digital camera (E) into
the docking station.
8 Follow the instructions that came with your peripheral or docking station.
22 Getting Started Guide

Using Your Multistorage Bay

Your PC may have a multistorage bay (select models only) on the top of the PC chassis. You can use the multistorage bay to:
Store CDs, DVDs, or memory cards.
Dock a peripheral device in the bay, such as a digital camera docking station.
Place a peripheral on the top of the chassis.
Install the special cover and an HP camera and HP camera docking station
(both sold separately).
Page 29
The bay design allows you to place a device and thread the USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) data cable and the power cord underneath the rear top cover to the connectors on the back of the PC. If you have problems inserting or removing cables in the cable tunnel, remove the rear top cover as described at the end of this section.
Your PC may look different from the one shown here. Components and location, availability, and number of connectors may vary.
Multistorage bay chassis figure 1
A
B

Storing CDs, DVDs, or memory cards

To store CDs and DVDs, open the bay cover (A in multistorage bay chassis figure 1) and gently lift the two sections to form the spindle (B in figure 1). You can store up to ten discs.
To store memory cards, open the top cover and, if necessary, lower the two spindle sections (A in figure 1).

Docking a peripheral device

To use the multistorage bay for a peripheral device, do the following:
1 Open the bay cover (A in figure 1). Hold the cover on each side near the
hinges, and then lift the cover and slide it toward the back of the chassis (C in figure 2). Gently lift it off.
Using Your PC Top 23
Page 30
Multistorage bay chassis figure 2
C
D
2 Thread the cables through the cable tunnel opening at the back of the bay
(D in figure 2). Connect data and power cables to the peripheral device, and place the peripheral in the bay.
3 Connect the data cable to the USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the
back of the PC. Plug the power cord for the peripheral device into a power outlet.

Placing a peripheral device on the multistorage bay (top)

To use the chassis top to place a peripheral device, do the following:
1 Open the bay cover (A in figure 1). Hold the cover on each side near the
hinges, then lift the cover and slide it toward the back of the chassis (C in figure 2). Gently lift it off.
2 Grasp the tab (T in figure 3) and pull it out toward the front of the chassis
(E in figure 3). Put the tab in its storage area in the bay near the spindle (F in figure 3).
3 Thread the data and power cables for the device through the cable tunnel
opening at the back of the bay. Place the cables in the tab opening and replace the bay cover. Close the cover.
24 Getting Started Guide
Page 31
4 Connect the cables to the device and place it on top of the chassis (G in
figure 3). Connect the data cable to the USB or FireWire (IEEE 1394) connector on the back of the PC. Plug the power cord for the peripheral device into a power outlet.
Multistorage bay chassis figure 3
E
G
T
F

Using the optional camera station PC top

Your PC chassis may include the optional camera docking station feature.
Multistorage bay chassis figure 4
Using Your PC Top 25
Page 32
This feature lets you install a special bay cover (optional) on the PC chassis for using an HP camera and HP camera docking station. (Both the camera and the docking station are sold separately.) The camera includes a camera cradle, and the docking station includes cables.
This topic describes how to:
Install the special bay cover on your PC chassis.
Assemble the camera cradle (included with the camera), and position it on the
docking station.
Place the docking station into the chassis bay, and thread the cables.
Insert the camera.
1 Open the bay cover (A in figure 1). Hold the cover on each side near the
hinges, then lift the cover and slide it toward the back of the chassis (C in figure 1). Gently lift it off.
To make it easy to insert the cables during step 3, grasp the tab (T in figure 5) and pull it out toward the front of the chassis (E in figure 3). Replace the tab after threading the cables.
Multistorage bay chassis figure 5
T
L
K
H
J
M
r
rite
-w
d
c
r &
rite
w
vd
d
p
h
ay
b
n / nsio a
xp
e
x
x 0x 0
00
n vilio a
p p h
2 Place the camera cradle (H in figure 5) (included with the camera) onto the
docking station (J in figure 5).
3 Place the docking station into the bay. Thread the data cables (K and L in
figure 5) and power cable (M in figure 5) through the cable tunnel opening at the back of the bay and connect them to the docking station.
4 Put the new cover on the cover hinges (P in figure 6). Close the cover over the
docking station.
26 Getting Started Guide
Page 33
Multistorage bay chassis figure 6
P
riter
cd-w
r &
rite
dvd w p h
expansion / bay
x x x 0 0
0 0
n ilio v a
p p h
5 Connect the docking station cables:
Plug the USB cable (K in figure 5) into the back of the PC.
Plug the red and yellow connectors (L in figure 5) into a TV if you want to
view the camera images on a TV.
Plug the power cord (M in figure 5) into a power outlet.
6 Insert the camera: Hold the camera over the camera cradle (R in figure 7) with
the viewer window toward the front of the PC, and lower the camera onto the cradle.
Multistorage bay chassis figure 7
R
riter
-w
cd
riter &
hp dvd w
expansion / bay
hp pavilion 0000xxx
Using Your PC Top 27
Page 34

Removing cables from the multistorage bay cable tunnel

If you cannot remove the cable for an external device from the multistorage bay cable tunnel, remove the rear top cover:
1 Open the bay cover. Hold the cover on each side near the hinges, and then lift
the cover and slide it toward the back of the chassis. Gently lift it off.
2 Press the tab (A in figure 8) inside the bay and slide the top rear cover toward
the back of the chassis; then lift off the cover.
Multistorage bay chassis figure 8
A
28 Getting Started Guide
Page 35

Using the Memory Card Reader

Digital cameras and other digital imaging devices use memory cards, or media, to store digital picture files. The optional memory card reader (select models only) can read and write to a variety of types of memory cards and the IBM Microdrive disk drive.
The card reader is accessible directly on the front of the PC or located inside a cover. It has two or four horizontal card slots, which accept the memory cards and the Microdrive disk drive.
Card 4-slot reader 2-slot reader
CompactFlash Type I media Lower-left slot Upper slot
CompactFlash Type II media Lower-left slot Upper slot
IBM Microdrive disk drive Lower-left slot Upper slot
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card Upper-right slot Lower slot
MultiMediaCard (MMC) Upper-right slot Lower slot
Memory Stick (MS) Memory Card Lower-right slot Lower slot
Memory Stick (MS-Pro) Memory Card Lower-right slot Lower slot
SmartMedia (SM) Memory Card Upper-left slot Lower slot
xD media Upper-left slot Lower slot
You can place media in one or more of the card slots and use each media independently. Place only one piece of media in a slot at one time.
Each card slot has its own drive letter and icon. When you insert media, the display label may change to the title of the media, if the title is present.
Using the Memory Card Reader 29
Page 36

Working with the Safely Remove Hardware utility

CAUTION: Do not click Stop in the Safely Remove Hardware window with the USB Mass Storage Device selected. Doing so removes the operating system recognition of the memory card reader from your PC; you must restart the PC to see your memory card reader again.
If you open the Safely Remove Hardware window by mistake, click Close.

Using the memory card reader

NOTE:
CompactFlash and Microdrive are keyed and cannot be inserted incorrectly.
Insert the receptacle edge (holes) of this media into the slot.
For the two-slot reader, the Secure Digital (SD) card, the MultiMediaCard (MMC), and the Memory Stick (MS or MS-Pro) cards must be inserted upside down (gold connector fingers facing up). Note the direction of the notched corner on the media.
1 Insert the media into the card slot until it stops. The activity light (A) on the
memory card reader lights, and the PC automatically detects the media.
2 The PC opens a window so you can use the media contents. You can copy files
from or to the media.
3 When you are finished, right-click the drive icon, select Eject, check that the
activity light is on but not blinking, and then remove the media. A steady activity light indicates that the PC is not reading or writing the media.
30 Getting Started Guide
WARNING: Do not try to remove media when the activity light is blinking; doing so may cause loss of data.
Page 37
4-slot memory card reader
A Activi
ty light
B Upper-left slot C Lower-left slot D Upper-right slot E Lower-right slot
A
B
C
Card Insert Into 4-slot reader
CompactFlash Type I media Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left)
CompactFlash Type II media Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left)
IBM Microdrive disk drive Receptacle edge (holes) C (lower-left)
Secure Digital (SD)
Facing up D (upper-right)
Memory Card
MultiMediaCard (MMC) Facing up D (upper-right)
Memory Stick (MS)
Facing up E (lower-right)
Memory Card
Memory Stick (MS-Pro)
Facing up E (lower-right)
Memory Card
D
E
SmartMedia (SM)
Facing up B (upper-left)
Memory Card
xD media Facing up B (upper-left)
Using the Memory Card Reader 31
Page 38
A Activi
ty light
F Upper slot G Lower slot
2-slot memory card reader
CompactFlash I/II
F
A
G
Card Insert Into 2-slot reader
CompactFlash Type I media Receptacle edge (holes) F (upper)
CompactFlash Type II media Receptacle edge (holes) F (upper)
IBM Microdrive disk drive Receptacle edge (holes) F (upper)
Secure Digital (SD) Memory Card
MultiMediaCard (MMC) Upside down (gold
Memory Stick (MS) Memory Card
Memory Stick (MS-Pro) Memory Card
SmartMedia (SM) Memory Card
xD media Facing up G (lower)
Upside down (gold connector fingers up)
connector fingers up)
Upside down (gold connector fingers up)
Upside down (gold connector fingers up)
Facing up G (lower)
G (lower)
G (lower)
G (lower)
G (lower)
32 Getting Started Guide
Page 39

Using a TV as a Monitor

A
Your PC may have TV-out (select models only) capability, which means you can connect it to a television to view the computer image on a TV screen. With the TV-out feature, you can view the computer image, watch DVD movies (if you have a DVD player), or play games on your TV.

Identifying Cables You May Need

To connect a TV to the PC, you may need a video cable and an audio cable (not provided; purchase separately). The type of video cable you need depends on your TV:
If your TV has an S-video jack, you need an S-video cable.
If your TV has a composite video jack, you need a composite video cable and,
depending on the jacks on the back of your PC, you may also need an S-video adapter cable.

Connecting to a TV Set

To use your TV as a PC screen:
1 Turn off the PC. 2 Connect the TV cable using one of the following arrangements, depending on
the connection jacks on your TV:
If your TV has an S-video jack, connect an S-video cable from the S-video In
S-video cable
B S-video jack C Back of PC
jack on the TV to the S-video jack on the back of the PC.
B
A
Using a TV as a Monitor 33
C
Page 40
D Composite video cable E Composite jack C Back of PC
If your TV has a composite video jack and your PC has a composite video
jack, connect a composite video cable to the Video In jack on the TV to the composite video jack on the back of the PC.
E
D Composite video cable F S-video adapter cable B S-video jack C Back of PC
D
C
If your TV has a composite video jack and your PC has only an S-video
jack, connect a composite video cable to the Video In jack on the TV and to an S-video adapter cable. Connect the S-video adapter cable to the S-video jack on the back of the PC.
B
D
F
C
NOTE: The S-video adapter cable is only needed if there is no composite video
jack on the back of the PC.
3 To have sound come from your TV instead of from your PC, plug an audio cable
into the audio input jack (Audio Line In) on the TV and plug the other end of the audio cable into the Audio Out jack (green connector) on the back of the PC.
34 Getting Started Guide

Viewing the PC Image on Your TV Screen

NOTE: The type of video card on your PC determines how the PC selects the TV-out
option. Some options and menus in this procedure may be different for your PC.
1 Make sure the video and audio cables are connected before you turn on the TV
and the PC.
2 Turn on the TV. Press the Video/TV button on your remote control to select the
Video setting, not the TV setting.
3 Turn on your PC.
Page 41
4 When the Windows desktop appears, right-click an empty area of the desktop
and choose Properties. The Display Properties window opens. 5 Click the Settings tab. 6 Click the Advanced button. 7 Look at the tabs, and follow the steps that apply to your PC:
If you see the nView tab, continue with “nView tab.”
If you see the Ge Force FX xxxx tab, continue with “Ge Force tab.” (FX xxxx
is the video card number.)
If you see the Displays tab, continue with “Displays tab.”

nView tab

1 Click the nView tab. 2 To view the computer image on your PC monitor and your TV simultaneously, in
the nView Display Mode area select Clone. Or To view the PC image on just the TV, in the nView Display Mode area, select
Standard [Dualview], click the Device Settings button, choose Select
Output Device, and then select the TV option. 3 Click the OK button. 4 When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting.
You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous
setting. 5 Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the
Display Properties window.

Ge Force tab

1 Click the Ge Force FX xxxx tab. 2 To view the computer image on your PC monitor and your TV simultaneously, in
the nView Modes area select Clone from the drop-down list.
Or
To view the PC image on just the TV, in the nView Modes area select Single
display from the drop-down list, and then, if necessary, in the Current display
area select TV from the drop-down list. 3 Click the Apply button. 4 When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting.
You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous
setting. 5 Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the
Display Properties window.
Using a TV as a Monitor 35
Page 42

Displays tab

1 Click the Displays tab. This tab shows a monitor and a TV. Some PCs (select
models only) show a TV for standard television and an HDTV for high-definition television. The upper-left corner of each display icon is a button and a status indicator. A red corner indicates an inactive display; a green corner indicates an active display.
NOTE: Your TV must be connected to the PC to change the display.
2 To view the computer image on your PC monitor and your TV simultaneously,
click the upper-left corner of the TV icon so that it is green. Click Apply.
Or
To view the PC image on just the TV, click the TV corner so it is green, and then click the monitor corner so it is red. Click Apply.
3 When the PC image appears on the TV screen, click Yes to keep the setting.
You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting.
4 Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the
Display Properties window.
NOTE: Some PC models can connect more than one display device (CRT
monitor, flat panel monitor, TV, and so on) to the PC. You can change where the PC desktop appears by pressing Alt+F5. (Press the Alt key and the F5 key on the keyboard at the same time.) Each time you press the Alt+F5 key combination, the PC desktop appears on the next device. If Alt+F5 does not work, restart the PC and try again.
36 Getting Started Guide

Disabling the TV Option

When you want to disconnect the TV from your PC, you may need to disable the TV option to return your PC display to its original resolution.
1 Right-click an empty area of the screen, and choose Properties. The Display
Properties window opens.
2 Click the Settings tab. 3 Click the Advanced button. 4 Look at the tabs, and follow the steps that apply to your PC:
If you see the nView tab, continue with “nView tab (disabling).”
If you see the Ge Force FX xxxx tab, continue with “Ge Force tab
(disabling).”
If you see the Displays tab, continue with “Displays tab (disabling).”
Page 43

nView tab (disabling)

1 Click the nView tab. 2 If you viewed the computer image on your PC monitor and your TV
simultaneously, select nView Display Mode in the list on the left, and then select the Standard [Dualview] option.
Or
If you viewed the PC image on just the TV, select nView Display Mode in the list on the left, select Standard [Dualview], click the Device Settings button, choose Select Output Device, and then select the Analog Display option.
3 Click the OK button. 4 When the PC image appears on the monitor screen, click Yes to keep the
setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the previous setting.
5 Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the
Display Properties window.

Ge Force tab (disabling)

1 Click the Ge Force FX xxxx tab. 2 In the nView Modes area select Single display from the drop-down list. In the
Current display area select Analog Display or Digital Display. 3 Click the Apply button. 4 When the PC image appears on the monitor screen, click Yes to keep the
setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the
previous setting. 5 Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the
Display Properties window.

Displays tab (disabling)

1 Click the Displays tab. This tab shows a monitor and a TV. (Select models
show a monitor, a standard TV, and an HDTV.) The upper-left corner of each
display icon is a button and a status indicator. A red corner indicates an
inactive display; a green corner indicates an active display. 2 Click the upper-left corner of the TV icon so it is red, and then click the upper-left
corner of the monitor icon so it is green. Click the Apply button. 3 When the PC image appears on the monitor screen, click Yes to keep the
setting. You have 15 seconds to accept this new setting before it reverts to the
previous setting. 4 Click the OK button to save changes, and then click OK again to close the
Display Properties window.
Using a TV as a Monitor 37
Page 44

Disconnecting the TV

1 Disable the TV option. See the previous procedure. 2 Turn off the TV and the PC. 3 Remove the video cable from the TV and the PC. 4 Remove the audio cable from the TV and the PC. 5 Reconnect your PC speaker cable to the Line Out jack (lime-green connector)
on the back of the computer.
38 Getting Started Guide
Page 45

Using the HP Personal Media Drive

The HP Personal Media Drive (sold separately) can be used as an internal or external USB hard disk drive designed to quickly and easily increase your storage capacity and to transfer media files such as digital photos, music, videos, and other important files. You can also use the HP Personal Media Drive to back up other drives on your PC.
NOTE: Before starting the System Recovery Program, remove the HP Personal Media Drive. See your System Recovery documentation.

Connecting the Drive

As an external drive, the HP Personal Media Drive connects and disconnects easily from a USB 2.0 connector on the front or the back of most PCs. The drive comes with software, an external USB cable, and an external power cord and power adapter. For information about connecting and using the HP Personal Media Drive as an external drive, refer to the documentation that came with the HP Personal Media Drive.
Using the HP Personal Media Drive 39
Page 46
For some PCs (select models only), the HP Personal Media Drive is designed to fit
w
inside a horizontal or vertical drive bay.
This special drive bay includes an internal USB port and power cable that connect to the drive when it is inserted.
NOTE: The drive can be easily inserted and removed from the bay without turning off the PC. This feature is sometimes referred to as
arm swappable.
The drive turns on when it is plugged into an active USB port. If the PC is turned on with the drive connected, the drive automatically turns on. When the USB cable for the drive is not plugged in or when the USB power from the PC is turned off, the drive automatically turns off. When the PC is in standby mode (a reduced power state), the drive remains turned on.
WARNING: Do not move the PC with the HP Personal Media Drive inserted in the bay or connected to a USB port on the PC. This can cause damage to the drive and cause data loss.

Inserting the Drive

1 Turn on the PC. 2 Line up the ridges on the bottom of the drive with the two slots on the side or the
bottom of the PC drive bay. Do not force the drive into the bay; it should slide easily into the bay.
40 Getting Started Guide
Page 47
A
Drive activity indicator
d
light
B Power on indicator
light
C HP Personal Media
Drive guide ridges
3 Slide the drive all the way into the drive bay until the drive is firmly connected
to the internal power and USB port. With the PC turned on, the power indicator
(B) on the front of the drive is lit when the drive is inserted correctly.
B
A
C

Locating the Drive and Assigning a Drive Letter

After you insert the drive into the PC, you can find the drive in My Computer. The operating system automatically assigns a letter to the drive. The assigned letter depends on the other storage devices connected to the PC.
To locate the drive:
NOTE: To av oi hard disk drives using the same drive letter, when connecting and removing the drives, assign the letter Z to the HP Personal Media Drive.
multiple
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click My Computer. 3 Select the drive under Hard Disk Drives. The default name is HP Personal Media
Drive.
You can permanently assign a drive letter to avoid the letter changing when you connect and disconnect this drive and other devices. Also, it is easier for a software program to locate the files on the HP Personal Media Drive if a drive letter is assigned. Some programs may not be able to find files if the drive has a new drive letter.
It is best to always remove your drive safely to avoid errors. See “Disconnecting the Drive” on page 43.
Using the HP Personal Media Drive 41
Page 48
To assign a drive letter:
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Right-click My Computer. 3 Select Manage and then click Disk Management. 4 Right-click the HP Personal Media Drive. 5 Select Change Drive Letter and Paths. 6 Click Change and select a letter, and then apply the changes by clicking OK.
The default volume label of this drive is HP Personal Media Drive. You can rename the drive in the My Computer window by right-clicking the drive, selecting Rename, and then typing a new name. Rename the drive if you have more than one HP Personal Media Drive.

Using the Drive

To store files:
The best way to transfer files to the HP Personal Media Drive is to drag them from your local hard disk drive. This allows you to place files in specific folders. Refer to the following procedures for more detailed instructions about creating linked folders.
To play media files:
You can play media from an HP Personal Media Drive.
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Click My Computer. 3 Double-click the HP Personal Media Drive icon to locate your media file. 4 Double-click the file. Most media files open in Windows Media Player.
To play music files:
You can play music files that are stored on the HP Personal Media Drive:
1 Click Start on the taskbar, click My Computer, and then double-click the
HP Personal Media Drive icon.
2 Create a personal music folder by right-clicking the drive window and choosing
New and then Folder. Type a name for your personal music folder. 3 Drag or copy your music files into this created folder. 4 Open Windows Media Player by clicking Start, All Programs, and then
clicking Windows Media Player. 5 In the Windows Media Player window, click Tools, select Options, and then
select the Media Library tab. 6 Click the Monitor Folders button. 7 Click Add to add a pathway to your HP Personal Media Drive. 8 Browse to locate your created music file folder on your HP Personal Media
Drive, and then click OK.
42 Getting Started Guide
Page 49
9 Click OK, and then OK again to close the Options window. Now your music
files on your HP Personal Media Drive appear in the Windows Media Player library when your drive is connected to the PC.
When you disconnect the drive, your music files may still appear in the Windows Media Player Library. To refresh your PC, open and close Windows Media Player. If that doesn’t work, restart the PC.

Disconnecting the Drive

You can safely remove the drive when it is not active. When the amber activity light is blinking, the drive is active saving or transferring data. Removing the drive while the light is blinking may cause data loss or damaged files.
To disconnect the HP Personal Media Drive safely:
1 Close all programs that may be accessing your HP Personal Media Drive. Make
sure that the activity light on the drive is off.
2 Double-click the Safely Remove Hardware icon in the system tray
(on the Start taskbar). If this icon is hidden, click the arrows on the taskbar to display it. The Safely Remove Hardware window opens.
3 Double-click USB Mass Storage Device to locate your HP Personal Media
Drive. USB Mass Storage Device may be listed twice. One may contain a memory card reader or other mass storage drive.
4 Select the HP Personal Media Drive, and then click OK. The name of the
drive may be different if you renamed it, or it may appear as Generic Volume followed by the assigned drive letter.
A Safe to Remove Hardware message appears in the system tray, letting you know that the device is safe to disconnect.
5 Click Close. 6 Disconnect the drive by removing it from the drive bay.
Using the HP Personal Media Drive 43
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44 Getting Started Guide
Page 51

Working with Digital Images

Working with Digital Images

You can connect a digital image source, such as a digital camera or a digital video camera, directly to the PC or through a docking station. Digital picture files you copy or download from the device appear in the My Pictures folder. You can copy digital picture files from the memory cards used by digital cameras and other digital imaging devices by using the memory card reader (select models only). Refer to “Using the Memory Card Reader” on page 29.

Using HP Image Zone Plus

Use the HP Image Zone Plus software program to manage your photos, scanned images, and video clips. It has all the tools you need for viewing, organizing, editing, printing, sharing, and protecting digital images.
To open HP Image Zone Plus:
Click the HP Image Zone Plus icon on your desktop.
Or
Click Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, and then click HP Image Zone Plus.
Working with Digital Images 45
Page 52
A
Go to My Pictures button and mode tabs. Click the button labeled Go to
My Pictures (or HP view) to toggle
between the Microsoft My Pictures directory and the HP Image Zone Plus software.
B Control area
including view options, Print, Preferences, and Help buttons.
C Work area, or
Gallery, showing images on the PC.
D Selection tray.
The HP Image Zone Plus window opens.
A
B
C
D
Click a mode tab at the top of the application window (A) to choose the desired work area, as described in the following list.
NOTE: Click the button labeled Preferences (B) to customize the HP Image Zone
Plus and change some tab settings. For example, you can set HP Image Zone Plus to start any time you click the My Pictures folder.
My Images Click this tab to find, view, manage, and print single or multiple photos or video clips. At the top of the control area (B), click All by date to view all your images, or choose Folders to browse for images. To select the images that you want to print or use, simply click the image (or images) in the gallery (C), and it appears in the selection tray (D). The selection tray images appear under every tab. For more information, see “manage your images” in Help.
Edit Click this tab to make changes, such as crop and red eye removal, to the images and video clips you placed in the selection tray. For more information, see “edit your images” in Help.
Projects Click this tab to create or to print a project using the images in the selection tray. Projects include photo album pages, cards, and flyers. For more information, see “create projects” in Help.
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HP Instant Share Click this tab to share photos with family and friends. Using
HP Instant Share, you can create an e-mail, select the pictures to include, and then send your message. HP Instant Share creates thumbnails of your images that the recipients can view immediately in the message instead of opening a large e-mail attachment. To view the original photo, they can click on a thumbnail in their message, which links them to a secure Web page. On the Web page, they can see the photos, order prints (if the service is available in your country/region), save the images to their PC, and other tasks. For more information, see “share your images” in Help.
NOTE: You must be connected to the Internet to use the HP Instant Share feature.
Backup and Restore Click this tab to create backup discs of all the images on
your PC or to restore images (either from a backup disc or from an automatically created digital negative).
Pictures to Go Click this tab to send photos to a mapped drive (such as a flash memory card or USB flash drive), or to synchronize photos on an HP iPaq, a hand­held pocket PC. You can use the date, keyword, and album organization information to choose which photos to send, or choose the photos manually. Deleting the keep current option for synchronizing with an iPaq automatically updates the photos on the device every time it synchronizes.
For more information on using HP Image Zone Plus, click the Help link in the control area (B) of the program window.

Burning a label on a LightScribe media disc

You can burn the label before or after you burn the disc with data, music, or picture files. Labels can be a simple title and contents list or you can get more creative by adding backgrounds and images.

Creating disc labels with HP Image Zone Plus

Creating a label with LightScribe is a separate process from recording data, music, or picture files onto a disc. Depending on the LightScribe software you use, you can
create a label before or after you burn files onto the disc.
NOTE: To burn the label, you must flip the disc over and place it label side down in
the disc tray.
You can quickly create a label for a disc that contains your images you have organized and edited in the HP Image Zone Plus program.
NOTE: Any images you have not organized and edited in HP Image Zone Plus will
not be backed up.
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To burn a disc label in HP Image Zone Plus:
1 Click Start, All Programs, HP, HP ImageZone Plus, and then click
HP ImageZone Plus again.
2 Select the Backup and Restore tab, and then click Backup on the left side
of the window.
3 Click Print LightScribe label. 4 Insert disc, and click OK. The Sonic Express Labeler program opens. 5 Click Text and then enter your text for Title and Subtitle. 6 For each line of content description, click New and enter text for the
information you want to include, and then click OK. 7 Click OK again when finished adding all the contents information. 8 Select a label template by clicking Layout and choosing a layout. 9 Select a background, if desired, by clicking Background. Select one of the
provided backgrounds or click More to find one of your own images to use as
a background.
NOTE: LightScribe creates a grayscale image similar to a black and white
photograph.
10 When you are satisfied with the appearance of your label design, insert the
LightScribe disc (label side down) into the disc drive tray and then click Print.
NOTE: If a message is displayed that the disc is not recognized, you may not
have the correct media or you may need to flip the disc over to record your
label. To record the label, the disc must be placed label side down in the
disc tray.
48 Getting Started Guide
11 From the Disc Label menu, select LightScribe 12cm Disc. 12 Select a Contrast Level and then click OK to begin burning the label. The disc is
ejected when the label is complete.
The estimated time to complete the label displays, along with a progress bar to show you the time remaining. Printing a label can take up to 40 minutes, depending on how much data is on the label. You can continue to work on your PC while
LightScribe is burning the label.
NOTE: A sudden bump or vibration of the PC during the labeling process may affect
the quality of the label.
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Creating a backup disc of your pictures with a LightScribe label
NOTE: This procedure does not allow you to edit your label. The label automatically
contains a disc title, the name of the person logged in, and the date and time the label is recorded. This type of label takes about 3–7 minutes to print.
Create an incremental backup disc of images you have put into ImageZone.
1 Click Start, All Programs, HP, HP ImageZone Plus, and then click
HP ImageZone Plus again.
2 Select the Backup and Restore tab, and then click Backup on the left side
of the window.
3 Click Start backup. 4 Select Full backup or Incremental backup, and then click Next. 5 Select your media type, make sure the Use LightScribe Media check box is
selected, and then click Next. 6 Select the LightScribe drive from the drop-down list, and then click Next. 7 Insert a blank disc, and then click Write disc. If you want to create a
LightScribe label for your backup disc, insert a LightScribe disc with the label
side up. 8 After the backup is complete, turn your disc over with the label side facing
down, and then click Write Label. 9 When the label is complete, click Next, and then click Finish.
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Playing CDs and DVDs

Your PC includes software that lets you play music CDs and DVD movies (select models only). This section describes how to:
Play music CDs using Windows Media Player, or play music CDs or DVDs
with iTunes.
Play DVD movies using Windows Media Player or InterVideo WinDVD (select
models only).
Play video CDs (VCD) with InterVideo WinDVD or Windows Media Player.

Playing Music CDs with iTunes

You must have either a CD or DVD drive.
1 Insert the music CD into your CD or DVD drive.
The iTunes window opens. If the Audio CD wizard window opens, choose
Play Audio CD using iTunes from the list. You may have to scroll down in the window to see iTunes.
Or
If the iTunes window does not automatically open, click Start on the
taskbar, choose All Programs, click iTunes, and then click iTunes.
2 The music CD automatically begins to play.
Or
Click the CD in the source list, and then click the Play button in the upper-left corner of the iTunes window. To play a particular song, double-click the song name (or track number).
NOTE: If you do not have an Internet connection, your CD is listed as Audio CD
on the source list and your song names are listed as track numbers.
For more information on using iTunes, click the Help menu in the iTunes menu bar. For help on line, go to:
http://www.hp.com/music/
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Playing CDs and DVDs with Windows Media Player

Your PC must have a DVD drive to play DVD movies.
1 Insert the music CD or DVD movie into the drive.
The Windows Media Player window opens. If the wizard window opens,
select Windows Media Player from the list. You may have to scroll down in the window to see Windows Media Player.
Or
If the Windows Media Player window does not automatically open, click
Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, and then click Windows Media Player.
2 To play the CD or DVD, use the playback buttons in the Windows Media Player
window. To play a particular track, double-click the title (or track number) in the Playlist. You can also control playback by using the media control buttons on the keyboard (select models).
For more information on using Windows Media Player, click the Help menu in the Windows Media Player menu bar. If necessary, first display the menu bar by clicking the up arrow icon in the upper-left corner of the Windows Media Player window.

Playing DVD Movies with InterVideo WinDVD

The InterVideo WinDVD program uses a DVD drive (select models only) to play DVD movies.
NOTE: Most DVD movies are localized to geographical countries/regions. See
“Using country/region codes” on page 54.
1 Insert a DVD disc into the DVD drive.
NOTE: On a double-sided DVD, read the text around the inner hole of the
disc to determine which side (A versus B or Standard versus Widescreen) to play. Place the disc in the tray with the label facing up for the side you want to play.
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2 Close the disc tray by gently pushing the tray into the PC.
The movie plays in its own resizable video window, and the WinDVD control panel appears. If the Play DVD movie wizard window opens, select Play DVD movie using InterVideo WinDVD from the list. You may have to scroll down in the window to see it.
Or
If the program does not automatically open:
a Click Start, choose All Programs, choose InterVideo WinDVD, select
InterVideo WinDVD Player, and then click InterVideo WinDVD.
b Use the playback buttons on the control panel to view the movie.
NOTE: To see what a button does on the control panel, place the mouse pointer
on the button; the button title appears onscreen.
NOTE: If you are playing a movie full screen and the WinDVD control panel is
hidden, you can redisplay it by clicking anywhere in the video window.
To use the WinDVD control panel:
To move the WinDVD control panel, place the mouse pointer on the panel (but
not on a button), and drag it to the desired location on the screen.
To resize the video window when it is not full screen, place the mouse pointer
on a window corner and drag the border.
Or
Click the Full Screen button in the upper-right corner of the WinDVD control panel.
For information on the InterVideo WinDVD software, refer to the online Help within the program by clicking the ? (question mark) icon in the WinDVD control panel.
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Using country/region codes

Most DVD discs have country/region codes embedded in the disc data that limit where the DVD movie can be played.
The country/region number is usually placed over a world globe printed on the DVD packaging and disc. DVDs without country/region codes play on any player or drive in any country/region.
WARNING: You can change countries/regions only five times before the country/region code locks and becomes permanent. Once the code locks, you can play DVDs from that country/region only. If the country/region code locks, and you need help, contact Support.
WinDVD is not preset to a particular country/region — the country/region code of the first DVD movie you play determines your DVD country/region.
For example, if you play a DVD with a country/region 1 code, WinDVD sets the current country/region of your DVD player to 1. If you later play a DVD that is coded for a different country/region, WinDVD asks if you want to set this as the current country/region.

Playing Video CDs (VCD) with InterVideo WinDVD

1 Insert your video CD (VCD) into a DVD or CD drive. 2 Select Play DVD movie using InterVideo WinDVD, and click OK.
Or
If the program doesn’t open, click Start, choose All Programs, choose InterVideo WinDVD, select InterVideo WinDVD Player, and then click InterVideo WinDVD.
3 If you have a dual-language VCD, the sound of one language comes
out of the left speaker and the other language comes out of the right speaker. Double-click the Volume icon on the taskbar.
4 Under Volume Control Balance, move the slider bar all the way to the right
or to the left, depending on which language you want to hear.
5 Close the Volume Control window.
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Playing Video CDs (VCD) with Windows Media Player 9

1 Insert your video CD (VCD) into a DVD or CD drive. 2 Select Play DVD movie using Windows Media Player, and click OK.
Or
If the program doesn’t open, click Start, choose All Programs, and Windows Media Player.
3 Click File on the menu bar at the top, and click Open. (If you do not see the
menu bar, click the small circle with the up/down arrows in the upper-left corner of the window.)
4 Click the Look In drop-down arrow and select the drive that has the Video CD. 5 Double-click the MPEGAV folder. 6 Select Any File (*.*) from the Files of type drop-down list. 7 Select the file, and click Open. 8 If you have a dual-language VCD, the sound of one language comes out of the
left speaker and the other language comes out of the right speaker. Click View on the menu bar, choose Enhancements, and select Graphic Equalizer.
9 Move the Balance slider bar all the way to the left or to the right, depending
on which language you want to hear.
10 Close the Graphic Equalizer window.
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Creating Audio and Data Discs

This chapter contains the procedures you must perform to record (or burn) music and data files to recordable CD and DVD discs. It also includes information about labeling your discs using the LightScribe labeling technology included on select models.
For information about recording video files to DVDs, see “Creating Video Discs and Movies” on page 73.
Your PC includes one or more CD, DVD, or combination optical drives capable of recording. Additionally, your PC may include the following software programs for recording to CDs or DVDs:
iTunes
Windows Media Player
Sonic MyDVD Plus (select models only)
Sonic DigitalMedia Plus
Windows XP
These programs include features that enable you to copy, archive, and manage music and data files and then record the files to CDs or DVDs. You can also use iTunes or Windows Media Player to download and copy music files to a portable device or memory card.
IMPORTANT: HP supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.
NOTE: Burn is an industry term used to describe the recording of information onto a DVD or CD. Optical recording uses a laser beam to place information onto the disc, thus the term burning.
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Erasing Rewritable Discs Before Recording

Previously recorded files on CD-RW, DVD-RW, or DVD+RW discs must be erased before recording new files. CD-R, DVD-R, and DVD+R discs cannot be erased.
To erase a rewritable disc in Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home.
2 Click Tools and then Erase Disc.
3 Insert the rewritable disc you want to erase. 4 Click the Quick Erase or Full Erase option, and then Erase Disc.

Working with Audio CDs

Sonic DigitalMedia Plus enables you to create audio CDs that play in your car or home CD player, and on PCs. You can create two main types of music CDs:
• Uncompressed — Typical CD format like you would purchase on a
commercial CD. This type of CD will hold 10 to 20 songs depending on their length.
Uncompressed files can be burned on CD-Rs (which play in most home and car stereos, DVD players, and computers) or CD-RWs (which play only in some stereos, DVD players, and computers).
The procedure for creating this type of CD is described in “Creating audio CDs” on page 60.
• Compressed — Files are burned to a disc using a compressed file format
(MP3, WMA, or M4A). The smaller file format enables you to fit approximately ten times as many songs onto the disc (depending on length and format).
Compressed files can be burned to CD-Rs, CD-RWs, DVDs, DVD-RWs, or DVD+RWs (select models only). Compressed files can only be played on computers, CD players, or DVD players that support the file format you use to create the disc (MP3 is most commonly supported). For file format compatibility, check the documentation for the device where you intend to play the disc. You may hear a slight loss of sound quality using compressed audio files.
The procedure for creating this type of CD is described in “Creating jukebox discs” on page 60.
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For more compatibility information, see “Disc Features and Compatibility Table” on page 69.
Both Sonic programs create closed-session music CDs, which means you must record all music files on one CD in one recording session. Music files can be recorded repeatedly on a rewritable CD-RW disc, but all previously recorded files must be erased first. CD-R discs cannot be erased.
IMPORTANT: HP supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.

Verifying audio disc recorded without errors

When copying or burning audio files to CD, it is recommended that you use Sonic DigitalMedia Plus because it includes a feature that confirms that your disc has been created without errors.
This data verification feature is enabled by default.
To check the status of the write verification feature in DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home.
2 Click Tools, and then Options.
3 In the Options window, click Copy. 4 Ensure the Verify copied data discs option is checked. 5 Click OK.

Audio CD tips

When recording music files, it is important to note that:
To play your music CD in a home or car stereo, it needs to be recorded as a music CD in CD audio (CDA) format, not as a data CD.
As you add music files in the recording session, DigitalMedia Plus calculates and displays the amount of recording time available to record additional music files.
You can’t record song titles unless you make an exact copy of a music CD in your collection.
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If your recording fails, manually select a slower recording speed, if available,
each time you make a recording. Refer to the Help menu in your selected software program for more information about selecting a slower recording speed.
If you try to record more than a standard CD can hold, a message displays
warning you that all the tracks may not fit on your disc.
IMPORTANT: HP supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.

Creating audio CDs

To create uncompressed audio CDs using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Audio tab and then Audio CD. 3 Do one or more of the following:
Click Add Music and navigate to music stored on your PC.
In the Quick Find panel, click Scan to automatically search your PC
for songs.
Insert a CD and add songs from it.
4 Select the songs you want to record, and then click Add. 5 Click the Burn icon when you have added all the audio files to your
music CD project. 6 When prompted, insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc. If you want to
play your music CD in your home or car stereo, use a CD-R disc.
CD-RW discs may not play in some stereos. 7 Click OK.
You can get detailed online help by clicking the Help menu and then selecting Help.
60 Getting Started Guide

Creating jukebox discs

To create compressed (jukebox) music CDs or DVDs using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Audio tab, and then Jukebox CD/DVD. 3 Do one or more of the following:
Click Add Music and navigate to music stored on your PC.
In the Quick Find panel, click Scan to automatically search your PC
for songs.
Insert a CD and add songs from it.
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4 Select the songs you want to record, and then click Add. 5 Click the Burn icon when you have added all the audio files to your
music CD project.
6 When prompted, insert a blank disc.
DVD discs can store significantly more music files than a CD. Jukebox discs can only be played on computers, CD players, or DVD players that support the file format you use to create the disc (MP3 is most commonly supported).
For file format compatibility, check the documentation for the device where you intend to play the disc.
7 Click OK.
You can get detailed online help by clicking the Help menu, and then selecting Help.
NOTE: DigitalMedia Plus scans for all audio files, even the sounds from your operating system. If you don’t want to display some of these sounds, you can select the Options icon (wrench), and then select Audio. Select Hide Audio Files
Shorter Than (in seconds), and then type the number of seconds, and click OK.

Working with Data DVDs and CDs

Unlike audio CDs and jukebox DVDs, data DVDs and CDs can be recorded in multiple sessions.

Verifying data disc recorded without errors

When copying or burning data files to DVD or CD, it is recommended that you use Sonic DigitalMedia Plus because it includes a feature that confirms that your disc has been created without errors.
This data verification feature is enabled by default.
To check the status of the write verification feature in DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home.
2 Click Tools and then Options.
3 In the Options window, click Data. 4 Ensure the Verify data written to the disc after burning box is checked. 5 Click OK.
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Data disc tips

When storing data files on a disc, it is important to note that:
You can add new data files to a CD-R, DVD+R or DVD-R in a later
recording session, until the disc is full. With DVD+R or DVD-R discs,
insert your partially recorded DVD, click the Wrench icon to display
the Options window, click Data, select the first Write-Once DVD
Compatibility option, and then click OK.
When you record files that have the same name as previously recorded files,
Sonic DigitalMedia Plus updates the file and the previous version is overwritten.
Sonic DigitalMedia Plus allows you to change the names of files you want to
record and the files that were previously recorded.
As you select data files to record to your disc, Sonic DigitalMedia Plus
calculates and displays the amount of recording space used on your disc.
If your recording fails, manually select a slower recording speed, if available,
each time you make a recording. Refer to the Help menu in your selected
software program for more information about selecting a slower recording
speed.

Creating data discs

To create data CDs or DVDs using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Data tab, and then click Data Disc. 3 Do one or more of the following:
Click Add Data and navigate to files stored on your PC.
In the Quick Scan panel, select a type of file to search for, and then click
Scan to automatically search your PC for the selected file type.
Insert a CD or DVD that contains the file you want to add.
4 Select the files you want to record, and then click Add. 5 To name your disc, click Volume Label, and then type a name over it. Sonic
DigitalMedia Plus assigns a name based on the recording date if you do not
type a name. 6 Click the Burn icon when you have added all the files to your data
project. 7 When prompted, insert a blank or appendable disc.
DVD discs can store significantly more files than a CD.
8 Click OK.
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You can get detailed online help by clicking the Help menu and then selecting Help.
NOTE: An appendable disc can have additional files added to it, if there is disc space available. Recorded audio CDs are closed-session discs that are not appendable.
NOTE: You can rename your files in the file selection window by selecting and typing over the current name. This does not affect the original files on your hard disk drive.
NOTE: DVD discs can store significantly more files than a CD.

Copying a DVD or CD

Sonic DigitalMedia Plus enables you to make copies of an existing music or data disc. You can configure Sonic DigitalMedia Plus to verify that:
Data files have been copied without errors by performing the procedure
described in “Verifying data disc recorded without errors” on page 61.
Music files have been copied without errors by performing the procedure
described in “Verifying audio disc recorded without errors” on page 59.
IMPORTANT: HP supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.
To make a copy of an existing music or data disc using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Copy tab, and then Disc Copy. 3 Insert the CD or DVD you want to copy. 4 Insert a blank DVD or CD into the drive. 5 Click the Copy icon. 6 Click Done when the recording is complete.
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Archiving Files on a CD or DVD

To make an archive file copy of files stored on your PC using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Data tab and then Easy Archive. 3 Select the path to the files that you want to archive (or click Browse to
navigate to them).
4 Select the type of files you want to add to the archive, or select All Files in the
Selected Path. 5 Place a check mark in the Only Archive Files Changed Since box, and select a
date to limit the scan to files that have been changed since that date.
6 Click Save, enter a name for your archive, and then click OK. 7 Click the Burn icon. 8 When prompted, insert a recordable disc and then click OK.
If the files do not fit on one disc, you are prompted for additional
discs. 9 Click Done when recording is complete.
For additional information about saving archives on your hard disc drive, or scheduling automatic archives, see the online help.

Working with Image Files

The Sonic recording programs can convert all the files from a CD or DVD and convert them into a single .iso file, or a series of .gi files (none exceeding 2 GB) known as an image file. You can use the image file to reproduce the original disc. Image files are typically used when you need to make multiple copies of the same disc.
NOTE: Your DVD Writer or CD Writer drive will not copy commercially available DVD movies. Most commercial DVDs are encoded to prevent unauthorized duplication.
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Creating an image file

To make an image file using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click Copy, select .iso or .gi, and then click Save Image. 3 Insert the CD or DVD from which you want to make an image file. 4 Click Browse to select the location where the image file will be created. 5 Click the Save Image icon to create the image file.

Burning from an image file

To burn a CD or DVD from an image file using Sonic DigitalMedia Plus:
1 Open the DigitalMedia Plus program by clicking Start, All Programs,
Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click Copy and then Burn Image. 3 Click Browse to select the image file. 4 Insert a recordable CD or DVD into the drive. 5 Click the Burn Image icon. 6 Click Done when recording is complete.

Disc Labeling with LightScribe

LightScribe (select models only) is a direct disc labeling technology providing you a simple way to burn precise, silk screen-quality labels. It combines the CD or DVD drive of your PC with specially coated discs (sold separately) and enhanced disc­labeling software.
A LightScribe-enabled CD or DVD disc drive uses the optical laser in the drive to burn a label onto a thin dye coating on the label side of the disc. There is no ink to smear or paper to curl, and there are no adhesives to loosen.
LightScribe media is identified by the LightScribe logo on the retail packaging and on the inner hub area of the disc itself. Your PC may come ready to work with many versions of LightScribe media (select models only); however, as new media versions are introduced you will need to update the driver software for your LightScribe­enabled CD or DVD drive. Get driver updates from the HP Support Web site:
http://www.hp.com/support
NOTE: LightScribe creates a grayscale image similar to a black and white
photograph.
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LightScribe requirements

Burning a label with LightScribe requires three things:
LightScribe-enabled DVD drive (select models only).
Labeling software that supports LightScribe.
LightScribe discs (sold separately).

Burning a LightScribe label with Sonic Express Labeler

1 Click Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then click Express Labeler.
NOTE: You can open Express Labeler from within DigitalMedia Plus by clicking Tools, and then Label Disc.
2 In the Step 1: Select Project area, make sure that Disc Label is selected. 3 In the Step 2: Edit area:
a Click Text to display the Edit Text window. Enter text for the title and
subtitle.
b Click New to display the Track window. Enter text to identify the first track
or file (you can optionally enter artist and date, or length), and then click OK.
c Repeat the previous step for each track or file on the disc. d Click the left or right arrows next to Layout, Background, and Font to
select design elements for the disc. The selections you make are previewed in the disc window.
4 When you are satisfied with the appearance of your label, insert the
LightScribe media disc (label side down) into the disc drive tray, and then click Print.
66 Getting Started Guide
NOTE: LightScribe creates a grayscale (monochrome) image similar to a
black-and-white photograph.
5 From the Disc Label menu, select LightScribe 12cm disc. 6 Click OK to begin burning the label.
The estimated time to complete the label displays, along with a progress bar to show you the time remaining. You can continue to work on your PC while LightScribe is burning the label.
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Burning a LightScribe label after burning with iTunes

iTunes works with Sonic Express Labeler to allow you to burn labels on a LightScribe audio CD. The playlist you create in iTunes to burn a disc is automatically imported into Express Labeler so that this information is available for you to use on your LightScribe label. To use Express Labeler from iTunes, the music tracks in the playlist you are using must fit on a single CD.
1 Click Start, All Programs, iTunes, and then click iTunes again. 2 Burn an audio CD with iTunes. When the burning process is complete, click
Yes on the Create LightScribe Label window. 3 In the Step 1: Select Project area, make sure that Disc Label is selected. 4 In the Step 2: Edit area:
a Click Text to display the Edit Text window. Enter text for the title and
subtitle.
b Click New to display the Track window. Enter text to identify the first
track or file (you can optionally enter artist and date, or length), and then click OK.
c Repeat the previous step for each track or file on the disc.
d Click the left or right arrows next to Layout, Background, and Font to
select design elements for the disc. The selections you make are previewed in the disc window.
5 When you are satisfied with the appearance of your label, insert the
LightScribe media disc (label side down) into the disc drive tray, and then
click Print.
NOTE: LightScribe creates a grayscale image similar to a black-and-white
photograph.
6 From the Disc Label menu, select LightScribe 12cm disc. 7 Click OK to begin burning the label.
The estimated time to complete the label displays, along with a progress bar to show you the time remaining. You can continue to work on your PC while LightScribe is burning the label.
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Using adhesive disc labels

WARNING: When labeling your CDs and DVDs, do not use sticky labels. They can cause the disc to play erratically. Instead, write on the disc with a felt-tip pen to label it.
Or, you can create a LightScribe label for your disc if you have a LightScribe optical drive and you use LightScribe media discs. Refer to “Disc Labeling with LightScribe” on page 65.

Compatibility Information

An important feature of a DVD Writer/CD Writer drive is its high level of compatibility with other optical drives and CD and DVD players:
The CDs that you create play in most home and car stereos and in most
computer DVD-ROM and CD-ROM drives.
The DVDs that you create are compatible with some DVD video players and
with most computer DVD-ROM drives.
CD-R discs are more compatible with home and car stereos than CD-RW
discs are.
Your DVD Writer/CD Writer drive is able to read from and record to almost every type of optical disc. Writing speed rates for the DVD Writer/CD Writer drive are fast, allowing quick recording times.
NOTE:
discs.
CD-R discs are more compatible with home and car stereos than CD-RW
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Disc Features and Compatibility Table

Disc
CD-ROM
CD-R
CD-RW
DVD-ROM
DVD+R and DVD-R
Double­Layer DVD+R/ DVD-R
DVD+RW and DVD-RW
File type
Data No Yes No No Music No Yes Yes Varies by model Data Yes Yes No No Music Yes Yes Varies by model Varies by model Data Yes Yes No No Music Yes Yes Varies by model Varies by model Data No Yes No No DVD movie No Yes No Yes Data Yes Yes No No DVD movie Yes Yes No Varies by model
Data Yes Varies by model No Varies by model DVD movie Yes Varies by model No Varies by model
Data Yes Yes No No DVD movie Yes Yes No Varies by model
Can be
recorded onto Plays in PC
Plays in home
or car stereo
Plays in home
DVD player
VCD
NOTE: Some PCs come with the Double-Layer DVD Writer. It supports single-layer
and double-Layer DVD media. Double-Layer technology gives you greater capacity and allows you to store up to 8 GB* of data on double-layer DVD+R or DVD-R media. Double-Layer is a new technology. Double-Layer media compatibility will vary widely with some home DVD players and DVD-ROM drives. *1 GB is defined as 1 billion bytes. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes when referring to hard disk drive capacity. Actual formatted capacity is less. For the latest disc compatibility information for your PC, go to the HP Support Web site at: http://www.hp.com/support
NOTE: Double-Layer DVD technology is supported by select models only.
NOTE: The Sonic recording programs support the double-layer technology.
DVD movie No Yes No Varies by model
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Optical Drive Quick Reference Table

Optical drive can: CD-ROM CD-RW DVD-ROM DVD+RW/+R
DVD-RW/–R
Read CDs, CD-Rs, and CD-RWs
Read DVDs No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Rea d dat a on a CD Yes Ye s Yes Ye s Yes Yes Play music Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Record data or music
to disc for storage or backup
View DVD movies No No Yes Yes Yes Yes Record DVD movies No No No Yes Yes No Play games Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Yes Ye s Yes Ye s Yes Yes
No Yes No Ye s Yes Yes
Double-Layer
DVD
Combo
CD-RW/DVD
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Software Quick Reference Table

Your PC includes a number of software programs that:
Record and play CDs.
Record data CDs.
Import and edit video files.
Record video CDs and DVDs.
Organize digital media files.
The following table describes the functionality specific to each of these programs. Use it to determine which program to use to perform a task.
Note that some programs listed may not be included with your model, and that this is not a complete list of all included software.
To open any of these programs, click Start on the taskbar, choose All Programs, select the program folder (for example, Sonic ), and then click the program name to open the software.
With this program: You can:
InterVideo WinDVD Player
Play DVD movies and video CDs (VCDs).
iTunes
muvee autoProducer
RealPlayer
Play music CDs, MP3s, and other audio files.
Record music files.
Record a copy of an existing music or data CD to use on the PC.
Organize digital files into a library for recording or listening.
Select models only.
Add your own style to your movies with music, pictures, titles, scene transitions,
and captions.
Edit your home movies.
Play music CDs, MP3s, and other audio files.
Play DVD movies. (RealPlayer can play DVDs only if another DVD player
program, such as InterVideo WinDVD, is installed.)
Play video CDs.
Record music files.
Organize digital files into a library for recording or listening.
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With this program: You can: Sonic DigitalMedia Plus Record data and music files.
Record a copy of an existing music or data CD to use on the PC.
Create customized music CDs from CDs in your collection, or from .wav, .mp3, or
.wma files. These CDs can be played in your home or car stereo.
Copy and share data files.
Create archive CDs or DVDs from files on your PC.
Capture (copy) video files.
Has setting for verification that the disc has been created without errors.
Sonic MyDVD Plus (select models only)
Record data and movie files.
Record a copy of an existing DVD to use on the PC.
Copy and share video files.
Capture (copy) video files.
Windows Movie Maker 2.0
Import audio, video, and other media files from a videotape, an audiotape, a
Web camera, or a television broadcast.
Record audio and video files to create a video project that becomes a Windows
Media source file with a .wmv extension.
Edit and preview files.
Send a movie in an e-mail or upload it to a Web server.
Add music files (.mp3).
Import audio files such as .mp3, .asf, or .wma; video files such as .wmv, .asf, .avi,
or .mpg; or image files such as .jpg or .gif.
Create .avi and .wmv (Windows Media Video) files.
NOTE: You may have a software update CD included with your PC. You may need
to install this CD before using the DVD Writer/CD Writer drive. To do this, follow the installation instructions that came with the CD.
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Creating Video Discs and Movies

Your PC may include the following movie making programs, depending on your model:
Sonic MyDVD
Sonic DigitalMedia Plus (which includes MyDVD)
Windows Movie Maker
muvee autoProducer (select models only)
These programs all capture, edit, and manage your home video files, while allowing you to add your own personal touch to your home movies. They come installed on your PC and can be started by clicking Start and then All Programs on your desktop.
IMPORTANT: HP supports the lawful use of technology and does not endorse or encourage the use of our products for purposes other than those permitted by copyright law.

Before You Begin Capturing Video

You can capture (copy) video files to your hard disk drive by using the Sonic MyDVD program. Among the devices supported by Sonic MyDVD are analog video devices, digital camcorders, and Web cameras. Use your composite or S-video inputs (input connectors vary by model) to capture video from a VCR or an analog video camera.
To capture video files, you need to:
1 Connect your video source device according to the device’s instructions. 2 Turn your device on and set it to playback mode. 3 Make sure Sonic MyDVD can detect your digital or analog device. 4 If your PC has multiple video devices connected, they all appear on the Capture
screen. You must select the video source you would like to use.
NOTE: You may need to turn your digital video device off and on again for the program to detect it.
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For more information, click Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia
Home. When the program displays, click Help and then Sonic MyDVD Help.

Sonic MyDVD Video Projects

A Sonic MyDVD video project is a way to group, organize, store, play, and burn related video and still digital files. For example, if you went on a family vacation, you might have digital still and video images, and prints from a film camera. You can transfer all these images onto your PC and organize them into a project. (A scanner is required to transfer printed photos and is not included.)
Projects can remain on your PC for playback and as an archive, and they can be burned to a DVD or VCD disc.
Sonic MyDVD enables you to create video projects using the following interfaces:
Standard program interface (described beginning in “Creating a Video Project”
on page 74).
Direct-to-Disc Wizards (described beginning in “Creating a Video Project with
Direct-to-Disc Wizard” on page 79).
Note that the Direct-to-Disc Wizards do not include the editing features that are available from the standard interface. You can edit a project created with a wizard before burning it to a disc as described in:
“Editing the style of a video project” on page 77.
“Editing movie files” on page 77.

Creating a Video Project

To create a video project:
1 Click Start, choose All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 2 Click the Video tab to display the Video Guide. 3 Click Create Project, and then DVD or VCD depending on the type of
project you want to create. A project named Untitled DVD-Video or Untitled VCD-Video is created and
displayed in the MyDVD project window.
4 Click File and then Save to change the name your project from Untitled to a
more descriptive name. After renaming your project, click Save.
Continue your project by performing the procedure described in one or more of the following sections:
“Adding files to a video project” on page 75.
“Capturing video to a video project” on page 75.
“Adding slide shows to a video project” on page 76.
“Adding submenus to a video project” on page 76.
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Adding files to a video project

You can add files to your DVD or VCD video project from:
An existing DVD or VCD.
Video files already stored on your PC.
Video capture from a digital video camera (as described in the next section).
To add files from a DVD, VCD, or from your hard disk drive:
1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as
described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 74.
2 Click Add Files. 3 Navigate to the folder that contains the video files you want to add or to the
media drive that contains the DVD or VCD. 4 Select the files you want to add, and then click Open. The files are added to
the current project and displayed in the project window.

Capturing video to a video project

You can capture live video or still images by connecting a Web camera or digital video camera to your PC’s front-panel USB connector (select models only). The video capture is added to your video project and stored in a file on your hard disk drive.
To add a video capture to a video project:
1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as
described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 74.
2 Connect your digital camera to the USB port. 3 Click Capture Video to display the Capture screen.
Sonic MyDVD displays the name of the capture device (your camera), the
default Capture Type (audio and video), and the default Quality Setting (High
Quality).
4 Click Record Settings to edit any of these default settings. 5 Optionally, set a Capture Length, chapter points, or scene detection.
Click the corresponding Help icon to display the online help for each of
these features. 6 Click one of the following:
Grab Frame The image currently displayed in the Capture window is
stored as a picture file (JPG, BMP, GIF, TIF, or PNG format).
Start Capture — Starts a video capture (.mpg format). Click Stop
Capture to manually stop the capture if you did not set a capture length (step 5).
7 In the Save As dialog box, name the captured file and select the file format and
the folder where you want to save it. Click Save.
8 Click OK to return to the project window.
The file is stored on your hard disk drive and added to the current project.
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Adding slide shows to a video project

You can create a slide show (a series of still images displayed automatically) by adding existing still photos to your project or by capturing them with a connected digital video source.
To add a slide show to a video project:
1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as
described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 74.
2 Do one or more of the following:
Add existing picture files as described in “Adding files to a video project”
on page 75.
Capture still images as described in “Capturing video to a video project”
on page 75.
3 Click Options to set the slide duration, or to add a background audio
track. Online help is available for these features by clicking the
Help icon.
4 Click OK.

Adding submenus to a video project

Each project element (video file, still picture file, and slide show) that you add to a video project is represented in the main project window.
Each menu displays six items before a new menu is automatically created and linked to the previous menu by a Next button.
You can manually add submenus to a project and use them to organize topics associated with the theme of your project. For example, if the project is your child’s soccer game, the video files of the game could be the main menu elements, and you could insert a submenu that contains interviews with your son and his teammates.
To add a submenu to a video project:
1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as
described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 74.
2 Click New Sub-Menu. A submenu called Untitled Menu 1 is added to the
first menu that has less than six project elements.
3 Click the submenu name (Untitled Menu 1), and type an appropriate name
for the menu (for example, Interviews using the previous example).
4 Double-click the new submenu, and do one or more of the following:
Add existing picture files as described in “Adding files to a video project”
on page 75.
Capture still images as described in “Capturing video to a video project”
on page 75.
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Editing the style of a video project

You can change the style of a number of elements within your video project. The elements include:
Background color and graphics on the menus and submenus.
Button styles.
Background music.
Text format (font, color, and size).
Import custom styles.
To edit the look of a video project:
1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as
described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 74.
2 Click Edit Style. 3 In the Edit Style dialog box, change any of the previously mentioned
elements, and then click Apply To All Menus or Apply To This Menu.

Editing movie files

After you capture or import video files, you can edit them using Sonic MyDVD to:
Add additional files.
Add background music.
Search for specific scenes.
Delete scenes.
Add transition effects between scenes.
Superimpose colors, themes, and effects over video scenes.
Superimpose text effects over video scenes.
To edi t you r vid eo fi les:
1 If your project is already open, click Edit Movie and skip to step 4. 2 Click Start, All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 3 Click the Video tab, and then File, New Project or the Open
Existing Project.
4 If you have already captured video for this project, they appear along the
bottom as a storyboard. If you have video files on your hard disk drive you would like to add to this project, click Add Files.
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5 Click one of the four tabs (Fades and dissolves, Filters, Text, or Themes
and backgrounds) next to the preview screen.
6 Drag and drop any of the effects over scenes (or between them for transitions)
in the storyboard.
7 Click OK to save the edits.
For more information about any of the editing features, click Help and then Sonic
MyDVD Help from within the Edit window.

Burning a video project to disc

After you are satisfied with the contents and style of your video project, you can burn it to a DVD or VCD disc as follows:
1 Click File, Open, and then select a video project that you created as
described in “Creating a Video Project” on page 74.
2 Save the file if you have made changes. 3 In the Quality fields, set the recording quality and the DVD or VCD type:
The quality settings range from HQ (the highest quality, but uses the most
disc space), to EP (lowest quality, but you can fit more files). As you select different quality settings, the disc space remaining indicator
displays how much blank space there is on the disc for this mode.
The DVD formats include 2xDVD (8.5GB) (Double-Layer), DVD (4.7GB)
(the default setting), DVD-RAM (2.6GB), and DVD (1.4BGB). Some of these formats may not be supported by your model of PC.
4 Insert the selected type of disc into the appropriate drive tray, close it,
and click Burn.
For detailed information about DVD and VCD recording quality and time, see:
78 Getting Started Guide
“Video Quality and Disc Size” on page 80.
“DVD Recording Time” on page 81.
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Creating a Video Project with Direct-to-Disc Wizard

Sonic MyDVD includes Direct-to-Disc Wizards that guide you through the steps you must complete to create a DVD or VCD video project. A video project is a way to group, organize, store, play, and burn related video and still digital files.
1 Connect your digital camcorder or Web camera to your PC. 2 Click Start, choose All Programs, Sonic, and then DigitalMedia Home. 3 Click the Video tab and then Direct-to-Disc. 4 Click DVD or VCD depending on the type of project you want to create. The
Direct-to-VCD or Direct-to-DVD Wizard displays.
5 Click Edit Style, and edit any of the following elements:
Background color and graphics on the menus and submenus
Button styles
Background music
Text format (font, color, and size)
Custom styles
Alternately, you can click No Menus if you do not want to be able to select from multiple files in the project.
6 Type a name for your project in the project name field. 7 Click one of the following:
Record to DVD (or Record to VCD if you are creating a VCD
project) Select the device, number of copies, and write speed.
Record to hard disk — The video capture is stored by default in the
My DVDs folder. Click Location if you want to select a different folder.
8 Click Next. The Capture screen displays.
Make sure the output from your digital camcorder appears in the Preview window. If it does not, double-check your connections and make sure your camera is in playback mode.
9 Click Record Settings to edit any of the default settings.
10 Optionally, set a capture length, chapter points, or scene detection. Click
the corresponding Help icon to display the online help for each of these features.
11 Click one of the following:
Grab Frame The image currently displayed in the Capture window is
stored as a picture file (JPG, BMP, GIF, TIF, or PNG format).
Start Capture
Capturing to manually stop the capture if you did not set a capture length (step 10).
12 A confirmation message displays stating the disc or file was created
successfully. Click OK.
Starts a video capture (.mpg format). Click Stop
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Note that the Direct-to-Disc Wizards do not include the editing features that are available from the standard interface. You can edit a project created with a wizard before burning it to a disc as described in:
“Editing the style of a video project” on page 77.
“Editing movie files” on page 77.

Video Quality and Disc Size

Sonic MyDVD includes four DVD video quality (bit-rate) settings, and a Fit-to-DVD option that can be applied to a video project or to individual movie files. The DVD quality settings are:
• HQ (High Quality) — Best audio and video quality, but requires the most
disc space per second of video. Good choice for video files that contain high-speed action (for example, motor sports).
• SP (Standard Play) — Good audio and video quality with most video
sources.
• LP (Long Play) — Fits approximately twice as much video onto a DVD as
HQ. Not recommended when the original video is low-quality or noisy.
• EP (Extended Play) — Fits the most video onto a DVD, but video quality is
low. Not recommended unless the original video is very good quality.
• Fit-to-DVD — As you add more content to the project, MyDVD reduces the
project quality automatically to fit the selected disc size. Fit-to-DVD is the default setting for new projects.
NOTE: VCDs have a fixed bit-rate which delivers one quality level. You can fit approximately one hour of video on a VCD (the recording time is reduced if you use animated menu buttons or backgrounds).
NOTE: You can record the same file on a disc at each different speed to compare the results.
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DVD Recording Time

The following table lists the approximate DVD-Video recording time for different disc sizes at different video quality settings (your DVD recorder may not support all these disc sizes).
Estimated Time per Disc Size
Video Quality Audio Format
HQ Dolby Digital 130 min. 70 min. 40 min. 20 min.
PCM 110 min. 60 min. 30 min. 15 min.
SP Dolby Digital 210 min. 120 min. 65 min. 35 min.
PCM 160 min. 95 min. 50 min. 25 min.
LP Dolby Digital 310 min. 180 min. 100 min. 50 min.
PCM 215 min. 125 min. 65 min. 35 min.
EP Dolby Digital 415 min. 240 min. 130 min. 70 min.
PCM 265 min. 150 min. 85 min. 45 min.
The video quality depends on your PC’s speed and graphics processing
abilities. Some PCs may be unable to capture video at the HQ setting.
These are estimated recording times. The maximum duration is reduced if you
use animated menu buttons or backgrounds.
To choose the audio format, see “Changing the audio format (DVDs only)” in
the online help.
Your version of MyDVD may not support Dolby Digital audio. See the online
Help for details.
8.5 GB 4.7 GB 2.6 GB 1.4 GB
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Creating Movies Using muvee autoProducer

Creating personalized and professional-looking video movies is simple with muvee autoProducer (select models only).

Basic Steps to Make a Movie

The basic steps to produce a movie with muvee autoProducer are:
1 Capture digital video: Capture live or recorded video to your hard disk
drive directly from a compatible digital video camcorder.
2 Add videos and pictures: Select video and picture files from your PC
folders. You can easily add videos and still images to your movie production.
You can use these video and still image file types in your movie project:
File extension File type
.dv Digital Video
.avi Audio Video Interleaved
.mpeg-1 Motion Picture Experts Group
.mpeg-2 For DVD video playback
.wmv Windows Movie Video
.jpg, .jpeg Joint Photographic Experts Group, still image
.gif Graphics Interchange Format, still image
.bmp Bitmap, still image
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3Add music: Select music files on your PC to add to your movie soundtrack.
You can use these music file types in your movie project:
File extension File type
.mp3 MPEG Layer 3
.wav Windows audio
.wma Windows Media audio
4 Select a style: Apply a movie style editing template for different effects and
picture transitions in your movie.
5Add captions: Personalize your movie with opening titles and closing credits. 6 Make the movie: Automatically analyze the videos, pictures, music, movie
style, and captions you added to your movie and save your movie to your PC hard disk drive, CD, or DVD.
7 Burn to disc: You can burn a video to DVD, VCD, or SVCD.
The following sections contain detailed instructions.

Locating the muvee autoProducer

You can access muvee autoProducer as follows:
Click Start on the desktop taskbar and select All Programs, muvee Technologies, muvee autoProducer, and then muvee autoProducer to open muvee autoProducer. This version of muvee has more features, such as video capture and disc recording.
See “Using muvee autoProducer” on page 85.
NOTE: To view help files, press the F1 function key on the keyboard.
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Using muvee autoProducer

Getting started

To open muvee autoProducer:
1 Click Start on the taskbar. 2 Select All Programs, muvee Technologies, muvee autoProducer, and
then muvee autoProducer to open muvee autoProducer.
NOTE: You can also open muvee autoProducer from within Digital Media Plus. Select the Video tab and then muvee autoProducer.
3 Open a project by selecting, from the File menu, either New Project or
Open Project.
4 Select one of the button options:
Button Allows you to See
Get video from camera
Add Video
Add Pictures
Add Music
Select Style Open the Select Style window to select an editing
Change Settings
Open the muvee Video Capture window to capture (copy) live video or recorded video.
Open the Add Video window to add existing video files to your project.
Open the Add Pictures window to add existing still image files to your project.
Open the Add Music files window to add existing music files to your project.
template for your movie.
Open the muvee Settings window to adjust audio and video production settings for your movie.
“Capturing video from a DV camcorder” on page 87.
“Adding videos” on page 88.
“Adding pictures” on page 89.
“Adding music” on page 89.
“Selecting the style” on page 90.
“Changing the settings” on page 90.
Creating Movies Using muvee autoProducer 85
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Button Allows you to See
Title/ Credits
make muvee Open the Make muvee window to automatically
Save muvee
Burn to Disc
Open the muvee Title and Credits window to type in an opening title and closing credits for your movie.
create and preview the movie.
Open the Save muvee window to save the finished movie on your PC hard disk drive in WMV or MPEG formats.
Open the muvee Burner window to record the finished movie in DVD, VCD, or SVCD formats.
“Adding an opening title and closing credits” on page 91.
“Making the movie” on page 92.
“Saving the movie project” on page 92.
“Recording the movie project to disc” on page 93.
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Capturing video from a DV camcorder

You can capture (copy) digital video files to your hard disk drive by using muvee autoProducer either:
•Live (known as camera mode) using a compatible DV camcorder. See
“Capturing live video from a DV camcorder” on page 87.
Or
•Recorded (known as VCR mode) using a recorded tape in your DV
camcorder. See “Capturing recorded video from a DV camcorder” on page 87.
Captured video files are automatically added to your movie project. To remove the file from your movie project, select the video file in the list of Captured Video Files, and then click the trash can icon.
When capturing video, it is important to be aware of the amount of free space available on your PC hard disk drive. Capturing video can use a large amount of disk space. The amount of free disk space displays on the Capture Video window in muvee autoProducer while you are capturing video.
Capturing live video from a DV camcorder
Capturing live video in camera mode allows you to create a video file without even having a tape in the camcorder.
To capture (copy) live video to your hard disk drive using muvee autoProducer:
1 Connect your DV camcorder to the FireWire (IEEE 1394) port on your PC. 2 Turn on the camcorder and set to VCR mode. Refer to the instructions in the
manufacturer’s documentation.
3 Click the Get Video from Camera button. 4 Click the Start Capture button to begin capturing the live image
directly to your hard disk drive.
5 Click the Stop Capture button to stop capturing. 6 Click Capture Folder to specify a folder for the captured video file. 7 Click Filename to specify a file name for the captured video file. 8 Click the Done button to automatically add captured video files to your
movie project.
Capturing recorded video from a DV camcorder
For best results with muvee autoProducer, capture only video footage that you are most interested in using in your movie project.
To capture camcorder (copy) recorded video to your hard disk drive:
1 Connect your DV camcorder to the FireWire (IEEE 1394) port on your PC. 2 Turn on the camcorder and set to VCR mode. Refer to the instructions in the
manufacturer’s documentation.
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3 Click the Get Video from Camera button. 4 Click the Play button on the screen to begin viewing the video. 5 Click Start Capture when you see the start of the video footage you want to
use in your movie project.
6 Click Stop Capture to stop capturing. 7 Repeat steps 5 and 6 to capture additional sections of video footage. 8 Click the Capture Folder to specify a folder for the captured video file. 9 Click Filename to specify a file name for the captured video file.
10 Click the Done button to automatically add captured video files to your
movie project.

Adding videos

To add video files to your movie production:
1 Select the Add video button in the video/pictures area. The Add
Picture window opens.
2 Browse the folders. 3 Select existing video files on your hard disk drive, if desired for your movie:
Add up to three video files.
Select multiple video files by pressing and holding Ctrl on your keyboard
while selecting the files.
4 Adjust the order of the video files by selecting and then dragging and dropping
the file. Select the clip, and click the trash can icon to remove a video clip from the production.
5 You can mark specific scenes in a video clip to include or leave out of your final
movie, with the magicMoments feature in muvee autoProducer.
To select video scenes with magicMoments:
88 Getting Started Guide
a Select a video file in the Select Video/Pictures window, and then
click the magicMoments button. The magicMoments window opens.
b Click the Play button to start viewing the video. c Use the magicMoment controls to mark video scenes to include and
exclude:
Click and hold down the green thumbs-up button to mark scenes that
must be included in the movie.
Click and hold down the red thumbs-down button to mark scenes
that must be left out of the movie.
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Click or hold down the gray thumb button to undo one second of a
selected scene. Shift and click to undo scenes that were marked with the thumbs-up or thumbs-down buttons.
Click or hold down the arrow buttons to navigate backward and
forward through the video footage.
Video footage left unmarked is still analyzed when you make the movie and may be included in the final version of the movie.
For best results with the production of your movie:
Keep each magicMoment to less than 10 seconds.
Keep the total duration of magicMoments to less than 50 percent of the
duration of your movie. It is recommended to select only a few scenes.
d Click OK when you finish marking scenes. The window closes. Note that
the video clip is marked on the lower left side.

Adding pictures

To add still image files to your movie production:
1 Select the Add Pictures button in the Video/Pictures area. The Add
Picture window opens.
2 Browse the folders, as required. 3 Select existing still image files on your hard disk drive, if desired for your
movie:
Add up to 50 .jpg, gif, or .bmp picture files.
Select multiple picture files by pressing and holding Ctrl on your keyboard
while selecting the files.
4 Adjust the order of the picture files by selecting and then dragging and
dropping the picture file. Select the picture, and click the trash can icon to remove a picture from the production.
5 Select the Rotate Image Clockwise button to rotate still images.

Adding music

To add music files to your movie production soundtrack:
1 Select the Add Music button in the music area. The Add Music
window opens.
2 Browse the folders, as required. 3 Select existing music files on your hard disk drive, if desired for your movie:
Add up to three .mp3, .wav, or .wma files.
Select multiple music files by pressing and holding Ctrl on your keyboard
while selecting the files.
4 Adjust the order of the music files by selecting and then dragging and dropping
the file. Select the music, and click the trash can icon to remove a music clip from the production.
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Selecting the style

The muvee autoProducer program comes with a set of style templates for setting the pace, scene transition effects, and caption fonts. The style you use also affects how muvee autoProducer combines the video, picture, and music files in your movie project to produce the final movie.
For example, using the Cinema style results in a movie that is moderately paced, color enhanced, and uses a wide-screen format.
To select a style, just click on a style from the list. A sample of the style displays in the preview window.

Changing the settings

You can adjust audio and video production settings for your movie.
1 Select the Change Settings button. The muvee Settings window
opens.
2 Select the Duration tab to set the length of your video production and
preferences. Click one of the following duration settings:
Fit to music. The produced version may re-use or drop some video and
pictures.
Best fit for videos and pictures. The produced version may repeat or
trim music.
User Defined. Select the duration in minutes and seconds:
If the duration of your music is longer than the duration of video and
pictures, place a check in the Allow video and pictures to repeat check box to repeat video clips and pictures for the full duration of your music files.
If the total duration of your video and picture files is longer than the
duration of your music, place a check in the Allow Music to repeat check box to repeat music for the duration of the video clips.
3 Select the Video tab to set the video and still image preferences. Click one of
the following settings:
Style default. Use the selected style to sequence still images and video
clips.
Keep shots in sequence. Use the sequence of still images and video
clips in the Add Video/Pictures window.
Shuffle shots. Move the slider bar to determine the frequency of
sequencing still images and video clips.
Place a check in the Interleave pictures check box to blend pictures with
video at intervals.
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4 Select the Audio tab to set the sound preferences. Click one of the following
settings:
Use all music. Place a check in the check box to use the sequence of
sound files in the Add Music window.
smartJoin
multiple music files. Place a check in the check box to
automatically remove silence between music tracks.
Normalize music. Place a check in the check box to automatically adjust
audio playback volume to the same level.
Move the slider bar to adjust the Sound mix level of the music and
original soundtrack.
5 Click OK when you are finished adjusting the settings for your movie project.
Or
Click Cancel to not change any settings.

Adding an opening title and closing credits

You can personalize your movie project by adding an opening title and closing credits.
1 Click the Title/Credits button. The muvee Title and Credits window
opens.
2 Click the Title tab:
a Select a Title effect from the drop-down window. b Type the text you want to appear at the start of your movie in the Enter your
title here box.
c Click the Use font button to select the font, style, size, color, and effects
from the Font window.
d Select a background image for the title.
3 Click the Credits tab.
a Select a Credits effect from the drop-down window. b Type the text you want to appear at the end of your movie in the Enter your
credits here box.
c Click on the Use font button to select the font, style, size, color, and effects
from the Font window.
d Select a background image for the ending credits. 4 Click Apply. 5 Click OK to close the muvee Title and Credits window.
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Making the movie

After you have added at least one video or picture file to your movie project, you can have muvee autoProducer make the movie.
The muvee autoProducer program makes a movie by combining the video, picture, and music files you have selected, along with the style of movie, and puts together all of these pieces into a professional-looking movie with just a few steps.
To make a movie:
1 Click the make muvee button. Click OK as required. 2 After making a movie you can preview the movie in the muvee autoProducer
Preview window. Use the controls in the Preview window to play, pause, and stop the movie preview:
Each time you make a change to a movie project, you need to click the
make muvee button again to add that change to your movie.
You can revise and preview the movie as often as you want to experiment
with different styles and the content of the movie.

Saving the movie project

Once you are satisfied with the look of your movie project, you are ready to save it.
You can save the movie to a file on your hard disk drive or create a VCD or DVD disc.
1 Click the Save muvee button. The Save muvee window opens. 2 Choose the movie file type to save to your hard disk drive:
Computer Playback
E-mail
DV (camcorder)
DVD
VCD (video CD)
SVCD
Web Streaming
Change the video and audio settings of the movie file type as required (advanced users only).
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3 Click the Save button. 4 Enter a name for the output movie. Select a folder on your hard disk drive, as
required. The movie saves.
You can watch the preview as it saves.
5 Click the Save button. 6 Click Yes to preview the output file in Windows Media Player.

Recording the movie project to disc

To create a DVD, VCD, or SVCD disc:
1 Click the Burn to Disc button. The muvee Burner window opens. 2 Type the disc title. 3 Select the video(s) to burn to the disc:
Select the order of the chapters.
Add or delete videos, as required.
4 Select the disc menu theme from the drop-down list. 5 Select the disc. 6 Select the type of video disc to create: DVD, VCD, or SVCD. 7 Click Burn Now to begin burning your movie to disc. 8 Click OK when the recording is complete. Close the muvee Burner window.

Upgrading muvee autoProducer

You can purchase an upgraded version of muvee autoProducer with the following enhancements:
mpeg-4, DivX, .mov (Quicktime
Tiff audio format support.
You can include up to 75 video and audio clips in your movie production.
) video format support.
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