HP Pocket Playlist User Manual

HP Pocket Playlist

User Guide

Document Part Number: Part Number: 699916-002 Edition: Second Edition: January 2013, First Edition: December 2012

Microsoft, Windows, and Windows Vista are U.S. registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Bluetooth is a trademark owned by its proprietor and used by Hewlett-Packard Company under license.

The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty 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.

Product notice

This guide describes features that are common to most models. Some features may not be available on your computer.

Software terms

By installing, copying, downloading, or otherwise using any software product preinstalled on this computer, you agree to be bound by the terms of the HP End User License Agreement (EULA). If you do not accept these license terms, your sole remedy is to return the entire unused product (hardware and software) within 14 days for a refund subject to the refund policy of your place of purchase.

For any further information or to request a full refund of the computer, please contact your local point of sale (the seller).

Table of contents

1 Setting up HP Pocket Playlist ........................................................................................................................... 1

Installing the software ........................................................................................................................... 1

Hardware components ......................................................................................................................... 1

Software requirements ......................................................................................................................... 3

2 Using HP Pocket Playlist .................................................................................................................................. 4

Control Center ...................................................................................................................................... 4

Loading files onto HP Pocket Playlist ................................................................................................... 5

3 Connecting your mobile device(s) to HP Pocket Playlist .................................................................................. 7

Downloading and using the playback application ................................................................................. 7

Supported devices – IOS and Android ................................................................................. 7

Establishing a connection .................................................................................................... 7

How to browse and play media files .................................................................................... 8

How to create a playlist using iOS ....................................................................................... 8

How to create a playlist using Android ................................................................................. 8

4 Configuring HP Pocket Playlist ....................................................................................................................... 10

Accessing settings from your mobile application ................................................................................ 10

Accessing settings from your computer ............................................................................................. 10

Configuring HP Pocket Playlist for multiple network connections ...................................... 12

Restoring factory default settings ...................................................................................... 13

Modifying the HP Pocket Playlist device name and password .......................................... 13

Updating firmware .............................................................................................................. 14

Shutting down and restarting .............................................................................................................. 14

Streaming media ................................................................................................................................ 15

Streaming media to your entertainment center .................................................................. 15

Resetting media streaming ................................................................................................ 16

Connecting to HP Pocket Playlist from a Linux system (advanced topic) .......................................... 16

Connecting to HP Pocket Playlist using Samba ................................................................ 16

Connecting to HP Pocket Playlist using a Linux graphical interface .................................. 16

Connecting to HP Pocket Playlist using NetBIOS name ................................................... 16

Connecting to HP Pocket Playlist using Samba command lines ....................................... 16

Accessing HP Pocket Playlist configuration screens ......................................................... 17

Connecting to HP Pocket Playlist from an Apple computer or Mac OS X .......................................... 17

Accessing HP Pocket Playlist configuration screens ......................................................... 17

iii

Mapping folders on a Mac ................................................................................................. 18

Installing two or more HP Pocket Playlists ......................................................................................... 18

Security configuration options ............................................................................................................ 18

Set a password .................................................................................................................. 18

Hotspot mode .................................................................................................................... 18

5 Converting your media files so they play on your mobile device .................................................................... 19

6 Troubleshooting .............................................................................................................................................. 20

Connection issues .............................................................................................................................. 20

Upload issues ..................................................................................................................................... 24

File issues .......................................................................................................................................... 24

Streaming issues ................................................................................................................................ 25

Power issues ...................................................................................................................................... 26

Permission issues .............................................................................................................................. 27

7 Glossary .......................................................................................................................................................... 28

1 Setting up HP Pocket Playlist

HP Pocket Playlist lets you watch or listen to media to your computer, Android, or Apple devices. Simply install the software on your computer and the app on your mobile device, establish a wireless connection to the HP Pocket Playlist, and begin streaming.

HP Pocket Playlist provides a centralized location for all of your media files for easy access from any computer in your home. You can also stream media files to your stereo or television if you have a Digital Media Adapter (DMA) attached.

You can load the HP Pocket Playlist with music, photos, and video files and then take the device with you (in the car, in a hotel room, at a friend's house, etc) and be able to play back that content on your smart phones and tablets.

You can also use the HP Pocket Playlist as an attached USB storage device or as a wireless (Wi-Fi) external drive.

Apps are available from the Apple App Store and Android app stores that allow optimized playback of the multimedia content.

NOTE: Generic DLNA (industry standard) applications may be available for smartphones and

tablets that do not run iOS or Android. While generic DLNA applications are not officially supported, apps may be available that work with HP Pocket Playlist.

The following steps outline what is required to play media files loaded on HP Pocket Playlist on a mobile device:

1. From your computer, load media files onto HP Pocket Playlist.

2. Go to the app store on your mobile device, search for HP Pocket Playlist, and then download

and install the mobile application.

3. Establish a connection from your mobile device to HP Pocket Playlist.

4. Open the app on your mobile device and select your HP Pocket Playlist.

5. Navigate to and play media files.

Installing the software

To load files onto and configure and use HP Pocket Playlist, you need to install the software package onto your computer. This software loads the Control Center, as well as files that facilitate communication with the HP Pocket Playlist.

Hardware components

The HP Pocket Playlist includes the following features:

Installing the software 1

Item Component Description

(1) Accessory/strap holder Secures your accessories.

NOTE: Strap not included.

(2) USB cable connector Connects to an AC adapter, car charger, or a USB cable for direct connection to a

computer.

(3) Reset button Press and hold for 5 seconds to reset the device. Pressing this button resets all

values to factory defaults, reboots the device, and cleans and rebuilds the DLNA database while retaining your information.

(4) Power light Solid green = power on, battery fully charged.

Blinking green = charging.

Solid orange = 30 minutes of battery life left at time light turns orange.

Solid red = 10 minutes of battery life left at time light turns red.

Blinking red/orange = backup mode, which detects a firmware update failure and restores original firmware.

(5) Wireless light Solid blue = wireless connection ready.

Blinking blue (irregular) = Data being transmitted.

Blinking blue (0.5 seconds alternating off and on) = WPS button pressed, device ready to make wireless connection.

NOTE: Light blinks for 120 seconds or until connection is established.

(6) Power button Press to turn power on and off.

2 Chapter 1 Setting up HP Pocket Playlist

To turn power on: Hold down for 3 seconds until the green LED turns off. The

●

LED stays off briefly, and then comes back on and stays lit.

To turn power off: Hold down for 3 seconds until the green LED turns off.

●

To force shut down if the device becomes unresponsive: Hold down for 7

●

seconds until the green LED turns off.

(7) Connection source

Select to enable a connection using a USB cable.

If you switch from USB mode to Wi-Fi mode with the device on while connected to the computer, the drive letter disappears from Windows.

(8) Wi-Fi Protected Setup

(WPS) button

Software requirements

Using HP Pocket Playlist requires that you load software onto your computer, and then use your computer as the hub from which you add content to the device.

HP Pocket Playlist software requires the following:

Operating systems (32-bit and 64-bit):

●

Windows 8

◦

Windows 7

◦

Windows Vista

◦

Windows XP

◦

2.0 Ghz Intel Pentium 4 processor or equivalent

●

Select

If you switch from Wi-Fi mode to USB mode with the device on, the Wi-Fi network turns off, resulting in your mobile devices disconnecting and no longer streaming.

Press the WPS button on the HP Pocket Playlist to connect it with a WPS-enabled computer without having to manually enter the security information.

to enable a wireless connection.

512 MB RAM

●

Minimum hard disk space requirement: 150MB

●

Network access using Ethernet port or wireless (802.11)

●

Adobe Flash Player for file upload function

●

Computer Web browsers:

●

Internet Explorer 8.0 or later

◦

Google Chrome

◦

Mozilla Firefox 3.0 or later

◦

Apple Safari 3 & 4 or later

◦

Software requirements 3

2 Using HP Pocket Playlist

You can use different methods to access the HP Pocket Playlist, as follows:

With a direct connection using the provided USB cable

●

Set the connection switch to to use the device like a USB flash drive or manage files using software on the connected

computer. This connection method is the fastest way to transfer files.

NOTE: You cannot access HP Pocket Playlist settings using a USB connection.

With a wireless connection

●

Set the connection switch to

The default network name is PocketPlaylist. You can access HP Pocket Playlist settings from the wireless connection, as well as manage your files.

NOTE: The maximum file size you can upload using the web interface is 2 GB. HP

recommends using a direct USB connection when managing files. You can also use MediaConverter7 to reduce the file size.

Using an app from a mobile device

●

Download the app and establish a connection with your mobile device to stream media and access HP Pocket Playlist settings.

NOTE: HP Pocket Playlist charges when connected to a computer with the USB cable. The device

charges even if the connection switch is set to wireless mode.

Control Center

and connect a USB cable from the device to your computer

, and then establish a wireless connection from your computer.

Control Center is automatically installed as part of the computer software package. Control Center lets you use and configure the HP Pocket Playlist.

To open Control Center, click the HP Pocket Playlist icon

4 Chapter 2 Using HP Pocket Playlist

on the computer desktop.

(1): Browse, manage, copy, and delete the files and folders on your HP Pocket Playlist.

(2): Convert audio and video files for playback on your mobile device. Files are stored on the HP Pocket Playlist, while playback occurs on your mobile device. This software adjusts the file format on the HP Pocket Playlist to match the output device that you select so that you can play the file from your mobile device. The media converter also lets you transform unencrypted DVD content into a single file that you can copy to the HP Pocket Playlist and stream to your mobile device.

(3): Customize the settings on your HP Pocket Playlist. This option is available only when using a WiFi connection.

(4): Access the user guide.

(5): Get online support.

(6): Select when connecting to HP Pocket Playlist with a direct USB connection.

(7): Select when connecting to HP Pocket Playlist with a Wi-Fi connection. Select this icon to see the Settings icon.

Loading files onto HP Pocket Playlist

Transfer files to and from the HP Pocket Playlist using your computer and either a wired USB or wireless (Wi-Fi) connection. A wired USB connection is the recommended, faster method. When you connect a USB cable from your computer to the HP Pocket Playlist, it acts similar to a USB flash drive. You can transfer files using file management software such as Windows Explorer. You can also use Control Center to manage your files with either a wired or wireless connection.

Loading files onto HP Pocket Playlist 5

NOTE: When using a wired USB connection, make sure the switch on the HP Pocket Playlist is set

to USB mode

You can use several methods to browse to and access your device’s folders.

Control Center

●

1. If you are connected to HP Pocket Playlist from your computer using a USB cable, click USB Connection.

– or –

If you are connected to HP Pocket Playlist from your computer using a wireless connection, click Wi-Fi Connection.

NOTE: After powering on the HP Pocket Playlist, there will be a brief delay before

wireless functionality is available.

2. Click View HP Pocket Playlist.

A browser window opens showing you a list of your folders. Double-click the name of a folder to browse its contents. Using a web interface, you can only transfer one file at a time with a maximum size of 2 GB.

3. If you are using a Wi-Fi connection, you can also manage files by clicking Customize HP Pocket Playlist Settings.

The folder structure for the device displays. You can manage individual files from this interface.

NOTE: Not supported from mobile web browsers.

Windows Explorer

●

If your HP Pocket Playlist is connected to your computer with a USB cable, it displays as a drive named “USB DISK” (similar to a USB flash drive). You can manage the files on the device as you would any other drive.

If the device is connected to your computer with a wireless connection, it displays as a network connection.

After opening your HP Pocket Playlist, the default network address displays in the address bar as \\PocketPlaylist\WiFiDrive.

Mapping drive letters

●

In Windows Explorer, select Tools, and then select Map Network Drive to map the HP Pocket Playlist.

Type \\PocketPlaylist\WiFiDrive

NOTE: If you changed the name of your device, type the new name instead of

PocketPlaylist.

6 Chapter 2 Using HP Pocket Playlist

+ 23 hidden pages