HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
ii HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Table of Contents
iv HP Media Center PC User’s Guide
A note describes important information you need
How to Use This Guide
or damage to equipment or data Read and follow all warnings
Safety Information
AC Power Safety Warnings
Safety and Comfort
Updates from HP
Getting Help
Help and Support Center
Utility Programs
4 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Setup Poster
Warranty and Support Guide
HP Web Site Support
2 Click Help and Support 3 Click Connect to Customer Support
Application and System Recovery Programs
HP Media Center Software Guide
Instant Support
Online Guides
Microsoft Web Site
6 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
where to get help
Inventory
PC Components
warranty
Components may vary by model
Media Center components
Setting Up the PC
PC Installation Overview
Some PC components listed on this page are not included with your PC
10 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Setting up the PC
Location and number
Front of PC
of connectors may
D E F G H I J K L M N O
Back of PC
P Q R
S T U V W X
Location on PC
Front and Back PC Connectors
Connector
or Icon
Location on PC
Connector
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or Icon
Select models only
Connecting to the Monitor
Connecting to the Internet
Connecting to the Internet Through a Network Port LAN
connector on the back
Connecting the Wireless LAN
The wireless LAN
antenna connector is
Connecting the Remote Sensor
Cancel
Connecting the TV Signal Source
Connecting the FM Radio Antenna
Connecting a Digital Video Camera to the PC
Connecting an HP Personal Media Drive to the PC
Center PC is in
When your Media
reduced power
To connect an HP Personal Media Drive to the PC
To disconnect an HP Personal Media Drive
devices are not
Connecting to Other Devices
22 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Some peripheral
Connecting the Television Signal
Using the TV Cables
Select the signal source for TV in the Media Center program settings
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Connecting the TV Signal Source
Location and number of connectors may vary by model
A B C D
Wall to VCR to TV using coaxial cable
Connecting the TV Signal Source When You Have an Existing Setup
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Connecting the Television Signal
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Connecting the Television Signal
AA BB CC DD J E
L M K
Using the TV as a Monitor
Cables for connecting to a TV
Connecting to a TV
B C A
Ge Force FX tab
Viewing the PC image on the TV
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nView tab
nView tab disabling
Disabling the TV option
Displays tab
Your TV must be connected to the PC to change the display
Your TV must be
Disconnecting the TV
Ge Force FX tab disabling 1 Click the Ge Force FX xxxx tab
Displays tab disabling
3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
Configuring Speaker and Sound Options
Sound Connector Types
Connector
36 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Sound Connector Functions
3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
A B C D E F Sound Connector
digital out orange connects to a digital audio device with
Speaker Configurations
Sound Connector
Description
Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system
Connecting 2/2.1 Audio Speakers
3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
Speaker types
3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
Connecting 4.1 Audio Speakers
Connecting 5.1 Audio Speakers
3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
40 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system
Select models only
Connecting 7.1 Audio Speakers
6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
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Connecting the PC to a Home Audio System
Y adapter cables
Y adapter and extension cables are purchased separately
C Receiver/amplifier D Subwoofer E Front speakers left and right
2.1 home stereo installation
A PC back panel connectors 3, 6, or Sound Card B Y adapter cables
This is only a suggested configuration. Your system
B C DEFG
6/5.1 home audio installation
A PC back panel connectors 3, 6, or Sound Card B Y adapter cables
This is only a suggested configuration. Your system
Always turn on the PC before you turn on the speaker system
6/5.1 home audio installation procedure
3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
46 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Select models only
Connecting Digital Audio
Configuring Audio Output
3 is Three Connector 6 is Six Connector S is Sound Card
Choose All Programs
Configuring Audio Output with Multi-channel Sound Manager
48 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
3 Click Music . Click Multi-channel Sound
4 Click the Speaker Configuration tab near
50 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Sound Effect Manager
2 Choose Control Panel
Configuring Audio Output with Sound Effect Manager
Using the Audio Wizard
5 Click the Speaker Configuration button near the top of the window
Retasking front panel connectors
Disabling digital audio output with Sound Effect Manager optional
52 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Enabling digital audio output with a sound card optional
Configuring Audio Output with a Sound Card
6 speaker mode 5.1 channel
Configuring Audio for Media Center
Configuring Audio for the WinDVD Player
4 Select Audio Output Configuration
2.1 speaker system
Adjusting the Volume
Using Headphones
Locating the volume icon
6/5.1 to 8/7.1 speaker system
Using a Microphone
Connecting a microphone
3 Connector only
2 Choose Control Panel
Resolving Sound Issues
6 Connector only
Selecting recording devices
58 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
Open Easy Internet Sign-up
Starting the PC
Starting the PC for the First Time
Selecting an ISP
Using the Start menu
Media Center PC Desktop View
Use it to
Desktop shortcuts Select models only
Icon
Opens
Important Information About Recorded TV Programs
Making Recovery Discs
HP Products Work Better Together
Transferring Old PC Information to a New PC
Using Software Programs
Protecting the PC
Select models only
Select models only
Using HP Organize Software
Using PC Help & Tools
Turning Off the PC
Standby mode tips
Manual Standby Mode
Putting the PC into standby
Taking the PC out of standby
Manual Hibernation Mode
2 Click Control Panel
Automatic Standby or Hibernation Mode
3 Click Performance and Maintenance, if it is present
4 Click Power Options
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Installing Software
Using the Keyboard
Using the PC Hardware
Feature
Special Keyboard Buttons
Access buttons
Feature
Icon
Configuring the keyboard buttons
Feature
Media control or playback buttons
A B C
Using the Mouse
Wireless Keyboard Set
Wireless receiver
45˚ 26 feet 8 meters
Remote Control
Installing the remote control batteries
Use alkaline batteries in the remote control
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4-Slot Reader Location
Memory Card Reader
Card
Insert the Media
Understanding the in-use light
Using the memory card reader
media when the in
Formatting a memory card
Safely Remove Hardware Utility
Troubleshooting the memory card reader
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Installing an HP Camera Docking Station
bracket comes with
The camera bracket
clips onto the camera
dock base. This
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8 Follow the instructions that came with your camera docking station
7 Place the HP digital camera E into the camera docking station
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Solution
Troubleshooting
Problems and Solutions
Problem
b Click Turn Off Computer. c Click Restart
ProblemSolution
The computer or part of it doesn’t seem to be working
84 HP Media Center PC Getting Started Guide
ProblemSolution The computer doesn’t make any sound
Troubleshooting
Surround sound isn’t working
of the special or
Problem
Solution
When I push one
work, even though
Problem
Solution
The monitor doesn’t
My software stopped working
ProblemSolution
I am using a TV with Media Center, but I cannot see anything
My remote control doesn’t work
2 Click the Hardware tab, and then click Device Manager
ProblemSolution
ProblemSolution
The memory card reader won’t read my memory card
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a Click Start, right-click My Computer, and then select Properties
ProblemSolution
My DVD won’t play
Problem
Solution
Codec errors are
Index
Page