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