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